Love Bites

Chapter 26 - If You've Got Trouble

Charlie stopped on the path leading to the guys' house and hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. She was wondering if she should go inside and accompany Elle, or if she was going to feel like the odd man out, third wheel. Elle stopped, too, her fingers picking at the fringe of her loose T-shirt. There was not anything understanding about her look except for her worried facial expression and  slightly visible baby bump. She wasn't particularly any more heavy or swollen than usual, but, as Charlie noticed a couple of days ago, she already started showing. It looked both cute and a little scary at the same time, and made Charlie shudder when she saw. She could never imagine she would live up to the point where her little friend Elle, her soul mate and almost sister would be having children. Some things that have been going in Charlotte's life lately were shocking, scaring and exciting, and sometimes even make her feel like she wasn't living her own life.

Elle was about four months along, and the fact that she hasn't noticed or found out before being told made Charlie question their friendship. Was she a bad friend then? After all, they were living together and seeing each other every day, so it turned to be like Charlie wasn't paying enough attention. She felt sort of guilty and happy Elle didn't say anything on this subject.

The house didn't have a doorbell that seemed to work so Charlie just knocked loudly two times - at least Duff told her to do it twice. They waited for some time that seemed like eternity for both. Elle started turning so pale Charlie was afraid she might faint. Luckily, the door was opened sooner than anything managed to happen.

Steven was standing in the hall with a plate of cookies in his hands. He looked sleepy and was trying to blow a lock of his poofy blonde hair away from his face. He smiled widely when he saw Charlotte.

- Hey Charlie, what a surprise!

- Hi Stevie, - she smiled back. It was impossible not to do when you saw the curly-haired, blue-eyed and chubby-cheeked drummer. - Have you been cooking? Smells nice, like chocolate chip cookies.

- Um, no, I've actually just put them in the microwave for a couple of minutes and pretend I cooked them myself, - he explained, looking Charlie in the eye. She laughed, and he saw Elle standing behind Charlie's back. - Woo-hoo, we have guests today! Excuse me, ladies, don't look, I will go and change...oh, get dressed shortly, - he added, blushing and looking down foolishly. Indeed, he was wearing nothing but his boxer briefs.

Charlotte giggled and shook her head.

- Sorry, Stevie, but we are here to see Axl. Is he up? We need to talk to him, me and Ellie.

- Uh, drama! Well, God only knows. Axl! - he turned around and bellowed, - bastard, he must still be sleeping. Axl Rose, get the fuck up! Here are two ladies waiting for you! That should wake him up, - Steven told Charlie, turning back to her, - come on, get in. You can wait for him here. Want me to get you something to drink? Some soda, coffee or...?

- No, thanks, you are too sweet. And we don't drink in the morning! - Charlie assured, taking a step in. She walked towards the sofa, took a seat and looked around. She was secretly hoping to see Duff, but he wasn't around. Apparently, he was out already, but Charlie noticed one of his favorite scarves lying on the coffee table. It was one of those he wore as a belt or round his neck, Keith Richards style. Charlie took it from the table and buried her nose in it. It smelled minty, just like Duff always did.

Like Steven promised, he walked out of the room to get dressed. Charlie and Elle were left alone in silence. Pomeline was sitting so uptight she seemed much taller than she actually was. On her face was such a worried look that it made Charlie uncomfortable. Why did she start that?

- That's a pity Duff isn't here, - she muttered just to fill the gap. Elle didn't even move, but her lower lip was quivering. She fixed her bangs and objected:

- No, but it's a pity he is here. What a moron!

- Hey, you can't say that about your baby's father! - Charlie remarked softly, - you know, she might not like it.

- Could you please shut up? - Elle suddenly shrieked, jumping up, - what the hell do you understand? I am feeling awful, awful, and you just brought me for more torture! Oh, how I wish it was anybody but me in these shoes!

Charlie opened her mouth to calm her friend down - she just got used to her endless hormone-caused hysterics, - but that very moment Axl Rose himself appeared in the doorway. He was wearing not one of his leather cool guy outfits but a plain tee and jeans, and he was rubbing his eyes. It was clear from his appearance that he has just woken up, and he actually looked cute with disheveled and unbrushed red hair and stubble. He stopped when he reached the sofa and stared at them quizzically.

- Hi Axl, slept well? - Charlie started insincerely cheerfully, - we just popped in to have a little talk...You know, how to name your daughter...

- What fucking daughter?! - his facial expression turned into a scowl. Charlie once again thought how weird it was that he had such a deep voice, - you again? Ain't gonna listen about that, woman!

- Chill, I don't want a row, - Charlie blurted out. She was actually starting to get angry at Elle. Why did she stay mute and let her act like a fool? - I just meant, it would be nice to sit down and discuss stuff. You know, like adults do.

Axl crossed his arms, leaning against the wall, and yawned. He was looking fixedly at Elle's stomach.

- What? I said, I am not gonna listen to your bullshit. Go and find yourself another idiot, Pom-Pom. - he suggested sarcastically. Elle shivered when she heard him call her that pet name,-  I am not giving my motherfucking money to every single ho on the street.

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♪ The Beatles - If You've Got Trouble

Author's note: Another Beatles song for you! So, what do you think is gonna happen next? I am really curious to know your thoughts! And Happy New Year everybody!