The Boy Next Door Is Not What He Seems

Chapter Eight: It's Been A While Now

Chapter Eight: It's Been A While Now

•.⌯.•River's POV•.⌯.•
When I woke up, I was greeted by darkness and a comforting warmth around me. It took me a moment to fully realize where I was and who I was with. Upon hearing a soft snore come from the figure bellow me, I looked up only to meet Charlie's tranquil figure. 

A flood of memories that were not even several hours prior came rushing through my head along with a stampede of emotions bolting through me. Charlie and I were in the same position as we were when I had fallen asleep, however more slumped over and we were now covered with a blanket. I was embarrassed to say the least. I have never allowed anyone see that side of me. Even Ryan has rarely seen me like that.

Composing myself, I attempt to slither myself out of his hold, but immediately stop my movement when Charlie groans and slightly tightens his hold on me. I try once more to wiggle my way out of his grasp, he begins to stir. I look up only to see through the darkness of my room his tired eyes looking down at me.

"River?" He croaked as his grasp around my waist begin to loosen, "You okay?"

I smile lightly. My eyes burned a little and I could feel that I was severely puffy, but other than that, I felt okay. "Yeah. Sorry for waking you up."

"It's all good, River." 

Finally being able to comfortably sit up from where we laid, Charlie soon followed my lead, "You gonna eat?" He asked.

"Yup." I say, "You hungry?"

He gives me a guilty smile, making me roll my eyes unconsciously allowing a small smile to creep on my face. We both head downstairs guiding ourselves through the darkness. Finding the light switch, we then venture to the kitchen and scavenge for food.

Remember my Panda Express that was now in the fridge, I placed it on the counter before going back to rummage for some drinks. I noticed on the fridge there was a note from my mother saying she had a late work meeting that she was attending to and I let out a sigh before placing it aside. Taking out two glass bottles of soda, I close the fridge and grab a bottle opener on the way.

"I'm not going to be able to finish this so we might as well share." I say as I place the drinks down on the table and begin preparing the food.

Once we heated it up and got what we wanted, we settled in the living room, leaving the tv on to avoid silence as we ate.

"River?" I hum in response as I chomp down on the noodles in my bowl, "What happened at the mall?" He asked, making me visibly tense up.

Quickly composing myself, I put down my bowl and fork, prior to raising the glass bottle up to my mouth, "Elliot and I just shopped and that's it." I answered simply, taking a swig from the drink.

Mimicking my actions, he then puts his food down, "You having a breakdown is usually not what happens after one just shops for clothes." He points out.

I scoff trying to play it off before looking away, "Well I do." I joked. Charlie didn't seem to like my words though.

He shakes his head, rolling his eyes taking none of my bullshit,  "Grey, I know we haven't known each other for a while, but I'm not oblivious enough to know when something's up. Just let me help you." 

I drop my fork into the bowl before setting it down on the coffee table. I let out a sigh as I shake my head slowly, sad smile greeting his solemn demeanor, "I can't."

"Why?" He asks completely lost, "At least tell me that."

I felt guilty looking at him. Charlie looked defeated as he made eye contact with me. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, before breathing out a slew of unintelligible words, hoping Charlie would understand so that I didn't have to explain it again.