My Mate, Charlie

N I N E

Charlie

It's been two days since the incident with Mason and I have yet to see him. I feel extremely guilty at this point for reacting the way I did but I could only take so much after all that's happened in my life.

Thanks to my new job I've been able to forget about Mason and our screwed up friendship but my new job only brought more thoughts. Every time I walked in I scan the shop expecting to see someone. And who might that person be? If you guess Declan than kudos to you because you're right.

After the talk I had with my new group of friends I still haven't found the courage to message Declan back. Even though all the guys said he's never as much showed interest in a girl and Amy and Waverley keep saying 'just do it'. I can't. Why? Because I'm a wuss. I'm scared. I don't want to message him and then he never reply back. You know how awkward that would be!

So, to play it extra safe, I've been waiting the moment Declan comes right back into Waverley's Corner asking for his black coffee. I swear I'm like a little school girl with a crush! How could I not? The only guy in my life to show any romantic feelings towards me is some Greek god who's way out of my league. I can't tell if God is playing a joke on me or if he's being serious.

I low-key hope he's serious.

Too lost in my thoughts as I scrub the counters clean I barely realize the door opened until I felt a presence near me at the front counter. Looking up I nearly give myself whip lash, my heart hammering. Is it- nope.

"Mason?" I squeak out. Mason chuckles nervously, running his hand through his hair, biting his lips; something he always does when he's nervous.

"Yeah... Hey, there..." We stood awkwardly in silence, both looking anywhere but at each other.

"Look," Mason started. I open my mouth to stop him, to apologize for my actions, when he beats me to it. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have never just let myself into your house. I just got so excited. I missed you, Charlie. Honestly, and I am so so sorry I never wrote or texted you. I swear there is a reason why but you have to trust me on this. I promise one day I will tell you, but for now please trust me on this. If I have to win back our friendship and your trust I will. Just give me another chance, please."

I let out a sigh, knowing I already forgave him. I was the irrational one, it wasn't his fault. Sure it did hurt he never spoke to me again, but here he is now. Isn't that what's more important? That's he's back and begging for forgiveness?

Peeking up I see Mason staring wide eyed at me, anticipating my response. I chuckle lightly shaking my head.

"So the usual hot chocolate?" I send a wink to Mason watching his rigid body slack, his bright brown eyes shinning in glee.

"Yes, please Char." And just like that, a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

I had my best friend back.

***

Once my morning shift was over I decided to spend the rest of the day with Mason. Well, more like Mason forcing me to come with him. But I don't mind, he promised to take me to the best ice cream parlor and then take me to some of his favorite sights. I was excited for a few reasons: one, I got to spend some needed make up time with my dearest friend. Two, I get free ice cream, and three, I get to explore the wilderness.

One thing that me and Mason had in common was our love for the woods. Back at home in Texas there was some open land and a few little forests. Every weekend we'd disappear into the woods and 'explore'. We use to even have our own tree house, though if I'm honest it wasn't even a real tree house. Just a tent by a tree. I blame Texas's flimsy trees.

"So, Mason," I start, licking some ice cream off my chocolate vanilla cone. "Where to next?" Mason throws his ice cream cup in the trash. I'm slightly amazed he finished that so fast without a brain freeze.

"Well, I think you'll like this next stop. It's a river, little ways into the woods but nothing you can't handle." I smile up at my old friend, feeling like a little girl again.

I've missed Mason for the longest time, I use to cry because he wasn't there to protect me. Sure I had my brothers, but they were older than me they couldn't always be there for me. Mason was. He was always there. Until one day, he was just gone. Like he never existed. It was a lot of my poor 15 year old heart. Gosh, that was 5 years ago. Feels so much longer.

Just before we reached the end of the town I found a nearby trash can, throwing the rest of my cone away. While we walked to the forest through a open field just behind the town Mason went on about the town and all the friends he made that I would love. I knew he was trying to steer the conversation towards my life, but just before he could I would ask him more about Waverley, more about how Kyle and Liam met, and how Amy can beat Mason at an arm wrestling match every time.

I didn't want to tell him I spent the rest of my high school career utterly alone. I didn't want to tell him I graduated early only to start online college. I've always been excited for college, my dad and brothers would make promises that college was where I'd find myself. Mason even promised we'd go together just to keep my safe. I didn't want him to think that just because he wasn't there I didn't want to go to college. I didn't want to tell him about how my father died, that I was the reason. I didn't want to tell him just yet. I wanted to enjoy this stress free day. Just for a little bit longer.

________________________________
A/N
Surprise! I updated! During the week too! And during school! Lol #rebel. Anywayssss, I hope you enjoyed it, and expect next chapter to be quite lengthy! Got a special surprise next chapter, hope you're ready! I think it's time it happens anyways ;) Please continue voting and commenting! I love you y'all who have already! Till next time!