Losing Charley

Chapter 7 Part 1

Driving slower back to campus knowing I'm going to get twenty questions when I return, I decide to call Piper, but she doesn't answer. I try Tessa even though I know she is at work. She picks up, and before I can tell her one word, she already knows what happened. I think there is just something about sisters. You hate them when you're little, sometimes like them when you get older, but when you get through your teen years, they are the ones that are always there and can complete your sentences.

"Char, how much do you love him?" I can feel her grinning ear to ear.

"I don't know if there are words, but I do know that things are going to go slow. I want to be on my own, experience college, and then make decisions."

"I knew when you wanted him to bring your swim bag that something would happen. You should have seen his face when he knew he was going to get to see you."

"Thanks, Tessa. I know I'm about to get grilled like a ribeye when I get back, but it's okay. And Tess, I thought he knew how to kiss, but he had my toes curling today! Hot-o-mighty!"

She bursts out laughing, and then I hear her apologize to the customer.

"Hey, I'll let you get back to work, but I just had to talk to someone. Love ya!"

"Love you, too!"

I continue to drive to campus in a daze. My thoughts keep going back to Cash, the kiss, and his words. I know that this good old country boy is whom I am meant to be with. I know I like Joe and he has this effect on me, but I can't let go of Cash. Ever.

Walking into Kluft I hear hooting and hollering coming from the upstairs window.

"Y'all ain't right!" I laugh and walk upstairs.

Before I reach the hall, all of second floor Kluft is in my business.

"So, spill it. You said you were going to be back before supper, and we can all see that didn't happen. What's the deal? Y'all were out on some back road, weren't ya?" Caroline says ever so confidently.

"Um, no. We were at Hooters, thank you, and in the parking lot to be exact."

"I bet horns were just a honkin' at y'all!" Georgia chimes in. She is quiet most of the time, but when it's time, she always puts in her two cents.

"Okay, first of all I'm only gonna explain this once. Yes, I got my swim bag, ate at Hooters, laughed like old times, and had the best make out session of my life. The kind that takes your breath away, but if it's your last breath it would totally be perfect."

We make our way to our rooms and chill out for the night. We have practice at five o'clock in the morning, and I haven't been in the water in forever. I'm sure my body is going to take a beating in the morning. I better get a good night's sleep.

I turn on the TV and watch Gray's Anatomy. Then my phone chirps, and I know it's Cash.

Cash: I just want u to know I love u & I'm ready

for whatever u want me to be in ur life

Me: Thanks $ Love u 2, practice at 5am :(

Cash: Go 2 bed, $ <3 u!

Me: Char-coal <3 $

I haven't felt this happy in what feels like an eternity. Maybe, just maybe, I can find myself and have a small piece of Cash. I turn over, fall asleep, and dream sweet dreams of Cash, the club, and me.

At four forty-five, I turn off my alarm, jump out of bed, and quietly grab my swim bag, trying not to wake up Crystal. Tori is coming out of her room, and Georgia's room seems quiet. We knock, and she comes to the door asleep.