Deception

Chapter 40: Home

Previously in Deception:

"If you loved me you would tell me what it is." I whisper but my dad only closes his eyes.

"It would ruin you Charlie. I can't let that happen."

His words shock me but most of all, they hurt.

This secret is bigger than I have assumed. And as much as I have pushed it away, it is still here...floating around somewhere.

"I am going to figure out what it is. You leave me no choice." I say and my dad shakes his head at me.

"Please Charlie. Your mother loved you, leave it. We can go home, make amends and move on." My dad pleads but I look away.

"A true father doesn't need blood." I say and he looks down at me.

"But a true father needs to love his daughter. And if you loved me at all, you would tell me.

"Charlie..." he begins.

"Enough! I know. I know you wont. But I will figure it out even if I take my last breath trying."

"Go home Dad." I continue.

"Charlotte..."

"Go home!" I scream, crumbling to my knees. My dad obliges, walking past me as I let the tears spill out.

Of course it's never over when you think it is.

This secret, I know, will haunt me until the day I unravel it.

And I will.

Oh, I will.

Chapter 40:

(2 weeks later)

I shove everything that I brought to London back in small, blue duffle bag. Harry is watching me, his eyes on fire, but I don't dare to look up.

"What if the secret really did die with your mom?" he finally asks. I shoot my head up with a frustrated expression.

"It couldn't have. If my dad knew then I bet someone else did too." I mumble, shoving my last article of clothing into the main pouch. I zip it up with a grunt.

"Why can't you come with me?" I stand, asking vulnerably.

"Charlotte, we already discussed this." Harry narrows his eyes at me. I roll mine at him and take a seat on the bed. He puts his hand on my thigh and I swat it away.

"Don't be like that." He groans and a small smirk plays on my face.

"You're afraid that if I take you to Portland I wont let you return to here. That's ridiculous!" I pout and Harry smiles. He pins me down to the best in a swift moment and I am locked with his gaze.

"No, I am not afraid of that. We both agreed it's best that you go alone if you really are trying to figure out this damn secret." He narrows his eyes. I nod and lift my chon up, waiting for his kiss.

When I don't feel his warm lips meet mine, I open my eyes and pout.

"And?" he says.

"And what?" I squint.

"You promised you would come back in a week. Whether you know the secret or not." He whispers.

"I will. I don't want to be anywhere with you."

"Good, you'll be back in time for..." Harry stops, his eyes widened. I sit up and look at him suspiciously.

"Back for what?" I say like an anxious child.