Handsome and the Hideous

Chapter 12

I was laying in bed, reading a book. My hair was spilled around me and I was lost in my book, devouring every word the writer wrote. Reading made me happy and I was thankful for the art.

Because I was so into the book, I jumped when the doorbell rang. The sound left me surprised because I wasn't expecting any visitors. I knew my dad was away on a business trip, which left me wondering who it was. But before I could get out of bed, I heard someone run down the stairs. It had to be Cody, so I frowned as I wondered why he went to open the door. He never did that before.

Getting out of bed, I walked out of my room and down the stairs. I heard Cody talking to someone and making my way to the front door, I immediately became surprised when I saw Cody talking to Jason, who looked thrilled to see Cody. Stopping a meter away, I stared at the scene in front of me.

Cody was glowing. As he talked to Jason, he seemed relaxed and my eyes softened as I realized how lonely it had to be for Cody to live in the mansion. He had given up everything he was familiar with to help pay off a debt that wasn't even his.

Jason seemed to realize I was watching them because suddenly, his eyes moved to me. When his eyes met mine, he seemed surprised and Cody's eyes soon moved to look at me as well. But when his eyes met mine, he immediately smiled.

"Oh, hey Charlotte. I forgot to tell you Jason's visiting me today," Cody said, moving so that I could see Jason completely. "Is that okay?"

I stared at Jason for a moment, taking him in. He was shorter than Cody and he had black hair and brown eyes. He was cute in a boyish way, but a shadow in comparison to Cody. Feeling bad about the thought, I pushed it away.

"Yeah, that's fine," I said.

"I guess I should introduce you guys... I mean you guys kind of know each other, but still," Cody said, smiling sheepishly. "Jason, this is Charlotte, her dad owns this mansion. Charlotte, this is Jason, my best friend."

"Nice to meet you," I said, giving Jason a small smile.

Jason nodded, but didn't say anything. His eyes didn't meet mine and I stared at him, wondering why he was avoiding me. I couldn't help but wonder if he was mad that I made Cody live in the mansion.

"Let me show you around," Cody said to Jason.

"Sounds good," Jason replied.

Cody began to walk forward and he passed me. Jason followed Cody and wouldn't dare acknowledge me. He kept his eyes ahead of him.

"Charlotte, you should join us," Cody said. "You know this mansion better than I do."

Knowing I couldn't say no to Cody, I said, "Sure."

Turning around, I began to follow Cody and Jason. Cody pointed to every room we walked past and explained it to Jason, and Jason listened attentively. As I watched Cody, I noticed how relaxed he seemed around Jason. He seemed to feel at home around him and my eyes softened at the sight.

We soon entered the kitchen and Cody stopped by the counter. He turned to face us and Jason and I stopped walking. Jason moved to Cody's side and I stood in front of them, wondering why we were pausing.

"Charlotte's studying Engineering," Cody randomly said.

Jason nodded dismissively, barely acknowledging Cody's comment. I blushed at that, embarrassed. Cody seemed uncomfortable as well.

"Look, I came here to see you," Jason said, looking at Cody. "I'm sorry, but can she leave?"

My face heated up at his words and Cody seemed stunned. He stared at Jason for a moment, trying to read him, and Jason gave Cody a look of annoyance. Cody then whipped his head to look at me, his eyes apologetic.