The Tears That Took Time ( T5 )

A Fresh Start

It's been over a month since my hospital experience. Favour has ensured that I eat well, I don't go anywhere alone.. except for the bathroom that is..

Our first semester exams have been set to take place in less than two months from now. There's assignments to do, terminal projects to work on and also our individual graduation projects. I've not seen Cole Gates since then. I think I might have overreacted a bit, I mean he did save my life....  But what's done is done.

It's my birthday party tonight.  Courtsey of Favour and my neighbors. Favour gave me a full makeover. What that girl does with a brush on the human face, I doubt she'll be able to put that same energy into real life drawing ....

I'm still in the room staring at myself. I'm putting on a dress (I'm not sure how I got convinced to wear it)  and it looks nothing like my sweaters and leggings that I'm used to and comfortable in. My skin is glowing and for the first time in a long time, I actually feel really.... Pretty.  I feel like a princess and I'm actually loving it. I never even knew I had legs like this.

I just want tonight to be special.. I'll be leaving the University in a couple of months.. They say you've only got once to live.. And I'm not gonna be 21 again.

I walk towards the bed to pick up my purse when someone raps lightly on the door.

'Hey Tasha, you ready? Favour says it's time to come out now and there are pretty girls waiting to hang out with me down there, so... '
Why am I not surprised, typical Charlie. Always about the ladies..

I pick up my purse and take a look at myself once more in the mirror. I'm so determined to be happy tonight. I'm going to have fun. I give myself a thumbs up, smile and walk to the door.

I open the door as Charlie was about knocking again.

'Hey, I'm ready', I say hitching the strap higher on my shoulder.

Charlie's just standing there and staring at me with his mouth opened.
'Charlie ', I poke his chest but he doesn't move. 

'Charlie, snap out of it'. I snap my fingers in front of his eyes until he finally closes his mouth and shakes his head.

'damn it Tasha. You're this fine? Is this really you? '

'I dunno.... Is it too much? '

'Too much? Damn. Look forget the other pretty girls', he drops down on one knee and holds my hand, 'please.. marry me Tasha. I promise to get a ring tomorrow or next. But just say yes. '

I laugh and push him, 'never play boy. This lady is to be for the King. Oh never.. ' I make a show of putting the back of my hand on my forehead and turning my face away.

We both burst out laughing. Laughing feels so good, I've kind of missed it.

'Hey,  what's going on there. Tasha are you okay? '

'Yes! I am. Coming now.'

Knowing Fae's mind and how worried she can get, the last thing I want is her stomping up here and threatening anyone.

Charlie chuckles and holds out his arm to me. 'I think mama's about to call the cops. '

I take his arm and grin up at him, shaking my head as we walk towards the living room.
'Hey', Charlie suddenly stops and turns me to face him. 'I've seen all the girls in this room tonight and by far you're the prettiest. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise okay?'

'That's one of the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me in a while. I think I'm going to cry.

'hey, no tears... I can see them forming already.'

I swat his hand away from my face, 'I'm not crying.' I sniff and place my hands on my face.

'remember that all night long. It's your birthday. Oh, I almost forgot, here', he takes out a little box from his pocket and hands it to me .

'wow, you didn't have to. It looks expensive. ' I try opening it but he stops me.

'no, not now.. Open it at midnight. It's a little something I made for you myself. '

Now I'm shocked. 'the playboy prince has a talent? '

He grins cockily and rolls his eyes, 'apart from getting the chicks? You'll just have to find out. '

'really? ' I roll my eyes, then I realize that this is the longest conversation I've ever had with him. And it actually feels nice.

'Cmon, I've got a party to get you to.' he takes my hand again and we walk to the living room.

'Finally, she's here ', Fae says as she starts walking towards us.

Something quickly crosses my mind. 'why are you being so nice to me Charlie? '

He looks at me so deeply, I could swear that he could hear my heart pounding.

'because for some reason Tasha, you're the only girl I know who's been around me and hasn't fallen for me. And if that's not enough to keep me intrigued, I wonder what is. '

'What took you so long. I was about coming in there. ' Favour looks at both of us.

'just delivering my charge ma'am.' Charlie gives her a mock salute and a wink. 'later ladies. Happy birthday Tasha. ' he turns and walks towards the bar where some ladies were hanging out.

'Tasha, what was all that about?'

'Nothing.' I turn and grab her hand. I can feel her stare on me but I ignore it. There will be time to think later. But for now....

I pick up two glass shots of champagne, hand her one and down mine at a go.

'it's my birthday. Let's party. '

Fae laughs out loud as she downs hers. 'my girl! '

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