Wide Asleep

Six: Hunting Season has Come to an End... For Now.

Wednesday, October 31st, 2018
1:10 P.M.
Sean's P.O.V.
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Although Susie has since left to return to her Cafè, the remainder of us are still left with high hopes, and so much determination in our hearts that it is staggering. Susie truly inspires us all, and we are all grateful for it.

Now, the girls are in the bathroom, accompanying Charlotte as she gets changed into her civilian clothes, so that we can all go to prepare for our day at ComiCon. I have already spoken with Dr. Maye, who has cleared Charlotte to go home. He gave us each his phone number, as well as a few others, to contact in the case that something was to go wrong. He also gave us spare bandages, as well as a first-aid kit for Charlotte to keep in her backpack, and a pair of special light-dimming glasses for her to wear, so that no bright lights can cause her to get headaches. For now, I am keeping her pack on my person, so that she doesn't lose it. I know that she won't, but since I've taken responsibility for her safety, I have felt a sense of maturity rise within me, causing me to take every possible precaution necessary to keep her out of harm's way.

Once Charlotte emerges from the restroom, I can't help but beam at her heartwarming expression. She's wearing one of the few dresses that Marzia gifted her, a sage green corduroy dress in the style of overalls, and beneath it is a white tee, matching the socks she wears beneath her green-laced combat boots, the small frills at the top overlapping the tops of her boots. Her long, ash-blonde hair has been released from its bandages for the time being, now pulled up into a ponytail with a green scrunchie hair tie, two locks of hair strategically allowed to frame her face, alongside her transparent glasses frames. Having never seen Charlotte in anything other than plain, generic clothing makes me appreciate this style on her. She, Amy, and Marzia are all built practically the same-petite, almost like dolls.

But in my opinion, only one of them is the most beautiful to me.

I dare you to tell me you wouldn't take her out on a date.

Bad timing, Anti. Bad timing.

But it's true.

God, I've got to stop with this! I'm meant to protect Charlotte, not make googly eyes at her every hour of the day!

"That looks really good, Charlotte! Marzia did a good job, I think." Felix suggests, and Marzia places her hands on her hips in triumph.

"I know I did a good job. Look how cute she is! She could be a model!" She insists, making us laugh as she knows just how right she is.

"Mark, Jack? Isn't she cute?!" Marzia interrogates us, and Mark nods.

"I love it, it suits you!" Mark responds, smiling at the girls, and something makes me wish he would've said something that would consume a bit more time. Because now, Marzia's prying eyes are on me, awaiting my answer patiently.

Use your words, Jackaboy. The longer you stay quiet, the worse she feels.

"I-I think it looks absolutely stunning on you, Charlotte."

I see that I've done some good in this situation, as Charlotte suddenly becomes a million times more confident in herself, even so much as twirling around, her ponytail flouncing with the movement as her vibrant smile effortlessly brightens up the whole room. I feel a strong urge to just sit her down and pour my heart out to her, and tell her everything I absolutely adore about her.

Maybe at another time.

For now, I will simply admire her from afar, and protect her as I've promised to do.

The remaining three of us now stand, gathering all of Charlotte's belongings in our arms, and I carefully slide her new glasses case into the front pocket of her backpack. Charlotte and I are the last to walk out, but she stops me before we reach the doorway, a gentle hand on my arm stopping me from moving any further.