In Another Universe

Friday 14.02 Follow

Charlie had to remember that Isaac never actually explained anything or apologized. Waking up to see the stars on his ceiling every morning and going to sleep to them every night had warmed him up to the idea of at least talking to Isaac. Even just the idea of Isaac.

The image he had of him got shattered when he witnessed that kiss out of blue at the party. Of course, he also had to rationalize. He did kiss him while he was still with Emily. If he was ready to cheat on a long term relationship like that, why would it be different for a week-long one? Why did Charlie expect anything else? They actually never talked about what they were, if they actually were anything at all to him. Maybe having never been in a relationship meant that Charlie went a bit fast in his head, thinking they were more than they actually were. Not exactly a good experience so far, but he was a little more determined now to figure out how this could turn either into a good experience or at the very least a good lesson.

He finished packing his clothes for the weekend in his backpack, along with some books so he could pretend he would find time to study and some snacks he thought his friends would appreciate. As he was about to close the door and leave for the train station, he walked back to his bed and reached for the ceiling. He grabbed one of the stars from the ceiling and put in his pocket. Why? He didn't know exactly. Did he just want to bring to Bath a little bit of the comfort those provided for him or did he want a piece of Isaac with him there? Charlie preferred not to think about the reason, or rather not admit it to himself. At the very least, getting away from Brighton might give him time to think it through. Maybe.

After meeting at the station, they all jumped on the train, and Charlie snatched the seat near the window. In three hours, they would be in Bath with a whole house for themselves. Excited as they could be, they were already planning to do way more than they would have time for, games, visits and parties. One of Jack's cousin might have a party going on that night and the group of friends might be invited. It was a lot of maybes, not exactly surprising coming from Jack, but they were hopeful; it was, after all, one of their only chance of getting a party with alcohol. The few beers they manage to take with them weren't much.

"Man, I'll beat y'all asses at Fifa tonight," Thomas said, enthusiastically.

"Yeah, right, you can hope." William laughed as they continued to argue, even discussing bets and prizes. Charlie couldn't help but smile. Being part of those conversations, laughing with them without having to worry about them finding out, he missed that so much. If he was ready to make peace with Isaac, it was partly because of this. No matter what happens, he would have people to fall back on, friends that would be there to support him no matter what. And he was so glad to have that, to be there, that he was smiling like an idiot.

Leaning against the window, about an hour and a half into the trip, Charlie closed his eyes, trying to find some sleep in between of his friends' loud talks. Slipping his hands into his jacket's pocket, he played with the small star between his fingers, which he imagined glowing.

But then, he felt a piece of paper at the bottom. He dropped the star and caught the paper, which he didn't recognize at all. He didn't know how that got here but he knew where it was from; the handwriting was familiar by now. Isaac. He had to have slipped it in during the rehearsal that morning.

"What's that?" Thomas said, looking over Charlie's shoulder. "If you want me, I am here. If you need space, I am gone." Is that from Isaac?"

Charlie simply nodded.

"What's that doing in your pocket?" William asked.

"I don't know, I just found it." He shrugged. "I... I don't want to talk about it. Not now."

William, Jack and Thomas exchanged a worried look. They knew he only acted like everything was okay. Sure, things were going better, but they would need to talk about all of that. After all, aren't friends meant to help, especially with an overly complicated relationship?

"You're right. You said later, but this has to be later soon," Thomas said.

"Later."