Return to Me (h.s)

Chapter 8

Charlie as header <3

Leah//
It's been 2 weeks since that stupid party. What's new you ask? I got a job. I have an occupation. I acquired an occupation in the work place. I guess it's lackluster no matter how you put it. I know I didn't have to with the allowance my father practically was shoving down my throat, but I refused to use any more of his money. & I suppose there are worse things than selling movie tickets. And the best part, I get to escape from the hell I now call home! No stupid Niall, and certainly less rude Harry.

My days felt longer and everyday after work I'd listen to Depression Cherry (more specifically Space Song) while eating Nutter Butters and crying on my bed dramatically. I'm starting to feel like a sociopath and I'm pretty sure everyone else in the house feels the same by the way I'm being avoided. Insert idc face here.

I've been ignoring Charlie's calls because I've been too self loathing to get out of bed and let him cheer me up. In my quiet self proclaimed punishment of solitude, I've listened to Niall sneak out of his window in the room next door at exactly 2:17am every night. That in itself was odd because Niall never snuck out the window, even when he was leaving late. He just walked out the front door, not like his parents cared.

A secret Rendezvous? Very clearly yes, But with who is the REAL question. Who needed to remain a secret so badly?Tonight I intend to find out. The first step to getting out of this slump is to challenge myself & this was perfect. It was currently 1:45 in the morning and I was having trouble keeping my eyes peeled open.

"Must. Find. Out." I muttered as I sat up grabbing my bag of chips. I shoved a bunch in my mouth and wiped my hand on my sweats. I know. I'm Disgusting.

2:17am:
I woke up with a chip crusted on my cheek and to the sound of Nialls window creaking open. I popped the chip in my mouth quickly. No sense in wasting it. I sat up too fast and landed with a thump on my floor knocking my elbow on my dresser in the process. I bit down on my palm to stop the scream from seeping out. And pranced around in pain in what can only be described as a contemporary dance performance of rebirth.

I was too close to solving this mystery to let my mortal body ruin my chance of victory with pain. I opened my door as quietly as possible and slinked next door to take a peak into Niall's room. Instead of sneaking someone out it looked like he was trying to lift someone in. Niall's back was wide enough to obscure my view of mystery girl but in another second she'd be lifted in and I'd have my answer.

Niall hoisted then through and pulled them into a lovers embrace cand I got a clear view. She was. She was.

SHE WAS CHARLIE. Charlie was not a she. In shock I completely opened the door and they both looked my way, at that moment I wanted death. The look of happiness completely drained from Niall's face as he pushed Charlie away, and I felt my heart break as I took in Charlie's face.

"Oh my g-" I began to whisper out.

"People are gay Leah, get over it." Charlie laughs.

"Okay first of all, bold of you to assume I'd even comment on that! I cannot believe you hid this from me, my only friend and the demon that is Niall??? The Deception, The Deceit!" I dramatically grasp my chest in pain.

"Kind of hard to tell you things like this when you won't even pick up the phone!" Charlie crosses his arms, all the while Niall is standing by his dresser fiddling awkwardly trying to avoid eye contact.

I immediately feel guilty and try to explain myself, "Okay jerk move I know, I'm sorry! But it's not like you haven't been here every night to go over and knock on my door right, I don't know, next door!"

"Niall's not ready to go public also how creepy would that be Jesus!" Charlie rolls his eyes.

I look over to Niall awkwardly and wave.

"Please don't make this a thing! This stays in the circle of solitude. No one & I mean no one can find out. You know how your dad is." Niall pleads

I stiffen at the mention of my sperm donor and sigh. "Of course, I'd never speak for someone else and make them share a private part of their life. Who you love is no one else's business."

"Maybe you're not as bad as I thought." He smiles softly punching my arm. "But can you please leave so I can spend some time with Charlie."

"So that's what the kids are callin it these days." I wiggle my eyebrows at them only to be met by silence. "Tough crowd."

Charlie walks over and hugs me hard. "You're the only straight white girl I respect." He says jokingly.

"Sexuality is a spectrum, let's just say I don't completely fall on the heterosexual side." I said laughing. "Anyways, my chips are probably lonely so I'd better get back."

I look at both of them with a secret smile hoping the olive branch between me and Niall would last and shut the door behind me.

I walk into my room and look at my clock. 3am? Nice. Really love the way my eye bags will match my outfit for work in the morning. Totally epic summer so far! I slam my body into my bed and drift off to sleep with a certain set of dimples on my mind.