In Another Universe

Friday 17.17 End of the Day

“No, but like, I swear my cousin’s party is gonna be the bomb!” Jack said, leaning back in his armchair. 
All sitting in the living room, they opened beer cans and enjoyed them while discussing tonight’s plans. There was Jack’s cousin having his party, of course, and while this was the main plan before they left, three hours on the train and making their beds had somewhat exhausted them. So now, the question was whether or not they would actually make it to the party or if they would just stay in and play video games. Jack was in favor of the party, as he maintained that this was going to be one of the best parties they’ve been to if it lived up to his cousin’s standards. Thomas and William were still on the fence about the whole thing. Charlie clearly stated that he didn't care. He would follow them, but he didn't want to pitch in.
He told them about Isaac. Told them the whole story as best as he could to explain why he had been like that, a jerk. They had their opinions but Charlie didn't want to talk about it more than necessary. He didn't want this weekend to be all about Isaac. He ruined enough stuff already. 
Yet, there he was. His friends were making plans and he sat there, fidgeting with the phosphorescent star. 
"We go a little late, that's an option right? Isn't it cooler that way?" Thomas proposed.
"I guess but we can't be too late. We don't want to arrive and like… there's no more booze." Jack answered.
Charlie listened but was lost in his thoughts until he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Probably his mother. Or Evie telling him he forgot to clean a plate or something. So he took it out and straightened up as he read the name. Isaac. What did he want?
"Oh, Charlie woke up," William observed. "What happened for such a miracle?"
"I got a text."
"Mate, it ain't Love Island. Texts aren't that exciting."
"Wait… is it from Isaac?" Thomas asked, to which Charlie nodded. "What did that one say?"
Charlie gave him his phone. The text read a simple "did you get my note?". Thomas shook his head before showing it to the others, who disapproved as well.
"He needs to fuck off."
"Thomas…" Charlie sighed. After all, was he wrong?
"Look, I'm trying not to put my grain of salt in the mix but if he's still with his girlfriend, well he needs to get lost."
"Tell him that."
Charlie looked at Jack as the words came out of his mouth. He didn't want to, because he could still hope that things would get better if they stayed in those grey areas. But those grey areas weren't a nice place to be in. He didn't get to move on, nor did he get to be with Isaac.
Charlie grabbed his phone from Tom's hands and started typing a message: "I did. But it's not on me. If you want me, let's talk when I come back. If you're still with your girlfriend, I am gone."
Upon reading the message, they all nodded in approval before deciding to go back to discussing tonight's plan. Once again, Charlie somewhat disconnected.
Why wasn't he answering? He could see on WhatsApp that he was online. He saw the message. But no answer. Nothing. No "typing…". Maybe it was the end of the game. That was it? Did he realise he couldn't play on two courts anymore and decided Emily's one was better? Probably.
"He answered!" Charlie exclaimed. "He asked me what I'm doing. Maybe he wants to talk?! Should I call?"
"Charlie, buddy, calm down," William adviced. "You gotta answer like you don't care, like casual."
"Casual?"
"Yeah like… weekend in Bath. Something like that."
"With an emoji?" Charlie asked as he was typing the text, which made Thomas shake his head.
"You're lucky being Australian makes you cool, you know that?" He sighed. "Of course not, mate. Casual we said. No punctuation or shit like that. Just the text."
Charlie did so. Clearly, he wasn't well versed enough in text communication or relationships to really give his opinion. Now again, they had to wait. 
After another 15 minutes without news, Charlie gave up the hopes that he would answer that. And they decided they would go to the party, if only to change the Aussie's mind. 
As they were getting ready, without much enthusiasm from Charlie. But he was glad that it happened when he was spending time with his friends. They had truly been the best of friends when it came to cheering him up. He could almost get his mind completely off Isaac, as long as his phone, lacking notifications, stayed out of sight. However, as soon as he heard the vibrations, he couldn't help but grab it.
"What the hell?!" 
"What happened?" Jack asked.
"He's in Bath. Isaac is here."
The shock was definitely present on all their faces. Did he just come all the way here to speak? Immediately, they wanted to meet him. And maybe have a word, you know, just talk. 
"No, please. Just go to the party."
"Is that wise? You two alone?" Thomas asked.
"Why not?"
"You could start speaking in emojis and he might realise you're not as cool as he thinks."
"How do you even speak in emojis?"
"You should watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine."
William saw the panic in Charlie's eyes. It was obvious that between the time he read the message and the time he announced it to them, he had already given his address to Isaac. The guy had no chill. Well, both of them really. Maybe they did make a great team. Which convinced him. They needed time alone. Worst case scenario, they'd be here later tonight to pick Charlie up with a spoon. Best case scenario, Charlie could introduce them to his boyfriend in the morning.
"Let's go, guys. Now."
He took his jacket and pushed both of them out through their protests. 
A few minutes later, or what appeared to Charlie as an eternity, the bell rang. He sighed to give himself courage and opened the door to find Isaac on the other side.
"Hi, wh-..." he started, but Isaac stepped in. 
"We need to talk."