confession [a short story]

three

confession
| three: barbecue |

Hours had passed since Charlotte and Noah arrived at the girl's family event. Several different games were played by the younger children and even some adults, various different foods were eaten, and diverse music was still blasting through the loudspeakers. Charlotte's family had warmed up to Noah very quickly, Noah surprised as Charlotte grinned and said, "I told you so."

It was getting late, the sun disappearing behind the horizon, signalling the end of the day. Edmund had started a small bonfire, the children around it roasting marshmallows, others gathering around to get warm.

Charlotte and Noah were sitting a bit away, wrapped together on a lounge chair talking to a few of Charlotte's cousins. The group was laughing as Charlotte was reminiscing about an old childhood memory. As their laughter died down, Rose, Charlotte's younger cousin spoke up. "So Charlotte," she began. "How does it feel to be with a guy this time?"

Charlotte's eyes widened and she froze. Noah's brows furrowed as he looked back and forth between the two girls, "What does she mean?" he asked confused.

"Charlotte!" A voice interrupted. The group turned to see Doris standing at the doorway between the house and backyard. "Come help me with something, sweetheart." Charlotte sighed, "Saved by the bell," she joked. Getting up from Noah's lap, the girl walked towards her mother into the house, leaving her cousins and Noah to watch her retreating figure.

Doris grinned when she saw her daughter follow her into the kitchen. "What do you need help with?" Charlotte asked and leaned against the white marble island. Doris shook her head, "Nothing, I just wanted to talk," she smiled. "How are your classes going?" Charlotte rubbed at her forehead, "They're good. English is tough but I'm liking the challenge, it's nothing I can't handle."

The elder looked pleased with her daughter's response. "How are things with Noah? He's treating you well, I hope?" Charlotte beamed. "Things are amazing, mom. He's really, really great." Doris chuckled at the lovestruck look over Charlotte's face, "I'm delighted he makes you happy, dear." There was a small pause. "Does he know about-" Doris began but Charlotte stopped her with a hand. "He doesn't know."

Doris looked at Charlotte with a shocked expression. "Well are you ever going to tell him?" Charlotte groaned in frustration, "I don't know, mom. It's not really a priority." Doris slammed her hand onto the counter and exclaimed, "Charlotte Davis, he deserves to know." Charlotte looked at her mother with anger in her eyes. "Noah doesn't know I'm bi, mom, and he's never going to find out!"

"Wait, you're bi?" The deep voice interrupted the two women and they turned to see Noah. Charlotte gasped at his presence. "Why didn't you tell me?" He asked and looked into Charlotte's eyes, only to see panic and nervousness in them. Doris looked back and forth between the couple, "I think you two should go upstairs and talk." Charlotte nodded and motioned for Noah to follow her, the only thing going through her mind was fear.