Flightless Bird

Chapter 33 - part 1

Adam's P.O.V

That was it then, it was official. After she left I couldn't bear to stay in my room, and left without even bothering to shut the door. As I roamed the halls I just kept replaying that conversation in my head; the look of pity she gave me before she was about to tell me, the fact that I could see just how happy she was about it. The simple truth was: this was what she wanted, to be back with him. I couldn't stop her anymore than the next person could, and so the only thing I could do was try to get rid of the pain. I knew I was completely delirious, but what I did next was even beyond me I think. I went to talk to Charlie.

I knew where his room was only because it was the most sought after room at the start of term, and the only room build for three guys. Charlie never shared, though. He couldn't get a roommate if he wanted one, which I seriously doubt he did. I knocked, knowing he would be inside. He rarely left his room this time of day.

He opened the door with a very confused look, which merely turned to annoyance when he saw me.

"Adam," he said shortly, trying to shut the door on me. I barged in past him before he could.

"I want to talk to you," I said, throwing myself into a very expensive looking armchair in the corner.

"Of course, friend," he said saracastically, taking a seat on his double bed. I couldn't help but think it was a very comfy looking bed, and how that made me dislike him even more. He started waving his hands around, indicating he wanted me to start.

"You heard about Kerri?" I asked, not wanting to play all my cards at once.

"What about her?" he asked, looking pensive.

"Well, she's back with Jacob."

"Ah," he said. Great, he wasn't going to play.

"Charlie, I know you like her," I said in an attempt to draw him out.

"I know you like her too Adam," he replied with a derisive smile.

"That's not relevant," I told him, avoiding his reply, "I just wanted to know what you intended to do about it. I assume you have some sort of plan?"

"I do," he said, "but why would I tell you. You two are close, right? So why wouldn't you tell her?"

I almost smiled, but not at him.

"I want her with that smily g/it just about as much as you do," I told him. He really did smile.

"Wow Adam, I never thought we'd agree on anything, really. Nevertheless, I really must leave this touching moment. Things to do, people to see..." he trailed off, looking expectantly between me and the door.

"I want your help," I said as I stood up. He seemed to contemplate it, but then his poker face came back and all he said was,

"I'll get back to you."

I knew he wouldn't be any more help than that today, so I went to leave, but he stopped me in the doorway with a few parting words.

"He's cheating on her, by the way."

Charlie shut the door, leaving me with his open can of worms.