Turning pages ~ Charlie Jones (stereo kicks)

Chapter 30

Annabelle's P.O.V

A little sigh escaped my mouth as I placed multiple copies of the same book on a shelf. How we managed to own at least four of the same book always bewildered me. It wasn't as if we got the books sent to my Grandpa's bookstore. We had to buy the books in order to put them on the shelves. In fact, quite a few of the books in here were actually second-hand, owned by my parents before they passed away. Plus when my Grandpa goes out somewhere, he makes sure he can buy books at that place. If he can't, then he would not go, he'd find a different place. Every time he went out, he came back with more books. Not that I was complaining.

I looked down at the book in my hands now: Pride And Predjudice by Jane Austen. A small smile played on my lips. I could remember reading this when I had just turned fourteen. My Grandma had bought me it for my birthday and I had immediately started reading it. My feelings toward the book came back and I drew it close to me.

Standing up hesitantly, I ducked around the bookcase to see my Grandpa smiling at a middle-aged man, a customer. The man bid farewell to my Grandpa before turning around, he sent me a warm smile before exiting the shop, with his newly bought book. Grandpa looked up and grinned at me. I walked forward and pulled the book out from behind my back.

"Do you mind if I keep this?" I questioned, motioning toward the Jane Austen book. My Grandpa had the widest smile on his face and he moved around the counter.

"I gave you that box of books for a reason Annabelle," Grandpa said, his hand having a gentle grip on my shoulder. "I was hoping you'd find that book."

"This one?" I repeated, looking at the front cover. It was slightly worn, the corners and sides tattered from multiple readings. "Why?"

"That book was your mothers," He replied. "It was her very favourite book. She adored all Jane Austen but Pride And Prejudice the most."

"Why did you want me to have it?"

"Open it." He nodded his head to the book, an excited smile on his elderly welcoming face.

Shooting him a confused look, I directed my attention to the book I held in my hands. Hesitantly, I rose my hand and gently opened the front cover. There, written in cursive handwriting, was a note, directed to me, from my very own mother. "How did she..." I trailed off, my mouth running dry. I glanced back up at my Grandpa.

"What does it say?"

To my dearest Annabelle,
This book has been my favourite book the moment I picked it up. Just feeling the love between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy was enough to make me smile. I wanted you to have this so that when I pass, you will always have part of me with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, in fact, you may have already read it. However it doesn't matter, I want you to have my copy so you can read as if I am here with you.
Love, your mother.
P.S. Don't stop reading, my love.

A tear was peaking out the corner of my eye, so I hastily brushed it away. "We didn't give it you before, because... Well we only just found it within the stacks of her old books." Grandpa told me. I turned to him and crumpled into his chest.

"Grandpa, I love her," I whispered into his chest as he softly patted my back.

"I know, I do too."

The sound of the shop door opening was enough for me to jump out of my Grandpa's arms. We both spun around to see Charlie stood sheepishly beside the closing door. "Hey Annabelle, Mr. Groads." Charlie acknowledged, smiling. Grandpa nodded his greeting before walking into the backroom. Charlie stepped closer to me, his smile soon morphing into a frown. "Annabelle, are you crying?" Charlie asked anxiously, holding my shoulders.

Shaking my head, I mustered a smile. "It's nothing, Charlie," I mumbled. "Just me being emotional."

Charlie brought his face toward mine, our noses brushing against each other. He carefully rested his forehead against mine. "Why were you crying?"

"Charlie, I already told you," I muttered. "It's nothing." I tried to avoid his gaze but Charlie's fingers found my chin and he lifted my head up, causing me to look into his mesmerizing sea blue eyes.

"Annabelle, you were crying. It's clearly not nothing."

With a sigh I nodded. "I miss my mom," I whispered. "I miss her so much."

"Oh, Belle," He called me Belle again, yet this time, I didn't correct him. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," I stated, shaking my head. "What happened was not your fault."

Charlie brushed his lips softly against mine. "What ever happens from now on, I'll be here for you. Understand?" I nodded and Charlie pressed his lips against my own. His hand found the book I held and gently removed it from my grasp, our lips still together. He added more pressure into the kiss, like he needed to kiss me. My hands rested on his cheeks, his own tangling themselves in my light-brown hair. His lips were moving against mine frantically, like he was going to loose me any second. I returned his passion, trying to reassure him, he wouldn't loose me. One of his hands moved down to the small of my back and pressed my body up against him.

I pulled back, a small smile on my face. "Charl-" I was cut off by his lips on my own again. Our kiss was more needy, like we needed to breath for each other, like we needed to live for one another.

This time, it was Charlie who pulled back. His eyes were sparkling happily. "I will protect you always, Belle," Charlie whispered against my lips. "I won't let anything bad happen to you."

I was tempted to cry with happiness then, but I didn't have the chance, as Charlie's lips found my own again, engulfing me in a world without worry.

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They are so cute! Do you think anything bad will happen between them? Or do you think they'll stay together forever? comment your thoughts! And vote please x