Promise from the heart

Chapter 47

The three watched Charlie, or rather his body stand in front of them. But unlike the other times, the fear didn't strike them in the same way. Of course they could be mistaken, however, so there was no way they could allow themselves to lower their guards. Not after what happened last time.

Ezra clutched Brooklyn's slight but sleep-heavy form a little closer. He glanced at Julian and frowned as he took in the expression on Julian's face. They looked unsure, no longer hostile. Turning back to Charlie's body, Ezra scooted a little closer to Julian and took their hand. It had become a habit to do so since Charlie had... disappeared.

He knew Julian needed it, and honestly, it did make Ezra feel better too. Safer, and less alone.

Feeling Ezra's hand in theirs made Julian feel both relieved and more than a little sad. They had begun losing faith these last few weeks. At first they had been so sure they'd be able to get Caden back. But in time their hope and faith had faded and they had found himself starting to wonder if their beloved Charlie was forever lost.

But in a situation like this one, when it felt so much like him, and he said it was him... Julian couldn't help but hope and pray, beg the universe even, that this time it would be different. That this time they'd get him back. Their hero.

As Julian watched the young man in front of them, they felt some emotion growing inside of them. They could not, however, decipher what that emotion was. They only knew they had never felt it before.

Charlie's hands unclenched and he seemed completely unaware of the blood trickling down his fingertips, dying the salt-covered floors red.

Julian frowned. Something was definitely different this time, and it wasn't just their hope talking.

Charlie's eyes opened once more and when their eyes met, Julian's heart began racing like crazy. Charlie's eyes weren't the emotionally shut off, cold eyes they'd seen for months now. Instead, he saw a profound, heartbreakingly evident sorrow in them. And something else. Something that, to Julian, looked very much like regret.

Julian subconsciously squeezed Ezra's hand in their excitement. Dared they hope? Could it be? Was this really Char? Would they get their brother back?

Both Ezra and Julian flinched as Brooklyn suddenly sat up as if nothing had happened.

"Brooke? Are you alright?" Ezra asked quietly.

Brooklyn did not respond. He sat up straight and his eyes sparkled innocently.

Neither of them had seen him like that since...

"Brooklyn?" Julian asked unsurely.

Brooklyn, however, wasn't paying attention. His eyes were firmly set forward, onto Charlie. When their eyes met, Brooklyn's eyes widened and his usual, wonderful, warm smile spread across his face.

Ezra stared at him completely speechless.

"Char!" Brooklyn beamed.

Ezra's eyes widened and he turned to Julian. They nodded slightly.

No. Ezra wouldn't believe him that easily. Not yet. Someone had to stay level-headed.

This could all be a trick, and then they'd all be goners.

A ghost of a smile was visible on Charlie's face as his eyes seemed to caress all three of them with their warm gaze.

Ezra gulped.

Then, all of a sudden, Charlie bowed.

Ezra blinked and frowned.

"I'm sorry. So, so sorry. I..." he took a deep shuddery breath while he clenched and unclenched his fists. "I don't expect you to ever forgive me or trust me ever again... I'm all too aware I don't deserve that. But please, one last time, have faith in me."

He stood back up and saw the cautious, startled expressions on their little faces. Julian's eyes were dark, deep in thought. It almost made Charlie smile.

"I love you." Charlie said honestly as he straightened his back. "All of you. Always will."

He moved to run his fingers through his hair, but stopped when he realised the tangled mess would make that impossible.

"I'll make them go away. This time," he looked deeply into each of their eyes, "I promise I'll be able to keep my word and keep you all safe."

It didn't matter to Charlie if they believed him or not. It was time. He had no clue what would happen now, but he finally had control over his own body, and whatever the cost, this time he would not fail them.

Ezra couldn't stay still anymore. Those words, the way he reached out to run his fingers through his hair, his gentle gaze... It was Charlie, no doubt about it. Charlie was back, and now everything would be alright again.

Ezra's eyes filled with tears of relief as he felt the tension leave his body at last. He begun to get up to run to him, but before he could, Charlie took a step back.

Ezra felt a pang of rejection hit him. Charlie held up one of his bloody hands, his eyes infinitely sad.

"Stay where you are. It's not safe for you," he looked at all of them, "any of you, to be near me right now."

It was silent for a moment.

"Where is aunty?" he asked.

"O-out. She was called in to work. She didn't want to leave but..." Ezra said quietly.

He nodded and half-smiled, but it wasn't a happy smile. It looked resigned, and it made Ezra frown with worry.

"That's something, I guess." Charlie said, mostly to himself.

He turned around and closed his eyes as he reached out to touch the door frame, leaning forward slightly. It appeared as if hope had left him, and as if he was gathering his strength or courage.

The three watched him with dread. There was a clear ominous feeling in the air. It felt as if something terrible was about to happen, and all they could do was let it.