All The Things She said

Trust Is Like Rain In The Desert

Charlotte woke up Saturday morning to Chloe staring at her.

Chloe, what are you doing? she asked her best friend.

Hoping you can finally tell me about what's going on with you and Henry. Chloe hinted.

Nothing is going o, Chloe. We talked. That's it. Charlotte insisted

When I went outside to go check on you I saw he was hugging you and you were hugging him back. Chloe insisted.

Fine. He came up to me and told me he didn't believe that I fell down the stairs. So...I told him everything and I don't know why I did that. There is something about him that makes me feel safe. I feel like he's nothing like Grant. I told him in grave detail but he was fine with it. I broke down after I was done telling the story to him he had his arms out and he held me when we were hugging. There was nothing romantic about it. Charlotte explained.

Whatever. Anyways, We're going to a party tonight and it's at Henry's parent's beach house. Jasper pretty much begged me to go and you're coming with me. You are not moping here forever. Chloe demanded.

I'm only giving in because I don't want to fight with you all day about it. Charlotte pointed out.

Great. I'm going to make you look so sexy tonight. Chloe exclaimed.

Chloe collapsed on her bed onto her bed and pulled a pillow until she heard Chloe leave. Charlotte was excited for this party because she was finally admitting that there was something about Henry she liked.

CHLOE!! Charlotte yelled from her bedroom

Yeah? Chloe yelled back as she walked back to Charlotte's room

Let's have a girls day so we can get ready for the party. Charlotte suggested.

YAY!!!! Chloe said as she was jumping up and down.

The girls had a good old fashioned girls day as they were getting ready for the party. They watched chick-flicks, did their nails, ate ice cream and took so many pictures that their phone storage might have been full once they were done. It was like it used to be even for Charlotte who let down the walls that she had built up since the attack. The girls checked the time and saw that it was 5 Pm and Chloe sent Charlotte upstairs to shower so she could do her hair and makeup. Chloe went to her room to get ready quickly and her goal was for Charlotte to steal the show tonight. and so Chloe got ready in half the time that she usually does. Chloe placed a denim skirt and a white halter top on Charlotte's bed. When Charlotte got out of the shower, she smiled at the outfit she saw on the bed and then she applied make-up expertly. Chloe had hidden all the bruises on Charlotte's face and she looked just like the old Charlotte. She then curled Charlotte's hair in a loose beachy waves. She looked gorgeous then Chloe went through Charlotte's shoes and handed her a pair of flip flops that complemented her look.

Char, You look like the old you. Chloe said enthusiastically.

You know what? I'm gonna try and be the old Charlotte tonight. Charlotte said.

Good. I miss the old Charlotte. Chloe said honestly and together they left the house and drove to Henry's beach house.

At the beach house, Henry was pacing nervously. Jasper glanced at him. "Hey man, calm down. What's up? Jasper asked.

I hope Charlotte comes tonight. I really want to see her. Henry confessed.

Well, Chloe is on it and we both know usually what Chloe wants that's what she gets. Jasper tried to reassure him. That got a laugh out of Henry, he couldn't pace any longer because people started to show up.

30 minutes later, Chloe and Charlotte had yet to show up and now Jasper was starting to worry. But before he started panicking he heard the unmistakable sound of Chloe. Charlotte hadn't been to a party in a long time. She left Chloe to find Jasper and began to wander throughout the house. She felt two strong arms wrap themselves around her waist.

Hey. She said when she saw Henry.

Hey, I was worried that you weren't going to show up tonight. He said.

Nah. Chloe insisted on being "fashionably late" like it was 2005. Charlotte explained.

You look amazing tonight. He told her honestly. Charlotte smiled when he said that.

Whoa, Was that a smile? Did Charlotte Page just smile? He said mocking her.

Haha. Laugh it up. she told him.

Nah. But honestly you look happy. Happy suits you. He told her.

That's what Chloe said I'm trying to be the old Charlotte tonight. The girl I used to be. she explained.

That Girl is still there somewhere. It's just gonna take some time to get her back. he told her.

You know, You're actually a great guy. She told him honestly.

I know I am. DO you want a drink or something? He asked her.

Sure. she said.

He took her elbow and steered her towards the kitchen. They talked and danced. They talked with Chloe and Jasper. Chloe stared at Charlotte and smiled knowing that Charlotte was having fun. Henry got separated from Charlotte for a while he caught some friends who came to the party. Charlotte went looking for him but while she was doing that, she ran into a guy. He immediately started hitting on her and propositioning her, Charlotte glared at him and ran out the back door because that guy bringing back memories of that night. Once she was outside, she let the tears fall.

Henry saw Charlotte run away and he could imagine what happened. He kicked himself for not being with her the whole entire night. She was trying to get over what happened and now look at what happened. He walk outside to find her and finds her sitting on the dock. He settles in beside her.

I'm sorry. She said quietly.

What? Why are you sorry? he asked.

I caused a scene in there. She said.

That doesn't matter, Char because he was coming on to you. He should have left you alone. Henry said angrily.

Thank you for saving me. She said.

I wish I could have saved you from that jackass that put you through all of this. If I ever meet him, I can't even tell you what I want to do to him.

You are an amazing guy, You know that? she told him.

He smiles at her. They stare at each other for a minute then he leaned in and ever so gently presses his lips to hers.

The kiss shocked Charlotte because Henry's lips sent electric currents through her body. Instinctively she pulled away and she started to feel the walls going back up again. She tried to force them down.

Charlotte, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I have no idea what I was thinking he said apologetically.

It surprised Henry when Charlotte leaned in and kissed him. The kiss wasn't timid like the previous one. It was full of passion and fire. Henry didn't want to do anything she didn't want to do so he let her take the lead. She rubbed her tongue on his bottom lips begging for entrance which he immediately granted. Their tongues tangled playfully and his hands held her face and was tilting it to get a better angle. She had her fingers tangled in his hair. She broke the kiss when air became a problem and she looked in his eyes and realized she had fallen madly for Henry Hart and she had never felt safer.

Chloe and Jasper were watching from the dock. Chloe saw Charlotte kiss Henry and it made her happy because that was what Charlotte needed to get over the rape. As they were driving home in silence, Charlotte exclaimed, Chloe. I think I'm in love with Henry.

Really? she asked.

Yeah. I mean, I can't breathe when he was around me I felt like he could understand me. I feel safe with him. I am completely in love with him and it scares me.