1983 c.h. (au)

12:i know you better than you do

Charlie was glad that she and Calum were finally back on track. But she was also confused on what this meant. Are they together or are they not? Calum never told her. In fact, even though they acted like they were together, they also acted like they weren't.

Charlie kneeled in front of Olivia's tombstone again. "Hey Liv. I have big news for you." Charlie bit back tears and kept going. "So umm I'm getting better. And I started listening to The NBHD. I know how much you loved them. I even met someone. His name is Calum Hood. He's the reason why I don't listen to shitty music anymore." Charlie shrugged and played with the 13 white roses she left there earlier.

"So I know that you always said 2 can keep a secret if one of them was dead. But you aren't dead. You're just gone permanently. Anyway I know you can keep this one since your body is 6 feet underground. Literally. Anyway so I really really like Calum. And I also think that he feels the same way, but he's still flirting with other girls. Everyone is like no you can't like him but I don't know why."

Charlie didn't know that Phoenix was behind her when she said this. He tapped her on her shoulder because he knew she would freak. Charlie turned around and met eyes with him. "I can tell you why I don't like Calum Hood. Liv would too but you said it. She's six feet underground."

"He isn't a bad guy."

"Yes he is. You don't know just how bad Calum is."

"I think you're exaggerating." Charlie finally stood on her two feet and rested her hands on her hip.

"Do you wanna know why we're saying that he's a bad guy." Charlie nodded. "Then read this." He handed her a small book with pink flowers on it. "It's Liv's diary. She said that if she dies young, that we can keep it safe for her."

"You had it all this time." Charlie looked at it like it was a royal artifact. "Why doesn't Liv like him. They don't or rather didn't know each other." Charlie shrugged and rubbed up and down her arms as a gust of wind blew.

Phoenix sighed in front of her. "Calum lied to you Charlie. I'm telling you he's bad news."

"He isn't bad news. Phoenix you're just judging to quickly."

"Oh come on Char."

"I-I think he likes me." Charlie spoke to herself and twisted her hair around her finger.

"Likes you? Oh come on now Char. Really."

"What?"

"Look at you. You think that he's impressed."

"Why are you quoting Tangled. What's wrong with me?" Charlie's eyes were pricked with tears at Phoenix's acid words.

"Just lets make a mental comparison chart. You and Calum. You all lollipops and sugar and spice and everything nice. Doesn't really like parties. Stays at the library and is as quiet as a mouse. Calum. Smokes cigarettes and is a kickass. Has slept around with half of San Fran. Probably has an STD. Lives at parties. Loud and crazy. You really think you guys would work out?"

Charlie looked down at her feet not wanted to look at Phoenix's face. "Now lets compare you and Liv. She's blonde and bubbly and loud and fun. She was always at parties. She knew how to dance. You. Not any of the above. You guys are so different it isn't funny." Phoenix crossed his arms over his chest. "Calum was always surrounded by the girls that are like Liv."

"Why are you saying that?" Charlie was choked up and felt like she couldn't breath. "What are you suggesting?"

"I'm suggesting that I think it's all in your head. And you already know that I don't like Calum."