It didn't take long for me to receive a call from mom. Charlie had just gotten past the crowd that was trying to block us from driving away to give them clearer answers. After controlling my laughter and deeming myself composed enough I answered, "Hello?" somewhat breathless.
I heard my mother's voice on the other line muttering comforts before turning her full attention to the phone. No doubt she was doing all this while driving. "Charlotte," she calls out.
"Yes mother," I respond. Charlie cruises and I let him drive to wherever he wants.
"Could you please come home?" she asks with a tremble in her voice.
"Mom, it's going to be okay. Alex and Monica will sort things out," I reason. They just needed time alone, time for them to get away from the public.
"Yes, no...I don't know. Could you please just come by the house? It'll comfort them having someone they know who cares around them."
"Mom, I don't know if that's such a great idea."
"Charlotte, please don't make me beg. Right now everyone, Alex, is heartbroken. He needs you." That right there is what made my heart fall in my stomach. I still could not distance myself enough from Alex not to care too much.
I heaved a great big sigh, "Alright, I'll be there." Then I hung up the phone; I couldn't manage anymore remarks that were going to make me feel even guiltier for the wedding not happening.
I leaned my head back in defeat. "Charlie?"
"Hmm?"
"If you wouldn't mind dropping me off and I suppose I'll try to fix the situation."
"Are you sure you can handle it?" Charlie asked.
"I don't think it matters if I can truly handle it. It's just my being there as support," I told him.
He nodded his head in understanding. Then he moved into a more conversational tone, "All unfortunate events today aside I really did have a grand time."
"You did?" I ask incredulously.
His green eyes only lit up in amusement, "It's not as if I see that kind of drama every day and besides I had lovely company."
"I'm glad you did because I didn't," I joked back. He gasped like the pretend drama queen he was.
"Why, Miss Charlotte Grace, I never took you for an ungrateful soul," he countered with one of his deadly smiles.
"No," I tapped my chin, "just one that knows what's good...and what's not," I winked at him. Our playful banter continued until we stopped in front of my condo.
It was as if I had sobered up, he did as well to an extent. This is where, if I did as Charlotte usually did in these situations, Charlie would be on his way; a great memory and an even greater lay.
He opened my door for me like the gentleman he was.
"May I walk you to your door?" he politely asked.
"You may," I nodded. I had nothing against chivalry. He took my hand and led me to right before the door.
"Charlotte," he said with a laugh.
"Charlie," I teased.
"I had a lot of fun."
"As did I."
"I'm more than satisfied that you allowed me to accompany you today. I had a wonderful time in the most uneventful way and for that I thank you," he bent down and pulled me towards him. He gave me a sweet kiss on the head. His hand combed through my hair. Before I could respond with my hands and give my little token of affection he pulled away.
