traumatized minds, luke hemmings

the kiss.

A week later, Charlotte was sitting in her room with Theo across from her while she packed another overnight hospital bag — her last one.

Luke would be coming home tomorrow, which meant Charlotte was freak packing. Theo had come over 5 hours earlier, around 12 pm, and helped her clean the whole house while everyone else was at work.

Charlotte appreciated it greatly.

"I have everything off my list, right?" Charlotte asked, looking up at Theo.

Theo had light brown hair. It matched with his green eyes — that seemed to make Charlotte's heartbeat a little bit faster every time.

"Everything's checked off," Theo said, "And I was listening very intently to what you were saying. If we don't have everything, fuck me dude."

Charlotte gave him a small smile before she continued to zip up her backpack. "Christmas is coming up." She mumbled.

"You're right," Theo hummed back.

"What would you like?" Charlotte asked, sitting next to Theo and giving him her full attention. She watched his cheeks heat up as he realized that she was in front of him.

"Me?" Theo sputtered, scratching the back of his neck. "Um. I don't know. Maybe for you to have your license so you can drive me around for a change?"

"I mean for real, Theodore," Charlotte crossed her arms, sighing.

"I don't know. Give me a little to think, yeah? I'll have an answer for you by next week."

The next week flew by.

Luke was home, resting. He would be able to return to work by next Monday, a week before Christmas. Which he was thankful for. Charlotte had officially returned back to school, and was hanging out with Monroe and Theodore everyday.

Theo and Charlotte definitely had tension rising lately. Theo accidentally brushed his hand against Charlotte's bare lower thigh,, and they were red for the whole rest of the day.

"So..."

Sierra Deaton sat in front of Charlotte Hemmings, with her eyebrows raised, in Charlie's bedroom after Theo had stopped by.

"What?" Charlotte asked, her cheeks still red.

"Was that Theo?" Sierra pried, a sly smirk on her face. "Your crush?"

"I do not have a crush on Theodore," Charlotte scoffed, "He's my — friend."

"Right."

Charlotte Hemmings definitely had a crush on Theodore Dyer.

The rest of the month went by very smoothly. Christmas had gone and passed by, and so had new years, and Calum's birthday — which they celebrated at a very fancy restaurant. Instead of Luke and Charlotte (and the rest) flying to Australia, everyone flew there.

A big, happy Christmas.

School had begun again and Charlotte was once again captivated in baseball and her AP classes. Theo and her studied at each other's houses every Saturday,

And they nearly kissed last Saturday.

Which is why now, as Charlotte packed up her things to go home the next Saturday, she could feel Theo's gaze on her like a hawk. Every move she made.

She decided to break the silence. "Thank you for your help with Chemistry."

"Oh," Theo smiled. "You're welcome. It was no big deal, I promise."

Charlotte sent him another small smile as they exited the house. Charlie said goodbye to Daisy and Noah, along with Elle before entering Theo's car.

Theo and Charlotte drove home in silence. I mean, the tension could be cut with a fucking knife.

Theo pulled into Charlotte's driveway and looked at her. Charlotte looked back, but said. "Thank you for driving me home, Theo."

"Of course." Theo mumbled, his eyes flickering down to her lips. "You're welcome."

Charlotte sent him a smile before Theo bit his lip. She was about to get out of the car before Theo mumbled, "Fuck," and grabbed Charlotte's chin.

And kissed her.