SPLIT

Chapter 9

I woke up to actual birds chirping outside my window and not the chickens clucking like at home. It was such a great change of scenery and a wonderful way to wake up.

After dinner last night Linus escorted us to our rooms where Charlie insisted that we should share since he didn't trust Linus as far as he could see him. I didn't feel like fighting after everything I've done yesterday and instead agreed to which he offered to take the floor and leave me the big fancy bed. I did feel bad for having him sleep on the floor but then again , the floor here was much softer and more comfortable than the old wooden flooring we had at home.

"Charlie , wake up." I whispered hopping down the bed and kneeling infront of his sleeping form.

"It's so early Vera." He said groggily , covering his face with the pillow.

"I think it's like 8 am Char." I said looking over at the small clock hanging on the wall .

"What !? Really !?" He said surprised getting up.

"I know. Sure beats getting up at 4am for work everyday." I said laughing pulling my hair into a bun. "So... what now ? Do we just go home like none of this happend ?"

I watched him carefully as he blew out a breath, ran his hand through his messy hair and looked at me with compassion and pity in his eyes. "I know you really like this place Vee , but we agreed the fun was in the journey not the destination. "

"I know we did. But this is a whole different side of living Char . This place is livable ! Isn't that great !? Why can't we start over here ? Look at this place and tell me you don't love it here."

"That's the thing. I do love it here. Why wouldn't I ? Sleeping in past 4am, not working myself to death in the mines , food I didn't need to kill and cook , Vera there's a lot of great things here . It's just, none of this was part of the plan . You know ?" What he said made sense and showed that he cared about me. He understood what I was feeling because he was feeling it too , I just wish we could've stayed a little longer.

"All right ?" We heard Linus as he knocked on the door.

"Hey ! Yes thank you , we'll be out in a second." I replied while I watched Charlie roll his eyes and follow me down stairs. It was like every day here was a celebration cause the table was packed with all sorts of goodies.

"I know it's none of my business but , I wasn't sure if you were 'busy' or decent this morning so I knocked. Excuse my bluntness and acknowledgement of something as personal and reserved." He said uncomfortable while pushing my chair in for me - I guess it was a custom or something around here - since he kept doing it.

"Oh ! We're not together like that. Actually we're just friends." I said flustered at what he was insinuating while I felt Charlie kick my chair from underneath the table.

"You're right. It is none of your business , champ." Charlie said hostile. I had no idea why he was being like this I've never seen him like this before and I didn't take a liking to this side of him.

"I didn't mean to offended you Charlie. Please accept my apology."

Charlie didn't.

It was extremely awkward for both of us.

"Uh , this look delicious Linus thank you. " I said -in attempt to lessen the tension - while Linus took a seat across from us.

"It's my pleasure. For breakfast we have ; toast , bacon , some eggs , pancakes, and if you're more organic some fruit." He said pointing everything out. It all looked so delicious and I wish I could try them all , but I knew Charlie wouldn't want to stay another minute longer.

"Are you heading home today?"

"Yes. We are. Thank you for your hospitality but Vera and I have to get going ." Charlie said while I just watched him. I had no words.

"That's a shame. I was hoping to show you around Faylea. Maybe get you something to take back home. "

"That's very nice of you but -"

"Really !? That would be amazing!" I said excited cutting Charlie off. I just crossed a line and I knew this wasn't going to end well for me either way.

"Vera,I thought we agreed?" Charlie whispered while I felt bad for breaking our promise. 

"It's just one more day. Please Char ?" I pleaded while I could see he wanted to stay just as badly , he just didn't want to admit it.

"One more day then we're going home. " Charlie said aloud as the biggest smile spread across my face.

"Grand." Linus said with a smile while we finished our breakfast. After that he lead is out back where a large mechanical machine on wheels stood while I watched Linus climb into the contraption.

"It's okay Vera. It's a car, takes me places quicker." He said laughing while I turned back to Charlie saying; "and I thought running took me places quicker."

The town was so huge , green and beautiful. The people were all so clean wearing the neatest clothes everyone looking so different and...happy. I've never seen so many smiling faces , but I guess it's easy to be happy in a place like this.

"If you're going to spend the day here , you'll need to ... look the part ." He said while he guided us into a fancy shop - as big as my house - while a lady picked some clothes out for us. I felt so special like a queen or something. The material felt soft against my skin and the shoes were awfully tight , but I guess it's something you get used to.

I watched Charlie's reaction as I walked out of the dressing room wearing a tight polka dot dress with sandles and I could tell , this was way different than my usual attire.

"Do you like it ?" I said shy , this was definitely not my usual t-shirt and jeans.

"You look ... gorgeous Vee. " he said through a puff of air while I blushed having never heard those words come out of anyone's mouth before nevermind my best friend's. 

"I agree. It's a good look. I'll pay for it." Linus said politely while walking over to the lady at the front.

"I really like this on you Vee." Charlie said standing up - revealing his attire of black skinny jeans , a white tee and a denim jacket - he looked so good too.

"Thanks. I like yours too. "

"Really? I think the pants are too tight. I'm not used to wearing such restricting clothing. " he said laughing while I did the same.

"Okay. All good ? " Linus said coming back as Charlie and I nod our heads. "Great ! Now let's sight see."

That's it ! It's not the best but they needed a serious wardrobe update to fit into this place. Thank you so much for reading. Remember to leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Until next time keep howling my wolves ❤🐺