SPLIT

Chapter 11

"What do you mean you're staying!? I don't think this is such a good idea Vera." Needless to say , Charlie was NOT a big fan of my staying here.

"This is a once in a life time opportunity Charlie . I have to take it. Please don't force me to go with you." I pleaded feeling so guilty for doing it.

"Is this really what you want ? You want me to let you go ? You want me to leave ?"

I didn't answer. I couldn't.

"Fine. I'm leaving tommorow morning at dawn. If you're waiting for me , I'll know our friendship really is as strong as I've thought it was. And if you're not down here by the time I go , I'm walking out of this door and closing the door on you too. Forever."

"What !? You can't do this to me Charlie ! I've known you my whole life. You're my best friend!"

"I can. And you're right. We'll see if you really mean it when it comes down to it." And then he just left without another word. I wanted to cry , I wanted to yell but I also knew I was still a guest in someone's home. I just wish Charlie didn't give me this ultimatum.

"I'm so sorry Vera. Is there anything I can do ?"

"No , thanks. I just need to get to bed. Goodnight Linus. "

"Goodnight Vera."

I couldn't sleep. The whole time I kept thinking about what Charlie said.

My frienship or my future.

If it came down to it , it should be a no brainer right ? I guess I just thought it would've been easier than this.

*****
"You're... here ? I didn't think you would be here. I have to say I underestimated you."

"You did. And hopefully it won't happen again. You have to know I gave up something I really wanted for this. Please don't make me regret doing this."

"Oh , I won't. I promise. "

"Thank you Linus." I've thought about going with Charlie but at the end of the day this was my future. When I returned home there was no coming back to this place. I'd be stuck living the rest of my days out in the pit. Maybe I'll marry someone - though I doubt it - and get a way into the traders. But if I stayed I'd still get all of that but with the addition of amazing stories and memories of this place. I know Charlie might not understand my reasons right now and that he's probably really mad. But hopefully one day he'll see this was the right decision.

"So , what do you wanna do first ? I'm thinking we get you some more clothes since we can't have you own just one outfit. It's frowned upon. " he said laughing while I tried my best to do the same , I have to let go of Charlie for now. He'll be waiting for me when I get back.

"Sounds good. You're in charge. " I said with a smile while taking a bite from my breakfast. My mind kept running to Charlie wondering what he must be doing right now. This was going to take some getting used to.

By the time lunch rolled around I've already had more bags of clothing than I could ever need and tasted so many different foods and drinks I thought was possible. This place was even more than I ever dreamed it was.

I knew I made the right decision in staying .

"How was your second day ?"

"It was so good ! If everyday is going to be like today I might just never leave ." I said through a laugh.

"Then don't. "

"What ?" I said confused , my laughter dying down to a more serious tone.

"I'm serious Vera. Stay . With me. We can make everyday like today. "

"I don't know Linus..." I trailed off while he walked closer taking both of my hands in his.

"You don't have to decide right now. But I am going to give you something to think about. " And the next thing I knew he was leaning in and placing his lips on mine. I've never imagined what my first kiss would be like , I guess I've always settled on it being Charlie when I eventually admitted I wouldn't find anyone better. But I did. And Linus was great. More than great.

The kiss was short lived and sweet. It was kind of magical. I guess, now I really did have a reason to stay...

"I'll see you later for dinner." Was all he said before disappearing down the hall all mysterious like while I still couldn't believe my eyes. I mindlessly touched the place where his lips met mine only seconds ago , it still feeling like it was on fire with passion and euphoria. I had no idea what I was letting myself into.

"Hi," I said suddenly feeling awkward while I took my seat across from his. By now I've gotten used to all the fancy food and the amount there of. Today was something called doughnuts.

"Sleep well ?" He asked handing me one.

"Uh , yeah. Thanks. You?" I had no idea why I was so awkward and as giddy as a school girl but it was just something about him...

"Marvelous. "

"Good." I was about as awkward as a new born baby giraffe . Stumbling and falling over everything. Verbally of course.

"Okay , awkwardness acknowledged. Moving on. How about you and I go see a movie today ? You do know what a movie is right?" He said teasing making me smile.

"Of course I know what a movie is. We had a theater back home , I just never seen one. "

"Well today's your lucky day. Your carriage awaits. " he said all goofy and poetic while I laughed taking his hand as we walked to his car.

That's it ! Thank you so much for reading. Remember to leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Until next time keep howling my wolves ❤🐺