SPLIT

Chapter 12

*Charlie's POV*

I never thought our friendship would come down to me giving my best friend an ultimatum. I guess I've put more faith in our friendship than I should've. I realized that the second the clock read 12:05 and Vera was no where to be seen. 

Leaving her behind has been the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. And I've had plenty of difficulties in my life before. I just never thought I would leave her , but I had to. It pained me every step I took towards Norview and away from Faylea. I was letting her go and I don't know how I was going to do life without her.

But more importantly; how I was going to spin this story. 

"You're home early. How was it ?" Mom asked me while I poured myself a glass of water.

"Uh , you know how work stuff is. Boring. Anyway , I should probably get some rest. See you later. " I said trying to say as little as possible but I knew it wouldn't be a problem . My mom was never much bothered with anything work related with me so that took a weight off my shoulders in itself.

I tried everything to try and get some rest but in my mind I just couldn't stop thinking of Vera and how I just left her there. I knew I had to keep an eye on her even if she didn't want me to. I had to make sure she was safe. So with the decision made that I would watch over her from the bell tower at any given moment I could spare , I finally let sleep welcome me in her loving midst.

*Vera's POV*

I knew in my heart that Linus was only trying to make me feel better , to cheer me up with this movie. But I also couldn't help myself from feeling guilty for staying. Charlie's my bestfriend and I never meant for any of this to happen...

"And ?" He said all excited while we walked out of the movie theater.

"It was... uh, great. Thanks." I said forcing a smile.

"You didn't like it did you? Ugh ! I knew I shouldn't have taken you to see Bloodshot. I should've known girls liked the Kissing Booth 2 better. " He said frustrated more to himself than to me while I snapped back to reality, putting my hand on his shoulder.

"No . The movie was lovely thank you Linus. And besides I didn't even see this kissing booth thingy so why watch a sequal , right ?" I could see by his smile that me just being grateful towards the kind gesture made him feel a whole lot better about himself. I mean , if I could make someone smile why wouldn't I do it ?

"Right. You're so right. Want to grab something to eat ?" He said all nervous -not much like the confident guy I met the first day - while he brushed his hand through his hair , which I never noticed were longer at the top.

"Sounds delicious. " I said with a smile - pushing my nancy drew way down - and following him to the car. The car ride to the restaurant was awfully quiet and awkward. Usually he couldn't stop talking but this time ... he seemed almost uncomfortable.

"Is everything okay ?" I said while he opened my door like the gentlemen he is.

"What ? Yeah! Of course. Just got a lot on my mind. It won't happen again, promise."

"If you'd rather be doing something else that would be fine by me you know. " I said trying to take some pressure off of him. He didn't need to impress me or take me to a bunch of expensive places , I was much more content with a real bed and food with actual flavour.

"I don't know... I really wanted to take your mind off of Charlie leaving... "

"Really ? Linus ," I said placing my hand over his "I had a wonderful time today. Really I'm fine. We can go home and , I'll even make you something to eat for a change. " I suggested almost literally seeing the weight being lifted off his shoulders.

"You sure about this?"

"Positive. It's the least I can do." I said with a smile -which he returned - before we drove back to his house. I had to admit that not being in such a crowded place did make me feel less anxious. I never could handle big groups , ironic since the pit was pretty much exactly that. Must be the root of my claustrophobia. 

"So , the fridge and pantry should have everything you'd need. Pots and pans are in the drawer. I'm just going to change into something comfortable and be right back." He said before leaving in a hurry. Tying my hair up into a bun , I start rolling up my sleeves and preparing a delicious lunch for us. I didn't know what half of the ingredients he had was for -nevermind how they tasted - so I stuck with what I knew how to make. Some chicken salad sandwiches. It's the only luxury meal I knew how to make.

"Mmm something smells good , what are you cooking up?" He said coming up from behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist. At first I was startled and didn't like that he was this close to me , but then I blew out a breath and actually enjoyed being held like that.

"Uh, some chicken salad sandwiches. That's okay , right ? It's the only 'fancy ' thing I know how to make. " I said laughing while he did the same, letting me go and leaning against the counter beside me. I could tell he felt more relaxed . Almost like a completely different person.

"Sure. I , actually really like chicken salad sandwiches so the joke's on you." He said jokingly while I smiled feeling a sense of relief. I always felt like I had to try and uphold this fancy way of living infront of him. Likewise he maybe feels he has to impress me for not being able to live like this. I guess it's something we definitely need to discuss but I don't even know why I'm thinking about this. I'm just a guest in his house , practically a tourist. And guest's don't plan on staying for long and getting comfortable somewhere that's not their home. So , why should I ?

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