Alternative Ending

Chapter Nine

Chapter nine

Charlotte's parents are parked outside, its time for her to go. They give her 15 minutes to say her final goodbyes.

Charlotte: are you ready?

Henry: no

Any resolutions they made just minutes before seem to have left him, his body feels heavy, his chest tight, there's a lump in his throat and the tears are threatening to fall again, yet he forces himself to soldier on, he has to be strong for her.

Charlotte: lets go?

Henry: yeah let's

Henry moves forward but Charlotte stays still, in that moment everything hits her, she's leaving the only town she's ever known, her friends and family for a place on the other side of the world. To be on her own and run a charity.

Henry: char? You okay there?

Charlotte: what if I stay?

Henry: what?

Charlotte: yeah...yeah what if I stay? You yourself said it....dystopia is dangerous and....

Henry gives his best friend a reassuring hug.

Henry: char you have to go......

Charlotte: no, i don't I can stay and start my charity here....

Henry: Its only cold feet char......come on, you really want this...I know its scary leaving everything you've ever known all your life for a new place but you'll see it's going to be amazing.....you'll see new places...make new friends and find out new things about yourself and stuff

Charlotte: I thought you didn't want me to leave

Henry: oh I don't.....its taking all my strength to not lock you up in here so you don't go but I know how much this means to you and I would never get in the way of that....of your happiness and also locking you up against your will is a crime so.....

Charlotte: ugh...you choose now to be a thoughtful, great best friend ?

Henry: I always did have bad timing

Charlotte smiles and gives her best friend a hug.

Charlotte: alright I'm ready to go

They walk down stairs to find everyone waiting for them. Even ray, schwoz and jasper are there.

Charlotte: Jasper? I thought you were in Arizona

Jasper: ha! You thought I was going to miss one of my best friends leaving forever?

Charlotte: I'm not leaving forever... Its just a year

Jasper: do you know how long that is in dog years?

Henry: Right?!

Charlotte scoffs at them.

Henry: ray, schwoz what are you guys doing here

Ray: pffff this guy, we're not here to beg you to take your job back if that what's you think

Ray: come back

Ray whispers.

Henry: what?

Ray: nothing.... nothing.....we're here for Charlotte.....get over yourself henry gosh....

Henry: how's your new danger force team?

Ray: why? you jealous?

Everyone else: okay you guys don't start!