SPLIT

Chapter 22

"I don't even want to know how you managed this." I said through a laugh while he took my jacket from me.

"Let's just say , I can very persuasive. " he said all cheeky as I cracked a smile.

"I can see that." I said while he placed a plate of food infront of me. "I didn't know you cooked."

"I don't. Atleast not really. "

"You could've fooled me. This looks delicious by the way." I said admiring the plate of food that looked like it could've lasted his family a good week , but is now wasted on one meal for me.

"Thanks." He said getting serious while I could feel the atmosphere growing thicker as my heartbeat sped up.

"This is getting serious fast , huh ?" I said uncomfortable - and a little worried - as I took a bite from my meal.

"Why though? It doesn't have to. Vera , we've been best friends since forever ."

"Yeah. But never in a relationship. I feel like I'm ruining everything between us." I said guilty while I felt his hand clasp over mine.

"You're not ruining anything. Relax. We're just having dinner and talking, nothing heavy." He said laughing taking his hand back as I turned back to my meal. No matter what he said this dinner was about, it didn't change what I knew deep down it was really about. He was testing me. To see if I meant it. I just wish it didn't had to be this painful.

"Did they... kiss you ?" He said out of the blue as my head shot up. I guess we're starting this then.

"What do you mean ?"

"Linus . He's a twin right? That's who the other guy was ? Did they kiss you?" He said while I blew out a breath. I knew if I wanted any chance of this working out , I had to be honest with him.

"Yes."

"Who ?"

"Both."

He stayed quiet for a second after my answer as I was sure he was processing all of this before he raised another topic.

"Did it go any further?"

"Who do you think I am Charlie!? You know me ! Heck you know me better than I know myself ! Do you think I would let any of this happen if I could help it ?" I said getting really upset at what he was insinuating. He had no idea what I've been through.

"Right. Of course. I just... wanted to make sure."

"Yeah. Thanks by the way , for reminding me of what I've been through. You have no idea Charlie ! No idea !" I yelled as the tears started falling freely now. I was keeping all of this in for so long and ... I guess it needed an out. He walked over as he pulled me into a hug while I just cried into his chest. My sobs filling the house along with the crinkling of the fire.

"It's okay. I'm sorry you went through that Vee. I should've never left you behind." He said while stroking my hair as my cries got louder and louder. I was an emotional wreck. I had no idea the emotional and mental damage they have caused until I finally let it all out.

They broke me.

After my sobs died down ,I wiped my tears as Charlie looked down at me with pity in his eyes.

"Do you want to talk about it ?" He said carefully as I shook my head.

"No. I'm not ready yet. I don't want you to feel more guilty for leaving me. Can we just talk about us now ? Please. " I pleaded as I sat down again.

"Okay but then I have to ask , am I your rebound ? Is that why you suddenly professed your love to me?" I understood why he was asking this and as much as it hurt me to hear , I knew this wasn't all about me.

"No Charlie. I've always liked you. I was just too afraid of being in a relationship and... I didn't want to lose what I already had with you. But I guess experiencing all of my fears with those two dimwits , made me realize what a great guy you actually are. It just, took me a while to see and I'm sorry." I said while he watched my every movement , looking for a tell that I was lying.

"I... Don't know how to respond to that. "

"I get it. You think I'm lying. But Charlie I'm not. I REALLY mean every word of it." I said trying to convince him.

"I know you'd never lie to me. It's just , see it from my point of view. You don't know how many years I've dreamt of you saying that. It just feels ... off. I don't know , maybe I'm just being silly." He said trying to laugh it off while he brushed his hand through his hair.

I felt for him. I knew this all seemed suspicions. But it was the truth. I just wish I had some way to prove it to him.

"Look , if you don't like me in that way anymore I get it. I'll... move on. I just don't want to hurt you again. I know I have to earn your trust back and that we won't automatically go back to the place we were. But Char, I'm willing to work on this if you are." I said reaching my hand out to his. I watched as his eyes dropped to my hand over his before they met mine again.

"Me too. I don't wanna lose you again Vee. I... like you too much to let you go without a fight. "

"Friends again ?" I said hopeful with a smile.

"How about we try this boyfriend and girlfriend thing ?"

I didn't know what to say to that. It was the last thing I thought he would say to me.

"You're not saying no. You have to say something. " he said with a smile as my eyes met his while I replied ;

"I'm in it for the long game."

That's it ! Thank you so much for reading. Remember to leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Did you catch my little girl meets world reference? Only the OG's will catch on 😉 until next time keep howling my wolves ❤🐺