What He Left Behind

Twenty Nine

On the evening of the following day, Christmas Eve, I am sat at the kitchen counter doing schoolwork, my headphones blasting music in my ears. Jacob is nestled in Rena's lap on the couch as they watch children's programmes on the television and I'm wondering how in hell Pythagoras' theorem is ever going to help me in life.

"Noelle!" Rena calls, yanking my headphones out of my ears. I jump, having not even noticed her get up from the couch.

"Ouch," I cry, shooting her an evil look.

"Your boyfriend's here," she informs me. I drop my pen and turn around to see none other than Charlie Hemmingway standing in the doorway, a hand in the pocket of his jacket and a wide smile on his face. I'm so happy albeit shocked to see him that I don't have time to yell at Rena for being so unsubtle.

"What are you doing here?" I gasp, jumping up from my seat and throwing my arms around Charlie's neck. He hugs me back just as tight and I don't want to let go, but I remind myself that Rena's watching and embarrassedly pull away.

"I came to retrieve you, since someone," he accuses, narrowing his eyes at Rena, "Has stolen my best friend."

"Jealous boyfriend or what?" Rena remarks to me teasingly, before sticking her tongue out at Charlie.

"Yeah, she wishes," Charlie retorts, smirking. He's dressed in one of his many pairs of black skinny jeans, but he's wearing a navy blue button down shirt underneath his black leather jacket, which is abnormally smart in comparison to his usual attire. There's no denying he looks attractive and suddenly it feels like it's been an age since I saw him last.

Charlie looks to where Jacob is sitting on the carpet in front of the television. He gives me a look and I grin widely as Rena picks up her son and passes him to Charlie.

"Hello little man," Charlie sings, holding Jacob close to his chest. Jacob starts babbling nonsensical words as he always does. "How are you doing? I've heard lots about you," he muses, his tone softer and more gentle than usual. "If this isn't the cutest kid in the world," he remarks, "How old is he now?"

"He's a year old on Monday," Rena answers, "Time flies." Jacob starts to fidget and Charlie bounces him in his arms, calming him easily. It's strange seeing Charlie, who everyone knows as this intimidating impulsive reckless troublemaker, looking so relaxed and at ease with a baby in his arms. I smile, feeling almost honoured that I get to see this side of Charlie that so few people know exists. Jacob begins to babble again and fidget, so Charlie carefully places him down on his play mat. He stares adoringly at Jacob for a second before turning his attention to Rena.

"I need to borrow Noelle back for the evening," he declares.

"Why would that be, Mr Hemmingway?" Rena enquires.

"None of your business," Charlie fires back. His tone is bossy, but I know him well enough to know that he's only joking, and I'm grateful that Rena's so similar to him in that way because it means she knows that too.

"Since you're in my house..." she begins. Charlie shoots her a death glare and she laughs before holding her hands up in surrender and turning away.

"Okay fine, just pretend I'm not here," Rena concedes, busying herself with tidying the kitchen. Charlie shakes his head dubiously and turns his attention to me.

"We're going for dinner," he announces, "Table is booked for seven so you need to hurry up. Dress nice."

"Charlie," I whine, confused, "You could have given me some warning. I don't have anything to wear."

"Good thing I brought this then," he fires back, picking up a large white gift bag from the hallway.

"What's this?" I gasp as he passes me the bag.