now or never - charlie gillespie

chapter thirty six

Charlies POV

I couldn't help but stare at her as she danced. I was so glad I had something to do with that smile on her face.

After we danced it out, we went back to finishing the movie, then Owen and I had to leave. We were leaving tomorrow.

Holy shit, we were leaving tomorrow.

I really came here thinking we'd be leaving with Lake. I had spent the last couple hours trying to think of every possible solution.

I really couldn't understand why she wouldn't just leave her toxic environment.

I understand that it must be hard leaving her family and friends, but didn't she want to travel the world?

I remember promising her once that we would travel the world together. Since I was trying to get my act right for Lake, I promised myself that I would make that possible. I thought the tour was the perfect way to actually make it possible. I couldn't accept the fact that I failed.

I turned to my left and watched her in her sleep. The movie was almost over and she had fallen asleep between Owen and I. Her head was resting on his shoulder while her feet were curled under my legs trying to stay warm.

I couldn't help but notice a small smile on her face. I knew she was comfortable with us. It frustrated even more. Owen's head turned towards me and he nodded his head towards the door.

"Ava," he whispered, poking her side with his finger, careful not to wake Lake. "Aaaavaaaa," she tried again and she just grumbled and kicked him. Owen shrugged his shoulders, obviously not wanting to deal with a grumpy and sleepy Ava. I feel you, man.

I turned and looked over at Jesse and Sawyer. She was in his lap fast asleep as well. Jesse turned and looked at us. I motioned to the door and he nodded in understanding.

I carefully lifted myself off of the couch and tip-toed over to Owens' side. I slowly itched my hand underneath her head so Owen could move. Once he was off the couch I slowly placed her head on the cushion. With one last wave to Jesse we left.

The drive back to the hotel was quiet. I think we both were trying to figure out a way to fix this. I could not let myself believe that I wouldn't be seeing her for at least 6 months. I had just gotten myself hyped up about being with her for 6 months straight. Way to burst someone's bubble, Lake.

We parked the car and started walking back to our room.

"She's really stubborn isn't she?" Owen said to me.

"Don't even get me started. I almost want to kidnap her. Like shove her in my duffel and force her to come with us, you know?" I said shaking my head.

"What if we can't change her mind?"

"I don't know Owen. I even want to think about what we'll do for the next 6 months," I said. The topic was really getting to me.

I wanted to run over to her fathers house and yell at him. I wanted to knock some sense into him. I knew that his approval was the only way Lake would come. I just didn't know how to get it.

I tossed and turned all night trying to figure out how I might do it.

I knew that even though she wanted to get out of her restraint life, deep down she knew her father meant well. She knew if she left without his approval it would damage any relationship they ever had. I understood that, but her dad had to realize she was an adult.

Not just an adult, but an incredibly talented adult with so much potential!

I almost went insane thinking about how she was throwing everything away.