16. Elijah
Iwould never admit it out loud, but tonight was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I don’t remember the last time I completely let go and forgot about everything. Lucas and I spent a good couple of hours playing various arcade games with the kids. Lucas, of course, refused to let them win at anything. My mind was completely free of daunting thoughts and I was in the present. I didn’t feel that constant need to look around and wonder who within the room was a potential threat.
For once I was lying in bed awake, not because of the nightmares, but reliving joyful moments. My eyes wandered to my alarm clock. It was just after midnight and would still be a while until I fell asleep.
My thoughts couldn’t help but wander back to Charlie. She just always seemed to have a glow about her, especially when she is with Theo. Although they’re not overly similar in looks, their personalities go hand in hand. Theo has to be one of the friendliest, kindest kids I have ever met. He definitely gets that from his mother. Violet also seems to come out of her shell more with him and I’m grateful for that. I think sometimes we need people like them to help pull us out of our comfort zone, remind us that there is joy still to be had.
I can’t explain it, but being around Charlie, Theo, and my family makes me want to be a better person. I know I can be slightly uptight, but I want to be who I was tonight more; I just don’t know how to do it.
I think Lucas is right. I might be starting to go soft.
* * *
I spent most of my day off Sunday at home. By the time my Monday shift came round, I actually felt refreshed for once. My mind kept going back to Charlie and that apartment. I was still surprised at how little she actually had brought with her. I couldn’t help but feel a little sad at how barren the space was. I understood it was better than a hotel room, but it didn’t feel like much of a home to me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wanted to do something about it. Why did I care so much?
I planned to stop into Caffeine Central on my way into work. This was fairly routine for me anyway, but I hoped Charlie would be there. That part was definitely new. I allowed a small smile to creep onto my face as I saw her behind the counter–that was until I realised who she was talking to. Daniel Taylor had his arms leaning on the counter, leering at her. She was laughing softly as she pushed her hair behind her ear, fully engaged in their conversation. I struggled to swallow down the tension rising up in me. My fists were clenched and my heart felt like it was going to pound right out of me.
Daniel Taylor is a nasty piece of work. How he ever got onto the force is beyond me. He was always that cocky guy in high school. Even though he was a couple grades below me, you always heard stories about him. Over the years I’ve heard lots of rumours about the way he treats women and there was no way in hell I was going to let him do the same to Charlie.
Alice and him were in the same grade. She told me all about how he leered after the girls in their class. He would encourage them to drink as much as possible, giving him the opportunity to do whatever he wanted. Luckily, he never went near Alice.
He’d be dead if he did.
As I approached, I placed my hand on his shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze that made him jump slightly.
“Morning, Daniel.” I tried to hide the tension in my voice as I spoke. “Charlie, how is the new place?” I was fully aware I was interrupting something when I came over, but I wasn’t going to let it continue.
“Good, we seem to be settling in nicely.” She paused. “Thank you for all your help on Saturday, Theo hasn’t stopped talking about you.” I felt Daniel’s eyes turn to me; I hoped it was a look of jealously he was giving. I wanted him to feel how I was. “What can I get you?” she asked.
“Just a coffee, thanks.” I smiled uncharacteristically sweetly at her. I may have been putting on a slight show for Daniel’s benefit.
“Danny was just telling me about the summer gala.” Charlie smiled back at me before turning away to make a coffee. Danny? I could see Daniel smirk as she referred to him by his nickname. The familiarity they were building made me see red.
Every year the town hosts a big gala raising money for various charities. It’s mostly an excuse for the adults in this town to throw a party and dance, but they do raise a lot of money for good causes.
“Elijah never goes,” Daniel remarked. It was true. I had only ever gone once when Alice guilt tripped me into going with her.
“What, really? It sounds like a lot of fun!” Charlie turned her attention back to us.
“I’ll be going this year,” I announced. Daniel stared at me. I have no idea why I said that as I had no intention of going. There was something about her response that just made the words come out of my mouth .
“Oh, brilliant!” Charlie said, clearly unaware of the tension between Daniel and I. “As long as I can get a sitter for Theo, I’ll be there. I’ve never been to anything like it before, I’ll have to ask Alice to help me find something to wear.” My mind immediately started picturing her in the kinds of dresses people wear to these events. She was the kind of girl where all eyes would be on her. I could feel the jealousy gripping my chest.
“How about dinner this week? We could celebrate your move into town.” Daniel’s attention turned back to her. It was a good thing she hadn’t handed me my coffee yet or I’d have thrown it at him. My eyes turned to Charlie as I awaited her response.
“Uh, maybe?” she said hesitantly. I couldn’t help the slight relief I felt. “You know, childcare and all that,” she added, waving her hands slightly awkwardly.
“Of course, let me write my number down for you.” His smile didn’t falter as she moved her pad closer to for him to write it down. “Just let me know, sweetheart,” he said with a wink, picking up his coffee. I swallowed down the bile that came up in my mouth. “See you later.” He nodded to me as he turned and headed out.
“Your coffee,” Charlotte said to me as she placed it on the counter.
“Don’t date him.” The words came out before I could stop them.
“What?”
“Don’t go on a date with him, he’s an asshole.”
She was silent for a beat as our eyes met, her smile now faded.
“Who are you to tell me who I should go on a date with?”
“I’m looking out for you. I’ve known Daniel a long time. You don’t want to get mixed up with him.” I could feel my breath beginning to shake. I needed to either calm down or get out of here.
“I can protect myself; I don’t need you to look out for me.” Her voice was stern now as she folded her arms. I could feel that familiar pain in my chest as my breathing started to get heavier. Something in me was about to snap.
“You say that like you have a choice as to whether I protect you or not. Spoiler alert, you don’t.” My tone was harsher than I intended. Then I heard it–the scream.
It started off quiet, but was getting louder with every heartbeat. I couldn’t breathe in here; I chucked the envelope I brought her along with the cash for my coffee before storming out.