5. Chapter 5
Charlotte
Iknow it’s childish and petty of me to ignore Jake, and we should talk this out like adults.
After all, did he really do anything wrong?
If he had wanted to kiss me, he would have, interruptions be damned.
I can’t bear to listen to him tell me our almost kiss was something that should never have happened and for me to be firmly back in the friend zone where I belong.
So, for now, until I’m brave enough to hear his words, I’ll act like he doesn't exist and that moment in time never happened. Ignorance is bliss…right? Plus, it’s my parents' wedding anniversary and we’re spending the day together. I can lick my wounds another time.
Dragging myself out of bed, I make my way to the kitchen and turn my coffee maker on for my much-needed caffeine fix. Considering I consumed a lot more alcohol than I normally would, I feel pretty fresh–aside from a mouth as dry as the Sahara Desert.
Once my sweet nectar is brewed, I move outside onto the terrace and spend some time journaling. It always helps to quieten the thoughts running rampant through my head, and boy do they need to shut up today.
As I write, flashbacks of last night appear in my mind.
I was surprisingly having a good time dancing with Kayla and Alyssa.
I’ve actually never been to a party before; I’ve always had an excuse on the tip of my tongue to not go.
It’s not I don’t want to go, it’s the sheer volume of people I find off-putting.
I don’t know how to talk to people I don’t know; I’m that socially awkward friend who would rather hide away in the background than be front and center.
I’m broken out of my thoughts of last night by my phone vibrating across the table.
For a moment, I panic it’s Jake. I know we need to talk, but I can’t do that right now, so I’m pleased to see it’s a FaceTime from Wren.
Eagerly accepting the call, I prop my phone up on the table with my coffee cup.
Her beautiful face and vibrant red hair fill my screen. God, I miss her. “Hey, bestie, how was the party? Tell me everything!” She claps her hands together in excitement, eager to know all the details.
“It was really great until it wasn’t.” I trail off, eyes downcast, and that familiar frown is now back on my face.
“Hold up, what happened?”
I can feel the burn of tears threatening to fall again, so I look up and try to blink them away. It’s too late, she’s noticed.
“Char? Babe? You can tell me anything. What happened that’s got you so upset?”
Reluctantly, I relay all the details of last night—how I was dancing with the girls and having fun, that just before midnight I danced with Jake, and how close we were to kissing before I hightailed it out of there like Cinderella at the Prince’s ball.
Sighing, I run my hands through my hair and look at Wren for a reaction.
“Oh babe, have you tried talking to him?”
I actually have the decency to look slightly sheepish.
“Charlotte Louisa Bennett, please tell me you have spoken to Jake since.” Shit, not the full name. I’m about to be in for some unwelcome home truths.
“I may have not answered his calls and texts since.” I actually wince telling her.
She pinches the bridge of her nose. “Why not? He’s one of your best friends. You can’t lose years of friendship over this, Char, it’s not worth it.”
“I know that!” I shout a little louder than I expected. “I know, I just…I just can’t bear the humiliation of it all, ok?” The tears are now falling down my face. Unable to look at Wren, I fold my arms on the table then bury my head in them and cry.
“Char, look at me.” I raise my head slightly. Wren’s features soften as she takes me in. “I know you’re hurting, and you feel embarrassed and like you can’t ever face him again. But you can. You need to talk to him, even if it’s just a message. He didn’t do anything wrong, babe.”
She’s right, I know she’s right, and I will message him…later. Right now, I need to get ready to spend the day with my parents.
“I’ve just seen the time; I’ve got to go.”
“Say hi to your parents for me. I miss them.”
“Will do. Love ya.”
“Love you too, and don’t forget to message him.”
I wave her off and promise to call her soon.
Finishing my coffee, I head inside and start to get ready. My parents are only in town for a couple more days, and I want to make the most of our time together. The one thing I hate about living in San Diego is my family isn’t here.
Walking toward the shower, I see my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are puffy and red-rimmed; it’s obvious I’ve been crying. I need that to go down before my mom arrives. She’ll be giving me the Spanish Inquisition otherwise.
A couple of hours go by. I’m showered and dressed, and my eyes don’t look quite so bad now I’ve smothered them in concealer. I look down at Bella, who’s in her bed playing with her new toy, no shits given to what I’m doing. So whilst I wait to go out, I decide it’s now or never and text Jake.
Charlotte - I’m ok, I promise.
Charlotte - I’m spending the day with my parents for their anniversary.
Charlotte - But we do need to talk.
Jake - I’m glad you’re ok.
Jake - I’ve been worried.
Jake - Tomorrow sound good?
Charlotte - Sounds good.
After what started out as a pretty crappy morning, the rest of the day has been amazing. My parents picked me up and we had the most delicious meal at the Yachtsman, a beautiful steakhouse overlooking the water, and we were even in time to watch the sunset.
We’ve just finished a delicious meal, and now we’re sitting in the bar finishing our drinks before we drive home for the evening.
As we’re walking through the parking lot to Dad’s rental, my phone rings, it’s Jake. Like the coward I am, I send the call to voicemail.
When we’re in the car, Mom turns to me and asks if I’m ok. Nodding, I go back to fiddling with my phone. There’s a voicemail from him. The desire to listen to it weighs heavily, and I think about what Wren said to me earlier. Is it really worth losing the years of friendship we have over this?
We’ve been driving for about 10 minutes when curiosity finally gets the better of me and I decide to listen to the voicemail.
“Hey Lottie, I know we said we would talk tomorrow but this couldn’t wait.
I need to tell you how I feel and somehow it feels easier to do it this way.
I’m sorry about last night, that’s not how I wanted it to go.
It’s not how I envisioned it in my head.
I’m sorry about Vanessa, she’s nothing more than a puck bunny and I have no interest in her.
There’s only one girl I want. Lottie I, l-”
Just then, I look up. Seeing headlights coming straight at us, fear grips my entire body.
“Oh my god, Dad! Look out!” I shout out as I grip the door handle, my phone clattering to the floor, my eyes slamming shut as I brace myself.
Everything happens all at once, and the next thing I know, I’m being catapulted from my seat, my seatbelt strangling my neck before everything goes black.