CHARLOTTEMadeline opened her eyes, staring dazedly at me.She rubbed her eyes, blinking slowly. "Uh? Is that you Char?"I pursed my lips, my heart clenched and my mind spiraled with questions.How long had she been doing this? And I didn't notice it?"Madeline?" I called, and perhaps she was a little sober.Madeline's eyes went wide, blinking in shock. "Char?" She called in panic, rubbing off the powder on her face. Madeline stood on shaky legs, and I moved to help her. Thankfully she steadied herself, walking to the chair unsteadily. "It isn't what it looks like.""Mads, how long have you been doing this?" I blurted out, my brows creasing in worry."I can explain okay? This doesn't happen every time." She held up her hands.I pursed my lips, my eyes glistening with tears."It takes one time for you to get addicted to it, Madeline.""Charlotte," Madeline's lips wobbled, "Calm down, I can explain.""I'd like to hear your explanation Mads." I sniffled, finding it hard to breathe. "I’m v
CHARLOTTE“And if I were to cash in that second date request right now, what do you think your answer would be?”I chewed my bottom lip as Vance’s question bled through the receiver.He was asking me out on a second date already.Goddess.My gaze shifted to Madeline’s corner of the room right then, and I hated the little pang of worry that resurfaced.It had been two days since I walked in on her… damn… I couldn’t even think of it.I was worried about her.Really worried.And Vance was offering some respite from all the negativity I felt. Not that I’d told him about what happened, why would I?But… It didn't mean I couldn't use the distraction. Still, stubborn me had the word ‘no’ dancing at the tip of my tongue as I shifted on the bed. My ass hurt, given the fact that I’d been in this same position for about an hour.On a call…with Vance.It was insane to think about.And what was even crazier was the growing acceptance of how I felt about him.I liked him.And I think I liked him a
CHARLOTTESitting on the bed, I stared at Madeline’s vacant corner across from me.It had been almost a week, and she wasn't back yet.Picking my phone, I dialed her line, hearing it ring till the machine directed me to her voicemail. I cut the call, huffing in frustration. For days straight, her calls had been leading me to her voicemail.Thoughts were filling my head, and I was starting to consider telling someone about it.I shook my head.No,Charlotte.That would be the height of betrayal to Madeline, I just know she’d see it that way.But then why was she choosing to be so closed off?Maybe she is scared to face me or something.Snapping my eyes shut, I took a deep breath in, calming my raging thoughts.Opening my eyes, I picked up the phone.Since calling won't do it, then I'll text her instead. I clicked on her name, typing on my keyboard with grievance.CHAR: So you're avoiding me now? CHAR: That's the grand plan?I stared at the message, hesitating for a moment before I press
CHARLOTTE"When writing an essay, you must be very careful not to mix personal feelings with your narration or description unless necessary."The lecturer's voice boomed as she ranted on and on about essays.Sitting in the third row to the back, I twirled the pen in between my fingers, releasing a sigh. The class was built like a stadium with chairs going up the stairs.I moved my butt, feeling a tingling sensation."Can anyone tell me another word for please?" The female lecturer walked to the front of the auditorium, pushing her glasses up her nose. "You want to write to the state's secretary or attorney, and saying ‘please’ would sound too… basic. So can anyone tell me a better suggestion to use?"Someone at the front raised their hand, and she turned to him. "Wish.""Good. Anyone else?"A boy raised his hand, and just as he was about to speak, the doors were pushed open from the outside. The class went silent, and even the lecturer couldn't help but purse her lips as the person wa
CHARLOTTEI dropped down to her level, my heart pounding as I took my best friend into my arms.Goddess.When did she get here?Tears welled up in my eyes, and I embraced her tightly. "Mads," I sobbed, "How’ve you been?""Char, I’m fine." She laughed, as I hurled her into the room. I pulled her to the bed, pushing her luggage to the corner.Once we sat, I took her arm, "You have a lot of explaining to do young lady. I was worried sick about you.“I'm really sorry, Charlotte." She tightened her grip on my palm. "I just left without informing you, and that wasn't nice of me at all. But I’m willing to go all out. I’ll give you the full story.”Staring at our joined palms, I signaled for her to continue. I made my expression soft, to encourage her, knowing how hard it would possibly be to let out.She licked her lips, “I know this might sound far from the truth, but I swear to you Char, I’ve only ever done it a handful of times.” A blush clouded her cheeks, “The first time…” She glanced d
CHARLOTTESitting in the middle of an intense biology class, I bit the top of my pen, feeling the bitter taste of the plastic as the lecturer's voice drifted into my ears.A few groans left the lips of students, as the lecturer went on and on about the cells and body autonomy.I jotted down the ones I could understand, underlining the ones I couldn't, saving it for later before zoning out.How long was this going to last? I tapped my foot on the ground, facing the board once more. Many students were lost, but they didn't dare to voice it out."Now guys I have explained the origin of cells and the functions of the cells, let's move to our next topic— bones and ligaments."I groaned, sinking Into my chair. That was supposed to be our topic for next week. The lecturer closed his book with a bang, "Now students—"“Attention, please!”A voice from the intercom interrupted him, and I swear we all breathed a sigh of relief. “Will the following students please report to the Head Master’s offi
CHARLOTTE"So, you’re a thousand percent certain he's not gay?" I asked, applying the mascara to my eye.Today was D-day, and I was getting ready for tonight. Madeline was helping too, though. She sat on the bed, helping me arrange the corset dress I was going to wear.She shrugged, the action seen through the mirror, as I did my make-up. "I wouldn't say they are." We were talking about Reigh and Vance. “I just think the both of them are highly sexual people.” She glanced at me from under her lashes, “Something you’re sure to know better than I do, if you ever give in to any of them.”I glared at her reflection, “I will never, ever, be giving into my bond with your brothers.” And although we had this conversation before, I was still trying to be certain. “I’m just lost on how that’s possible. How can you only be attracted to one guy? That doesn’t make any sense. You’re not gay, but there’s a guy you’re attracted to enough to have sex with?”“Charlotte.” Madeline cautioned. “You’re not
CHARLOTTEStanding in the corner with a glass of champagne in my hand, my eyes wandered around the huge hall with splendid decor.Classic music was being played, bringing the whole scene to another level.The party was lavish, one meant to be enjoyed by the rich and snotty brats and their families alike. But to me, it was boring. I sighed, looking up at the huge chandelier hanging above.Lupin Prep was the most prestigious college in the entire realm. Why on earth would they need to be part of a connective party for exposure and raising funds?I closed my eyes, trying my best to ignore the intimidating presence beside me. Caeson stood fixed to my side, with a tumbler of whiskey fixed to his hand.He clutched the glass between tight fingers, and every other minute, he was tossing his head back with a large swallow.Since we showed up at the party an hour ago, he bee lined to the bar and hasn’t had his hand empty ever since. And neither, has he spoken a single word to me.I didn't peg Ca