CHARLOTTEMy hand rushed to the mark, in a pitiful attempt to cover it up.Shit!I should have locked the door!"Mads, why didn't you knock?" I asked, hoping I could divert her attention, but Madeline watched my actions, with worry written all over her face."Madeline," I berated, pulling my wet hair over the mark. "It's not what you think, calm down."Knowing Mads, she would have messy thoughts in her head.Her nose flared, "Calm down?! Charlotte have you seen your neck?! There's a fucking mark on it! Not just any mark, a fucking bite mark! A bond mark! Do you have any idea how serious that is, and you want me to calm down?!""Yes Madeline, I want you to calm down."“Did someone hurt you? Did someone…oh goddess!" She couldn’t even finish her sentence, as her thoughts ran chaotic.Calmly, I told, hoping to pacify her. "Madeline you need to relax, I’m not a child..""Of course! And that's why you came home with a mark on your fucking neck! Shit Charlotte, what were you thinking letting
CHARLOTTENot a sound could be heard, and only tense silence filled the kitchen air."Madeline," I called hurriedly to explain, but she only looked at me with hurt. She turned to glance at Taide, then at me, before slowly backing away."Madeline, I can explain." My voice sounded pained, "Please just let me explain."Madeline shook her head, and I could see how betrayed she felt. We stared at each other for a second, before she turned her back to me, sprinting out of the mansion."Madeline! Wait!" I shouted, running after her. Taide had closed the distance between himself and the door in an instant, following after his upset sister.At least that’s what it seemed like.But with his long strides, he reached the front door before me, and a gasp tore out of my throat as he slammed it shut with a firm hand."What are you doing? Madeline is outside!" I glared, trying to sidestep him, but he moved, blocking my way.Taide pressed his lips in a thin line, shoving his face into mine, so he was
CHARLOTTE We were back at the dorms, sitting on the bed, and facing each other. We needed the privacy. "Alright, Char," Mads said, folding her hands across her chest. "Talk." It wouldn't be easy to say. None of this would, but I needed to do this. I closed my eyes, sighing, and opening them. "We… I… Ugh!” I bury my face in my hands, “I have no idea where to start." "Then start from how you found out you were mates." Madeline pushed. "I found out on the day of orientation. At the assembly.” I said, “As soon as walked in, and saw you guys up on the stadium, I felt it. Seriously, it was scary and I didn't want it. I didn't want to be mated to him at all.” To any of them. "So that's why you didn't tell me?" She asked, tilting her head. "No… I didn't tell anyone because I thought not talking about it would make it less of a reality." I looked down, picking at my nails. "It was just… so disappointing. I mean, why them?" I whispered out the last two words. Almost like it just hit me.
CHARLOTTE "Good day sir," I greeted a customer as I took his payment, while wearing the best professional smile I could muster. I worked as a clerk for one of the hotels’ restaurants in the area. Right then, I handed the receipt over, watching as the customer went back to his seat. It was a Tuesday, and I had promised to Face-time my sister but work came at the last minute. She might be feeling as sad as I was now, but I needed the money to pay for things. Working at the front desk was hard, but the money was really good. If I worked a little bit more, I would be able to make it up to her. I was planning to surprise her by taking her on a vacation. Summer was approaching, and a nice trip to the beach wasn't too bad. My hands got busy as I dealt with the next customer, when the overhead bell chimed, signaling a new customer had come in. A group of boys flocked into the restaurant, in high spirits. Some of them seemed to be my age, while the rest looked older. They walked to the fr
CHARLOTTE Madeline sighed, "I’m just glad Caeson showed up when he did, and that nothing bad happened to you." We went silent, and it lasted for a long time. I was deep in my thoughts. I had no idea how Caeson knew I was there, or when to arrive, but I was glad nothing happened. Last night I had gone home to Madeline, spilling everything that had happened. I promised not to keep anything from her, and I stuck to it. The moment I got to the dorms, I cried like a baby, and it took a while for Madeline to calm me down. Madeline offered me comfort throughout the whole day, and when it was time for lunch, we headed to a cafe. "Hey Char?" Mads suddenly called, as we queued to place orders. "Do you think this would be, like, a new leaf for you and Caeson?" "I don't think so, Madeline." I dismissed it, hoping not to think about it. "Let's sit out today." Most of the cafe’s were full, and I didn't want noise flooding in my ears. We looked for a nice table, deciding to sit on one unde
CHARLOTTE"My gosh Charlotte, you look stunning in that dress." Madeline gushed, as she went round me in circles, and I blushed, staring at myself in the mirror.I was having a date with Vance in a couple minutes, and I couldn't help but want to look my best. I straightened a crease on the side of my dress, wrinkling my face at it."You think it looks good?""Of course! I’m a thousand percent sure Vance will be blown away once he sees you."I laughed, feeling my face go red. "Mads, you're exaggerating." I’m more than sure Vance has had his fair share of women. So this is nothing.Madeline swatted my arm, "How rude Char! Even though I mean it, this dress suits you." She locked eyes with me through the mirror.Madeline helped pick the dress I was wearing, she was thee fashion expert after all, so I could only sit back and ask for her opinion due to my nervousness.Admist all the excitement, I still couldn't help but remember what Caeson had said to me at the end of school.I chewed my ch
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