บททั้งหมดของ Mastering Charlotte: บทที่ 111 - บทที่ 120

MichaelI've nothing better to do with my time, so I join her on the next machine, jogging along to keep her company. I'm out of condition. Five minutes and I'm tired, with a weariness that penetrates through to the bone. Nonetheless, I keep going, staying with her.After a few minutes, panting and sweating, she knocks down to a cool-off sequence, dropping from a hard cross-country pounding to a jog, to a walk and then, done. Grabbing a bottle of water, she splashes a handful over her face, then glugs down a dozen swallows.Leaning against the wall, she looks up, peering into my face. "Michael. You look like hell. What's wrong?"Where do I begin…?Lost for words. I shake my head."Come on," she says, "We're old friends, aren't we? What's the matter?" She gulps down some more water, waiting for my reply, then, "Is it that girl you got involved with last year?"Sick at heart, I simply nod.Her head tilts, her expression softening. "Want to talk about it?" she offers. "C'm

MichaelThe cafe stinks. A miasma of rancid grease hangs in the air, and as we sit at a table, my hand sticks to the vinyl surface.The customers aren't much better. They're not the addicts and the drunks we passed along the way, but they are the poorest of the poor, the lost and the lonely. The have-nots and the never-hads. Louts and boors who think that a girl who serves coffee might deliver more.What the fuck's she doing working in a place like this?Then I realise I spoke out loud. James nods, his lips pressed white.We take a table, and now closer to her, we can see. Charlotte moves slowly, with a weary air that speaks of exhaustion and hopelessness. She's lost weight. Her skin is sallow and her hair dark with grease. There are deep shadows under her eyes, but more than that, her sparkle is gone.... When did you last have a good night's sleep?.... and I don't care for the way some of the clientele are looking at her.She wipes down a counter. As we sit, glancing

Michael"What do we need to watch for?" asks James."You can expect her to have a headache, Perhaps some short-term memory loss. She may not remember what happened this evening. The headache should fade within a few days. Should you find she suffers from dizziness, blurred vision, noise or light sensitivity.…"James cuts her short. "I'd like a medic on hand to keep an eye on her.""Mr.…" The doctor pauses, her expression sour...."Alexanders.... James Alexanders.""Mr Alexanders. This is a public service. We do not have the staff to send them haring off after every case that comes in here. If a case is serious enough to merit that, the patient should remain with us. We can keep her overnight....""No," he says curtly. "She leaves with us. Put me in contact with whoever I need to speak to provide her with medical support...." James' glance strays to a large poster.... "I see you're looking to raise funds for a new scanner...." He pulls out his wallet and holds it, apparent

JamesI sinned against you…...and I owe you my penance....I want you to have a good life, Jade. Even if I am no longer part of it.How do I make that happen?"You have a lot of work to do," I say. "You do realise that for engineering qualifications, you will need practical experience to be certificated?" She's nodding.... ".... You will be required to work in some relevant industry. Typically, it extends a Bachelor of Science course from three years to four."You've lost her as a lover….... Try to keep her as a friend........ so be a friend....… Help her....She's all little-girl enthusiasm. "Oh, yes… In fact that's one of the things I'm doing now." She picks up a thick sheaf of papers, waving them at me. "I'm applying to various firms to see if I can get sponsorship of some kind, someone who would employ me for the work experience during vacations, perhaps even pay me something…"Sensible girl........ selling yourself for what you're really worth...."G

MichaelSitting out in the sun, I try to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this lovely spot, breathing warm and fragrant air, watching wading birds exploring the sea's edge, moving like clockwork toys.The sun is hot, my shoulders growing warm....… Time to cover up....I head for my room, next door to the main bedchamber that has become Charlotte's private space. As I pass the door, standing a little ajar, there are sounds........ I pause, listening........ and hear their murmured talk. Pushing the door a little further open, I stand quietly…They don't see me, but James knows I am likely to be close by..... "Charlotte? You want me to....?.... "Yes. We can start over, start again."She wants to make love?My thoughts awhirl, I lean back against the wall, breathing deeply. If she wants to make love with James, then surely, she will want me too....?.... surely?Aware that I'm missing the conversation, I abandon my speculations to concentrate on listening