CharlieI stay longer than necessary in Maxwell’s room. The tension is thick between us and I can’t quite make eye contact with him. Was it his fault? No. Does it still hurt? Yes.“I have to go to work.” The words rush out of my mouth as I exit his room and race to the door. My hand lingers on the knob as his voice sounds from right behind me. “Are you forgetting something?” he asks.My arm grazes his chest as I turn around to face him. My eyes only go as high as his mouth, which has a small sheepish smile. He expects a kiss like the other day, but I can’t. Unfortunately, my feelings are still hurt.He gently grabs my hand and places my keys in my palm. “I’ll be waiting for you t

CharlieThere used to be a time when the sun’s warm rays felt nice against my skin. The days when nightfall brought out death and sunshine held safety…not anymore. The note that Maxwell received still repeats itself in my head. Tick tock, death awaits.I’m surprised I make it to work on time today as he lectured me about watching my back all morning. I’ll admit it’s quite relieving to inhale fresh air since Maxwell refused to let me leave yesterday, best Sunday ever. He kept pacing the length of the suite as he went through plan after plan.If Morgan wasn’t coming back today I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have allowed me to leave. Again. Most of his plans consisted of me staying locked in his little room, waiting it out. He

CharlieAs if a bolt of lightning comes down from the sky, I’m jolted awake. Instantly, I observe my surroundings. My heartbeat relaxes just a little as I realize I’m lying in Maxwell’s bed. Nonetheless, memories of last night flood my senses. I rip off the blanket and begin slapping parts of my body that should have deep gashes Henry inflicted on me. Except, my once bleeding body is healed and there’s no ounce of blood or even scars to prove the events even happened.“Maxwell,” I yell.He comes walking in, not running…walking. “Charlie, I can explain,” he says slowly.“What the hell did you do, Maxwell?” My voice is uneven from fear. I know the answer, but I don’t want to know the answer.

CharlieAll I can remember is the look on Morgan’s face when I stopped into work yesterday. She tried her hardest to keep a neutral look. One minute she looked terrified and the next she had a wide smile across her face. Maxwell refused to let me stay any longer than a few hours, but I only made it an hour because I couldn’t stand Morgan following me around, ready for me to drop dead.As if coming home would be any better. My once bright, airy home now resembles a cave with its dark curtains and blinds. I have to have almost every single light on within the house to be able to walk the halls.“I’m going to go work on some things. I might not be able to be at the office, but Morgan is still going to need my help.” I get up and cross the room in hopes of leaving Maxwell behind, but as soon as I pass t

Chapter One, Part One:CharlieIt’s been three weeks since Maxwell has let me leave the house. It’s been three weeks of trying to act normal. That odd, bizarre feeling of not feeling hungry, quicker reflexes, the inability to feel warm or cold. It’s still unbearable. Even in a room packed with people I still feel...different.Weaving through strangers whose heartbeats I can hear, feel the heat from their bodies and smell every single scent in the large open room. It takes nearly all my energy to come to stand beside Morgan. “I’m here.” I pant. She squeals with joy before throwing herself at me. “Out into the world at last. How’s Maxwell holding up? Like a lost super cute puppy?” I struggle to keep a smirk off my face, but I lose and it only gets wider and wider. He is lost. “He’s fine. Bored, but fine.” I lie. The couple of honor dance in the middle of the makeshift dance floor, friends and family surrounding them. Their slightly wrinkled skin and salt and pepper hair show their age