(Complete) Charlie's life is slowly spiraling out of control. Her mother is useless, her relationship with her boyfriend Gavin is a train wreck and the bruises she has to cover up are all becoming too much for her to bear.
Tanner has it all. He has...
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The day is finally here. This week flew by and at this point my body is vibrating with the anxiety that's coursing through me. I have two hours until I have to leave to meet Andrew and Carlos at the airport and I'm completely losing my shit.
Charlie is finishing up the last of her classes for the day, and I ended up taking the day off from classes to get everything for tonight in order. How Charlie hasn't pieced together this secret by my erratic behavior, I'll never know.
I'm dragging the vacuum along every carpet in this house in a frenzy, I don't even think Charlie's dad will even be stopping by, but I need to do something to keep my panic at bay.
"What the actual fuck has happened to you?" Collin comes strolling into the living room and leans against the kitchen island as he studies me.
Other than Isaac and Lydia, Collin and Scout were the first people that I told about my idea. The day after I called her father, I sent Scout off to go dress shopping with Charlie. I tried my best to contain my anxiety then too, but when Charlie came home upset with Scout for being so wrapped up in her phone, I couldn't help the guilt that plagued me. I should've just let them have fun, but my brain insisted on texting her every five seconds to see how it was going, and even Scout was getting ready to kill me for annoying her. As much of a necessity a cellphone is for an American college student, Scout tried to avoid it at all costs, only having one for emergencies.
I shut off the vacuum, standing it upright as I wipe a hand over my forehead and let out a sigh.
"I have to pick up Andrew and Carlos in less than two hours, and I'm quite literally freaking the fuck out." A smile, screaming "help me" slides across my lips as my eyes frown. I've never been so eager to impress someone in my god damn life.
"Relax." Collin walks over to me and places two reassuring hands on each of my shoulders and catches my gaze with his own.
"Breathe. Deep breaths. In— out."
My face screws up in mock confusion at his words, but I listen to what he says and try to breathe in deeply.
"You've been spending too much time with Scout." I mutter under my breath and Collin looks away sheepishly as a blush creeps it's way up his neck and cheeks.
I can't help but to grin at his reaction as I continue trying to suck in steadying breaths until I'm breathing at a normal pace again.
"Everything will go as planned. She has no idea, and her dad will love you. You're really good for her, man."
There's a moment of drawn out silence before Collin speaks up again, "and she's really good for you too. I don't think I've ever seen you so happy."
He offers me a warm smile, giving my shoulders a squeeze before pulling away and walking into the kitchen, pulling out a bag of shredded cheese, pouring a handful into his mouth. Good 'ol Collin.
