Nothing's Fine

• 82: Multitasking •

Mason and I sat outside talking for a while longer, before it started to drizzle so we decided to head back to his house. We ate dinner with his mom before we watched a movie in his room. I was annoyed that his father didn't come home until way later in the night, as I wished the burden was not on Mason alone to support his mom while also going through something difficult. At least it brought me a little comfort to know that he was going to try and talk to her. 

I waited again until he fell asleep to head home, deciding to walk again so I didn't bother Linda. As I walked down the driveway, I noticed Derek getting out of his car. I tried not to roll my eyes at him. His expression was somber, but it slipped into a more neutral one when he laid eyes on me.

"Charlie!"

"Hello," I said. It was stiff, but polite. After all, it was pathetic that he waited until this late to come home when he knew his family needed him.

"What are you doing here?"

What a stupid question, I thought.

"I was spending time with Mason and Annalise." I stared at him as I stated the obvious. He shifted his weight slightly, a little uneasy.

"It's getting late. Let me drive you home," he offered with a small smile.

"No, thank you," I replied. "Good night," I added, continuing down the driveway. I was so annoyed at him I knew sitting in a car with him – even for a short period of time – would end with me snapping. It had thankfully stopped raining so I didn't have to worry about being soaked by the time I arrived.

As I walked my phone buzzed so I fished it out of my pocket. It was Emery.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey girl hey!" Emery replied cheerily. I smiled at that. "What are you up to?"

"Walking," I said casually.

"Of course you are," she laughed. She was so used to my odd habits like sitting on the windowsill she wouldn't think twice about it. "Please be careful, we don't need another broken arm." I laughed at that.

"What about you?"

"Art homework of all things... would you believe I was so focused on my other classes, I forgot? So now I have shapes to draw and shade them in instead of watching The Bachelor in Paradise."

"You're most definitely doing both," I teased.

"And talking to you. We love a multitasking queen," she said proudly. I laughed. I was grateful to chat with Emery on the way home. It was so easy to laugh with her and not have to talk about anything serious – especially after the day I'd had.

As I got home, we said our goodbyes and I walked into the house.

To my surprise, Linda was up in the kitchen. She sat drinking a cup of tea.

"Charlie! You're home." She greeted me. "How'd everything go today?" she asked as I walked over to her.

"As well as it could. I think I convinced Mason to talk to his mom... I just want them to all be alright, y'know?"

"Of course," she said, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

"So, I don't mean to pile on to your day... but for the sake of transparency, I want you to know Irene called again," she said. I sighed at that. "She left a voicemail. Maybe tomorrow if you're feeling up to it, give it a listen," she suggested.

"Got anything stronger than tea?" I said looking at her cup.

"Charlie!" Linda chided with a laugh.

"Only kidding, I'll take some chamomile though," I laughed. "And... I'll think about it."

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Author's Note: Hope you liked this chapter! What do you think Charlie will decide to do? Let me know in the comments!