It's Just Ann

Chapter 30 - My Friend Charlie

           One of the first things I tell Charlie when he comes to pick me up is the truth. I don't want to use him and he needs to have that clear. I'm just honestly trying my best here, to find a happy life and memory.

I've come to the conclusion that if something doesn't work then you can't dwell on it for too long. For a while it's okay, but it's necessary to know when it's enough and when you have to move on. If I just let things be then it'll take longer, and that's being irresponsible about myself. If I try to find a better thing, then I'm just speeding things up. I have to take control if I want things to change.

That's why I don't think I'm actually using Charlie, because I'm honestly trying to find a better path for myself, with someone who won't make me go through the same pain as Gareth. I'm hoping to like Charlie in the same way he likes me, getting to know each other and bond a bit more. I'm honestly accepting his open hand, praying it will turn out right.

However, I don't know if it'll work out. Even if I'm trying, I can't guarantee it'll work out, and I don't want to give him hopes or anything. So when he shows up at my house, with flowers for me, I make sure to tell him that.

"Charlie, I'm really thankful to you and I want to be honest. Right now I don't like you in that way, but I'm trying. I hope that if this doesn't work then we'll remain as friends," I say and he smiles, nodding briefly.

"I'm very aware of it. I'm happy you gave me a chance," he replies, handing me the sunflowers he brought for me. "Now it's up to me to make you fall for my endless charms," he jokes, winking and all. I blush a bit, laughing nervously.

"Is he here? Did he arrive?" I hear from inside and my eyes widen in horror.

Of course Mum and Sol know I'm going on a date today, with Charlie. Mum couldn't be happier when I told her. I don't want them to overreact, because we might never have another date, and they will make Charlie feel uncomfortable.

"Oh dear, it's him!" Mum blurts out, almost like a silly fangirl, standing right behind me.

"¡Que niño más buenmozo!" Sol exclaims in Spanish, expressing how handsome Charlie is. I swear I'm blushing so much.

"Gracias," Charlie replies in Spanish, surprising the three of us. "Sí. That's as far as I get with Spanish," he confesses next and I burst out laughing. "But I'm hoping you said something good and I didn't just made a fool of myself. Nice to meet you, I'm Charlie St. James."

Mum lets out a little squeal and I have to cover my face with my hands.

"I'm Ann's Mum, this is Sol," Mum makes the introductions. "Oh, you even brought flowers! What a gentleman. Ann dear, give them to me. I'll put them in water so you can go on your date."

I do as told, just because I want to leave soon. Not because I'm eager to go on a date, just because I'm too embarrassed.

"It was really nice to meet you. I'll take care of Ann and bring her home early, safe and sound," he promises, bowing his head a little bit and this time both Sol and Mum make a little squeal. Seriously, how old are they?

"I hope to see you soon!" Mum exclaims when I just walk up to Charlie, trying to leave the genkan.

Charlie chuckles as I drag him out of my house. I feel my cheeks burning because they behaved inappropriately, but even if I'm feeling like this, Charlie only smiles, even when he opens the door of his car for me.

"They are really nice, don't feel embarrassed. My Mum would be worse if I brought you home. I think she'd make you go in, show you all my baby pictures and give you her wedding ring herself. That is why we are not going home or near my parents," he explains and I laugh.