When I'm with you

Not this again

"When I'm with you"

Chapter 9. Not this again!

The sun shone incredibly bright, gleaming merrily in the water droplets that still hung on the leaves and grass of the Sanditon House's Park. After the storm, the air was incredibly fresh, and the sky was clear, as if nature had cleared away all the dirt and dust.
Charlotte smiled as she gently touched a rosebud growing in a flower bed near the entrance to the house. Just a minute ago, she said goodbye to Sidney, but she already missed him very much. Last night had been the most magical night of her life. The incessant torrents of rain, the fireplace, the candles, the long-awaited closeness of Sidney, his gentle hands and lips made Charlotte feel the happiest in the world. How she missed his smile, his kisses, his hot, taut body. Charlotte took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and wrapped her arms around herself, lost in sweet memories. When she heard a noise in the house, she started, reluctantly coming back to reality. " Probably Cassie went to make Breakfast" - she thought, and slipped into a side corridor before anyone noticed her. Charlotte didn't want to tell anyone where she'd spent the night.
She ran down the hall and turned the corner, almost running into her room, closing the door behind her and pressing her back against it.
- Is there anything you want to explain to me? - Allison asked, getting up from her chair.
Charlotte looked at her sister, wondering what she was doing here. Allison looked sleepy and was still wearing yesterday's clothes. Her slightly matted hair and distracted gaze told Charlotte that the younger Hеywood had been waiting for her all night.
- What are you doing here? Did you sleep in my chair? - asked Charlotte, as if nothing had happened.
- I was worried about you - Allison said, confused - where did you sleep? There was such a storm...
- You shouldn't have done that - Charlotte interrupted irritably - I'm old enough to take care of myself. I don't have to tell you everything.
- Is that so? -  Allison exclaimed, also beginning to lose her temper - That's why you couldn't  have at least picked up the phone. We agreed to meet this evening. You can't be so selfish!
- I don't... - Charlotte started to retort, but when she looked into Allison's huge, hurt eyes, she changed her mind. Her sister was really worried about her. Charlotte felt guilty for being so irresponsible - I'd left my phone in the office... sorry... I didn't think it would work out this way. Did you really sit here all night?
- Yes, but already no matters - wearily told Allison, rising from the chair, in which fell asleep already under morning, and decisively has passed to the door - glad, that with you all in order.
She opened the door, clearly intending to go out into the corridor.
- Wait! I'm really sorry about what happened - Charlotte said.
- Ок - Allison said - Sophia is expecting you and Esther at ten o'clock. Georgie spent the night at Babbingtons, she's all right, of course, if you're interested.
- I saw the man who came with Georgiana, and he looked worried and was looking for you - Charlotte said - Can you tell me what's going on?
Allison turned and stared at her sister
- No - she said - at least not right now.
- Why? - Charlotte was genuinely surprised.
- Because I'm an adult, too, and I don't have to tell you everything - said the younger Heywood, walking confidently out of the room.
Allison closed the door, leaving Charlotte alone.
- Damn, damn, damn, that's a bad start - she said, throwing a pillow against the wall in confusion.
She closed her eyes and collapsed on the bed.
A hesitant knock on the door brought her out of her reverie.
- Yes, Yes - said Charlotte, getting up from the bed.
- Miss Hеywood, I'm sorry to be so early - Cassie said from the doorway - but Miss Georgiana lamb is here to see you - I said you were probably still asleep, but ... you know Miss lamb.
- It's all right, Cassie - Charlotte said - I'll be right there.
- Very well, miss Heywood - the maid replied, and left the room.
Going to the mirror, Charlotte quickly straightened her hair and clothes, preparing for the meeting with Georgie.
- Yes, it's better to go to the living room, where at least she won't kill me, or she will kill me, but not right away - she thought to herself. Gathering her courage, Charlotte went out into the corridor and strode off to meet her friend.