The Angel Within

Chapter 16: The Confession

Chapter 16: The Confession  

Charlotte's POV

A startled yelp escaped my lips when three solid bodies slammed into my small frame. I caught glimpses of curling irons, makeup bags and dresses that were flung out of grasp. I instinctively grabbed onto the rim of my hood when I lost my balance, making sure it didn't slip off as a result of the unexpected impact. Our butts eventually came in harsh contact with the cold tiles of the floor, eliciting agonized groans from the four of us.

As soon as we exchanged humble apologies and sheepish smiles, the girls had their precious belongings cradled in their arms and had sprung to their toes. All in a blink of an eye. I barely had time to gather my thoughts and gawk at their speed before they went sprinting down the hallway with excited chatters.

Typical teenage werewolves preparing for the ball. Soon, their fantasies of the ball would come to past. It was only hours away.

I got to my feet awkwardly and lifted observant eyes to examine the happenings around me. High-pitched calls and fervent gushes came from girls. A majority of them were whining for others to tend to their makeup. Guys were huddled together, fussing with each other's ties and conjuring disputes about proper attires. It was pandemonium.

And here I was, standing idly, in the midst of all the commotion. Let's just say, I stood out like a sore thumb.

Something clamped onto my arm with a grip of death. I gasped and nearly flew ten feet off the ground. Without a chance of protest, I was hauled out of the hectic hall. My mouth moved wordlessly in shock and I jerked my head up to glare daggers at the culprit. Marie and Casey stared back at me.

"Just what are you doing, Charlie?" Casey questioned. I shrugged my shoulders.

"Nothing." I replied.

"Exactly!" Casey nodded furiously with bulging eyes. "Are you blind or what? Don't you see everyone getting ready? Some people are even finished! Hurry up, Charlie!" She continued with arms flailing expressively. I almost doubled over in laughter at her sudden outburst. Unlike the majority of girls here, I didn't need hours to prepare myself. "Fine." I huffed. Despite my thoughts, I comply to her wishes just to put Casey's mind at ease.

As I reluctantly dragged my feet upstairs where my dress awaited, my keen werewolf-angel ears could sense Maria and Casey prancing around in victory behind me, celebrating their success. But then, it strangely quelled and morphed into hushed murmurs. I arched a perfect eyebrow in curiosity. Just when I was about to reach the top of the stairs, Maria shouted my name.

Spinning around expectantly, I caught the hopeful glint in her eyes. Maria licked her lips as she prepared to continue, prolonging the suspense. Premonition alerted me that I wasn't going to like what Maria was about to say.

"Can we maybe, help you get ready?" Maria asked. I grimaced and regret consumed me before I even form my next words.

"I'm sorry but you know you guys can't." I answered softly, with remorse lacing my every word. They swallowed noticeably and nodded. I probably have trust issues regarding this matter, but in all honesty, no matter how much I wanted to share my life story to my two besties, I couldn't risk it. My life.

Scarlet's next words sliced through me like a sharpened sword. 'You're being selfish, Charlie. You're lucky to have friends like them. When will you truly treat them as such?'  She was alarmingly true. I hung my head low as I her words sink deep. My heart clenched in conflict and I realized, I was being selfish. When will I finally open up to them? Was I ready to reveal who I truly am? Only time will tell.

I came face to face with the rightful door and gently knocked on it. Pausing for any sign or indication of an occupant, my keen ears picked up nothing. So I proceeded into the room and carefully locked the door behind me. My eyes roamed the empty room and soon dawned on my dress that was daintily laid on the bed with the cloak on it's right. I took a moment to marvel at its beauty. Then I wasted no time in closing the distance between us to run a hand across the fabric, relishing in the soft and silky feel of my dress.