Invisible string (lestappen)

Chapter 11 : Max

I keep watching him, trying to decipher what he just admitted.

You're not ugly.

Does that mean he finds me... attractive ? I wish I had a Charles's instruction manual to understand what the hell he meant by that. He's not giving anything away either, still watching the movie like he just told me the sky is blue.

I'm interrupted in my thoughts by the sound of a notification on my phone. I lean over and grab it from the small table in front of us.

'Hey Max, I know we haven't talked in a while but I think we should... I was thinking about coming over on saturday, is that okay for you ?'

I read Kelly's message repeatedly in silence. It doesn't sound good. But it's true, we haven't really talked since the Singapore Grand Prix. A few texts here and there, but nothing compared to before. The worst thing is, I didn't even miss talking to her that much. At least not as much as I thought I would.

'I agree, it's okay for me. See you soon Kell'

I hit send before going back to watching the movie.

'Who are you talking to ?'

I turn to Charles who's waiting patiently for my answer.

'Oh nothing, it's Kelly'

He nods his head slowly.

'Is everything alright ?'

The worried look he gives me makes me want to scream inside. Is it really that evident or can he just read me like an open book ?

'Could be better. We're...having a few issues'

He seems surprised by my confession. Which is understandable. I never talk about my private issues,very rarely. I don't want the whole world to know about them. So it probably looks perfect on the outside. The truth is, it never really was. There was always doubt and confusion. I just did a good job of keeping it a secret. Even from myself.

Denial, denial, denial.

But to what extent ?

'I'm sorry to hear that'

To emphasize his words, he puts his hand on my knee. I look down, my eyes fixated to the place where my skin is now burning.

'You know you can talk to me, if you want to'

I offer him a small smile.

'Thank you, Charles'

His eyes lock with mine and it feels as if time has stood still for a moment. As if I suddenly realised that it was just the two of us in the room. Staring at one another.

He breaks the eye contact and abruptly pulls his hand away from me.

'Hmm, I should probably go'

I frown.

'Already ?'

He stands up and picks up the empty boxes in both of his hands. I have the urge to stop him from leaving, but I don't make a move.

Instead, I just observe him.

'Yeah, I have a meeting with the team in an hour'

He tosses the trash in the bin. Then turns to me. I eventually get up from the sofa to walk him to the door.

'Thank you'

He gives me a puzzled look.

'For the garbage'

'Oh', he waves his hand. 'It's nothing'

I open the door for him and lean against the frame as he steps out.