The Dead Poets

21

I reach the diner doors, quickly pulling them open to escape the cool night air.

The usual lady who always serves Charlie and I on the many nights we've snuck out, stands behind the counter in front of me.

Clad in her usual white tennis skirt and soft pink button-up blouse, she sends me a warm smile.

I reciprocate the kind gesture, smiling at her as my eyes scan the diner for Lucy.

I spot the familiar long blonde hair, sitting at the booth in the back corner near the jukebox, where Charlie and I always sit.

I find myself smiling at the memory.

Charlie would stuff his pockets with more coins than we'd need, playing song after song, as his sparkling brown eyes would gaze into mine. He'd softly sing along to the cheesy love songs, the smile that stretched across his features never fading. In other words, his comical attempt to serenade me- which in fact, always managed to work.

Frankly, that was one of the things I loved most about Charlie. His goofy personality had never failed to spread a smile across my face, regardless of how upset I may have been.

I felt a pang of guilt hit my chest, as I realized it really should be Charlie I'm seeing tonight and not Lucy.

My smile soon fades into confusion, as Lucy remains half-standing, hunched over the table I had spotted her at.

I walk closer towards the booth, and just as I reach the table, Lucy leans over and kisses the man whose sat in front of her.

I couldn't help the loud gasp that escaped my mouth, causing not only a few strangers heads to snap in my direction, but the two people sat in front of me.

Charlie.

My hand quickly covers my mouth, masking the sound of any further shock.

"Violet-" Charlie begins, as I quickly shuffle to back up, practically tripping over my own feet in the process.

"No, no, no." I repeat incredulously, not sure how to formulate proper sentences in such shock.

I mean Charlie was flirty by nature, yes. But he was loyal more than anything.

After a few long seconds of staring at the scene in front of me and tuning out the pleas of Charlie, I spin on my heel and run out of the diner.

The cold night air hits my skin instantly, as my feet continue to carry me anywhere quickly.

I can faintly hear my name being called in the distance, but my feet only move faster, as I tune out the desperate cries that sound in the darkness.

The image of Lucy and Charlie kissing begins to replay over and over in my mind, as I question how this could have happened in the first place.

Lucy invited me here to make amends.

Why was Charlie here? Why would he kiss Lucy? Why did any of this happen?

I stop, suddenly out of breath. My hands fall to my knees as I crouch down in the street, closing my eyes tightly as I attempt to steady my erratic breathing.

Just as I raise my head to journey back to Welton, a set of bright, fluorescent lights blind me.

The lights begin moving closer and closer, at an incomprehensible speed.

My mind, fogged with the immense sadness that now plagued my thoughts, left me entirely paralyzed in the dimly lit street. And before I had the chance to comprehend the imminent danger I now found myself in;

I felt an incredibly strong pain.

I fall to the ground, the side of my face harshly hitting the pavement, as a loud ringing overcomes my ears, alongside the pain-stricken cries of a familiar voice.

Bright lights blur my vision, before the world around me fades to black...

A/n: Charlie's POV in the next chapter!!
Ps: I also figured out how to put gifs @ the top so that's exciting 🤣