CHARIS DIRECTED A SERIES OF PIERCING GLARES AT ALEX, a blend of anger and disappointment coursing through her. His failure to even check on her after shoving her left her feeling disregarded. At this point, she didn't anticipate receiving an apology. Positioned between Danny and Nathan, she balanced a bag of ice on her knee, a silent reminder of the altercation's aftermath.
Above all, Charis was deeply hurt by the casual way Alex used her name as if she were just another one of the girls his brother liked to toy with. While they may not have been the closest of friends, their connection ran deep. They had known each other forever, their mothers were best friends, and their fathers remained close. They used to spend countless hours riding horses together, and he was always there to cheer her on during her barrel races. However, she couldn't deny that after her accident, she had withdrawn from everyone, and they simply never found their way back to the bond they once shared.
Deliberately choosing not to sit next to Cole, she noticed his initial disappointment, though he eventually accepted her decision. Danny, caught in the middle, clung to his backpack, feeling somewhat out of place. Despite the discomfort, he remained willing to endure it if it meant aiding in restoring peace after the earlier clash.
Charis waited patiently for Austin, preferring to inform him directly rather than letting rumors swirl through Tara Jacobs' exaggerations. Charis downplayed the situation over the phone, emphasizing that the conflict was primarily between the boys and she had merely been caught in the middle by chance. She assured Austin that she would provide a more detailed explanation later. When he inquired about her well-being, she simply stated that she was annoyed with Alex, choosing not to delve into further details.
Initially, Austin almost laughed it off, teasing that the boys were fighting over her. But he quickly understood the gravity of the situation. He assured himself he would lend Charis a listening ear on their way home. Above all, his main concern was her well-being, especially her injured leg. He hoped she was coping well. Despite the seriousness of the incident, he held onto the belief that they would find a way to laugh about it later.
As he approached the school parking lot, Austin's eyes lingered on the entrance, a rush of nostalgia flooding him as he recalled moments spent there with Bianca. Despite Charis's request for him to wait outside, he couldn't resist the urge to step inside. Just then, Katherine joined him, her initial sour expression transforming into a smile at the sight of Austin. With a shared sigh and a chuckle, they assumed more serious expressions, ready to proceed to the principal's office together.
"So I heard Alex shoved Charis, among his brothers," Austin said, a smirk playing on his lips as his flannel shirt fluttered in the breeze. He knew Katherine hadn't heard about it yet.
"What?" Katherine stopped walking, her mouth falling open in shock.
"Austin, I'm so sorry. When I get my hands on them," she stammered, her frustration evident. Austin chuckled, grazing his beard with his fingers.
"Don't worry, Charis isn't upset. She's just pissed at Alex since he hasn't apologized yet," Austin reassured her as they continued walking. Katherine let out a sigh, running a hand over her face.
"The drama these kids get into nowadays," she muttered, shaking her head.
"Eh, we were the same," Austin shrugged, a nostalgic smile crossing his face.
"You know what? Put your angry face on! It'll scare them," Katherine declared before turning the corner.
Asserting their positions side by side, Katherine and Austin donned stoic expressions and icy glares as they approached the group of kids, aiming to intimidate them. Katherine shot Alex and Cole a stern look as she opened the door, and Austin followed suit, casting a final glare at Alex before entering the room.
Alex's eyes widened in surprise, while Cole couldn't help but smile at Austin's action. He knew Charis's father well enough to recognize that it was all just a show, but he couldn't deny that if he had been in Alex's position, he would have been terrified. Charis understood her father's intentions and couldn't help but smirk a little at the priceless reactions of the Walter brothers. Katherine's piercing glares added to the intensity of the moment; she was known for being both bark and bite, despite what many assumed.
Austin and Katherine emerged from the office, their hands tucked in their pockets, their expressions stoic once more.
"Alex and Cole, you're both suspended for three days. The rest of you, suspended until tomorrow," Katherine announced calmly, her gaze fixed on her sons.
"Alex, do you have anything to say?" she asked, her tone piercing.
"Sorry, Charis," Alex muttered quietly, almost too softly to be heard. Isaac rolled his eyes.
"It's fine," Charis sighed, feeling the weight of the situation dissipate.
"No, it's not," Austin interjected. Katherine observed the exchange closely. Charis sighed, giving him a look.
"Watch it next time," Austin's voice sliced through the tension, directed at Alex but carrying weight for all the boys present. Alex nodded.
"So I guess it's time to go home. Now!" Katherine's command was firm, prompting everyone to rise and prepare to leave. Charis reached out, placing a hand on Cole's arm to stop him. Summoning her courage, she knew her father was watching her.
"Here, ice that cut. See you tomorrow," she said, handing him the bag of ice and brushing his hair away from his eyes. Cole smiled gratefully, wordlessly acknowledging her gesture before turning to follow his siblings.
"Take care, Cole," Austin said, leaning against the wall with crossed arms.
"Yes, Sir," Cole's heartbeat picked up pace as he replied. With his rigid posture, he headed out.
Austin waited until the Walter brothers had left before he enveloped his daughter in a warm hug, a laugh bubbling up inside him.
"Aren't you two just adorable?" he teased, gently shaking her shoulders.
"Shut up," Charis laughed, returning the hug, feeling the comfort of her father's embrace.
As they walked towards the car, Austin couldn't resist asking, "So, how did I do?"
"You scared them shitless. Well, everyone except me," Charis replied proudly.
"Good enough," Austin grinned mischievously, pleased with his small victory.
As they settled into the car, ready to head home, Charis recounted the day's events to her father, opting for the family-friendly version. She left out details like the note in the locker and the mouse trap, making the situation seem less chaotic than it truly was. Austin chuckled at the absurdity of teenage drama, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Promise me, no more of this drama," he said, half-serious, half-amused. He simply wished for his daughter's life to steer in the right direction: devoid of boys, drama, fights, misfortune, and poor grades. However, lately, challenges seemed to be flocking her path.
"I promise," Charis replied with a grin, knowing that it wasn't entirely up to her. Beneath his smile lay an unsettling reality, one that he hadn't fully grasped yet. Charis harbored the fear that any day now, he would receive a call from the school about her declining grades and truancy. Perhaps he would start to notice her unhealthy habits and might place blame on those around her. She hoped it wouldn't come to that because every action she took was solely a result of her own choices.
Their conversation turned to her relationship with Cole, and Charis admitted that things were still a bit shaky between them, but they were working on it.
"Your mom would know better on boy troubles, Marilyn too, but..." he began.
"Just make sure he doesn't hurt you too many times, okay?" Austin advised, his tone gentle but firm. "But from what I've seen, he seems like an okay guy."
Charis felt a wave of relief wash over her at her father's words, grateful for his support and understanding.
"You've known him practically since birth," she chuckled, echoing his sentiment.
"Yeah, but... George, Will, Cole, and I used to go for horse rides together. Now..." He let his words drift off, lost in memories of times gone by.
"I understand," Charis replied softly, sensing the weight behind his words without needing him to articulate further. Since Aster's and Bianca's passing, and with the accidents that befell both Cole and Charis, the dynamic between the Duncan and Walter families had shifted. However, as the kids began to reconcile and mend their relationships, it seemed like the families were slowly finding their way back to the right path.
Charis couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for her sister's presence. Texting was one thing, but she craved the comfort of sharing all the details of her week with Marilyn face-to-face. Austin and Charis returned home, settling into the familiar comfort of their living room. Austin reclined on the couch, engrossed in the newspaper while the TV hummed in the background, tuned to Pawn Stars. Meanwhile, Charis curled up on the adjacent sofa, her leg tucked beneath her as she immersed herself in her book.
Charis glanced at her phone on the coffee stand, noticing Cole's message waiting for her. Simultaneously, Austin's phone began to ring, displaying George's caller ID. Charis realized she had left her phone on Do Not Disturb mode and had not seen Cole's calls. As Austin answered George's call, Charis debated whether to respond to Cole's message or wait until later.
She noticed Marilyn's missed calls and immediately texted her back. Marilyn informed her that she would be arriving the next afternoon and had called the school to postpone the play auditions because she wanted to participate.
"Hey George, Cole?" Austin answered the call, expecting George on the other line, but it turned out to be Cole. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion, and Charis's interest peaked. She sat up, setting her book aside.
"She's right here, is something wrong?" Austin asked, glancing at Charis, who looked puzzled as she opened Cole's messages on her phone, urging her to call him back. She didn't see her father's reaction to whatever he had heard on the phone.
"We'll be right there," Austin said suddenly, his tone serious, prompting Charis to close her phone and stand up.
"What is it?" Charis asked, her expression becoming worried as she felt goosebumps forming on her skin.
"Nathan had a seizure," Austin said somberly, nudging her to put on her shoes. They walked toward the door.
"Cole said you didn't answer his calls, so he called from George's phone," Austin added, noticing his daughter's guilty expression as she looked down at the floor.
"Come on. Let's go," he said, embracing her sideways and leading her to the car.
In the tense silence of the car, Charis's mind raced with worry, dreading the impending encounter with the Walters. She chastised herself for assuming the worst and tried to shift her mindset to hope for the best. Hospitals were familiar territory for her, but always for someone within her family circle—herself, her mother, her brother, her sister—but never for someone else. Unsure of how to navigate the situation, she resolved to tread carefully, feeling as though she were walking on eggshells.
They parked their truck in the hospital lot and made their way inside. The sight of the sterile, haunting white hospital walls sent shivers down Charis's spine, despite being bundled up in a thick hoodie and jacket. It wasn't the cold that caused the goosebumps; it was the flood of memories and emotions associated with hospitals. Dread, fear, sadness, guilt, anger, and anxiety all welled up inside her as they navigated the halls. Her stomach churned with anxiety, but she kept pace with her father, who was a step ahead. He glanced back briefly, noticing the pale, reserved expression on her face, but chose not to comment, understanding that his words might only heighten her feelings.
Turning a few corners, they spotted Katherine and George, who stood up upon seeing them. Charis immediately went to hug Katherine, while Austin approached George with a serious expression.
"What happened?" Austin inquired.
"He collapsed in the kitchen," George replied somberly.
Charis then placed a comforting hand on Danny's shoulder before moving over to Cole and embracing him tightly. A sense of relief washed over Cole as he laid eyes on Charis. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but deep down, he was consumed by worry for his brother and what the future might hold. Seeing Charis's face immediately lifted a weight off his chest, though he kept his feelings guarded, as he always did. He returned the hug, resting his head on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I don't know what to say," Charis murmured softly. Charis wished she could offer Cole more comfort in his time of need, but she wasn't one to sugarcoat things. She couldn't offer false hope or empty reassurances, having experienced firsthand the disappointment that often followed. Instead, she chose silence, unable to find the right words to alleviate his worry. Cole, aware of her discomfort in such situations, didn't press her for words, though he longed to hear her voice, even if just for a moment of solace.
"You don't have to say anything," Cole admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Tension hung thick in the air as they sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts and worries. Fingers nervously chipped away at nails, legs bounced with anxious energy, and muscles tensed with frustration. The weight of uncertainty pressed down on them all. Then, the doctor arrived, prompting them to stand up.
"Hi, Dr. Walter. George," the doctor greeted.
"How is he?" Katherine's voice trembled with concern.
"I have some good news. Nathan is awake and talking, which is a positive sign," the doctor began.
"However, he experienced some confusion post-seizure, ruling out a pseudo-seizure caused by low blood sugar or transient sodium," he explained further.
"What does that mean?" George's brows furrowed with worry.
"We'd like to keep him overnight for observation as a precautionary measure. That way, we can conduct a continuous EEG," the doctor elaborated.
"I'll take you to see him now," he added, motioning for them to follow.
Austin remained with the Walters, providing support and assistance while their parents checked on Nathan. When they returned with the news that he was still resting and would be picked up the next day, the Duncans bid their farewells. Knowing they had to return home due to work commitments and Marilyn's impending arrival, they left the hospital. Charis contemplated the idea of pleading to stay home, but she knew it wouldn't feel right, especially with Cole suspended and grounded, and Nathan still in the hospital. Despite her reluctance, she resigned herself to face another school day, hoping that the rumors would have died down somewhat since the previous day.
As the next morning dawned, a soft haze veiled the landscape, casting a dreamlike aura over the familiar routine that unfolded like clockwork. Charis, her thoughts drifting to Nathan, reached for her phone and typed a message to Cole. Yet, knowing he was suspended, she anticipated a delayed response, likely to come later in the day.
In the quiet confines of the car, Charis watched the world pass by through the window, her gaze drawn to the ever-changing tapestry of Colorado's scenery. Mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks shrouded in mist, while valleys nestled between them held secrets untold. The road wound its way through this natural wonderland, a path of adventure and discovery.
Despite the haze, there was a beauty in the muted colors of the landscape, a serenity that enveloped Charis as Austin guided them toward the school. Each passing moment was a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life, urging her to cherish every fleeting second.
As Austin assured Charis of his plan to pick her up after school, their routine unfolded with a sense of reliability amidst the uncertainty swirling around them. Austin reassured her that he would pick her up after school, though plans to also pick up Marilyn were uncertain due to her lack of response.
Within the confines of the school, Charis navigated her day with a sense of cautious distance, accompanied by Danny's reassuring presence. She deliberately steered clear of Grace and Skylar, knowing their curiosity would only add to the weight of her own unanswered questions.
Thoughts of Jackie lingered in the periphery of Charis's mind, surrounded by a web of speculation and gossip that she had grown weary of entertaining. The supposed rivalry between Cole and Alex for Jackie's affections felt like a distant storm on the horizon, one she was not yet prepared to weather.
In the quiet moments between classes, Charis found solace in the simple rhythm of her day, focusing on the present moment and the steady cadence of her own heartbeat. And as the bell rang, signaling the end of another class, she stepped out into the parking lot for some air with a newfound resolve to navigate the uncertainties that lay ahead, armed with the strength of her own convictions.
As the familiar car sidled up beside her, Charis couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Cole Walter, his grin as wide as the horizon, greeting her through the rolled-down window.
"Aren't you suspended?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes as she adjusted her bag strap.
"Not from the parking lot," he quipped, matching her tilt of the head with his own.
Her playful demeanor softened as she leaned in slightly, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "How's Nathan doing?"
Cole's grin faltered for a moment before he replied, his voice tinged with concern.
"He's... he's okay," Cole replied, clearing his throat.
"Really?" Charis pressed, her gaze dropping to the ground.
"Yeah. My mom and dad are with him," Cole explained, sighing softly. Charis nodded, acknowledging his words with a somber expression.
Then, with a mischievous glint returning to his eyes, Cole proposed an escape from the mundane confines of school. "Listen, you wanna... ditch school? Maybe hang out by the waterfall?"
Charis couldn't help but shake her head at his audacity, but the temptation to break free from routine tugged at her. She glanced back at the school, then back at Cole's car, weighing her options before relenting with a smirk.
"Unbelievable," she muttered, her eyes rolling as she climbed into the passenger seat.
"Is that a yes?" Cole smirked.
"That's a never again," she retorted, before climbing inside his car.
Cole's smirk widened as he revved the engine, a silent promise of adventure lingering in the air as they set off, leaving the confines of school behind for the promise of the unknown.
Charis settled into her seat, buckling up and tossing her bag into the back as Cole turned his body toward her. Their eyes met, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them before he leaned in to kiss her, a tender moment of connection that seemed to melt away the world around them.
With a shift of gears, they eased out of the parking lot, leaving behind the confines of school for the open road ahead.
"Pick the music," Cole suggested, gesturing to the glove compartment where his collection awaited. Charis eagerly sifted through the CDs until she found one that suited her mood.
"A little George Harrison never hurt anyone," she remarked with a grin, slipping the All Things Must Pass CD into the player. The soothing strains of "I'd Have You Anytime" filled the car, eliciting a smile from Cole as he drove.
Their playful banter filled the air as they continued their journey, the road stretching out before them like a ribbon of endless possibilities. Charis, her gaze flickering between Cole and the passing scenery, couldn't help but voice the thoughts swirling in her mind.
"You have a lot of faith in your brothers," she remarked, her tone laced with curiosity.
Cole's attention momentarily shifted from the road to her, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "What do you mean?"
She leaned back, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "How do you know they won't just snitch to your parents again?"
Cole's expression softened, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Because they know the consequences," he replied, a note of seriousness underlying his words, a reminder of the tumultuous events that had unfolded earlier.
Charis couldn't help but laugh, flexing her muscles in mock bravado. "Okay, Mr. Tough Guy."
"Is this about Alex snitching about girls—" he asked, carefully.
"That was before this," she interjected, her finger pointing delicately between them, emphasizing the present moment.
Cole's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "This?" he echoed, his voice holding a hint of mischief.
Charis nodded, her gaze drifting to the passing scenery outside the window. "Yeah, this. Since we haven't put a title to it," she admitted, a note of uncertainty in her tone.
Cole leaned in closer, his smirk teasing. "What would you like it to be?" he prodded, his voice dripping with playful anticipation.
Charis chuckled softly, her cheeks flushing with warmth. "I'm not saying it," she replied coyly, though her heart skipped a beat with anticipation.
But Cole, ever the charmer, couldn't resist the opportunity for a playful gesture. "Charis Duncan, will you be my girlfriend?" he asked, tilting his head with a teasing lilt to his voice.
Charis's heart swelled with joy at his question, her answer clear in her mind. She met his gaze with a smile, her eyes shining with affection. Charis's playful retort was met with laughter as she gently redirected his attention back to the road.
"You're literally driving, eyes on the road, blondie," she exclaimed, grabbing his chin playfully.
Their laughter echoed in the confines of the car, a symphony of joy amidst the backdrop of their journey, a testament to the bond that continued to grow between them with each passing moment.
As they arrived at the river, Cole suggested a change of pace from their previous adventures. Instead of venturing down to the rocks, he proposed laying out a blanket in the grass and simply basking in each other's company.
They settled onto the blanket, Charis closing her eyes to soak in the rare warmth of the sun and the gentle caress of the breeze. Cole propped himself up on his elbow, his gaze tender as he watched her, a silent observer of her peaceful repose.
At that moment, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of each other's presence, Charis and Cole found solace in the simplicity of their shared moments, reveling in the quiet joy of being together amidst the wonders of the world around them.
"What are you doing?" Charis's playful inquiry broke the moment, her voice carrying a hint of amusement as she looked up at him. With a smile dancing on his lips, he brushed his hair out of his eyes, the breeze tousling it playfully. Charis reached up to help, her fingers gently pushing his hair aside.
"Observing your beauty," he quipped, a playful glint in his eyes, though his words held a kernel of truth. Charis responded with a playful shove, brushing the hair back in his vision, her laughter filling the air.
"Shut up," she teased, her eyes sparkling with mirth. He scooted closer, his head resting against her waist as he pressed for an answer to his question.
"Well, answer my question!" he insisted, a note of impatience creeping into his voice.
Charis tilted her head teasingly, her eyes wide with mock surprise. "Oh, so you don't know?" she gasped, playing along with a grin.
He tilted his head in disbelief, his expression questioning.
"Yes," Charis replied quietly, her grin widening into a smile. Before he could respond, she leaned in to kiss him, their lips meeting in a sweet embrace. As their laughter mingled with the rustle of the breeze, he couldn't resist the mischievous urge that seized him.
With a grin, he pulled back from the kiss, mischief dancing in his eyes as he got an idea. With a quick movement, he began to tickle her, their playful antics turning the blanket into a battleground of laughter and affection.
As they lounged on the blanket, basking in each other's company, they engaged in lively conversation, the topics ranging from music to horses and everything in between. The air was filled with the sweet melodies of their laughter, mingling with the soft strains of the music playing in the background.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, each word a testament to the connection they shared. They spoke of dreams and aspirations, of fears and hopes, finding solace in the comfort of each other's presence.
But amidst the chatter, there were moments of silence, where words were unnecessary as they simply enjoyed the peaceful serenity of being together.
As the afternoon stretched on, their conversation gave way to tender moments of intimacy. They leaned in close, their lips meeting in passionate kisses that spoke volumes of their affection for one another. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other, the world fading away around them as they surrendered to the warmth of their embrace.
And in those stolen moments, amidst the laughter and the music, they found a love that was pure and true, a bond that transcended words and filled their hearts with a joy that knew no bounds.
"May I interest you in—" Cole began, his words interrupted by their kiss.
"The only thing you could interest me in is shaving off your sideburns, so no," Charis teased, playfully pulling him back into their embrace.
Chuckling, Cole gently broke away from their kiss, his lips swollen, his heart racing with affection for the girl beside him. Her cheeks flushed with the heat of their passion, she looked at him expectantly as he spoke again.
"No, but I was wondering," he treaded carefully, sensing her hesitation. "Since Alex started his horse training, you could try and get back on the horse, since the barrels are prepared."
Charis sighed, pulling away slightly from their embrace. Cole's heart sank for a moment, fearing he had said something wrong. They shifted to sit up, their eyes meeting as Cole reached out to touch her shoulder, silently pleading for her to stay.
"What? Come on," he urged gently, his voice filled with reassurance.
"I'm not sure," Charis admitted, uncertainty clouding her expression.
As Charis sat there, contemplating Cole's suggestion, a wave of fear washed over her. The memory of her injury, the pain of her shattered leg, lingered in the recesses of her mind like a haunting specter. She feared that her leg wouldn't hold her weight, that it would betray her like a fragile porcelain doll, shattering her dreams once more.
And then there was Malory, her beloved horse, the one who had been her faithful companion through thick and thin. The thought of riding again without Malory by her side felt like a betrayal, a painful reminder of the void left by her absence.
As she looked at Cole, a part of her wondered if she should ask him to pick up football again. Would he be defensive, unwilling to entertain the idea? Would he simply tell her no, just as he feared she would do when he asked her to ride again?
The thought lingered in her mind, a silent question that echoed in the silence between them. Why should she pick up her broken dreams if he wasn't willing to pursue his own? It felt like an unfair burden, a weight that threatened to crush her spirit.
But as she looked at Cole, the warmth of his gaze filled her with a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to chase their dreams together, to overcome their fears and insecurities as a team.
Cole's eyes softened with understanding. "You could at least try, or like, go for a ride with me," he suggested, his voice gentle yet filled with longing.
"I miss that," he confessed, his gaze searching hers for a glimmer of hope.
"We'll see," Charis replied, her tone resolute yet tinged with doubt.
Cole's grin widened at her response. "That's not a no," he teased, his heart lifting with a newfound sense of optimism.
"If you teach me the basics of football," Charis said determinedly, her eyes meeting his with a silent promise of possibility.
Cole felt a weight drop on his shoulders as Charis echoed his own words back to him. He knew he should have anticipated her response, but somehow it still caught him off guard. He couldn't deny the fairness of her hesitation, nor could he shake the memory of his own promise made in that hospital bed.
As he sat there, contemplating Charis's words, he found himself grappling with his own conflicting emotions. Would he be willing to pick up football again for Charis, knowing the risks and uncertainties that lay ahead? Could he face the possibility of another injury, another shattered dream? But as he looked at Charis, her smile filled with quiet determination, he felt a flicker of hope ignite within him. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to navigate their fears and uncertainties together, to support each other as they pursued their dreams.
With a smile of his own, Cole repeated her words, his voice filled with quiet optimism.
"We'll see," he echoed, his heart filled with a newfound sense of determination. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, drawing strength from each other as they chased their dreams.
As the chill of the evening began to set in, Cole and Charis decided to retreat to the warmth of the car. Charis's phone rang, revealing Danny's name on the caller ID. With a smile, Cole lowered the volume of the radio as Charis put Danny on speaker.
"Hey, you didn't tell me Marilyn was home?" Danny's voice came through the speaker. Charis grinned, knowing Danny's fondness for her.
"What? She's not?" she said confused.
"She just got Beatrice, the lead role in the play," Danny exclaimed.
"Really? Maybe she submitted the audition," Charis shrugged, a hint of confusion in her tone. Cole couldn't help but chuckle at the suggestion, knowing full well that high school plays didn't typically involve submitting auditions by computer.
"Charis, I saw her with my own two eyes," Danny chuckled.
"What did you get?" Charis asked, shifting the focus away from her sister.
"Doesn't matter because Isaac stole my part," Danny replied, his disappointment evident in his voice.
"I'm sorry," Charis said sympathetically.
"I really wanted this and he just... It's whatever," Danny sighed, his disappointment palpable.
"It's not. Talk to him, Danny," Charis encouraged, her voice filled with empathy.
After a brief exchange, they ended the conversation. Cole smiled at the camaraderie between Charis and Danny, admiring the depth of their friendship. In that moment, sitting in the warmth of the car with Charis by his side, he felt grateful for the bonds they shared, both with each other and with those around them.
As Charis scooted closer to him, Cole couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through him at her proximity. In that moment, with her beside him, he felt a sense of contentment wash over him, washing away the troubles and complexities of life.
This, he realized, was what he truly cherished – not the drama, the conflict, or the uncertainty, but the simple joy of being with Charis, sharing moments of quiet intimacy as they drove through the open roads, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
The peace he found in her company was like a balm to his soul, a reminder of the simple pleasures that life had to offer. Together, they forged their own path, navigating the twists and turns of the road with a sense of ease and comfort that only came from being together.
In those moments, surrounded by the beauty of the world around them, Cole knew that he had found something truly special in Charis – a love that transcended the chaos of the world and brought him back to what truly mattered: the simple joys of life and the bond they shared.
As Cole drove Charis home, she asked him to drop her off a bit further from her house to avoid her dad seeing him. With her backpack in hand, she exited the car and started walking towards her house. Just as she reached her driveway, she spotted her dad retrieving the mail from the mailbox.
"Hey, Dad," she greeted him as they approached the front door together. But their casual conversation was interrupted by a sudden realization - the door was slightly ajar.
Instinct kicking in, Austin grabbed a leaf rake while Charis took hold of a broom. With their makeshift weapons in hand, they cautiously turned the corners, bracing themselves for whoever might be inside.
"Hands in the air!" Charis yelled, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear.
The mystery person gasped and turned around. "What? Are you gonna rake me to death?" they retorted.
Austin's eyes widened in recognition. "Marilyn?" he exclaimed, relief flooding his voice.
━━ 𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙖 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀 !
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