No sooner had the scream left her throat than her aunt sat up with a clap. She looked back at Charlotte with her lips turned with disapproval.
"Oh! So if I were dying, this is how you'd react. Just stand there and scream?" Aunty Joan asked sarcastically.Charlotte's lips remained open as she processed what was happening."Oh so you can't talk now? But what do you expect? Look at how long it took you to get me the medicines. Did you expect me to be dead before you got home?" Aunty Joan asked, still seated on the ground with her arms crossed.With her long skirt and a piece of tissue stuck to her face, her aunt looked comical but Charlotte was much too confused to find it funny."N-no. Uh... I'm sorry Aunty Joan. Let me help me up." Charlotte said, dropping her bags to help her aunt."Don't touch me. Where are my medicines?" Aunty Joan asked. Charlotte quickly picked up her bag and pulled out the pouch of drugs."Did you buy everything I asked?" Aunty Joan asked. Charlotte nodded. Relief washed over her when her aunt smiled."Now you can help me up."Charlotte took her hand and wrapped her hand round her aunt's waist before helping her off the ground."Should I help you to your room?" Charlotte asked her."No. I'm not that old child. Just get me some food to eat. I'm famished. Sometimes I think you just want me to die." Auntie Joan said as she walked out of the kitchen."Of course not." Charlotte said after her."Rubbish."Charlotte shook her head at her aunt's antics. She's always been like that, since the first day her dad moved in with them 12 years ago.She can be a headache at times but she had promised her dad she would always take care of her before he died so that's what she was going to do.
No matter what.Charlotte looked around at the mess in the kitchen.The sink was half full with dishes, the floor was littered with paper tissues and some more dishes and there was milk spilling on to the floor.She sighed. She had a headache from work and was genuinely not interested in cooking and cleaning.Besides she had work to do and deadlines to meet."I'm ordering!" She shouted in the direction of her Aunt's room.Her aunt said nothing but sure enough, she came walking into the kitchen with a distasteful look on her face."You see, this is why I told your father to not let you go to school. You've forgotten all the duties of a woman. All you know is to be lazy and stare at your computer till your eyes dry out." She said,walking to the sink.Charlotte held back her words."If you want to remain a woman with no value or virtue, order your food. I'll cook something for myself."Charlotte forced a smile on her face."You're so dramatic aunt. Of course I'll cook something. Something healthy to help you get better faster. How does that sound?" She said sweetly."Better than takeout. You know where to bring it when it's done."Charlotte blinked back the headache as much as she could before opening the fridge to see what she had to work with.There were sausages, chicken, some wilting and fresh vegetables, a dozen eggs, bacon and leftover beet juice from the morning. Along with some tortillas.She pulled out some chicken breasts, the jug of Beet juice, the tortillas and vegetables. It wasn't Tuesday but Tacos did sound good. It would be simple and quick. Plus her aunt would love it.
And she could save some of the vegetables from completely going bad.As she cooked, she imagined how she would finish her drawing for her boss. Hers was due on Sunday and she was sure if she didn't turn in it first thing in the morning, Mr. Bennett would be screaming her name from the rooftops.Charlotte sent the tray of Tacos with a glass of Beet juice to her aunt's room. "Put it on the table." Aunty Joan said when she walked in.Charlotte did so and walked out without a word. Her aunt had her attention glued to Mild Manor, a new-ish reality show, so she knew any word she said would go unheard.She walked to her room and immediately sat on her desk before turning on her laptop. She pulled out some blank sheets and a sketchpad from the drawer.Charlotte's eyes lit up when she saw the home screen of her laptop. It was the building plans for a dream she had.A community center for underprivileged childrenShe hadn't thought of what the name would be but it would be something simple and dreamy. Definitely cute for the children but a little mature so it can be taken seriously.That'd be nice but...She took in a deep breath as reality set inIt's not going to be easy. And she didn't have nearly enough money for the project. Sure, she could start but if she didn't have any external funds coming in soon, she'd be left looking like a fool.Her phone rang, distracting her from her train of thoughts. It was Mia, her classmate when she was in school."Hey girl." Mia said, her voice sweet with enthusiasm."What's got you all happy tonight?" Charlotte said with a smile"Darling, you don't have to have a reason. Just be happy. And a little crazy."Charlotte laughed. She couldn't see Mia but she was sure she was rolling about on her bed, twirling her hair with her finger and winking as she said that.
"I made you laugh." Mia said proudly before giggling."My God, you're just silly." Charlotte said."Thank you. Anyhoo, how's your community center coming along? You've got a name for it yet?""Nope. Frankly, I don't want to think of that now ""Paperwork's coming soon dear. If not now, when?" Mia asked, her time getting serious. "I'll just leave all that to you." Charlotte said cheekily."I mean if not me, who else?" Mia said before bursting into fits of laughter.Charlotte chuckled and shook her head. How Mia kept her energy up always was beyond her imagination."I've got some news I think you'd like." Mia said in a sing-song voice."Ouuu. What is it?""So, there's this Charity event tomorrow. It's at Edson. I got invited but I don't want to go. I have plans.""With Evans?" Charlotte said with a wide grin."Let's focus on the goal here." Mia said, flustered. Charlotte giggled."Yes, so I was thinking you can go for me. It'd be good for you and your center. Since it's a charity event, you can network and find someone who has the same aim as you with a lot to offer."Charlotte nodded as she listened."The good part is, it's not that far from you. Maybe an hour's drive or two. What do you think?" Mia asked."Why not. I didn't really have any plans for tomorrow. There's just a little problem. I don't have anything to wear."
"Oh please. I'm sure you do. It's not a fancy gathering. I mean the one organizing it is a little bit fancy and heavy in the pocket but that's not the point""Mia!" Charlotte said in disbelief before joining her friend in laughter."I'm just saying. It'll be full of wealthy people but they'd probably dress simple but classy. Maybe some white open-legged pants and some sleeved blouse with a coat maybe and you'd fit right in." Mia told her.Charlotte imagined the fit in her mind. It didn't look bad and she did have something like that in her closet so she guessed it would be fine."So? Are you in?" Mia asked hopefully."Yeah. But where are you going?" Charlotte asked mischievously."South Africa." Mia whispered excitedly."Are you serious?!" Charlotte squealed."Yes! Evans planned the whole trip and I couldn't say no Charlotte. Plus, I think this will help you more than it would help me.""Oh please, don't pretend you're doing this for me. " Charlotte said, laughing."I am!" Charlotte laughed"I'm just teasing you. Calm down.""And you call me childish. Anyways, I'll send you the directions. Wear some necklaces and that hair pin that really looks good on your hair. You're so lucky you're blond darling.""Thank you. You can stop giving fake compliments now." Charlotte said with a smile. "Ugh. I hate you. " Mia said with a laugh"I love you too."Mia blew a kiss before ending the call. Charlotte couldn't wipe off the grin that remained on her face after the call ended.
Mia had that effect on her and now, she's distracted her from the work she had to do. She bit her lip with a grin still dancing in her lips.She knew going for the event would give her a tighter deadline to complete her work but... Heck yeahShe was going to go regardless. She jumped out of her seat to her closet and began pulling out the outfit she imagined. She tried it on before her mirror.She cocked her head to her side, admiring how good she looked. She loved the soft pink blouse she wore that matched her coat. And the white pants and heels really brought it home.She ran her fingers through her hair, parting her hair to one side. She liked the sultry look it gave her.She found some twin gold bracelets and a single simple necklace and put them on. Her look quite literally blew her breath away. She turned to every angle to admire how she looked and how her curves gave her a pleasant shape.She smiled at her reflection. she stroked her hair before remembering the clip Mia spoke about. She wore it in.Mia was never wrong. She looked amazing. She was going to do great tomorrow.Charlotte knew she would. It would be a new beginning. And it would go a long way."See where the line meets the sea, it calls me. And no one knows how far I'll go... " She sang.If Mia found out she still sang that song from Moana, she'd never let her hear the end of it. Charlotte sighed in satisfaction, giving herself a final look.Tomorrow would be a great day.It was hot.So hot, that Charlotte regretted taking a coat. To make it worse, her blouse was sleeved. She squirmed in her seat, wanting nothing more than to take off the coat and maybe the blouse but she dared not.One, it was indecent plus she would make a mockery of herself and two, the coat hid her pit stains from her sweat.She sighed, putting on a bright smile to hide her discomfort.The event hadn't started yet and in fact, she'd been there less than 10 minutes. Mia was right, no one was really overdressed. They kept it simple and classy, and white. Charlotte wondered if that was a theme Mia had missed.She stood on her feet, ready to go and 'socialize'. She looked around discreetly for a target. She found one; a blond lady, probably in her early forties, in a knee-length white dress with a chic pair of heels and a pouch in hand.Charlotte immediately approached her before anyone else did."Hi, I'm Charlotte." Charlotte said with a polite smile, extending her hand to the lady. "
Charlotte quickly averted her gaze after she realized she had stared for too long."Correct me if I'm wrong folks, but that was one of the loveliest voices we've had." Michael said aloud.The crowd cheered in response. Charlotte felt heat rise to her face as she blushed. Her fingers still trembled slightly as she handed the microphone to the young boy who stood beside her. It wasn't just the cheers from the crowd that made her shake but it was the gaze of those blue eyes on her. She thought she could feel him watch her and it caught her off guard.Charlotte took a glance at the owner of those beautiful eyes but he didn't have his eyes on hers anymore. This time, he spoke to Michael as the young man sent the microphone up to him.Feeling a bit embarrassed, Charlotte prepared to sit when -"A woman with a voice like yours needs to sit up here. Or am I right folks?" Michael said with a microphone this time.The crowd agreed and Charlotte just couldn't stop the laugh that escaped her. Not
Charlotte cleared her throat in an attempt to bring a thought to mind but she remained blank. "Or you can manage on your own?" Prince Lucas said with a little smirk.Gosh, he knew the effect he had on her.Charlotte smiled. Ain't no way she's going to allow that."Well, I could but it'd be nice to have you show me around." She said nicely.Prince Lucas nodded. He stood up almost immediately and put out a hand to help her up Charlotte chuckled at his attempt."That was a bit unnecessary wasn't it?" Prince Lucas said humorously."I wouldn't call it unnecessary but it was something."As they walked down the stairs, she took a moment to admire the decor of the place."I kinda wanted to go for a hockey vibe but I don't think I got it right." "To be honest, you didn't." Charlotte said with a laugh."Ouch." Prince Lucas said playfully."But you did get more of a wedding reception vibe."Prince Lucas playfully placed a hand on his chest, feigning hurt. "That's even worse."Charlotte burst out
"Mia please." Charlotte groaned, her cheeks already pink with embarrassment."No, no let me. I sent you to a charity event and you decided to play moves on none other than Prince Lucas?!" Mia said before laughing hysterically.Charlotte sighed. She stepped out of the car before paying the driver his fare.The night was chilly and for the first time that whole day, Charlotte was glad she chose something that covered her up."So, tell me how that happened." Mia said. Charlotte heard her open a can of drink. She laughed."Aren't you supposed to be with Evans? I think he needs you.""Evans can wait. I need my tea, so spill it." Mia said playfully. "Aargh. Fine." Charlotte said with a little smile creeping on her face.She used her key to unlock the door. The house was quiet but she wasn't worried about her aunt's safety. She could hear the TV from her room.She closed the door and stood on the driveway."I don't know where to start." She said with a sigh, leaning on the wall.Even thinkin
Charlotte didn't have time to properly reply to Esme. Or do anything else in particular except complete the drawings her boss asked her to domIn fact, her local church nearly didn't see her the next day.Frankly, if not for Aunt Joan accusing of leaving her religion and her God for the pleasures of money (the devil's milk to Aunt Joan) Charlotte would have stayed behind to complete the work."You look like you've been through hell." Ryan joked before taking his seat. Charlotte lowered her glasses."Damn. Did you get any sleep?" Ryan asked, more concerned now.Charlotte yawned, leaning into her seat. The office was cold as usual but Charlotte didn't mind it as much as she used to.It made her feel sleepy and that was a plus for her because she wanted to sleep. "You can have my cup" Ryan offered, handing her his cup of coffee.Charlotte knew how he liked his coffee- black with no cream or sugar.Just like bitter water, as Aunt Joan would say.Charlotte preferred it with a little cream
Charlotte took a spoon of her cookies n cream ice-cream as she wondered how she got herself in the situation she was in.At one side before her sat Ryan, eating a peanut butter swirl ice cream awkwardly.At the other side before her sat Prince Lucas with his own cup of regular vanilla ice-cream. He also looked quite uncomfortable.She realized how differently they were dressed. Ryan had a brown checkered shirt on with a red tie and brown trousers on. His hair was combed neatly to the back and with his new haircut, he looked flattering and generally like a responsible man.Prince Lucas however was in a large white trench coat. Underneath, he wore a white short sleeved polo shirt and brown trousers. His hair had been tied up in a messy bun.Much like Ryan, he had tucked in his shirt but they gave different vibes.Prince Lucas looked more carefree and relaxed whilst Ryan looked more tight and stressed in comparison.She held back her sigh.She should have insisted he didn't come but he w
"So you left him on read??" Mia exclaimed."What else was I supposed to do?!"Charlotte said before stuffing her mouth with salad."I don't know?! Ask him how he got your number??""So he'd lie? No thank you" Mia choked in disbelief."Charlotte!"Charlotte put down her fork."No, Mia think about this..how did he know where I worked? How did he get my number? He could be a creepy stalker."Mia chuckled."You do know that to register for the event, I had to put your address right?" She asked.Charlotte smacked her lips thoughtfully. "Oh"Her response threw Mia in a fit of laughter. "Well how did he get my number then?"She asked as she picked her food."I don't know. Ask him. And if it sounds fishy then you know he's up to something."Charlotte groaned."Come on. It won't be that bad. Ask him and tell me what he says. Bye."Mia ended the call before Charlotte could agree or disagree.Charlotte stared at her screen. Her finger hovered over WhatsApp and she contemplated doing as Mia said.
"Veronica?" Charlotte whispered.Ryan rubbed his face and nodded. Charlotte bit her lip at the revelation."How did she find you?"Ryan shrugged. He turned on his laptop."You're not thinking of... Of letting her in, are you?" Charlotte asked slowly."I don't know."Charlotte knew he meant it. That broke her heart."I don't think you're in the right place for that. She might just end up using you again." Charlotte said the last part in a low voice, afraid to hurt his feelings."I know. But don't worry, I've moved on." Charlotte shook her head."Still. Just stay away."Ryan passed his hand through his hair and smiled a little."I'm fine really. I don't have any feelings for her. I've found someone else." Charlotte's eyes lit up at the new revelation."Oh really? And you didn't tell me?" She asked, shocked but happy for him. Ryan's smile was now shy and innocent."Well I was going to tell you yesterday but your secret crashed the place." He said, referring to Prince Lucas.There was som