Chapter 4
1159 Words
Charlie’s attention was stucked between the man who broke her heart and her best friend, who always cared for her.
Mabel broke the silence as she turned to Charlie. Do you know him?” Her tone was suspicious and heavy.
Charlie muttered a few words that no one could hear. She wasn't sure if she should be defensive or angry.
"Charlie, is there something you are hiding from me?" Mary said, raising her voice slightly.
Charlie stood there, frozen. How could she begin to explain the emotional turmoil that has taken place in her life in the past few days.
Charlie scratched her hair and turned to Gabriel, who still fixed his gaze on her. It was as though he was waiting for her to make the first move.
She knew she was already in a mess and losing her friend’s trust wasn’t something she was ready to add to to pain.
Gabriel broke the silence. His voice is subtle and calm. “It’s not what you think, Mabel." I’m here to protect her and seek forgiveness.
Mabel replied firmly. "Well, I don't know if I should believe you."
But my friend has been walking around hopelessly, and a wise person should know the reason.
Charlie’s eyes blazed at the truth in her friend’s words. She had been avoiding Mabel recently. Too shy and scared to reveal her humiliating experience from a stranger she thought had fallen in love with her.
Gabriel cut in immediately. “I don’t mean to hurt you or your friend.” I just want to make things right with you, Charlie.”
Mabel heaved a sigh and turned to Charlie. As though she was expecting her to give a reply immediately.
Charlie could feel the heat on her shoulders. The weight was too much for her to carry..
She turned and looked at Mabel and then Gabriel. “I don't know what to say,” she said faintly. “I’m just trying to recover from the pain you inflicted on me.”
Mabel stretched her hand and reached out to Charlie. “You don’t have to be dear.” I’m here for you.
Charlie nodded in affirmation. She felt like running away without giving Gabriel the answer he was patiently waiting for.
But there was something in Gabriel’s words that made her want to believe him instantly. She tried to avoid it. But her heart seems to be made up. At least, in every lie. There is an element of truth.
But how could she stoop so low to fall into his arms again. Although he is rich, some things are more valuable than money. She can't afford to allow him to pierce her fragile heart with pain anymore.
Gabriel’s words interrupted her thinking abruptly. “Tell me what you need, Charlie." I will do anything you demand henceforth.
His offer was too good to be true. And even though her heart was slightly yielding to it. She quickly sensed the dangers in it.
"Gabriel, I can’t go on like this." I need to heal my wounded heart without you in the picture. Trust me, I’ll be fine. I just need you to let me be for now.
Gabriel's voice shook with disbelief. “It’s okay, I’ll give you the space you need.” I’ll let you be, but don’t expect me to leave you forever.
Charlie turned to Mabel for reassurance. She wasn’t sure if that was what she was supposed to say. But she was sure she wasn’t making a mistake this time.
At least, she knew what she wanted and went for it, instead of deceiving herself with false hope and expectations.
She looked once again at Mabel. “Can we go somewhere and discuss?" We have a lot to talk about. Just the two of us.
Mabel agreed immediately. “Sure, let’s go!”
Charlie turned and left Gabriel. Following her down the hallway. She wished she could forget about him so soon. But she knew it wouldn’t take long before her heart would begin yearning for him again.
They both went to a local coffee shop. The shop was bubbling with life, music was in the air, and Mabel nodded slowly to it. ‘But Charlie wasn’t feeling the vibe.
She was lost in her world once again. And the thought of Gabriel filled her heart.
As soon as they sat, Mabel began. "Charlie, what’s going on?" See, you’ve to tell me everything this time.
Charlie could feel the uneasiness in Mabel’s voice. She knew Mabel was waiting to hear the truth, but she didn’t know what to say or where to start. The words were heavy, too heavy to pass through her mouth.
She summoned courage and opened her mouth in regret. “ I don’t know how to begin." I felt something for him. I thought it was real.
I thought he felt the same way.
But I was wrong. He saw me in and out. He explored my innocence. Then, he disappeared before I knew what was happening.
When I saw him again, I had already prepared my heart to move on. I don't know how he managed to find me, but I wasn't prepared for it again. His words mean nothing to me anymore. I can’t even tell if he is telling the truth," she concluded. Tears gushing down her cheek.
Mabel couldn’t utter a word at first. She just held Charlie’s hands as if agreeing to what she just said.
“Charlie,” she said, “you’ve always been a strong woman.” I know you will survive it.
Charlie’s face lightens as she lifted her head from the table. “Do you think he is a playboy? Do you think I should believe him?”
Mabel stood up and reached the table. She gave Charlie a pat on the back. “It’s not your fault, Charlie." It’s not wrong to love someone at first sight. And you can’t tell his true intentions until you give him a chance.
The weight of Mabel’s words made her swallow hard, as if she was trying to gulp down the truth.
She had always trusted her decisions and never regretted her instinct. But maybe she can’t be right all the time.
Mabel was right. She couldn’t tell unless they took the risk, which was now staring at her.
As they both left the coffee shop, Charlie was still a shadow of herself. She couldn’t decide whether she should give him a chance or not.
As she walked towards her car with Mabel, her phone buzzed suddenly. She jerked out of fear as she saw the name.
Gabriel!
Her heart sank a little as she read the message.
"Charlie, it’s not over yet." I won’t let you go away.
She could feel the heat in her hands as her heart raced, speedily.
She heard another buzz from her phone. This time, it wasn’t a message. It was a call.
- Writer
