"To be homesick yet not for a place, but more for a feeling from seeing their face." - Pinterest

Charlie followed his family into their favorite restaurant. It was a Saturday at 5 pm so that it would be chaotic and busy. He took a deep breath, using his coping mechanism for loud places so he wouldn't get overstimulated this early into the dinner. The young man had to admit that he was proud of himself. He smiled softly as Tori squeezed his arm since she despised loud places. Charlie patted her hand affectionately.

"I'm going to the loo," Charlie informed his family. "Okay! Just find us when we get seated, bub." Julio said with a smile as Charlie walked off. Charlie was about to go into the restaurant's bathroom but froze as he heard someone call out his name.

"Oh my gosh, Charlie?"

It was Sarah Nelson. Charlie felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach. He adored the woman, don't get him wrong, but hearing her voice again brought back so many memories, good and bad.

Charlie inhaled before turning towards her, "Sarah! Hi! It's so good to see you!" Curse his voice for cracking.

"Oh, Hun, it's been too long! How is the university treating you?" Sarah embraced Charlie.

Charlie hugged back, and he felt himself sink into her arms. He missed her famous hugs. Her hugs could cure his depression. So many feelings engulfed Charlie, he almost forgot to answer her question, "Uh yeah, Uni is good! I'm home for break." He managed out as they let go.

Sarah beamed, "How wonderful! Nicky is coming home tomorrow." She stated.

Charlie felt nauseous at the mention of Nick, "H-How great! I have to go to the bathroom. Uhm, hug Nellie for me." He rushed. "Of course!" Sarah hummed and sat down with her friends, who waved at him.

Charlie took this opportunity to get to the bathroom, and that was when he let the tears fall. God, he was so embarrassing. He washed his face to ensure it didn't look like he was crying in the restaurant's bathroom and returned to where his family was.

"There you are! We thought you left!" Julio joked. Charlie sat down between Tori and Oliver with a shrug. "Just ran into someone, sorry."

"Oh? Who?" Jane quizzed as she sipped her wine. Charlie fiddled with his menu, clearing his throat. He didn't want to talk about it. "Sarah Nelson."

"Oh, how lovely! I'll stop by and say hi as we leave." Jane chirped, oblivious. Tori, on the other hand, glanced at Charlie in worry. "So...What's everyone getting?" Charlie asked, managing to change the subject; luckily, it worked.

Charlie tried to focus on his family for the rest of the dinner, but his mind kept returning to his awkward encounter with Sarah. Nick would be back in town at the same time as him....tomorrow. It was bound to happen at some point since they lived so close, but since Charlie was with Josh now, it ultimately left his mind.

He had better not run into Nick when he was in town; he didn't know what he'd do if he did. When Charlie got home from dinner, he was exhausted mentally and physically.

That always happened to him after going out to eat. He got into pjs, did his bedtime routine, and got under the covers before checking his phone. He smiled as he saw messages from Josh, Tao, and Elle.

Josh: I hope your first day back is going good, babe ❤️ xx

Char: it's okay! I just settled in and went to dinner with the fam. Miss you tho, xx

Josh: I went out with Jax and just got home, so I thought I'd check in! Xx

Charlie sighed softly; he couldn't help but feel a bit jealous at that. Jax was Josh's best friend, who clarified that he didn't like Charlie being with Jax.

Of course, they were hanging out as soon as Charlie left town. Charlie didn't admit it to Jax, though...he didn't want to seem like a prick.

Char: I hope you had fun

Charlie then checked his messages from Tao and Elle. They had a group chat with Isaac.

God, he missed them so, so much. He couldn't wait to see them tomorrow; that cheered him up.

Tao: still on for tomorrow?

Char: yeah! I can't wait to see you guys. I'm so excited! ❤️

Elle: same 😭❤️

Isaac: yes!

Charlie shut off his phone, plugging it in to charge, and rubbed his eyes. He didn't know how tomorrow was going to go...