Author's Thoughts: Oh my gosh, thanks for getting this story ranked 175 in Teen Fiction <3 The end is so near. Are you ready for it? This story will conclude at Chapter 50 with, perhaps, an epilogue. You have been warned.

Playing Boyfriend, Girlfriend & Friend

While Alexander and Cameron speed out through the front door, shouting hasty goodbyes to their father, Charlie is hot on their tails. Just as she snatches the brown paper bag up, Mr Whitmen tells her they need to have a talk, which causes the girl to skid to halt at the counter. "What's up?" She unzips her backpack and shoves her breakfast inside. While waiting for him to carry on, she plucks an apple from the basket and sinks her teeth into the crisp and tart flesh of the fruit.

Mr Whitmen wouldn't normally interfere with the love-lives of his children, but this is his little girl we're talking about here. He has to be, at least, somewhat in the loop with her affairs. It's his job as her father. "What's this I hear about you and Ethan going out on a date?" Charles questions as he folds his arms against his broad chest and cocks his head to the side.

If he hadn't run into Layna at the market yesterday, he would have never known. He meant to ask his daughter about the matter during dinner last night but Charlie had been over at Jillian's house, working on a project they have that's due today.

Charlie raises an eyebrow at him, taking another bite. "It's exactly what it sounds like," she answers nonchalantly while she continues to chew like a cow chomping on cud.

"What happened with Hayden?" Mr Whitmen frowns. From what he saw, the two of them looked like they were doing swell. Granted, of course, he rarely ever found them spending time together. Actually, thinking about it now, maybe he hadn't been paying close enough attention to them.

"We broke up," Charlie informs, checking the time on her phone.

His jaw drops. "Why?"

Since she doesn't feel like lying to him anymore, she decides to come clean. She doesn't have to hide this from him considering the deal between her and Hayden has finally come to an end. "If I tell you, you have to promise me you won't be mad," she bargains.

Mr Whitmen's face hardens, his teeth gritted as he narrows his eyes at her. Why doesn't he like the sound of this? It couldn't be... "Charlie, what happened?"

"We were never actually dating," she spits out, bracing herself for the storm that's about to hit.

The man's eyebrows knit together as he sends her a quizzical look. He has no idea what she's saying. It must be a fad this generation has come up with. "What does that even mean? Is this, like, one of those popular trends you kids are following these days? Is that it?"

"What? No, that doesn't even make sense," Charlie sighs, shaking her head. "Dad, what I'm trying to tell you is that we were never boyfriend and girlfriend in the first place. I only said we were because, well, he needed my help."

If she wanted to, she could have pushed all of the blame onto Hayden since he was the one who blabbered and lied to his mother about them being an item, dragging her into his mess without her consent. Her dad would probably hate him for it and let her off easy too, but, she decided to spare him. He's already got enough to deal with, like his parents' splitting up and his recent breakup with Cecilia.

"Why would he need your help?" her father ponders. An idea creeps into his mind. "Unless... Is he gay? Is that it?"

"No, it's nothing like that," Charlie replies. "He was just seeing this girl whose parents didn't exactly approve of her dating and I was only used as a decoy to throw everyone at school off guard. I felt bad for lying to you, dad, but what was I supposed to do?"

"So, you two weren't dating and were only pretending?" he clarifies, just to make sure he's understanding this correctly. "But now you and Ethan are really dating?"

"Yeah, that sounds about right," she agrees.

"Well, that makes a lot more sense," Mr Whitmen remarks, his posture and expression relaxing. "I never saw you and Hayden being a compatible pair. He's too good for you."

"Wow, thanks dad," deadpans the girl. Isn't he supposed to say something along the lines of she's the one that's too good for him? "That totally doesn't bruise my ego at all."

"Not good as in he's out of your league good," he laughs. "Good as in, he follows the rules and never does anything that could possibly land him behind bars good. Haven't you noticed you're a bit of a troublemaker, Charlie?"

"I've been told." She grins. "So, you're not mad?"

Then, Charles walks over to his daughter and tousles her hair. "How could I be? I'm feeling pretty proud of you for going to such measures to help a friend." As a parent, knowing that you've raised your children to do the right things is probably one of the sweetest rewards there is. He isn't pleased about the lying part but he gets it. The important part to remember is that his children have their own lives to live.

"Sweet," Charlie sings, "see you later." She tries to make a break for it but her father catches her backpack and keeps her from progressing forward. He's not going to let her go that easily.

"Not so fast, young lady," he says. "Make sure you bring Ethan over for dinner later. He and I need to have a talk."

Charlie turns to him and sucks her teeth. "Are you serious?"

"I am," Charles declares.

"Fine," she concedes. There's no point in putting up a fight. They might as well get it over with in the beginning because "the talk" is inevitable, even Charlie knows that. It's better for them to get it out of the way sooner than later, unlike what she should have done with her dreadful and tedious health class. Skipping down the front steps, Charlie tosses the apple core into the mulch and rushes to the car parked by the curb.

"Took you long enough," Cameron comments as Charlie slides into the passenger's seat.

She ignores him and addresses the driver while fastening her seatbelt. "Sorry about that. My dad needed to talk to me."

"It's no problem," Ethan assures with a handsome smile which reaches his eyes. He starts the vehicle and turns to her. "But morning, beautiful girlfriend of mine." Next, he leans in and captures her lips in a quick kiss. Although the deed lasts no longer than a couple of seconds, due to the fact that they have minors in the back, it manages to make Charlie's heart thump out of rhythm and goosebumps to unfurl on her arms. She could get used to this. Who knew kissing could be so—pleasant?

"Ew, gross!" Cameron shrieks, his face contorted into one filled with utter disgust. "Are you guys going to do this every morning?" I mean, sure he might like the guy but he doesn't want to see his sister making out in front of him before school. Talk about loss of appetite. Alexander, on the other hand, has his headphones plugged in and his nose buried into his notebook. He's got a big biology test today and he's determined to get an A.

"Sorry, dude. Couldn't help it," Ethan apologizes sheepishly, switching the gears and departing towards their destination.

Charlie glances over her shoulder and looks at her brother. "Shut it, Cam. You can walk to school if you want."

He scowls at her from the backseat, slumping into his seat. "I am so telling dad," he threatens.

"Go ahead," she snorts. "He already knows."

"You mean you already told him we were dating?" Ethan gapes, trying to keep his focus on the road. He wanted to tell him together. You know, score himself some brownie points and get into Mr Whitmen's good graces for doing so. He is, after all, dating his only daughter. It's also vital for him to leave a good impression on the man because, being the old-fashioned guy he is, having her family's approval is grave to Ethan. It's always better to be on good terms with them, makes everything less awkward.

"Layna mentioned our date to him at the market." She shrugs. "He was going to find out one way or another. Oh yeah, and before I forget, he wants you to come over for dinner tonight," Charlie reports.

"Really?" Ethan's eyes go wide as panic consumes him. He wasn't expecting an invitation so soon, especially not one on such notice! They've just made their relationship official two days ago! He's not ready for this. He needs time to mentally prepare himself! What if he screws up? "Should I bring something? Flowers? Chocolate? A six pack?"

Charlie bites back a smile and stifles a laugh. And she thought she was the only one who'd get nervous around dads. "Just bring yourself," she prompts. "It's not like it's the first time you've had dinner at my house." She doesn't see what the huge deal is.

"I know it's not," he answers, "but it'll be my first time having dinner at your house as your boyfriend."

"Don't overthink it," Charlie says, taking his hand and intertwining their fingers. The contact feels hot, like her skin has been set on fire, but instead of burning, screaming in agony from the heat, she finds herself basking in the warmth known as Ethan Morindozo, the boy who is able to lighten her entire world with a single smile. She doesn't know what's come over her but this—it feels natural. Besides, he's always been there for her and now it's her turn to do the same.

"I'll be there with you." Charlie peers down at their hands, the corners of her lips defying gravity, as she gushes about Gabriel said to her. He's right. She did snag herself a keeper and, you better believe she's planning to hold onto him for as long as she can. "Every step of the way."

Without bothering to say goodbye, Alexander wanders off, heading towards his own homeroom. Charlie approaches Ethan and, again, allows their palms to touch. Ethan notices a few students, who are loitering around in the lot, sending scrutinizing gazes in their direction and he stays rooted to the ground, unwilling to move. "Charlie, maybe we shouldn't be so open about our relationship."

"Why not?" The girl frowns. "Isn't this what couples do?"

"Yeah, no it is," Ethan replies, feeling an immense amount of guilt wash over him. "Trust me. There's nothing more that I want than to hold your hand and parade into the damn place, showing you off to anyone who's got eyes, including Mr Reynolds. He's a janitor here and he's actually a pretty cool guy and everything, but that's not the point. The point is people are still gossiping about you and Hayden and I don't want them saying bad things about you."

"Who cares what they say?" Charlie answers flatly.

"I do," Ethan exhales. "I don't want them calling you all of these names without knowing the truth, especially if it's because of me. It hurts, okay?" Even though he's defended her on numerous occasions, it usually does her more harm than good and it sucks knowing he can't do anything to protect her.

"I'll be fine." The girl smiles. "I've got nothing to be ashamed of. Do you?"

"No, of course not," he declares.

"Good, so we're on the same page," Charlie says. "And one more thing. None of this is because of you. Sometimes, people are just shitty and we can't do a thing about it except ignore it." She's got a point there.

"I'm sorry if I sounded like I didn't want to be seen with you," Ethan states, "because, I can assure you, that is definitely not the case."

"Then let's go and make headlines, boyfriend." Charlie grins.

"After you, girlfriend," he returns in the same playful manner. And with their relationship on full display, the couple waltz into school, making sure everyone got the message that no matter what venomous words they spew, Charlie and Ethan are not going anywhere.

"I so knew you two had a thing." Mariana smirks once the pair enter the room and take their seats. After dropping her off at homeroom, Ethan made sure to go back and pick her up so they could walk to calculus together.

"Do you want a prize?" Charlie asks sarcastically.

"A mani pedi would suffice," the girl supplies.

"A mani what?" Charlie questions.

"Oh god. How could you not know what a mani pedi is? What planet are you from?" Mariana huffs, deeply offended as she places a hand on her chest. "It's short for manicure and pedicure. You know, when you get your nails done by the pros? I have to take you for you to understand."

"It's nice to know two of my best students are getting along," Mr Gherardi coos happily from his desk. "You two should join the Mathletes together. You'd make excellent additions to the team."

"Two of your best students?" Charlie repeats, confused as she turns to look at Ethan. "I thought you were terrible at math."

He sends her a wicked smile and shrugs. "Never said I was."

"Why'd you ask to study with me when you were doing just fine on your own?"

"Because I wanted to spend time with you," he offers truthfully. "How else was I supposed to get close to you?"

Mariana pretends to gag and Charlie laughs, rolling her eyes. What a sly guy her boyfriend is indeed.

* * *

In the cafeteria, students are ruthless as they constantly attack Charlie with their words. She's seated at her normal table with Jillian and the two of them engage in their own conversation, trying to block out all of the hate.

"What is wrong with her?"

"I never thought she would be so easy."

"I can't even look at her. Does she not know what shame is?"

"There's no way they're going to last either."

"I feel bad for Hayden. He must feel betrayed."

"Are you kidding me? It's a blessing they're not together anymore."

"He could do so much better."

Hayden clenches his jaw, his grip on the lunch tray tightening as he halts at the center of the room. Enough is enough. He is beyond sick and tired with the other kids running their mouths when they have absolutely no idea what really happened. Charlie doesn't deserve to be belittled and judged like this. After everything she's done for him, it's time for Hayden to return the favor. Slamming his food onto the floor, the tray clatters, along with the metal utensils, successfully seizing everyone's attention. He doesn't care what they'll think.

"Charlie and I were never dating!" Hayden declares, the murmurs growing louder by the second. "Due to situations I would not like to explain, mainly because it's nobody else's fucking business, I asked her to be my fake girlfriend and being the amazing friend she is, she decided to help me out. So, for anyone who is giving her shit, just stop. She doesn't deserve any of this. If you want to hate somebody, hate me."

The room falls silent as everyone is processing his words. Hayden's eyes flit over to where Charlie is located and he discovers her staring at him. Slowly, he backs out of the cafeteria before whirling around sprinting off. The weather, as predicted, is bitter and cold, mirroring Hayden's personality to a T. He's hiding in the dugout by the baseball field, immersed in his own thoughts when another person joins him.

"You do realize that you just said fucking and shit in front of a third of the school, including the vice principal, right?"

"Well, there goes my Golden Boy reputation," he replies, chuckling quietly.

"Thanks, for what you need back there," Charlie says, plopping down next to him.

"Don't mention it. It's what friends do for each other," Hayden mutters.

"How are your parents?" she inquires carefully.

He inhales. "They finally broke the news to me."

"How do you feel?"

"Better than I expected, to be honest," he admits.

"And Cecilia?"

"I still love her," Hayden whispers. "But, sometimes, loving someone isn't enough. I realized we're heading down two different paths and it's probably for the best we say our goodbyes now instead of making things harder on the both of us later on. We were never completely honest with each other, Charlie, and honesty is important in a relationship. Just look at you and Ethan."

"I'm sure you'll find a girl you could be yourself with, flaws and all," says Charlie as she punches his arm, attempting to get rid of the suffocating mood. "Just remember, nobody's perfect, not even you and it's okay."

"Thanks for being a great friend to me, even though I can't say I've been the same to you."

"As long as you don't pull me into the same bullshit you did at the beginning of the year, I'll be around if you need a friend." And, believe it or not, Charlie means every single word. Because, like everyone else in the world, Hayden Knight can make mistakes too.

Why shouldn't he get a second chance?

- - -

Author's Thoughts: Because I needed to make sure Hayden redeemed himself. Just know, it took him a lot of courage to step up like that, especially in front of all those people, which led Charlie to forgive him.

Please vote and leave comments as you please <3. And again, thank you for getting this story ranked 175!