Chapter 13: I know

Hannah:

I enjoyed my time with Louis, wanted to pay for my own food but his typical male mentality offered to pay for everything. I didn't want him thinking it's a date, that's why I brought my own money. We talked more about our hobbies, books and movies. Finding out he loved the 'Harry Potter' series just like me and thinking about joining the lacrosse team in our school since it's his favorite sport. I never pegged him for lacrosse, more of a football boy. I told him he can join, our team ranked number four last year in state for being the best.

I felt my phone vibrate and see that Charlie texted me. Now he wanted to contact me. Texting back and forth he responded that he's sick. Great now I feel guilty.

"Who are you texting?" Louis asked abruptly.

"Oh, my mom. She's out of town so she was just asking me if I was ok." I lied.

"Do you need any company if you're alone?"

"No, my uncle is my guardian so I can't have many guests over. Only for studying." He nodded and gave a disappointed smile. "I have to go anyway before my uncle starts to worry."

"Ok," he agreed. throwing away our trash, we exited the mall and entered his car.

He dropped me off in front of my house, telling that I'll see him at school and he said the same. Making my way to my front door, I used my house keys to enter inside.

"Uncle Rob?" I yelled out but no one responded. I put my backpack on the ground, looked around for any signs if he was here. Heading to the kitchen there's a pot on the stove, opening the lid to see chicken noodle soup and a note on the counter. Unfolding it it read: Went to your aunt's house, saved you some soup. I'll be home soon. Call if you need anything.- Uncle Robert. I didn't want warm soup since I ate already and knowing my uncle and his obsession of salt when he cooked. I always tell him that it will cause hypertension but he claimed that he's healthy as a horse and will never happen.

Maybe I can stay and wait for him, but Charlie wanted me to come over. How am I gonna get there without being seen? Pursing my lips in thought of my options: Risk it or stay at home. I did miss him today. Risk it. I grabbed my house keys, leaving my house and began walking to Charlie's house. Only a fifteen minute walk, I could use the exercise and praying no one familiar spotted me.

***

Since I'm a fast walker, I made it there in ten minutes. His mansion coming in view I approached the back yard texting Charlie that I was here. My phone vibrated, notifying me of a text but it's not from Charlie, an unknown number. I opened the message: I Know. What does that mean? I frowned in confusion. Maybe it's a wrong number, everyone gets random calls and texts from strangers since numbers are recycled.

"Hey." shaking my head from my thoughts I looked up, Charlie coming out of his house and moving closer, red nosed and glassy eyes still in his pajamas.

"Hi." I replaced my frown with a smile.

"You ok?" I think he caught my frown when I looked at him.

"It's nothing, my phone is acting weird."

"You need to upgrade for a new one."

"I know. I see you weren't lying."

"What made you think I was lying?"

"You didn't call or anything so I assumed you were with Ally or another girl so when you-"

"Wait. Why would I be with Ally? You know she's not my type."

"She wasn't at school either and I just assumed the worst."

"You can't just assume like that, Hannah. The cold sprung up on me when I woke up this morning. Besides you were with that Louis guy."

"We hung out and had hot dogs."

"Please tell me that wasn't a euphemism for anything."

I rolled my eyes. "Food, Charlie. Nothing sexual."

"We need to trust each other."

"You're right. Sorry," I muttered, staring at my feet while I shuffled it.

"Hey," he lifted my face with his hand and kissed me on the cheek. "No need. I should have called." Blushing from his soft lips every time it made contact on my skin.

"I can't stay; I have to go home soon." I informed him.

"It's fine, I texted because I care." I bit my lip, wanting to kiss him but I didn't want to catch his germs. I love but not enough to catch a cold.

"I'll see you at school, hopefully. Or maybe Friday."

"Hopefully." We hugged each other briefly and I left his backyard making my way home. We still haven't found common ground for our love, does he really feel the same. Reaching for my phone. it's almost six pm. I began browsing my messages if I got anything else new, going back to that text I received earlier. Still confused of it but it's nothing to worry about.