Chapter 5: I Called Hannah 'Bangable'

Charlie:

My thoughts were muddled at how much I liked and cared for Hannah all week. Even during practices, she's on my mind. Thankfully coach didn't notice when I almost missed my mark during his counts. Hannah's beautiful, clumsy, funny, sassy, independent and sexy. Sure, girls still came around me and asked me out. I had to keep turning them down.

She's one of the good things I had in my life. Besides swimming. I'm the most popular guy in school, one of the best swimmers and it's expected that my focus was on it. The coach was depending on me to lead the team and make it to the top. My parents want full scholarships and to compete for the Olympics one day. To be the next Michael Phelps. My friends would expect more from me and her. I wanted to keep it this way, without prying eyes or social media.

Before Hannah left, Mom and dad called that they're working late. The doorbell rang rapidly and knocks were ferocious. "Hold on!" I yelled out before opening the door. "Bro!" he said to me excited with open arms. In the same mood, we embraced in a hug.

"What are you- I thought you're living in Japan indefinitely?" I asked Matt.

"I'm here for a month to visit the family. I missed mom's cooking. Do you know eating too much raw fish makes your tongue numb? Anyway, how's my little bro?" He grabbed my shoulder giving me a side hug. His hair was cut shorter from the last time he visited. He pulled his luggage behind him as he headed into the kitchen and I followed. He began telling me about how there was this great exhibit in Tokyo and the hotel accommodations. Reaching into his suitcase he tossed me Japanese candy and noodles. I thanked him.

I actually missed this jerk. Being Matt's younger brother, I had a reputation to keep up because he's a legend at my school. Girls wanted him and guys wanted to be him. Both of us had the same looks:: blue eyes and brown hair, he's just taller than me. He passed the torch when he graduated. He graduated with a degree in engineering and finished an internship at one of the biggest companies in Japan. From a few months to a couple of years, he's now one of the main associates at the company. "How's school?"

"Good, I'm the top swimmer on my team."

"Nice! Congrats. I know you're running that school, right?" he asked as we entered the house, helping him with his two suitcases.

"You know it!" I responded with a smile.

"What about the ladies? How many dates have you been on this week?" He goes directly into the kitchen, opening the fridge door and taking out a Tupperware of leftover chicken and mashed potatoes.

"I had to cut it down from three to one." I lied with a smooth smile.

His eyes narrowed, suspicious but grinned at me. "I like your strategy, dude. Let them beg for more." We fist-bumped, Matt microwaved the food and began eating. My phone vibrated from my pocket, as I pulled it out there was a notification text from Austin and Max about a party Friday night at Max's house. One from Lucy reminding me about the banquet next Saturday. I thought she was gonna take her new boy toy, Seth, why is she texting me about it? I still don't get how that punk ditched Hannah and her friends. Such a bitch move to do. I send a quick text to Hannah.

You heard about the party on Friday?- loopy

She replied quickly. Yeah. Not going- bubbles

Please? I like watching you from afar- loopy.

It's at your friend's house. No way! - bubbles.

For me? I'll make it worth your while 😏- loopy

And wats that, ignoring me all night?- bubbles

I won't do that, I promise-loopy

Fine. I'll go lol- bubbles

See you then ☺- loopy

Byeeeee!- bubbles I smirked and shook my head.

"What's got you all smiley and shit?" Matt swiped my phone from my hand.

"Dick, give that back!" I ran after him in the kitchen as he held the phone reading my messages.

"Ooh party on Friday, I'm coming with you."

"You're old."

"24, that's not old. I can be a chaperone."

"Yeah, be the weird old guy at a high school party."

"Kidding. Who's bubbles?" Shit, I mumbled to myself.

"Just some girl I might hook up with at the party." I finally took the phone from him, he pulled an appreciative expression.

"Is her name really bubbles or is it some code?"

"Her name's- Edith." I thought quickly.

"Edith. Is she hot?"

"Bangable hot," I smirked. I called Hannah 'bangable'.

"That's my bro! See Charlie, that's why we are related: we know how to charm 'em and leave 'em. Any pictures?"

"No." To be honest I got a chance to sneak pictures when she's not looking. I had a folder just for her, labeled 'one'. She doesn't even know. My favorite one was when she had this frown on her face looking at her phone screen.

"Wear a condom and stay safe. Goodnight." It was the last thing he said, he made his way upstairs with his stuff, leaving me alone in the kitchen. I don't know if mom and dad knew he's back, but they would be happy. At least he didn't figure out who I was texting, what a relief. I got to see her on Friday, well from a distance. As I made my way upstairs to my room, I showered and got ready for bed. 

My ringtone went off, it's an unknown number on the screen. "Hello?" I responded in a confused tone.

"Charlie!!!!  It's been too long! Why haven't you called me back?" I rolled my eyes, I don't even remember her name.  Before she spoke again, I hung up. I checked the time, it was almost ten pm. I had an early practice tomorrow. I set my alarm for six and entered the covers.