Love Notes

Chapter 44-Maverick



Of everything I imagined that she could’ve told me, that was not one of them. The guilt I feel is magnified by a thousand times ten. I know in all honesty, it isn’t my fault, but somehow can’t help but feel I contributed, in a small part to her pain.

I drove home knowing I’m in need of some guidance. My mom and dad knew what I was doing tonight and wanted to come. However, I convinced them to stay. I thought it might be too much for Charlie and I’m glad I listened to my instincts.

I grudgingly walk in and there they sit, with bated breaths. I smile a half cocked smile, “Well it was good and it wasn’t. But I should probably explain in detail.”

I sit there and start to recall the whole sordid details of the night. From the song with Charlie, to stepping in the back and seeing a slowly fading mark across her cheek. I explain to them what Charlie had told me, about her parents as well as the ending of her evening the night before. I get choked up and feel a tear well up in my eye and quickly wipe it away. I see my dad tense up and his hands close into a fist until his knuckles are white, when I mention Charlie being slapped. And my mom throwing her hand over her mouth, shaking her head and stifling a loud gasp at the mention of how Charlie found out about her “dad.”

We all sit in silence for a few minutes, just taking it all in. I can see my mom’s heart breaking for my Charlie. She comes and sits next to me, pulling me towards her, and just hugs me. This only fuels my anger for Charlie’s mom. How many mom hugs did Charlie miss out on?

I gather my bearings and begin to explain my intentions of going to homecoming. But that Charlie still has something to say to me and I won’t give her a chance to tell me, until after, I give her the perfect night.

“Regardless of the outcome, I’m glad she has you son.” My dad says.

“I screwed up though, don’t you see?”

“No, son. You had an accident and pushed people away that love you. Who’s to say what we would’ve done, in that same position? The point is that you recognized it and are trying desperately to make it right.”

I know he’s trying to make me feel better, but nothing can. Not right now. What I can do though, is make sure that Charlie has the best homecoming possible.