“We’ve been given a second chance.”

- The Best of Me, in theaters today

Chapter 5

“What are they doing?” Mark questioned Charmeine behind the glass window.

She rolled her eyes, “I’m not going to tell you anything, Uncle.”

“Then what is the point of you wanting to pursue seeing this boy again, huh?” He snapped, clutching tightly on the phone as he threw daggers at her with his glare.

“Because it’s been a while since I saw him!” And because she likes his company, and who knows… maybe because she still has a thing for him?

The reason why she didn’t continue on telling her uncle anything about the Rogers family is because the Rogers had been extremely good to her. Never before had she been treated with warm kindness and hospitality – even from her own twisted family.

She loves the Rogers.

Still does.

She was ecstatic when she saw Aidan once again in school, but she was also afraid that he wouldn’t recognize her because of how different she looked.

The reason why she lost all that weight? Not because she decided to work out and eat right… No. Because as punishment for her actions, she was stripped of her freedom; meaning eating less and very little time outside. Luckily she was still homeschooled, but still.

Her family was crazy.

And yes, Aidan didn’t recognize her.

Maybe that was a good thing, because what if she became involved again with that family? She couldn’t let anything happen to that family.

She knew the history of Drake and Emma, and even Aidan; even though he has no freakin’ idea about the adventures of Emma and Drake. She doesn’t really know the whole history, but whatever. They were involved with gangs, also, right?

“You are not to see him again, do you hear me?’ Mark continued on, interrupting her thoughts. “Otherwise, I’m going to tell your parents and –“

“My parents won’t give a shit.” Charmeine snapped, picking up Aidan’s habits of cursing here and then. “And you’re stuck behind bars, uncle. You have no say in what I do.”

Before he could retort back to her, she threw the phone down and got up; inwardly hitting herself for even visiting him in the first place.

.

“What are you looking for, sweetie?”

Charmeine jumped as she continued to bus the tables. She turned around to see Miss Danita giving her a knowing look.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She muttered under her breath.

It’s been a week now since she saw Aidan here. Didn’t he say he was going to visit her more often? Or was that just casual talk?

Maybe she was wrong. Maybe he isn’t interested in her again…

“For days you’ve been watching every single soul who has walked inside that door.” Her supervisor said, “Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

Crap. She totally did.

“Sorry.” Charmeine sighed, mindlessly spraying the table with more Oasis cleaning.

It’s official.

Aidan doesn’t care anymore.

“Hey.”

Except he does!

She quickly looked up and saw him – oh goodness, he looks so adorable with that red and black plaid shirt and dark blue jeans.

“Table for one?” He grinned cheekily at her, earning that familiar giggle from her.

“You actually came?” She said breathlessly, staring at him with wide eyes and a huge grin spreading across her face. When she realized how ridiculous she looked, she tried to drop her smile and cleared her throat. “I mean… wow, I didn’t know you were serious about visiting me.”

“Sorry for the delay,” Aidan shrugged, “Had a little verbal fight with my uncle Rich, but all is well! He sends his hello, by the way. And that he apologizes about what happened that day and –“

“About that.” Charmeine tried to look busy cleaning the tables as she continued talking to him. “We got off horribly the last time we spoke, and I just want to say I’m sorry I –“

“Don’t.” Aidan quickly rushed to her side, not even caring that guests could see them. “I should be the one apologizing for not wanting to hear your side of the story.”

“Do you want to hear?” Charmeine asked, looking at the clock nailed to the wall. “I did it because I was scared of my family. But ugh, that’s not a good explanation, I’ll explain more when I get off in like fifteen minutes.”

“No.” Aidan shook his head and taking her hand. “I’m at the point now where I don’t care anymore. In the end, you practically saved us by not leaking information about my dad and mom. That’s all I care about.”

Charmeine studied him, a small smile forming across her lips. “I know I never said this before, but despite all the stuff we been through, in the beginning I tried to stop… I couldn’t. I really do love you still, Aidan.”

“That’s another reason why I want us to start all over.” Aidan grinned, bringing her hands towards his lips. “I still love you too.”

“Love makes people do stupid things, huh?” Charmeine laughed, as she gave Aidan the menu to appear busy.

“I’m just thankful you still love me,” Aidan sighed with a small smile as he made sure to hold onto her hand still. “Despite all the mistakes I’ve made.”

“Though lovers be lost, love shall not.” – Dylan Thomas.

End.