"There's nothing more to it really," I said, zipping up my jacket. I was on the phone with Emery the next night. I also happened to be sitting on the window ledge with my legs dangling against the brick wall beneath me. "We kissed and then he asked me to be his girlfriend."

Actually there was more to it. I just didn't know how to put it into words without getting embarrassed.

Mason had pulled away from the kiss slowly, and smiled at me brightly, his excitement written on his face. I blushed, of course, and gave him a shy smile as I unwrapped my hands down from around him.

"So, um... w-where –" The English language seemed to escape me. "Where does... that leave us?" I had asked.

"Where do you want it to leave us?" Mason had replied. I bit my lip nervously.

I didn't know entirely. What I did know was that kissing him could easily become my new favourite hobby.

"I don't know..." I shifted a little closer to him.

Did I want to risk getting hurt? No. But let's face it. I was already in deep way before that kiss and I knew I'd continue to be way after. Mason felt worth it. I looked up at him and smiled.

"I do know that I want to be with you... and maybe kiss you again," I had said. Mason's lips curved up into a smile.

"Well, then Charlie, will you be my girlfriend?" he asked, taking my hand. I liked the sound of that word coming out of his mouth.

"Yes, I will," I grinned. Then he kissed me again, which in fact solidified my new favourite hobby.

"And you said yes of course," Emery's voice snapped me back into the present. I rolled my eyes at her, though she couldn't see me.

"Well, duh," I replied sarcastically, despite not being able to wipe the goofy grin off of my face.

"Aw! Charlie! I can hear the joy in your voice! This is amazing. I'm so happy for you!" Emery exclaimed, making me blush.

"Thank you," I responded. "I should probably go now; I'm getting cold."

"Lemme guess... you found a window ledge to sit on?" she asked knowingly. I grinned at how well she knew me.

"Yeah! It's not warm out here and I'm not about to attempt getting down with one hand," I replied. Emery laughed.

"You're an idiot," she teased. "Now hang up before you fall and die."

"Bye Emery," I said in a playfully patronizing tone.

"By Charlie," she replied in the same tone. I hung up and slipped my phone into my jacket pocket before attempting to spin around. As I swung one leg into my room, there was a knock on my door.

"Come in!" I called, trying to hold on to the window. The door opened, but I didn't glance up right away. I swung the other foot inside and jumped down onto my bed.

"Charlie, what have I told you about sitting on window ledges?" Linda asked, leaning against the frame. I grinning impishly at her.

"That it's unsafe and I could fall to my death," I repeated probably for the 400th time this year. Linda rolled her eyes and walked into the room. She knew I wasn't going to listen anyways.

"I was just checking to see if you're okay," she said. I nodded slowly and smiled at her. "Alright; sleep well and I'll see you in the morning."

"You too! Night," I smiled again and grabbed a blanket from the edge of my bed. Linda left the room and closed the door behind her.

***

I sat up quickly in the darkness, breathing heavily. It was version two of the recurring nightmares. It was barely even a nightmare, and more of a memory with a painful twist. Somehow that was more terrifying.

I threw off my blankets and dangled my legs off the side of the bed. I put my head in my hands and took a deep breath to slow my heart rate down.

That dream always felt so real...

"Charlie!" I would hear Linda yelling. I'd jump out of bed with my heart in my throat, because she sounded really angry.

I'd run downstairs and into the kitchen where everyone is sitting – Linda, Jay and Lorraine. No one would greet me. Instead, there would be a suitcase on the closest chair, and Linda would nod towards it.

She would then say the words that killed me every time. "You're a pain in the ass and a burden to this family. We don't want you around. Pack your things – I want you out of here in a half hour."

Then I'd wake up, crying like I was now. It was stupid because the better part of me knew that it wouldn't happen, but the doubtful side of me almost expected it.

I reached for my phone and squinted at the brightness. My fingers hovered over the keys as I debated whether or not I was going to do it.

I glanced at the time; it was 2:12am. I bit my lip... should I?

Are you up?

Charlie Ross; 2:12am

I fidgeted with the phone hoping for a reply. Almost instantly, I got a response.

New phone. Who dis?

Kidding. Yes, are you okay?

(P.S. texting isn't good for concussions)

Mason Grey; 2:13am

I rolled my eyes at that.

Thanks Doctor.

Charlie Ross; 2:13am

I paused, not sure how to answer.

Can I come to you?

Charlie Ross; 2:14am

Can you make it in the dark?

Mason Grey; 2:15am

Of course... I have night vision.

Charlie Ross; 2:15am

I shut my phone and let my eyes readjust to the darkness, before standing up slowly. I quietly walked to my door and opened it before stepping through. I closed it quietly and tiptoed to Mason's room. I tapped on the door lightly.

"Come in," Mason whispered. I opened the door and stepped into his room, shutting the door behind me. "How'd that night vision work for you?"

I gave him a half laugh. "Like a charm... perks of being a street kid," I said. My voice sounded strangled and faint.

Hearing it, Mason turned on his lamp to look at me. I turned away from him, letting my hair cover my face. I stared at a drawing on his wall so it slightly startled me when I felt Mason hand on my chin. He tugged on it gently to get me to look at him. I let him, but didn't meet his eyes.

"What happened?" he whispered, wiping tears off my cheeks.

"Nothing; I'm fine," I replied. Mason sighed and let go of my face.

"You're lying," he said, poking my stomach. I jumped and my eyes widened.

"Am not!" I replied. He poked me again.

"Are too," he poked my ribs making me giggle.

"Am not. And you've got to stop poking me! It tickles!" I whispered as I ducked under his arm. I ran to his bed and grabbed a pillow.

"Are too. And that's the point," he replied. I smacked him with the pillow and grinned. Easily, he scooped me up and threw me over his shoulder.

"Concussed girl dangling here," I whispered loudly in his ear. "Sorry, I forgot." Mason put me down softly on his bed, but hovered over me so I couldn't move. "But, I am not letting you go until you tell me why you were crying."

I grinned at him. "Who's complaining?" I said without thinking. Immediately I slapped a hand over my mouth, feeling my cheeks get warm. "I – I don't have a filter at this time of night."

Mason chuckled at me. "Oh, a naughty side," he teased. My cheeks got hotter and I covered his mouth with my hands.

"Shh!' I hissed. Mason laughed harder and I rolled my eyes. "You're a butt you know?" I moved my hands from his mouth and covered my face.

"Don't be embarrassed," Mason said softly. "You can always speak your mind around me."

I took my hands off my face and looked at him for a moment, before sitting up slightly and kissing his nose. The joyful and surprised expression on Mason's face was priceless. He wore a genuine little smile that met his eyes and I wished I could take a picture of it. It made me smile.

"I like it when you smile like that." The words fell out of my mouth so quietly it was almost inaudible. Mason's smile widened and he laid beside me. His hand found mine and he laced his fingers through mine.

We were quiet for a bit just listening to each other's light breathing. I rested my head on Mason's chest and tried to let the sound of his heart beating lull me to sleep.

But Mason spoke up.

"So, are you going to tell me why you were crying?" he asked, squeezing my hand gently.

Damn. I almost got away with it.

"I had a nightmare... but it's no big deal," I replied quietly. Mason stroked my hair, waiting for me to continue.

"What was it about?" he prompted when I said nothing else. I paused for a moment before I took a deep breath and explained it to him.

"Y-you know what the worst part of it is?" I whispered, sitting up and glaring at the wall. "The words she says every time I have this dream are what my mother said to me before she left me at an orphanage...That and more... 'You're a pain in the ass and a burden to this family. I don't want you around. Pack your things – I want you out of here in a half hour. I can't stand the sight of you anymore. It's all your fault and you know it. You're a poor excuse for a girl.'"

The words repeated in my mind long after I said them. I closed my eyes and let out a ragged breath as I glared down at my hands. Mason sat up wrapped his arms around me.

"She didn't deserve you in her life," Mason said. "You're not a burden and nothing that happened was your fault. She was a poor excuse for a mother." I nodded into his shoulder.

"You left out the 'pain in the ass' part," I joked.

"Well..." Mason responded teasingly. I giggled and flicked his forehead. "You're lucky you're concussed."

"Yeah, I don't have school tomorrow, but you do," I grinned cheekily. "So go to sleep; you need to learn."

"You need to rest your bruised brain," Mason countered. He shuffled on the bed so that he could lift the covers for me. I crawled under and lied down then he followed suit. He reached over me and turned out the light. "Goodnight Charlie," he said, kissing my cheek.

"Goodnight Mason," I replied, resting my head on his chest.

With him, the night didn't feel as dark and things seemed a little easier. I just hoped they would stay that way for even just a little while.

Author's Note: Happy Tuesday! Charlie's opening up to Mason a little 🥹 cute! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Until next time xoxo