Thread: What Might Have Been (AndNich123 & Reydan)

But that isn't right, though is it? The words drew an emotion she hadn't felt this entire time. It was something she hadn't felt in a long time if she was honest. Raging through her, the fire from her anger was quickly doused as he began to explain. Four words that he spoke caught her attention the most. They sparked yet another emotion that she had not felt in such a long time where he was concerned. Hope. ..From what I've heard. She had thought everyone had to know, but now she was hearing the words from him. He had been watching the news. He really did know it was her. Was he keeping up with her? She felt hope that the answer was yes. A smile spread across her lips as he ran his fingers through his messy hair, the oil ever so apparent. She had to bite her bottom lip to keep from laughing. It felt so inappropriate to be laughing at such a moment. After all, she had just relived the worst moment in her entire life. Well.one of the worst moments in her life. To be laughing now would seem to belittle the entire experience and how it had genuinely affected her. It would be a slap in the face of the emotions that she had just shared with him, and Charles had already had enough slaps to last him a lifetime. ..loved.. It was a slap in the face, a much-deserved one in fact. Her eyes glanced down, not wanting him to see the hurt now ladened within them. Though she had left years ago, though she knew things had ended at that moment, now it seemed so much more final. In the back of her mind, she had hoped that maybe, just maybe, in coming here they could.It was a thought she had to push out of her mind now. It was clear to her. Everything had been left in the past, at the alter, at the church, on that day. ..I'll take you to Joe's tonight.. She looked up quickly, clearly surprised by what he said. After all this time, he was still..Charles. Despite what she had done to him, he was willing to spend time with her and help her through this. In coming home, she had hoped to find so much, and here on this hillside, she was finding something she knew she didn't deserve but needed so desperately. His compassion. His understanding. Her smile spread even further. You may have to if your brother can't fix mom's car, she teased. Her eyes glanced down at his arm. Softly she sighed before her hand reached for his arm and took hold of him. He was every bit as warm and comforting as she remembered. In that moment, something came over her, and she couldn't help herself. Her other arm reached up, taking hold of him around the neck and pulling him in close, embracing him. Thank you, she whispered. I know I don't deserve any of this, but thank you Charlie.Charles! I mean Charles, she corrected herself before reality settled back in, before she realized what she was doing, and she backed away. Her hand still remained on his arm though, not wanting to let go. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have. I mean I should have..asked..or something. I'm sorry. She wanted to shake the moment off quickly and head back towards the house. Gently she nudged him in that direction, hoping that he wouldn't mention the embrace, hoping that it was fleeting from his mind, and yet..she hoped.just the opposite as well. The walk back was quiet. She liked it that way. Nothing but her own thoughts, the gentle breeze, and his company. It was enough. For a moment, she wondered why it hadn't always been enough. Why did she have to.It was a question she shook her slightly to push away from her mind. It was a question she knew she would only beat herself up more, and the bruises, both literal and figuratively, hadn't faded from the crash. All too soon they were back at the house, and she allowed his arm to slip from her grasp. Her eyes glanced up towards Jenny's room. The pull was undeniable. I'll.I'll be in there with you two in a minute. There's something I want to do first, she told him, allowing her eyes to fall from Jenny's window, certain he would understand what she was going to do. Carefully, slowly, each step was taken as if she were trying to avoid alerting her she was on the way up to see her. Soon enough the familiar door came into view, with the round sign with her name painted on it hanging from a single nail. She couldn't help but smile, remembering the day Jenny got it. Her fingers curled, and she took a deep breath before knocking on the door. Reaching for the doorknob and turning, she didn't wait for a reply. If Jenny knew it was her, she would tell her to go away but with certain choice words added she was sure. Jenny, she called out softly, her nerves clearly showing in her voice. I just wanted to say.I don't blame you.for hating me. You have every right to. I can't imagine.what you went through. Maybe some part of my mind.doesn't want to. That sort of pain.it changes a person.and hurting you.and anyone else in your family.is not what I wanted to do. I just wanted.I needed to.I'm sorry Jenny. I had to tell you that. I wanted to tell you that, and if you never speak to me again, I'll understand. Jenny, you were the best friend I ever had. I still have your picture at my apartment. I never forgot you. I couldn't. I miss you, she told her, as feelings of regret and sadness began to take hold of her. It took everything she had to remain on the spot she stood, but she didn't want to advance any closer to Jenny. You were more than a best friend. You were like a sister to me. You were family, and I.hurt you. I'm sorry. I am so.sorry Jenny. Please. Say something. Say anything. Please, she told her, before falling silent for fear her tears would fall from her eyes if she spoke anything more.