Chapter 10
A Collision
TJ
What the heck! I quickly reached out to catch the person before they fell. I looked down to see who I had collided with—and was stunned.
“Wow,” I breathed out.
Charlotte just walked into me.
I wasn’t sure why she was in my house, but she looked different. I guessed Tracy had been playing with her hair and stuff because her skin seemed to glow, and her hair was silky smooth. I really just wanted to run my fingers through it as I passionately captured her lips in a deep kiss.
What was I saying? Guys didn’t talk like this, and I still didn’t even know anything about her.
Maybe I should have taken advantage of the twins at the party. Clearly, my mind was messed up right now.
I was caught off guard when she looked up and our eyes locked. Her eyes looked pretty from a distance, but up close they were something else.
The deep brown of her irises was scattered with specks of gold. Her unusual eyes only served to enhance her already perfect features.
She was stunning.
Just as I had that thought, I realized that I was still holding onto her— and just standing there, staring at her like a creeper. Get it together, TJ.
“Woah, are you okay?” I asked, trying to keep the nervousness out of my voice so that I didn’t sound like some prepubescent teen talking to his crush.
She didn’t reply, but just stood there looking at me. Had I done something wrong? Was she upset with me? Oh no, she was looking a little sick. She hadn’t hit me that hard, but had I somehow given her a concussion? Should I get her some ice or take her to the doctor or something? Maybe I should call my mom to see what to do.
“You really don’t look so good. I didn’t think we hit that hard. Do you want me to help you get back to Tracy’s room?” I asked.
She still didn’t respond. She just kept staring at me and looking sicker and sicker. Oh—maybe she was already sick and that was why she was leaving the bathroom. I was just about to call for Tracy when she walked out of her room, saving me the trouble.
“TJ, what are you doing home? And why are you bothering Charlotte?”
Tracy asked me.
What? I would never bother her.
“Bothering? I’m not bothering her,” I defended myself. I then turned to
Charlotte to prove my point.
“I’m not bothering you, tell her.”
Once again, she didn’t respond. She just stood there looking like she might throw up or pass out. She must have been super sick. I wondered if I should pick her up and carry her to Tracy’s room to lie down. I hoped she was okay.
“If you aren’t bothering my friend, then let her go,” Tracy said, pulling Charlotte away from me and back into her room.
Oh no, had I been holding her too tightly and hurting her? Was that why she was acting this way? Was she scared of me? Had I crushed her? I really hadn’t meant to hurt her or scare her. Way to blow my chances before I even got to hear her talk. My luck with girls was awful.
I was still standing in the hall, staring at Tracy’s door, trying to figure out what had just happened when Tracy opened it and walked out.
“Is she okay? What happened? Is she mad at me? I can go apologize.” I rushed out, hoping Tracy would explain.
“Wow, what is up with you? She’s fine, just feeling a little dizzy. I’m going to get her a wet rag to put over her face. She’ll be okay in a few minutes,” she told me.
“Did she hit me hard enough to cause a concussion or something? Are you sure she’s okay? She shouldn’t go to sleep if she has a concussion!” I really began to worry.
“I know you’re a caring person, but this level of concern is odd, even for you. What are you up to?” she asked me accusatorially.
“I’m not up to anything, I’m genuinely concerned.” ~“Okay—then, I promise you that she is fine,” Tracy said.
“She can’t be fine. She looked so sick and never said a thing. She is either on her deathbed or hates me, I’m not sure which is worse,” I replied in a panic.
“Ease up, man. She’s just a little introverted, not a fan of chit-chat.
Don’t make it weird,” Tracy advised me.
“So, she’s just shy? She wasn’t upset with me or anything?” I asked, my words tumbling out faster than I intended.
“No, you’re overthinking it. She wasn’t angry at you. She doesn’t even know you well enough to dislike you. Give her some time. She might grow to despise you eventually,” Tracy teased.
“Hey, that’s not fair!” I protested, but she was already walking away, chuckling to herself.
At least Charlotte didn’t despise me, I thought. Now, I just needed to figure out how to make her like me. I really wanted to get to know her better. With that in mind, I headed off to shower and hit the sack.
· · ·
The following morning, I sauntered downstairs in my athletic shorts, ready for breakfast. I found Tracy and Charlotte at the breakfast bar, munching on cereal.
“Good morning, Tracy. Good morning, Charlotte. How did you two sleep?” I tried to sound charming, but Tracy just shot me a skeptical look, clearly not buying my act.
I glanced at them, but neither seemed inclined to respond. Tracy was practically glaring at me, while Charlotte was staring intently at her cereal, as if willing me to vanish. Maybe she really didn’t like me.
“Charlotte, I want to apologize for last night. If I said or did anything to upset you, I blame it on the alcohol. I hope we can be friends,” I said, meaning every word. Well, not entirely, since I was hoping for more than friendship, but still.
Tracy’s glare intensified, but I noticed Charlotte peeking at me through her lashes, her head still bowed. The moment our eyes met, she quickly looked away, pretending I hadn’t caught her.
“Well, it’s been a real treat hanging out with you two, but I think I’ll take my cereal upstairs. Have a great day,” I said, making my exit. I could take a hint—I wasn’t exactly the guest of honor at the moment. Maybe that would change someday.
