back then. We were both so young.”
I sigh, resting on the edge of my desk trying to listen without voicing my opinion. They have history, a lot of it, and Charlie only gave me bits of information whenever she felt like it. I don’t want to drag myself into their mess, but curiosity gets the best of me.
“What exactly happened, Lex?”
He walks over to the window, gazing out into the skyline. Clearing his throat, I sense his vulnerability, and no matter how I prepare myself for what he’s about to say, nothing can be stronger than the truth.
“It was exactly two weeks after prom, the night I told her I’d find a way for us to finally be together, whatever it took.”
He explains what happened when he found out Samantha was pregnant, the pressure his family, mainly his father, placed on him. If anything were to happen to this baby, it would be all Lex’s fault.
“Lex, I’m so sorry.”
I don’t know what else to say. I knew bits of the story but only from Charlie’s side. To think how Charlie must have felt, to place myself in her shoes for just a moment, I understand now why she struggles to trust him. The pain she endured was nothing that I’d wish on my greatest enemy, but I also understand the enormity of being a parent. If anything does go wrong, how easy you can blame yourself. The responsibility of parenthood far outweighs anything else I’ve ever experienced.
“I was trapped and weak. I tried several times to call her but would hang up like a coward. The damage was done. I knew I’d hurt her, I apologized and begged for forgiveness. But there’s something more, something she’s holding back. I don’t know what it is… please tell me what it is?”
He glances at me like a lost little boy desperate to find the place he calls home. What can I say? I have my suspicions because there are parts of her story which don’t add up, but this isn’t the place and this is not the person to be talking to. It isn’t even my story to tell.
“Charlie’s a very private person. It’s only now that you’ve come back that she has opened up about that time of her life. Look, go back to London and do what you need to do. I’ll keep an eye on her here. In the meantime, leave her the fuck alone.”
“Why are you helping me?”
“Because she deserves to be happy, Lex, and you’re it for her. That soul mate bullshit doesn’t just happen for everyone. Sometimes it does if you’re lucky, but you have to work hard at getting it right. It doesn’t always fall into your lap so perfectly. She’s my girl, so don’t do anything stupid to screw this up. You love her? Then make sure this doesn’t happen again, you understand?”
He nods, and hopefully, my words mean something to him. Otherwise, one push, and he’s lost Charlie forever.
***
Walking into my apartment an hour later, Will runs toward me, crashing his body into mine as he wraps his arms around my waist. I hold him tight in my arms, smothering his face with kisses. His smile, as usual, melts my heart. I thank my lucky stars this beautiful child was brought into this world. In a time full of chaos and uncertainty, I can always rely on Will to make everything seem insignificant.
Rocky follows, leaning in to kiss me. “Long day, babe?”
“Exhausting. I’ll tell you about it later,” I say, squeezing Will until he complains he can’t breathe.
“Well, there’s someone here to see you.”
I walk into the kitchen, and low and behold, I find Charlie sitting at the counter.
She smiles awkwardly. I haven’t seen her since our fight, and to be honest, she looks like shit. Her skin’s pale, not the usual glowing bronze, sun-kissed tan she normally sports. The dark circles around her eyes aren’t hidden behind any makeup. She appears tired, drained, and I sigh as I notice how thin her frame is. She obviously hasn’t been eating. It’s only now I realize the magnitude of how much this ordeal has affected her.
“What am I doing, Nikki?” She sobs, placing her head down on the counter.
I throw my bag on the floor, extending my arms around her.
“I’m so sorry I said those things to you, of all people.” She cries, her words are barely audible.
“C’mon, let’s talk.” I grab her hand leading her to the living room.
Rocky comes in with a