Chip
A new day has come.
I was ready to let go of everything that happened and look forward to the future. I wasn't going to waste my time trying to get justice for what happened.
I mean, trying to do that was only going to give me more stress. And if my dad finds out, he'll only make things worse for me.
Megan stayed with me throughout yesterday; she cooked for me, ran me a bath, and cleaned up my apartment. She stayed with me till I fell asleep. No words could describe how grateful I am to her.
I applied some lotion on the side of my mouth to conceal the red wound given to me by the rapist when he was shoving his dick down my throat.
Standing in front of the full-length mirror, I tried to force a smile, but all I could see was the eyes of a traumatized man, whose innocence was taken away from him.
Adjusting my tie to the right position, I grabbed my satchel, slung it over my shoulder and left my apartment. My first stop was Charles' house.
As funny as it sounds, amidst all this, all I could think about all through yesterday was him. I was dying to know where we stand. I love him so much to the point of death, and I'd rather go through what I went through two nights ago than lose him in my life forever.
Yes, I said what I said.
What I went through was traumatic, but losing Charles forever would be more traumatic. I'm not even sure I can live this life without him in it.
When I got to Charles' apartment, I rang the doorbell and waited with bated breath, my heart pounding so hard against my chest.
The door opened, revealing a girl with long pretty blonde hair. I recognized her from the bar. What was her name again? Ada? Addy?
"Hi," She said with a smile, tilting her head slightly to the side.
I was more devastated than surprised to find her in Charles. They met days ago, and what, she's already living with him? Wow! They really are moving too fast.
Charles told me he needed some time to think, and seeing this blonde here really made me question if he did think.
"Hi," I replied, aware of how hoarse my voice was, "I'm a… I'm a friend of Charles. Is he in?"
"Yes, he's in the bathroom." She replied, "Come on in."
I pressed my lips together and stepped into the apartment. I've been in here for many times than I care to count, and I've always considered this place my second home, but this is the first time I've felt… I don't know, out of place? Like I didn't belong here.
She ushered me into the living room, and I sat down on the couch.
"Should I get you something to drink?" She enquired.
No. No, you don't. Actually, I should be the one getting YOU something to drink, not the other way round.
I bit back that retort.
"You don't have to." I said.
"I'm Abby, by the way," She extended a soft, slender hand.
I shook it, "Chip."
"Nice to meet you. Charles will be done any second." She smiled, then turned and walked to the bedroom.
She's nice. And I know I shouldn't hate her, but I just… I just do. I mean, she didn't even do anything wrong.
I bit down on my lower lip and repeatedly stomped my foot on the floor as I waited for Charles to be done.
"Chip?"
My heart skipped a thousand beats. I whipped my head to where the voice came from.
My heart skipped a million beats this time upon seeing him.
There he stood, dripping wet from head to toe. His wet hair, hanging right above his forehead, his flawless skin shimmering against the sunlight. God! My eyes unconsciously fixated on his chest. His nipples were so red and beautiful, his chest so… sexy and suckable. Then they followed the happy trails down to his waist… there was a bulge right in the middle of his towel…
I glanced away, realizing what I was doing, my cheeks turning a little red.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." I apologized in utter embarrassment.
"What are you doing here, Chip?" He asked.
"I… I wanted us to talk." I replied, voice barely above a whisper.
"Abby let you in?"
"Yeah. Just… put on some clothes. And we'll talk."
"Okay."
This was exactly the reason I've been hiding my feelings for him. Because things will change between us if he finds out.
And now, things have surely changed.
Charles walked into his bedroom and returned a few minutes later. He had now put on some clothes and brushed his hair, but still looked charming nonetheless.
"Okay, so… where do you talk?"
"I was hoping we would talk over breakfast." I replied, rising to my feet.
"Actually, Abby and I already planned to have breakfast together at…"
"Okay, what about the bench at the park? We can talk there."
He stared at me, pressed his lips together, then nodded.
A few minutes later, we were both sitting side by side at one of the benches in the park near his apartment.
Kids and teens were running all about the park, some playing football, some throwing Frisbees, while others flew kites or played some other games teens play. It was truly a beautiful sight.
"So um… let's um… talk."
"I shouldn't have kissed you." I began, "I'm sorry for kissing you. I didn't know what I was thinking, it's just I…"
"I'm not worried about the kiss, Chip." He cut me off, "What I'm worried about is… your feelings for me. I mean, what am I supposed to do with that? How can I… how can I be myself around you when I know how you feel about me? It's just, I'm not into guys, and... you're…"
"Then let's forget it." I said eagerly. "Forget I ever said anything. Let's pretend it never happened, okay? You've been my best friend since elementary school, Charles, and I don't want any to get in between us, no matter what. I'd rather have as a friend… than lose you forever."
He pursed his lips, staring right into my eyes.
My heartbeat quickened.
His eyes traveled down to my lips, then he raised his hand to my face, and for a second, I thought he was going to kiss me.
"Chip, what happened to your lips?" He asked, gently caressing my lips.
The feel of his skin sent shivering thrills down my spine. I liked it. No, I love it. But I have to stop loving it now. I need to.
I backed away, "It's nothing."
"No, wait. Did something happen?" He asked, his voice laced with concern. "You know you can tell me anything. When did it happen?"
"Nothing happened." I rose to my feet, "I have to get to work. I'm already late as it is. I um… I hope nothing changes between us. We can still send each other memes like we used to, you can still text me, talking shit about your coworkers, we can still hang out and all the things we used to do. I'll… work on getting rid of my feelings for you."
"Okay."
"Alright, see you later."
I turned to leave, but he caught my wrist and pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back, tears rolling down my cheeks.
"We'll work this out together, mm-kay?"
I nodded.
We disentangled from the hug after a while.
"Let's talk later, okay?"
"Okay," I replied.
He turned to leave.
"Charles." I called.
He turned, "Yes?"
"You and Abby look great together."
He smiled at me, "Thanks."