Charlie kisses me goodbye in the morning, quietly laughing at how difficult it is for me to respond in my sleepy state. I only wake up for the second that his lips touch my cheek and he says, “I love you,” and tells me to text him when I wake. Then, I drift back into a deep sleep.

When I finally wake, it is nine thirty, and I’m honestly still tired. I hadn’t realized how late it had gotten while we were out last night, and I feel bad that Charlie had to wake up so early. When we made it back to our room, it was already two-thirty in the morning – and of course, we didn’t go to sleep right away.

I have a pounding headache.

I start to crawl out of bed, thinking that a shower might help, and I see that Charlie has left a glass of water and aspirin on the nightstand.

I take the aspirin immediately and decide to text Charlie before I do anything else – if he was sweet enough to leave hangover relief, I should probably text him to see if he’s hungry.

He responds instantly and says that I don’t have to bring food, but he wants to see me.

I don’t respond, I just go straight to the bathroom and take a quick shower. I rush as much as I can to get ready after that, since I don’t want to keep him waiting.

The day is even chillier than the previous. I decide on a soft, vintage, floral slip dress and pair it with an oversized, black cardigan sweater. I wear boots, too, with heavier socks scrunched down, but still visible. My hair falls in its loose curls to my waist, but I pin the front back on the heavier side of my part in an attempt to combat the fall breeze.

I decide to continue mine and Charlie’s streak from the day before, and try someplace new, even though I’ll still be asking for his usual oatmeal order. I go looking for a new café down a quiet street between the hotel and gym.

Like a bad joke, the door to a storefront opens ahead of me on the sidewalk, and Brock steps out with an unlit cigarette between his teeth.

I groan mentally and actually laugh a bit at the irony, biting my lip as I continue walking towards him. He spots me almost right away, and I think he is surprised by the humor on my face.

“Well hey there, princess!” He pulls the cigarette from his mouth and smirks at me.

I stop when I am close enough to speak to him, and realize that I’m standing in front of a tattoo parlor.

“So, this is where you work?” I ask.

“Yeah. I knew you’d come looking for me.”

At first, I can’t believe that he’s still on the same kick. But when I look back at him, I can tell that he’s actually joking, and I just roll my eyes and smile.

I don’t know why I’m not as annoyed by him today.

“I really am sorry about last night,” he says, lighting his cigarette, “And you should know that I never apologize.”

“I believe that,” I say, “Why are you owning up this time, then?” I am curious, honestly. He was rude, so I’m not sure why I am even interested in his reasoning. He is probably still playing some sort of sick little game.

He laughs before he answers, but I get the feeling that he is thinking too, considering his words.

“Charlie never used to care if I tried to mess with the girls that he was fucking – that sounds blunt, but it’s the truth. It was entertaining for me to finally see him get so worked up over a girl. And you’re so much more beautiful than the rest, so that made it even more fun, too. I’m sorry that I was an ass. I’ll apologize, because I see it – how good you two are together. I think anyone could. You are just different. I can tell that you’re perfect for him.”

I’m shocked. Who the hell was I talking to last night? I fumble for a second before I respond.

“Well, I still think it was mean of you to purposely upset him. Charlie is sweet and nice. I’m sure he wouldn’t have done that to you. I’m glad to see that there is more going on in your head than I thought, though,” I smile when I say it, and he smiles back, laughing a bit.

I continue after a moment, “You were trying to upset me too. You wanted me to ask about other girls that he’s been with. Even if it was just to spite him, you wanted to get me angry.”

“I know – I was out of line and I’m sorry, honestly I am. I may come off as a scumbag, but even I know better than to try to ruin something important. You don’t need to worry about any other girls,” He speaks the last part very clearly, winking at me after. The wink doesn’t set me off though – it is actually a warm, friendly wink – reassuring rather than uncomfortable.

And even though I wasn’t worried, it’s nice to have someone else remind me that I don’t need to be, especially someone who’s known Charlie much longer.

“Thank you,” I say, “And it’s alright.”

He takes one last drag of his cigarette, that he’s somehow managed to smoke very quickly during our brief conversation, and throws it to the ground, stomping it with his shoe.

“It was…nice to meet you?” I tilt my head at him a bit as I start to back away, towards where I was headed originally.

He smirks at me one last time, “Nice to meet you, princess. Tell Charlie that I’m sorry, and I’ll see him around.”

I nod, and turn away from him. Before I can pick up my pace again though, I stop, looking over my shoulder. He is still staring at me.

“You should pick that up, you know.” I say, gesturing towards the used cigarette.

He laughs, but bends down and picks it up, “Only for you, princess.”

“I’m sorry that I took so long,” I tell Charlie as he grabs my waist and gives me a short kiss.

“It’s okay. I figured you would be tired,” Charlie says, and I catch him smirking. I try to ignore it, distracting myself by laying out our food on the table in front of me, but I feel my cheeks getting warm and I know that I’m already blushing.

“I really like this dress on you,” Charlie says, his fingers tugging at the hem of my slip.

“Thank you,” I reply, smoothing out the back of my dress and simultaneously brushing his hand away. I take my seat then, feeling oddly shy.

We are in some sort of meeting room in the gym, where there are tables and a small kitchen area. My bagel, tea, and fruit are in front of me, and I’ve placed Charlie’s oatmeal and a bottle of water directly across the table.

When I sit down though, he follows, taking the seat beside me, but scooting even closer, and he reaches for his food.

As he starts to eat his oatmeal, he lays his hand on my thigh.

“Are you feeling okay today?”

“Yes,” I respond, finishing a bite of my fruit, “Just a little tired. I’m glad you left the aspirin though. Thank you.”

He laughs, “I thought you would probably be needing some,” His hand squeezes my thigh gently, “You can sleep in the car, too.”

“I wish we could stay here longer.”

“Me too. Yesterday was nice. I’ve never really had anyone to wander around and see new things with. I drag Mark out on occasion when he travels with me, but he usually complains that he’s hungry or tired the entire time, and ends up going back to the hotel. You’re much better company,” He leans over and kisses the side of my forehead.

“Did you talk to Casey again last night?” I ask, finishing my bite of fruit.

“Yes. I just made sure that the car had left, and then I texted her again this morning to see if Mark was home – she said he got in at five this morning. What a prick.”

I laugh, “You love him, though. He’s acting like a prick, yes, but you can still love him.”

Charlie still looks down at his breakfast for a moment before he responds. I don’t think he’s ever really considered himself to love many people, and I, myself, haven’t either, but I do think that he loves the Isaacs – even if he’s never really thought about it before.

“I just don’t like carelessness,” He says finally, in an almost pouty way.

“Well, I certainly don’t think anyone would call you a hypocrite,” I giggle to myself, finishing my bagel.

“Are you making fun of me?”

“No. I’m just saying that you’re very thorough. It’s never irritating and you never fret unnecessarily. I couldn’t possibly make fun of you,” I smile innocently.

We both finish our food and he pulls me onto his lap. I’m over my momentary shyness, and I without thinking of the possibility that someone might walk in, I shift in his lap so that I’m straddling him and wrap my arms around his neck.

“I saw Brock on the way here. He was having a cigarette break outside of his tattoo parlor,” I laugh a little when I say it, “He said to tell you sorry about last night. I think he meant it. He was much more well behaved today.”

“Was he?” Charlie asks, “That’s surprising. Did he apologize to you, too?”

“He did. I wasn’t mad at him for myself though, I just hated that he was being condescending towards you.”

Charlie looks down and starts to play at the hem of my dress again, “I was afraid you were going to be mad at me, that he would get inside your head. Or worse, I was afraid that your feelings were hurt and you weren’t saying anything.”

“You mean that I would start to think about other girls you’d been with?”

He doesn’t look up at me; he just gives a small nod,

“I’m more offended that you think I’m that type.”

“Really? You’re offended?” He asks, lifting his head to look me in the eye. His hands stop playing with my dress.

“No,” I giggle, “Well, if I were to choose something to be offended about, then yes – but I’m not really.”

“I’m sorry. I know you aren’t the crazy, possessive type. I guess I just assumed you would be curious. You never even ask. You didn’t ask about the girl in the market, you didn’t ask last night,” He trails off.

“I’m passive inquisitive. One day, when we pass by a woman on the street and you smile politely, I will ask all of my questions at once, probably while crying.”

Charlie smiles and shakes his head.

“Come here, please,” He requests, pulling me forward to kiss him.

Before I leave Charlie to finish up at the gym, I say goodbye to Gabe. I make him promise that if he ever visits Clemson, he will let us know, so we can take him out.

When I get back to the hotel, I finish packing anything that Charlie or I have left around the room, so we’re ready to check out when he returns.

I still have some time left before he will be back, so I decide to call my parents, since I’ve only had short conversations with them this weekend.

“Hi, Stella Lou. Is your weekend still going well?” My dad answers, calmly, and then I hear my mom speaking loudly in the background.

“Yes, it is. We’ll be leaving soon, though. How was your guys’ weekend?”

“It was good. We had breakfast this morning with the whole family. They are so excited to see you over Thanksgiving.”

“I’m excited to see them, too. I wish I hadn’t just started my job. I would ask for Friday off, so I could stay the entire break.”

“That job is a great opportunity, though. Besides, you’ll be home for a longer break just a couple of weeks later. We’ve got the longest stretch out of the way,” I can tell by his voice that he’s smiling. I know it’s been hard on him, me being away all this time.

“I can’t wait. I haven’t even talked to Dr. Keller about Christmas break, though. What should I do if she wants me to stay?”

I suddenly hear my moms voice, “Well, you only work once a week, right? You could always drive there on Friday and come home again on Saturday. It isn’t too much of a drive, and you’ll want to see that boy anyway, won’t you? Oh you should bring him home over break we could – ”

“Hi, mom,” I cut her off, and my dad apologizes on her behalf, saying that she’d begged him to put me on speaker.

“I’ll figure it all out.”

My parents and I talk for a few more minutes. Not long after our conversation ends, Charlie arrives back from the gym.

“Hi” I say, standing up from the bed, where I play on my phone, and giving him a fast kiss on the cheek.

“I have everything packed, we just have to check out.”

“Thanks, baby. I’m just going to change before we hit the road. Do you need to stop anywhere before we leave? We can get drinks or food or something.”

“Whatever you want,” I say, “There isn’t anything particular that I need.”

Charlie of course makes sure that I have a cherry coke for the road.

We’re able check out in ample time, and it’s a perfect day for the road trip home. The breeze if comfortably cool, and the sunshine is refreshing, even in the car. Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold,” plays through Charlie’s stereo as I hold my hand out of the car window, feeling the cool wind on my open palm.

“I love riding in your car,” I say, “How long have you had it? Was it difficult to find?”

“I’m glad that you like it. It wasn’t difficult, no. I met a man at a fight in New York who specializes in vintage car sales and trade. He helped me.”

“You are so pretentious,” but I giggle when I say it, and he smiles. He has his elbow propped up on the driver’s side door and his index finger is at his lips.

“Says the future psychologist,” Charlie remarks.

He is wearing dark shades, so I can’t see his eyes, but his smile disappears quickly after he says it.

We are both quiet for a short while, and then he speaks again.

“Does it bother you…”

He pauses before he finishes the question, and I am sure that I know what he is going to ask.

I almost reply before he can continue. I almost say, “Of course I don’t mind that you aren’t in school,” and “I want you to do whatever you feel, whatever you love.” When I do let him finish, though, I’m glad that I haven’t said anything.

“I mean – are you ever upset that we’ve never clarified what we are? I know that it’s something that is important to a lot of people.”

“You mean labels?” I ask, raising my eyebrows at him from behind my sunglasses, “They aren’t really to me. I mean, I’m not adamantly against them, but I’m certainly not mad that you haven’t asked me to be your girlfriend. After all, we haven’t been friends for that long, even though you’re already my best friend, and I feel like I’ve known you forever.”

He smiles towards the road ahead, “You’re my best friend, too. I’ve never even had an exclusive relationship.”

“Well, by my account, you aren’t missing out on much,” I laugh, but he doesn’t, and I stop myself, “I’m sorry. It’s rather morbid that I joke about it, isn’t it? I’ll stop.”

I really don’t even know why I make jokes at my own expense about my relationship with Jason. I don’t feel that I use it to cope – I’ve already dealt through most everything. I suppose I use humor to make Charlie feel more comfortable about it. Or maybe I am just morbid.

He still hasn’t responded. I wonder if it really does make him uncomfortable, thinking about Jason with me. Not with me, necessarily, but hurting me.

I speak again, continuing on the subject of labels, “I kind of like how we are anyway, you and I. I can just be yours and we don’t have to call it anything at all.”

Charlie smiles into the bright sun, “Whatever you want, baby. I love you.”

He takes my hand, intertwining our fingers, but I somehow feel as if the conversation didn’t go as he’d planned.

“Charlie?” I ask for his attention, pulling our hands further into my lap so that my other can reach his arm.

“Hmm?”

My two fingers slide back and forth on his forearm, and I lay my head back into my seat, staring absentmindedly out of the front window.

“I love you. If you ever wanted to be exclusive, I wouldn’t hesitate to be. I’m just saying, for now, you don’t need to feel like I’m loosing sleep over it.”

“Okay, baby,” He says, chuckling a bit.

I let out a small yawn, allowing my eyes to close and my head to fall towards the side, near the window. The sun is still bright, even with my sunglasses on.

“Baby, if you keep doing that, I’m going to fall asleep too,” I realize that Charlie is referring to my index and middle fingers, still lightly stroking his forearm.

“Sorry,” I giggle, lifting my head up, “Will it bother you if I do this?”

I move both of our hands to the center. My arm is through his, where his elbow now rests on the console, our fingers still intertwined. I lay my head across both of our arms, using them as a pillow, and it is quite comfortable.

“That’s fine, as long as you’re comfortable,” He states simply.

“Okay. If you need your arm back, just push me off,” I tell him, and then I yawn again. The sun is no longer in my eyes, and I feel like I am going to drift off very quickly.

“I will,” He says, laughing.

He would probably try to use his foot first, though.

Just before I fall asleep, Charlie speaks again.

“I’m yours too, you know. I think I always have been.”

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"Heart of Gold," as mentioned, is in the sidebar.

I hope someone out there is enjoying my story! :)