Discussions and Dinner

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"You know, we should discuss the payment," Samuel whispered so it was out of Charlie's hearing.

"That is exactly what I wished to say before the interruption."

"Ah." He said, leaning back on the couch. "Man, this sofa is so...hmm..comfortable."

I couldn't help but agree with him. The sofa was indeed very comfortable. I wonder if I could sleep here forever. Even if I was used to all the comfort and luxury back at the palace, the sofas weren't so soft and comfortable. This one was.

After a couple of minutes, Charlie shut the door and returned. Her face looked pale, her green-eyes darkened. She seemed horrified for some reason I didn't know about. Samuel, Jamie, and I shared a knowing look - even they had noticed the sudden change in Charlie's face.

"You okay, Charlie?" Samuel asked, placing a hand on Charlie's shoulder.

She flinched and he quickly removed his hand. "Huh? I'm fine. I'm fine. It's not a problem. What were you guys talking about?"

She wanted to sound unfazed by whatever that happened but I could see that she was having a hard time putting her poker face on. I kept wondering what happened that affected Charlie so bad but then again, she wouldn't tell us.

Why would she?

Did we give her a reason to share her feelings?

No.

So, we dropped it. "We were talking about the payment."

"Ah, the sweet, sweet smell of money." Charlie smiled.

"Please don't sound like 'money's the only thing you can think of'" Samuel begged.

Charlie shrugged."Well, not everyone's royalty. We toil day and night for a morsel of bread and a shelter. We weren't born with a silver spoon, y' know?"

The words, no matter how easily she said, stung a little in each of our hearts. We never realized that not everyone was born with everything right in front of them. Not everyone had the privilege of getting whatever they wanted. We were lucky and every time we stay around Charlie, I start being grateful for everything I had and I have.

"Ouch, woman. You sure know how to sound harsh." Samuel, being the dramatic self he was, clutched his heart and feigned hurt.

"'Tis the truth, whether you like it or not." Charlie shrugged.

I laughed. She used the same sentence, with the mix of her own, at Samuel. Now that both of us knew how we talked, we started to adapt to those characteristics. Slowly, but surely. The atmosphere was back to how it was before - light and intense-free.

"Ah, it surely sounds strange when you sound like royalty, Charlotte," Jamie uttered.

"How many times do I have to tell you that it's Charlie. Stop calling me Charlotte for god's sake!"

Jamie raised his hands in defense, "Okay, okay. 'Tis an honest mistake, woman. I'm sorry."

"Thank you!"

"Now, do we have anything else to discuss?" I asked.

Charlotte- my bad- Charlie stared at the distance, Samuel stroked his chin with his thumb while Jamie relaxed into the comforts of the sofa. Meanwhile, I just stared at them - watching as the gears in their heads turning as they tried scanned their minds to find anything that was left.

After a few minutes, Charlie spoke up. "Nope, we covered everything."

"Yes, we did. Indeed."

Jamie stood up. "Okay, then. We shall take your leave, Charlie."

"Nope. We stay here for dinner." Samuel pulled Jamie back on the couch as he enthusiastically stared at Charlie.

"Didn't I say 'no-to-dinner' already?"

"Yes, Cherie. You certainly did. But you're not the one serving dinner."

"Then who?" I asked, impatiently.

Samuel mischievously grinned.

"Her."