CHARLOTTE
My Master looks a little askance as I wrap one set of of fingers around the other.
Beth breaks the awkward silence. “Would you like to come shopping one day next week, Charlotte?” she asks. “There´s me and a group of the girls having a bit of a get-together.”
“Yes, you should go, Charlotte,” says my Master. Michael nods agreement.
I hesitate. “Come on,” says Beth. “Why not join us? Get yourself out, somewhere a bit more civilised for a few hours.”
“Um, maybe. Let me think about it.”
A few minutes later, Beth excuses herself, Michael directing her through to the hotel to find the bathrooms.
Richard sits, silently drinking tea from a chipped mug.
“Charlotte, why so reluctant to go with Beth? You got along rather well with her, I thought?” asks my Master, after Beth has left the room.
“Yes, I do. but she mentioned her friends being there too. I don´t think I´d fit in very well.”