Part 8/The butterfly.

"Are you guys not up?" I say after I swing open their bedroom door,finding them cuddled up in bed.

They stir slightly,both looking at me in a confused state,before going back to sleep.

I drop my bag on the floor and get on the bed,crawling up to them and squeeze myself between their bodies,making them groan.

"Charlie,what the fuck?" Uriah says,turning the other way and covering his face with a pillow.

"It's 10 am."

"Exactly. On a Sunday. Go away." Lilly says closing her eyes and ignoring me.

"What If I told aunt Jessy that you have been doing other things on Sunday mornings instead of going to church. Huh?"

"I hate you."

I laugh evilly,making myself comfortable between them,as I look around the room,realizing that they got some new shelves and pictures.

After a few minutes of them ignoring me,I sigh very loudly,hoping that they'll know I want to talk to them.

I sigh again "Oh if I only had some friends who would want to hear about the burden I carry in my heart."

"Jesus. What? What is It Charlie." Uriah snaps,making me laugh at how one of his eyes is still closed.

Lilly sits up,leaning against the bed-frame,rubbing her eyes and adjusting her bonnet,before indicating that she's paying attention.

"It's about Stefan."

"What Stefan?" Uriah says in confusion,and now seems a little interested.

"Finn."

"Your ex?"

"Yes. He's been working at my company for five months now," I turn to Lilly "You didn't tell him?"

"You told me not to! Didn't want him to loose his temper."

"Why the fuck is he at your company?!"

"See?" Lilly points out.

"Why the fuck is he there? Did you talk to him? He's not allowed to be within 5 feet close to you! I'll kick his fucking teeth in."

I turn to Uriah "Look. It's a very long story. Promise you won't be mad. And believe that I'm handling things."

He stares at me for the longest,letting out a long breath "Fine. I promise. But,If you get back together with him,I'm beating the fuck out of him first."

"We're not getting back together." I state before going into full detail about everything.

First I tell Uriah about everything that happened from New Years to now,and then tell both of them the new developments,of what Stefan went through,and the reason that we broke up.

They're both shocked when I tell them,actually feeling sympathetic towards the guy,and understanding where he's coming from.

"And he's better now?" Uriah asks as I nod,hopefully.

"So If that's the case,and you know that he didn't just break up with you for money,why can't you be together?" Lilly asks.

"We decided to be friends. We're not meant to be a couple,everything that has happened has made that clear. So we're just gonna go back to that."

"You two? Friends?" Lilly scoffs,rolling her eyes at me.

"I'm serious."

Uriah laughs too "Okay. I hope you fucking don't,because I'm still beating him unconscious."

"We're not getting back together! Ever." I get up,pissed off and make my way to the kitchen to make something to eat.

"Famous last words!" One of them shouts,making me roll my eyes.

***

I check my phone one more time for a text back,before building up the courage to knock on the door before me,waiting a few seconds before I hear footsteps in the hall,coming closer to the door.

I take a deep breath,ready to face him,and I remembered to take Advil beforehand this time,because every interaction with him gives me a massive headache later on.

"Hi." He answers the door in shorts and a tank top,a look of surprise on his face.

"Bree happened to mention your address."

"Of course she did." He smiles awkwardly.

"I'm sorry I came unannounced, you just weren't replying to text,or calls. I was worried."

"Oh,I'm fine. Turned my phone off for a few days,that's all."

"You haven't been at work either."

"I start Monday. Took some time off,for mental health reasons."

"And you're okay? Mentally?" I ask as he nods,making me narrow my eyes at him.

"And I'm supposed to believe you?"

"What do you want me to do Charlie? Do you want a psych test?"

"I actually have some stuff with me for some tests." I point to my bag as he looks at me confused.

"What?"

"Blood test. Just need a small sample."

"You're insane."

"I'm worried about you! And based on what happened,I have every right to be. Just give me 5 minutes and I'll be out of your hair."

He sighs,letting me come inside his place,while he walks right behind me.

His apartment was huge,almost like a penthouse,filled with beautiful furniture everywhere. My whole place can fit in his living room.

"Nice place."

"Thanks. Do you want something to drink?"

"No, thank you. Let's just get this over with,I have to meet some people."

I look over his arms again,zoning in on the tattoos I noticed earlier,something that he didn't have a few years ago.

He sees me looking at them,clearing his throat awkwardly "I needed a distraction last year so,decided to get these."

"The sleeve looks good. Did you get any more?" I take out the stuff out of my bag while we make conversation.

They really did look good,they weren't one of those ugly,southern boys tattoo sleeve that looks cheap and ugly. Rather it was a sleeve made up of patchwork tattoos,wach a different symbol,around his big bicep making it look beautiful.

"Yeah,a few more." He lifts up his shirt,letting me see one on the side of his ribcage,and the other on the side of his torso,also a small one on his peck.

I may have also glanced at his toned body,but that's just hypothetical...

"You-they-...um they look good. Your guy must be good."

"Yeah,thanks. I'll let him know. So...let's do this."

"Do what?" I ask in confusion as he raises an eyebrow at me "Oh right,right." I put on my gloves,sitting close to him.

"Will this hurt?"

"You have 50 tattoos,but you're asking if this small little needle hurts?" I roll my eyes,wiping his finger with ethanol and then prick the skin,putting the small amount of blood that comes out in a tube.

"What will this test determine,exactly?"

"Substances in your blood."

"What if i like doing ketamine on a regular basis?"

I turn to look at him "Then I'll tell your bother to send you to a farm,with the rest of the other horses who use ketamine." He laughs,holding the small cotton ball between his fingers.

"Are we done here?"

"Yes. Results in three hours." I pack up by bags and get ready to leave.

"See you at work?" He asks.

"Actually it's finals season. We have two weeks off to study,and then two other weeks for vacation."

"You going back home?"

"Yup. I'm helping Meg plan her wedding, as a..." I swallow "Bridesmaid."

He laughs "You're that close now?"

"Nope. Her mom made her do it,and my dad made me say yes,so,here we are."

"That's unfortunate."

"Yeah. Anyways. See you in a month."

"The lab's gonna be boring without you all."

"Tell the Professor that." He walks me to his door,watching me put on my shoes before calling my name.

"Hm?" I turn to him.

"Did you get rid of everything that reminded you of our relationship?"

My brows knit in confusion "I think so. I kept the bedside table you made me though."

"Did that help you move on?"

"Not really. But burning the teddy bear you gave me,in Tampa,really made me feel better."

"What were you doing in Tampa?"

"What happens in Florida,stays in Florida." I wink before walking to the elevator.

***

"Dad,were the hell is the sunscreen?!" I say as we all walk into the house,me walking like a penguin and being careful not to touch my face that has been sunburnt to crisps.

"It's too late for that. You need aloe gel." Dad shouts after me as I walk to the living room and slowly lay down like a seal so my body parts don't touch.

"Stay there,I'll get it." He says putting down the cooler and towels.

"You okay,Charlotte?" Loraine as I nod,thanking her for the food she made for today.

"No worries. I was happy to. Can't believe I missed you and your friends that much." She says as I let out a small laugh.

"Here," das puts some gel on his fingers and slowly rubs it on my cheeks and then the rest of my face,already making me feel better.

"Oh,that feels awesome,thank you."

"How did you even get this burnt?"

I sigh "We we're playing volleyball with Uriah,and I forgot to cover my face."

"Agh. Alright. You two still act like you're 10." He says as I laugh.

"Thank you for the wonderful day dad."

He smiles "Of course. Miss having you around sweetheart."

"I miss you too. Being a grown up is hard."

"Isn't it?"

"Well,I'm gonna go wash mu body,and then I'll wash my face once this dries off." I point to my face as he nods.

"Charlie,we have bridesmaids dresses fittings later!" Meg shouts as I roll my eyes.

"I remember! If that lady sticks one more pin in me,I will send her somewhere where everyone is wearing white!"

While applying some moisturizer to my legs,still in my towel,my phone rings.

"Hello miss Nur." I say in a mocking deep voice,making her laugh.

"Hi miss Charles. Sorry to bother you on vacation,hope im not interrupting anything."

"No,of course not. Just showered."

Most of us decided to take our break right after our finals,and then go back to work. But there are a few students who decide to take a break later,like Nur,who is going back to Turkey to visit her family.

"Just wanted to ask if you sent me the Lornix clinical trial files. I can't find them on my email."

"I think I did. Maybe it was saved to your work drive. You can look it up by the date."

"Would you happen to know the date?" She laughs.

"Oh damn. Maybe between April 23rd and May 1st? Not sure."

"Alright. Thank you so much."

"Don't worry about it. Everything okay at the office?"

"Yeah,it's just me,Cayvon,Raj,Leah and the professor."

"You must be having a blast."

"Tell me about it." She groans.

"I'll be back in a week,and then color will be back in your life."

She laughs "Of course darling. Oh,wait!" She almost shouts "Guess who is bringing their dates to work?"

I frown "Is it Leah? Is it the football player? I asked her about it but she denied it!"

"No,it's not Leah. I don't care about her. It's the man of my dreams,mister Finn!"

I swallow the lump that forms in my throat,my heart dropping immediately when she says that.

"Are you sure he's dating? Maybe they're just co-workers or..."

"I asked the cleaning lady,because I'm way too nosey for my own good. And she said that she's been here for lunch for the past 4 days."

"Oh. That's...interesting."

"She's gorgeous too. Tall,brunette. She kind of looks like Kendal Jenner. Maybe it is her." She jokes,each word stinging a little more.

"Nur,I have to go. Can we talk later?"

"Yeah,yeah of course. I don't want to keep your from your family. Have fun! Thanks again."

"No problem."

Is it a problem? Do you care that he's dating someone else...that fast?

It's been two years.

Well I haven't dated anyone else in that time.

Because you're damaged.

Doesn't he care at all?

You told him to move on,Charlie.

***

I hear a knock on my door,slowly turning towards it and tell them to come in.

Dad walks in,holding two cups of coffee,a smile on his face as we approaches me.

"Good morning,honey. Wanna join me on the balcony?"

"Morning. You mean on my balcony?" I laugh as I get up,follow him to the two chairs and small table I have on my balcony.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Not really." I take a sip,the warm liquid making me feel better instantly.

"Are you sad that you're leaving tomorrow?"

I nod " Can't believe that I miss home that much."

"You can visit here anytime you want. You know that right?"

"I do. But it's not that. Being here for two weeks has helped a lot."

"Is this about school? Are you stressed about work?"

"No,of course not. I passed all my finals. I'm doing great."

"Of course you are." He laughs "Then what's this about."

I bite my lip,trying to keep myself from crying when I look at him "Mom visited me in my dream."

He smiles sadly "Oh. Did she say anything?"

I shake my head "We were in a meadow,with like flowers. She was touching my hair,and kissed my head. There were butterflies all around her." A tear falls down my cheek,making my dad grab my hand and hold it softly.

He wipes his eyes,smiling "Don't butterflies mean a dead relative in the Philippines."

I nod "Yeah. It means they're thinking about you."

"Well then,you have your mom looking over you,meaning everything will be okay."

"I don't think so,Dad."

"Is this about some guy?" I sigh,nodding slowly.

"Is it Stefan?" He asks,surprising me.

"How did you-...?"

"When you told me you broke up,I was really surprised. You two looked like you were in love. And I'm sure that that doesn't go away so easily."

I nod slowly,wiping the tears that I can't control from falling.

"He's moving on. And I have to,too. But I don't think I can. I don't think I can feel that way about someone else."

"And does he feel the same way?"

"I hope so. He's trying to forget me. And that's what I wanted first,but..." I sigh "There's just so much history. And he's a really good guy. I've never been happier then when I was with him."

"Well,when you go back there. Access the situation,find evidence,and make a case for yourself that you really do want him back. So you don't waste your time or anyone else's."

I laugh "Have you ever been a lawyer?"

He chuckles "No,I don't think so." He holds my hand,kissing the top of it softly.

"Even if he isn't the one,whoever gets to fall in love with you,Is the luckiest son of a bitch in the world. And If he is the one,you should remind him how lucky he Is."

I smile "Thanks,Dad."

"Sure,kid." He gets up,collecting the mugs "Now,I promised you three a day in the water park. And i don't intend to break it."

"Dad,we're all 24..."

"So you don't want to go?"

"Of course we want to go! Let me tell Lilly and Uriah!"

***

I take a bite out of my sandwich and a sip of juice,wiping my mouth after,readjusting my headphones while I look at the streets of the busiest city in the world.

I feel a presence on my side,so I turn and see Stefan approaching me,a smile on his face as he also has his food in his hands.

I take out my AirPods,placing them on the bench next to me,pausing my phone.

"Hey. Mind if I join you."

"Not at all. Hi."

"Do you like the balcony?" He says as I look around,enjoying the fresh air.

"I do. This was a really good idea. Good job mister architect."

"Thank you. Welcome back by the way. How was the state of sunshine?"

I scoff "It was great. Spent time with family,and we drove to Miami for a few days,so that was fun."

"That's great. Congrats on your finals. Everyone here is so proud of you."

"The professor told you?"

"Yeah. Wouldn't shut up about you. And Nur. Raj and his other favorites." I laugh,offering some of his food,which he politely declines and does the same.

He makes conversation by telling me how they're renovating the East wing, and what they plan on doing there.

I could see him contemplating and wanting to say something to me,but he was holding back.

"Spit it out Stefan. What's up?"

He chuckles "I don't have anything to say."

"You were always horrible at this. Just tell me what you want to say,so we can both go with our day." I smile,encouraging him,even though I probably know what he wants to say.

"I'm kind of dating someone..." He says as I smile and nod.

"What's kind of?"

"We just started,and it's not anything serious right now. But I wanted you to know."

"It's really none of my business."

"I know you probably don't care but,I wanted you to hear it from me."

"Thank you for being considerate."

"Sure." He coughs awkwardly.

"What does she do? Is she pretty?"

"She is. She's an actress."

"Oh come on!" I burst out laughing making him roll his eyes.

"She's not like that."

"Like what? Size 2,vegan, shallow,only likes you for your money,doesn't really care about any world issue?"

"That's not very feminist of you,miss Reynolds."

"Shut up. You're my ex. I get to be petty and a little misogynistic over your new girlfriend."

"I always liked seeing you jealous." He winks,making me roll my eyes.

"Well for your information,I was never jealous because I knew you weren't that kind of guy,but-..." I stop when I see something on his shoulder,making me narrow my eyes.

"What? Is something on my arm? If it's a bee,I think I'm allergic. Don't hit it please."

I laugh,watching him panic "No. it's not a bee. It's um...it's a butterfly."

"Oh." He turns his head,smiling at the small white butterfly that stopped on his shoulder. He slowly pushes it off,making it flutter it's wings,and it comes my direction,touching my face before it flies away.

I hold my tears as I watch it fly into the sky,my heart beating a mile a minute,completely leaving me speechless,with a grin on my face while I look up at the sky.

Okay,lady. Message received.

Thank you.

"You okay?" He asks,bringing me back to earth.

"Yeah. I should head back. Lunch's almost over. Thank you for the company."

"Of course. Thank you."

"I can't wait to meet Kaylee."

He chuckles "That's not her name."

"Tami?"

"Nope."

"Taylor?" He shakes his head.

"White trash name?" I say,quoting the scene from "Ted",a stupid fucking movie that we've probably watched like five times,making him laugh.

"Guess." He plays along,making me smile.

"Brandi, Heather, Channing, Briana, Amber, Sabrina, Melody, Dakota, Sierra, Vandi, Crystal, Samantha, Autumn, Ruby, Taylor, Tara, Tammy, Laura, Shelly and Shantelle? Courtney, Misty, Jenny, Christa, Mindy, Noel, Shelby, Trina, Reba, Cassandra, Nicki, Kelsy-...?"

"Chloe."

"Motherfucker!"

I storm off,a little pissed of but it passes when I see him laughing. That beautiful smile on his face.

I decide then and there,even with mom's blessing,that I'm getting that motherfucker back.

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