Chapter 15: "I Am Deathly Afraid"

Warning: Implications of rape.

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Charlotte was once again time skipped, after the meeting at the Whitechapel.

She did not expect to see the scene currently in front of her.

Tattered, ragged silent sobs weakly came out of the young girl's body. Her body shook like a feeble animal while tears streamed down her face. She desperately tries to wipe the tears away but to no avail as it results in a more wretched look. Charlie was not in the right state of mind.

Extremely worried, Charlotte rushed to her side and aid her into her unopened shop. They both went behind the counter and Charlotte situated her on a stool. She quickly poured a glass of water and hand it to her.

After several small gulps, she proceeds to calm down.

'Well, at least the tears stopped,' she internally sighed.

Although wanting, she restrained herself from seeking an explanation and continued on her preparations. Charlotte wanted Charlie to be the one to reach out to make sure she really wanted to share.

The two coexisted in silence, awkwardly in each other's company. Charlie stared at Charlotte's back while she worked, her gaze never leaving.

Even after Charlotte was done, there was no real communication between the two, and Charlotte just opened her shop as if it was any other day.

And thus, the day was made up of blank intense stares and ignorance towards the awkward atmosphere.

It didn't stop even during lunchtime when the two were forced to talk about getting something to eat. Although it lightened the atmosphere, it wasn't enough to break the ice.

Only after Charlotte was done for the day did Charlie speak up.

"I- We had a slight... conflict"

Charlotte finally looked up and gave a longing gaze towards Charlie, and so she continues.

"He... it was like he was crazy. He never acted like this before. I understand- I brought him pain but I never thought it would-"

"Slow down and tell me step by step what happened," Charlotte interrupted.

Charlie sobbed while recounting what has transpired. Charlotte's face starts to distort. It was an apparent intense argument, although she didn't state the cause. One thing lead to another, to cut it short, let's just say he took advantage of her during a weak moment.

"I ran to your bakery because... well- it was the first place I thought of," she sobbed.

"I'm sorry, I must have brought you so much trouble. I hate the fact you have to get involved. I'm so sorry-" she quivered as she desperately apologized as if pleading for mercy.

"I told you if you needed help you can always come to me and you did. It's alright, please calm down."

As if it were medicine, her words gave Charlie a sense of security as she quiets down once more.

"I- I am afraid. I don't want to return. I don't know where he is and how he is-" she looked up with teary eyes.

"I am deathly afraid."

The mere sympathy towards the young lady was intense as if ripping her apart. Charlotte pities her, not in a bad way. Her pity doesn't have intentions of undermining her but creates an intense will to help her. From one woman to another woman, this action was no feat. It was genuinely scary to be placed in her situation and frankly, Charlotte never wish this upon anyone.

"Come back with me and stay with me for a while. Don't worry, you will be safe in the presence of another," Charlotte decided on an impulse.

"No! I can not bother you further-"

"I want to help. You need help. It's going to be alright. I will help you to the best of my abilities. Please trust me."

Those comforting words sealed the deal as Charlie gave a feeble nod.

Charlotte took Charlie home and the two arranged a way to fulfill both of their needs in daily life. Charlotte gave Charlie the bedroom despite her protest and will be sleeping on the couch.

Charlie peered out of Charlotte's bedroom door and quietly whispered "Good night" before shutting the door.

Charlotte looked at the closed bedroom door and heard the lights turn off. After waiting a few minutes, she stood up.

She crept towards the entrance door and reached out the doorknob to discretely turn it.

It was too difficult to miss on their way home and certainly obvious that there existed an ominous being that has been staring at her for the past duration when she accompanied Charlie.

'All the way from the moment she saw the bakery this morning. I guess it's a way of showing affection despite their disgusting action.'

It was easy to guess who was outside as there was only one person who fit the reason why they were following her and Charlie.

With one hand holding a pan in a defensive posture, she turned the doorknob and opened the door, as if welcoming her esteemed guest.

"You still had the face to show up outside my door?" Charlotte ruthlessly spoke out loud.

He was just as tattered as Charlie with an extremely miserable face, yet his eyes were eager for his prey.