"Charlotte. Chaaarlotte." A voice sang to me as I opened my eyes. "Its time to get up Char."
"Mm. How about.. No." Pulling the comforter over my head I feel Shane laugh as he climbs onto the bed next to me.
"Well then, I guess you dont want to go to your party. Such a shame for all that planning and hard work to go to waste." I feel him move to get off the bed and I reach out from my fortress, pulling him under the covers with me. Wrapping his arms around me he whispers into my hair "Dont go Char.. You dont have to."
Feeling the tears well up in my eyes I bury my face in his chest, mumbling something unintelligable back. We stay like that for a while before I hear more voices coming down the hall to my room. Happy, laughing voices that I know im going to miss.
"Uhh.. I thought he came in here. Shane? Charlie?"
Kyle.
"Under here" Shane laughs while moving the comforter out of his way and throwing me into reality. "I was just waking Char up to get ready for the party. But it doesnt seem like she wants to go anymore."
"What!? Charlie.. not wanting to party. Is she sick?" He leans over feeling my forhead, "yup, definately sick. Which means she should not be partying OR driving anywhere for the next, oh century or two. What do you think Shane?"
"I'd have to agree with you. She's not going anywhere tonight."
"Ha ha. Very funny guys." They both laugh.
Getting out of bed I begin to walk to my closet when Im picked up and carried to the bathroom instead. "Or not." I mumble to myself as I'm set down and shut in the room. Shower it is then.
I take my time, letting the hot water run over my shoulders and down my back. Trying not to think about anything but the party tonight. Rinsing off I step out of the shower and examine myself in the mirror. My long brown hair dripping on the floor, grey-blue eyes looking over my pale skinned body.
Wrapping a towel around me I make my way back to my room, where I see a large wrapped box and gift bag sitting on my bed. Opening them up I have an entire new outfit for tonight.
"Knock knock." Shane walked in the room "Like the clothes?"
"Yes! I was actually just looking at all of these the other day with Kyle. Im definatley going to put them on for the party." I laugh while toweling off my hair some.
"Im glad you like it, that was from all of us, but there is one more thing..." grabbing a small box from the dresser behind him he took my hand and walked me to the balcony.
"Charlotte, I know that you're leaving for Santa Carla tonight and Im not trying to stop you. I just want you to know that you will always have a place here in Luna Bay with me and the guys. You're the only one that knows about us, the only human to ever find out what we are that we havent tried to change or kill. There's something different about you. Something special. This is just a little something from me, something to remind you that no matter what happens or where you go. That you will always have a home, with me. I love you, Char."
"Oh, Shane..." Opening the box I see a leather band with smaller pieces making an "x" pattern through the center. The inside of it was ingraved: Forever your home. -Shane.
Clinging to him I feel myself start to cry again. The only person I've ever completely trusted, the only one to ever love me and here I am, getting ready to say goodbye. Composing myself I pull back and look at him, trying to memorize his face. As if he read my mind he looks back at me, the next thing I knew his lips were crashing down on mine.
My heart dropped and my knees fought from buckling beneath me. The passion behind his kiss made me wonder if I really had to leave, but I knew I had to. Breaking from our embrace he ran his fingers over my cheek and walked away, but not before putting the band on my wrist.