Charlotte walked into the hospital ward and saw the Nakamuras seated by their daughter's bedside. Their three year old had been diagnosed with cancer and she needed to have her kidney removed. Charlotte was her doctor at first, but an oncologist had taken over once it was established that the child had cancer. Still, she felt it was only right for her to visit little Kimiko as often as she could.
"Good day, Mrs Nakamura, Mr Nakamura". Charlotte watched over the sleeping little girl with the jet black hair.
"Doctor, it is good to see you again", Mr Nakamura spoke. His wife just nodded, Charlotte knew she could not speak English that well and just gave a small smile to the woman.
"How is she doing?".
"Very, very bad", Nakamura looked down and shook his head. Charlotte felt so bad for the man and his wife. They were good people, kind people, who didn't deserve to see their daughter suffer like this.
"I spoke with Dr Zayn. He says a kidney surgery could save her life", she said with a hopeful smile.
"But the costs, doctor. Asuka and I, we are not rich people. We cannot afford it, even if we sell all our things".
Charlotte nodded and tried her best to keep her own tears at bay as she watched Mrs Nakamura breakdown and cry.
Becky :'So you've never had blue cheese? That's absurd'.
Charlotte smiled at her screen and typed back.
'It smells vile – I am NOT putting in my mouth'
Becky: 'That's what she said'.
The blonde just shook her head and typed 'LOL' even though she wasn't in the mood to laugh at all. Her meeting with the Nakamuras had brought back so many bad memories about... about things she didn't want to think about.
Becky: 'Are you really laughing or are you just messing with me?'
Charlotte: 'I never laugh at your jokes- they're terrible. Besides, I'm not really feeling super today'.
Becky: 'Do you wanna talk about it?'
Charlotte hesitated before she typed 'It's work stuff, don't worry about it'. She threw her phone on the bed next to her and buried her face in the pillows.
Instead of a text notification, the room filled with OutKast's Hey Ya as Charlotte's phone rang. She looked at the screen before accepting the call.
"Becky...uhm, hi".
"I hope you don't mind me calling. I just wanted to make sure you were alright".
Charlotte sat up straight with crossed legs. "I'm having one of those days, you know?".
"Ha! I know the kind. I'm here if you wanna talk about it or, I don't know, scream about it".
"What about if I cry about it?", Charlotte sighed. She didn't want Becky to think she was some weak and frail person who needed constant counselling and sympathy. But right now she couldn't hide her feelings – the sadness had taken over.
Becky spoke softly, almost as if she was right there whispering into Charlotte's ear.
"Whatever you need to do, I'll be here".
Charlotte sniffled and wiped a tear from her cheek. "I got really... attached to one of my patients. Now she's... she needs surgery and her parents can't afford it". She tried to hide her sobs, but failed miserably.
Becky thought for a moment. "I'll pay for the surgery".
Charlotte's breath hitched. "Becky, no. I didn't tell you this because I wanted you to..."
"Why not? I have the money and it's for a good cause".
Charlotte sniffled again, trying to compose herself. "This isn't your problem, Becky".
"But it's upsetting you, so in a way it is my problem. Anything that causes you worry or pain or stress..."
"We're not together – My problems aren't yours and you DON'T have to fix them".
Becky was silent for what felt like minutes. "I understand. I'm sorry".
"It's fine, you were just trying to help". Charlotte managed a chuckle. "I should apologize for being such an emotional mess".
"You are a mess – a beautiful one". Charlotte could almost hear the smile in Becky's voice.
"You have got to work on those compliments".
"Are you okay now?", Becky asked, all of a sudden sounding very serious.
"I... I think so. Thank you for listening".
"Always".
Charlotte felt a tingling sensation in her stomach. She had been texting with Becky for the last week, but this was different. Talking to Becky over the phone felt so much more... intimate. It felt she had Becky's undivided attention, like they were the only two people in the world.
"You still there, Charlotte?"
"Uhm, yeah. I was just thinking".
"I have a few errands to run, but I'll definitely text you later".
Charlotte fought the unsettling feeling that made its way up to her stomach. Was she sad that Becky had to hang up?
"Okay... goodbye".
The other line cut out and Charlotte sighed into the phone.
"Charlotte you know if it were up to me, I'd do the surgery in a heartbeat, but hospital policy says they need to at least put down thirty-five percent of the cost for the operation down".
"Can't we work our way around that preposterous rule? The child NEEDS this surgery NOW!".
"A lot of kids need surgery and their parents can't afford it". Oncologist Sami Zayn scratched at his ginger beard. This whole ordeal was upsetting to him, too. But he needed Charlotte to understand that there wasn't much they could do about it.
"Can't we figure something out? Raise the money somehow? Come on Sami, she doesn't have much time left".
"A fundraiser will take a lot of work and time and you're right – she doesn't really have that on her side".
Charlotte ran her hand through her long blonde hair and huffed in frustration.
"I might... have an idea", she said after a few minutes.
Becky sat poolside and watched as Peyton, Billie, Mandy and a few other girls messed around in the water. She had no intention of joining them, she just enjoyed the sun and the music blasting from the booth Truth had set up.
It was her DJ who had thrown the impromptu party together when he arrived at Becky's beachfront mansion with three 'dancers' and a case of Ciroc. Peyton and Billie were all too excited about having a party and started setting everything up.
"Come on, Becks – show off that hot bod of yours!", Peyton called out.
"Yeah! Zelina over here has a huge crush on you. She'd love to see you get WET!", Billie added. The girls all giggled and splashed each other with water. Becky took a sip of mango juice and laid stretched out on the chair.
She took off her sunglasses when she saw a petite Latina approaching her. The girl sat on the pool chair next to her.
"Hey", she said and gave a seductive smile.
"Hi there". Becky allowed her eyes to travel up and down the woman's body. She was gorgeous no doubt, but Becky just wasn't feeling it.
"Mandy said I should get more ice, but I don't know where the kitchen is and I..."
"Don't worry, I'll go get some", Becky said and got up from the chair.
"I'll go with you", the girl added. Becky gave a nod and made her way to the patio door.
"I take it your name is Zelina", Becky said as she filled the ice bucket.
"It is, yes". She bit down at her lip, sizing Becky up.
"And I'm also guessing Mandy didn't really send you to get ice".
The petite Zelina nodded in the affirmative. "Don't be mad, I just wanted to... spend a little time alone with you".
Becky's tongue slid over her lower lip. Zelina was beautiful, sexy, everything she'd usually go for. But she wasn't what Becky wanted – she wasn't Charlotte – and Becky had been with no other woman since she met Charlotte that night after her concert.
"Look, you're gorgeous... But I'm kinda spoken for. And I really like her, I can't hurt her like that".
Zelina moved closer and snaked her arms around Becky's neck. "I think it's sexy that you're so loyal". She moved her mouth closer to Becky's and continued. "What she doesn't know can't hurt her. And I'm no snitch". Zelina crashed her lips into Becky's and kissed the orange haired woman with all the passion she could conjure up. Becky moaned against her lips, trying to gently push the girl away. But Zelina moved her mouth down to Becky's neck and the Irish woman was weak. She lifted Zelina by the waist and set her down on the countertop. She attacked the woman's neck, kissing and biting down all the way to her breasts that were barely covered by her yellow bikini top.
Her phone ringing in the pocket of her denim shorts stopped her from placing wet kisses in between the other woman's breasts. She took out the phone and checked the name of the caller.
Charlotte.
Becky felt incredibly guilty, so guilty that she didn't even want to answer. But she couldn't leave Charlotte hanging – she cared too much.
"Hi, what's the matter?", she spoke first.
"Nothing's wrong", Charlotte gave a small chuckle. "I just... God I don't even know how to do this..."
Becky had to push Zelina away from her as the Latina tried to kiss her again.
"What's going on? Are you sure you're okay?" Becky successfully got Zelina off her and walked out of the kitchen and into the spacious living room.
"I'm fine, Becky – really. I'm just really nervous about calling you. I hope I didn't interrupt anything".
Becky thought back to a few seconds ago when she was nose deep in some girl's breasts she hardly knew.
"No, you weren't. Are you gonna tell me what's going on or do I have to guess?"
She could hear Charlotte taking a deep breath.
"Remember the little girl who needed the kidney removal surgery..."
"Oh no, did she..."
"No – no, she's still here. It's just... Well... I'm trying to raise money for her surgery and I thought maybe you could... do a show and use to proceeds to... Forget it, I'm so sorry I bothered you with this".
Becky smiled as she sat down on the white sofa. "Charlotte, take a few breaths, stop apologizing and tell me what I need to do for this benefit show".
"Wait... You'll do it?". Becky loved hearing the excitement in the other woman's voice.
"Of course I'll do it. I'd be honoured to".
Charlotte could never hide her pleased grin whenever she watched Becky perform. The night of the benefit concert was no different. The blonde couldn't keep her eyes off the lively rapper up on stage.
Becky had asked a friend if she could use his club to do a show and he happily agreed when he heard that it was for a little girl's surgery. She then took to social media and got her fans to donate money and buy tickets to this special performance. Charlotte or the hospital didn't have to lift a finger.
"I know you say she's a player, but damn, she's so adorable", Natalya whispered into Charlotte's ear as they watch from backstage.
"She's... something else".
"So do you like her or not?", Natalya pressed Charlotte more, hoping to get some answers from her best friend.
Charlotte let out an annoyed sigh. "I do like her, she's nice".
"Nice? NICE? She did all of this for you and all you got is 'nice'?"
Charlotte turned to Natalya, shooting her a vicious look. "She did this for Kimiko, not me. And I'm not ready for a new relationship – not yet".
Becky had finished her last song and made her way backstage. She was glistening from the thin layer of sweat on her skin. Her white tank top clinging tightly to her damp body and her fiery hair flailing all over the place.
"Did you guys enjoy the show?", she asked breathlessly.
"Oh yeah – and I don't even like rap music", Natalya noted. Charlotte said nothing as she was too busy ogling Becky's toned upper body and strong arms.
Natalya noticed Charlotte's gazes and cleared her throat. "What did you think, Char?"
"Uh... It w-was good. Really good".
Becky seemed oblivious to Charlotte's frazzled response and offered a shy smile. "I need to go freshen up. You ladies will stick around for drinks, yeah?".
Natalya rolled her eyes at Charlotte's speechlessness. "I have work in the morning, but Charlotte's available".
Charlotte nodded, still not able to find any words.
Becky gave a flashing smile and made her way to the makeshift dressing room that was actually the owner's office.
"What was THAT?!" Natalya asked and nudged Charlotte with her shoulder.
"I have no idea what you're talking about..."
"You were UNDRESSING her with your eyes. God you've got no game".
Charlotte cocked an eyebrow. "I wasn't... doing anything".
"Exactly!".
Becky had changed from her damp tank top and leather shorts and Chucks to her usually incognito black hoodie, black skinny jeans and black snapback. The Chuck Taylor's were replaced by black Adidas low-tops.
She found Charlotte and the other doctor sitting by the bar, deep in conversation. At first she felt like she'd be intruding, but Charlotte spotted her and motioned for her to join them.
"I was just telling Sami about that banging McLaren of yours. He loves cars". Charlotte took a sip of her cocktail and smiled sweetly.
"I love cars and yet I drive a freakin' Volvo. But hey, safety first!"
Becky laughed along with the two doctors and took out her car keys from her back pocket. She held them out for Sami to take.
"It's not the P1 tonight, it's the Aventador", she said with a wink. "If you feel like taking it for a test drive... she's all yours".
Sami gaped at Becky. "Are... are you serious? I get to drive a Lamborghini Aventador?"
Becky nodded and dangled the keys. "So are you interested or..."
"Hell yeah! Can I take my buddy Kevin with me? He's over there with some of the other staff"
"Sure".
Sami grabbed the keys and practically jogged towards his friend.
"That was really sweet of you. I mean, he'll most likely never get a chance to drive a car like that again". Charlotte stared at Becky's lips as she spoke. The Irish woman had put lip gloss on and now the only thing Charlotte could think about was what it would feel like to kiss Becky.
"It's what I do – I make people happy". Becky sat down on the chair that Sami had occupied. She watched as Charlotte took another sip of her drink.
"You wanna order something?", Charlotte asked absent-mindedly as she called the barman over.
"I'm good, but you should enjoy yourself".
Charlotte chuckled. "I already had two drinks – that's my limit".
"Wow, you're a regular party ANIMAL", Becky joked.
"Hey! We can't all be rappers who party non-stop".
Becky thought for a while and then said: "I'm not a big drinker actually. It's all just for show". She stared up into Charlotte's eyes and wondered what it was about the woman that made her feel so at home.
"So you fake it, huh? How do I know you're being honest with me?", Charlotte leaned closer and narrowed her eyes.
"Well when it comes to you... I can't help but be the real me".
Charlotte gave a sweet smile and nodded in approval of Becky's answer.
Becky bit at the corner of her lower lip. She knew that it was the opportune time to ask Charlotte out. She knew there was a good chance that the gorgeous blonde would say yes, but she still hesitated. What if Charlotte did only want to be friends? Becky hadn't considered the fact that Charlotte might not even be gay. She assumed she was, but they never talked about it. Everyone knew Becky's sexuality – she had been rapping about it for the last three years.
"Thank you. I know I've said it a bunch of times already, but thank you. For all of this". Charlotte gently brushed Becky's cheek with the back of her hand.
The touch felt like electricity through the shorter woman's body. Charlotte's hand on her cheek made her feel better than any pill ever could. She grabbed the blonde woman's hand in hers and placed a kiss on her knuckles.
"Go out with me... to dinner or whatever you want". Becky said in a whisper.
"I... Becky..." she jerked her hand away.
"Don't think about it too much, just say yes. I promise it'll be good – I'll be good", Becky thumbed Charlotte's cheek.
"I can't... I just can't do this right now". She retreated; trying to away from Becky's touches because she knew she'd grew weaker and weaker every time the woman reached out to touch her.
"Why not? I care about you and... It's just one date". Becky tried hard not to sound too desperate, too needy. But she wanted this, she wanted Charlotte to give her a chance.
"Look... I've been.. I've been hurt a lot in the past and I don't wanna put myself out there just to end up with a broken heart again".
Becky grew slightly frustrated. Of course she understood that Charlotte was being cautious with her heart, but she couldn't understand why Charlotte would think that she would hurt her in any way.
"I won't hurt you".
"Can you promise that?"
Becky gave a defeated sigh. She wished she could make that promise to Charlotte.
"Do you know when you'll ever be ready to try again?"
Charlotte thought for a while. She couldn't give a time and date – she may never fully trust another person again.
"Once I figure it out you'll be the first to know".
Becky wiped a hand across her forehead and gave half a smile. She watched Charlotte for a few moments before she spoke. "I'll remember that".
Charlotte attempted to smile back, but she couldn't hold it for very long. She could see the hurt in Becky's eyes.
"Don't be mad at me, please?"
"Of course I'm not mad at you, Charlotte. I just wish you'd…"
Sami rushed up to the two women along with his friend Kevin.
"That. Was. Amazing. Seriously, that car is incredible". Sami handed Becky the keys and held his hand out for a high five. The Irish woman smiled and hit his hand.
"How many cars do you actually have?", Kevin, a larger fella, asked.
"Hmm, three. The Lambo, the P1 and an Audi for when I'm running errands and I got to keep it lowkey", she said nonchalantly and grinned at the boys' reaction.
"Okay, you're officially the coolest person I've ever met", Kevin noted.
"Thank you. Hey I'd love to sit and chat with you lads all night, but I'm so bloody tired. It was really good to meet ya and I hope the operation goes well".
Sami spoke first. "I hope so, too. Thank you for everything you did. You're a great person".
"The best person", Kevin added.
Becky blushed at the compliments. "It was nothing. I really need to go now". She got up from the chair and faced Charlotte. The blonde looked down, trying to avoid her gaze.
"Hey Kev, let's go brag to the guys about the joyride", Sami said as he sensed Becky wanted a moment alone with his colleague.
Charlotte and Becky watched as the guys made their way to one of the tables where some of the other doctors and nurses were seated.
"I'll... I'll text you?", Becky said. She wasn't sure if Charlotte WANTED her to text or call.
"Yeah... I'll reply". A faint smile ghosted her lips.
"Do you need a ride?"
"Uh... Sami is the designated driver so... I'm good".
Becky longed to hug Charlotte, to feel her warmth again, but she resisted the strong urge. She didn't want to make the woman uncomfortable. "Have a good night".
"Bye Becky". There was some strange sense of finality about the words and Charlotte wished she could take them back. But it was too late. Becky was headed for the door. She didn't look back once.
