Chapter 7: History Repeating

Charlotte and Jeremy stayed up past the point of exhaustion. When focusing on the game became an issue they called it quits. Leaving the food spread out across the table for them to clean up tomorrow, they headed to bed, Jeremy giving Lottie a piggyback ride up the stairs.

Using the spare pink toothbrush reserved for her, Charlotte brushed her teeth before falling onto the right side of Jeremy's bed. Kicking off her shoes, she burrowed into the blankets and was asleep before Jeremy even returned from the bathroom.

For the first time in the history of their friendship, Jeremy was awake before Charlotte. Slipping out of bed, he tip toed as quietly as he could across the floor, glancing back at her when he reached the bathroom door. He smiled at the mound of blankets that was Lottie. He could just barely see her blonde head poking out of the cocoon of blankets tangled around her.

Shutting the bathroom door behind him, Jeremy relieved himself of the liters of soda he'd drank last night. The door to Elena's room opened while he washed his hands.

"Morning," Jeremy murmured, glancing at Elena in the mirror. She simply crossed her arms and sent him a pointed stare. "What's with the judgey look?

"You and Charlotte had a sleepover," Elena stated the obvious. "In your room."

"We've always shared a room when Lottie crashed here before. What's your problem?" Jeremy didn't understand the disapproval radiating off of Elena. It's not like it was the first time Lottie had stayed the night. Their childhood was spent crashing at each other's houses.

"You're older now. She has a boyfriend, Jer," Elena explained. Caroline had texted her and Bonnie about Charlotte's first date along with pictures of the two of them together while Charlotte got ready. "How do you think he would feel if he knew you two were sleeping together?"

"They've only been on one date," Jeremy corrected. "And I honestly don't give a rat's ass what Fisher thinks. Besides, it wasn't like that and you know it."

"You were in the same bed," Elena pointed out. Sharing a bed was fine when they were seven, but they weren't seven anymore.

"Yeah, fully clothed. Where was she supposed to sleep? The floor? The couch?" Jeremy snapped.

"She could have slept in my room," Elena suggested.

"Yeah, cause that wouldn't be awkward. She's my friend, not yours." Charlotte and Elena had never been super close. They got along fine, but they weren't friends.

Elena was about to respond when Charlotte opened the door to Jeremy's room. Her hair was all tangled as she stood there in leggings and an oversized tee looking half awake.

"Sorry, I have to pee," Charlotte murmured sleepily.

"It's alright Lottie, we were done. I'll see you downstairs for breakfast," Jeremy said, sharing one last look with Elena before leaving.

Charlotte ended up heading home without eating. She was getting weird vibes off Elena. Whatever sibling fight she'd interrupted in the bathroom clearly hadn't been resolved. Leaving them to sort it all out, Charlotte hoped her mom had already confronted Caroline about last night.

The house was quiet when Charlotte closed the front door. Her mom's patrol car was gone, which thankfully meant she missed any fallout between her and Caroline. Peaking her head into Caroline's room, she found her sister painting her nails at her desk.

"Hey Care, how was last night?" Charlotte asked, coming to sit on Caroline's bed.

"Ugh, I don't want to talk about it," Caroline grumbled, dipping her brush back into the polish.

"I heard Matt helped you home," Charlotte commented, knowing better than to think Caroline really didn't want to talk about it.

"Yeah, he stayed the night," Caroline murmured, causing Charlotte's eyebrows to raise. "Then bailed before I woke up this morning. So not cool. I woke up to a lecture from mom about underage drinking."

"At least mom didn't catch him in here, or you would have gotten two lectures," Charlotte pointed out, trying to be helpful while still digesting the fact that Matt and Caroline spent the night together. Caroline had never once mentioned having a thing for Matt Donavan.

"Yeah, well he could have waked me to say goodbye at least," Caroline huffed.

"True," Charlotte said, studying her sister. "Care, do you like Matt?"

"I don't know. Last night was a complete disaster, but he made me feel better. He was sweet, and took care of me, and it was just nice. You know?"

"Then talk to him about it. You won't know why he left if you don't. I won't know if you don't, and I'm kind of invested now," Charlotte grinned, waggling her eyebrows at Caroline and getting her to laugh.

…

The car was quiet when Caroline drove her and Charlotte to school after the weekend. Charlotte was a bundle of nerves. She hadn't seen Billy since their date, and though they'd texted, it wasn't the same. She had no idea what to expect when she ran into him at school. Would he act like nothing happened? Would he try to kiss her in front of everyone when he greeted her? She wasn't ready for PDA yet, she'd only just had her first kiss.

"Alright we can do this," Caroline said, hoping a pep talk would make them more confident and able to talk to Matt and Billy. "They're just boys. We can handle guys, right?"

"Of course, we're Forbes women. We can do anything," Charlotte responded, not feeling half as confident as she sounded. If she showed her nerves it would only make them both more nervous.

"Let's do this," Caroline said, slipping out of the car.

They both said good luck to the other as they separated. Caroline headed for Elena who had just arrived, and Charlotte headed for her locker. The buzzing of her nerves increased when she saw Billy leaning against the lockers by theirs, talking with some of his teammates. Looks like she'd be having an audience.

Her eyes met Billy's halfway down the hall and her stomach flipped at the smile he sent her. Turning his attention back to his friends, Billy said something that had them dispersing. To her surprise a couple of them said hi to her as they passed by.

"Hi," Charlotte murmured, stopping in front of Billy. He had his lacrosse jersey on, and the way he held the straps of his bag had his muscles on display. He looked good.

"Hey," Billy greeted. "How was the rest of your weekend?"

"Good, I danced some, hung out with Jer. How about you?" Charlotte asked.

"It was alright. Coach had an extra practice in preparation for today's game. It didn't exactly measure up to Saturday night," Billy said, trying not to feel threatened that Charlotte had hung out with Jeremy after their date. Because though she had hung out with Gilbert, she'd gone on an actual date with him.

"You have a game today, that explains the jersey," Charlotte said, pointing to Billy's chest.

"Yeah, I was actually wondering if you would come," Billy said, running his hand through his hair. "It's at four."

"You want me to watch you play?" Charlotte asked with a smile. As confused as she was when it came to what they were, she was a little excited he wanted her at his game.

"It's stupid I know," Billy brushed it off, feeling like an idiot for asking.

"No, it's not. I'd love to come watch and support you," Charlotte insisted, quickly adding. "And the team. Go Timberwolves." Why was she always so awkward around Billy?

The bell rang before things could get any more awkward. Parting ways to their classes, Billy turned back to watch Charlotte disappear down the hall, smiling to himself.

The morning seemed to fly by. Lunch came with the uncertainty of whether Billy would expect her to eat with him. Charlotte had half convinced herself to spend it in the music room when Jeremy found her. Which wasn't hard seeing as their lockers were beside each other. When she asked what he was doing for lunch she found out he had been asked to meet with Mr. Saltzman.

Following Jeremy to Mr. Saltzman's classroom, Charlotte waited nervously outside, pacing the hallway. It was never good when a teacher wanted to see you at lunch, but Jeremy didn't remember doing anything to warrant the private meeting.

"Is everything okay?" Charlotte asked when Jeremy emerged from the classroom not five minutes later. That was a really fast meeting. It couldn't be anything too bad if it was over already.

"He just wanted to talk to me about my grades. Offered extra credit if I write a paper for him," Jeremy reassured Lottie, smiling at the relieved sigh she let out.

"How could your grades be that bad? We studied together. I helped you with that class and I'm doing fine." Charlotte didn't understand how Jeremy could be on the verge of failing and she wasn't. They'd done their homework together since the first football game of the season.

"Tanner tolerated you. He hated me," Jeremy shrugged. He figured it was because the first impression he made on Tanner was a kid more interested in getting high than in history. "Will you help me with the paper?"

"Of course, whatever it takes," Charlotte readily agreed. "What's the topic?"

"It's my choice. But it has to be something local. Want to brainstorm after school?" Jeremy asked.

"Um, I actually promised Billy I'd go to his game," Charlotte admitted, glancing down at her feet.

"Since when do you like watching sports?" Jeremy asked, taken aback at Charlotte's confession.

"It's not about the game. It's about supporting Billy," Charlotte explained, looking up at Jeremy. "But I can help you after the game."

"You don't have to Lottie," Jeremy said. He didn't want to be a burden, someone Charlotte felt required to help.

"I know I don't have to," Charlotte rolled her eyes. "I want to."

"Okay, I'll meet you at the grill at 5:30," Jeremy said.

…

Caroline's conversation with Matt hadn't gone as well as Charlotte's with Billy. Charlotte found out all about it after school.

"I read into everything way too much, because apparently he wasn't trying to snub me. He was just saying hey like he always does, and I was just expecting more because I'm lame," Caroline sighed, laying across Charlotte's bed as she watched her sister pull one of the few maroon shirts she had from her closet.

"You're not lame Caroline. If a guy spent the night taking care of me and then snuggled with me like Matt did with you, I'd expect more too," Charlotte insisted, pulling on the shirt.

"I just want a guy to like me for me, as more than a friend," Caroline said, flipping over onto her stomach.

"Don't give up on Matt. I like him, and he might like you. Maybe it's just awkward for him right now since you're one of Elena's best friends and they used to date."

"Maybe," Caroline agreed, squinting her eye's at Charlotte's outfit. "You should wear my cheerleading bow to add more maroon."

Rising from the bed, Caroline rushed to her room, returning with said bow and a maroon face paint pen.

"What's Billy's number again?" Caroline asked with a smile as she held up the pen.

That was how Charlotte ended up with the number 12 on her right cheek and a perky ponytail that was way more bouncy than she'd anticipated. Caroline dropped her off at the field. Charlotte tried to get her to stay with her, but Caroline declined. She knew Charlotte would use her as a shield for her nerves after the game when Billy would undoubtedly come find Charlotte.

The team was warming up when Charlotte got to the field, leaning against the short chain link fence surrounding the field and separating the bleachers from the players. Scanning the maroon jerseys, Charlotte spotted number 12 getting off a shot at goal. She watched from where she was for a little while longer before heading up the bleachers.

Charlotte had no idea what was going on or who had the ball most of the game. There was a lot more physical contact than she'd anticipated, as they guys slammed into one another on the field. It was actually kind of fun to watch when she had someone to root for. Billy scored two goals during the game, but in the end the Timberwolves lost by one point.

Making her way down the bleachers, Charlotte stopped by the fence again, watching as the players shook hands and left the field. She felt awkward waiting there, but she didn't want to leave without at least saying hi to Billy. He was the reason she'd come. At least she wasn't the only one loitering around as half the crowd milled about on the bleachers and near the concession stand.

As soon as Billy noticed her he jogged over, stopping on the other side of the fence with a smile. His hair was damp from sweat, and his face was flushed from the exertion of the game.

"You came," Billy smiled. "What did you think?"

"It's much more violent than I thought," Charlotte said, leaning against the top of the fence. "Congrats on your goals. I'm sorry you didn't win," Charlotte added, wondering if that was an appropriate thing to say when someone lost a game.

"It's alright, it's only the first game of the season. I'm just glad you came," Billy shrugged.

"I think your team is trying to get your attention," Charlotte pointed out when some of his teammates called out to Billy from the team bench. Billy glanced over his shoulder to find his teammates making various gestures relating to him and Charlotte.

"Forget them," Billy murmured, turning back to Charlotte. His eyes fell to her cheek, noticing the maroon paint. "I like you wearing my number," Billy commented, his fingers brushing underneath the paint and causing a flush of pink to spread across the skin his fingers touched. She looked so cute, with her high ponytail and his number painted across her cheek. He couldn't resist.

Tilting her chin up, Billy leaned closer, hesitating a little as his eyes met Charlotte's. When she didn't back away, Billy closed the distance, leaning over the top of the fence and kissing her. Gripping Billy's jersey to steady herself, Charlotte returned the kiss, momentarily forgetting about the crowd around them. When they eventually broke apart, Billy's smile was brighter than the stadium lights. Charlotte's heart slammed against her ribs and she was sure her face was as dark as her shirt. Especially when she realized Billy's teammates were hollering at them.

"What are you doing after this?" Billy asked, fighting the urge to pull Charlotte back to him. He didn't want to overwhelm her. Maybe if they went somewhere just the two of them after, where they could talk, they could continue what he'd started.

"I'm actually meeting Jeremy at the Grill in fifteen minutes," Charlotte said. "I promised I'd help him with his extra credit assignment for history."

"Oh," Billy murmured, deflating a little. "I thought we could go somewhere and hang."

"Raincheck?" Charlotte offered.

"I'll hold you to that," Billy said before he was pulled away by his teammates who were heading to the locker room.

With a small wave, Charlotte turned and started towards the Grill. There was a chill in the air she was thankful for as it cooled down her cheeks. Checking her phone for the time, she picked up the pace. She was only a few minutes late when she slid into the seat beside Jeremy.

"Sorry I'm late," Charlotte said, a little out of breath.

"It's okay Lottie," Jeremy said, pushing his coke towards her.

"Thanks," Charlotte murmured, taking a big gulp.

"What's with the twelve?" Jeremy asked, pointing to Charlotte's face. Overall she looked like the poster child for school spirit.

"Caroline did that, it's Billy's number," Charlotte said, her hand moving to her cheek at Jeremy's question.

"Right, how did the game go?" Jeremy asked, trying not to spend too much time thinking about what the face paint meant.

"I had no idea what was going on, but it was alright. We lost by one point."

"Not surprising," Jeremy commented, causing Charlotte to knock her shoulder against his.

"So, your paper. What were you thinking of writing it on?" Charlotte asked, changing the subject.

"I have no idea. It has to be local and I can't use the internet." Without the internet Jeremy was at a loss.

"We probably should have met in the library then," Charlotte remarked. "Although most of the local history is probably locked away in the Lockwood mansion."

"Maybe we could stage a break in, James Bond style," Jeremy suggested, causing both of them to hum the theme song while turning back to back and holding up their fingers like guns.

"Looks like you're working really hard on your project," Jenna commented as she set their food on the table and took a seat across from the goofballs. "Have you picked a topic yet?"

"We were actually discussing that," Charlotte giggled. "We're breaking into the Lockwood mansion for all the founding family stuff they're hoarding. Want to be our getaway driver?"

"As fun as that sounds, you don't have to break in anywhere," Jenna said, pulling her textbook closer to her. "Your dad had a bunch of your grandfather's journals stashed away in boxes at the house. He was really into all that family history stuff."

"That's perfect, Jer," Charlotte said, grabbing his burger and taking a bite. "We can sift through the boxes together to see if we can find anything for you to write on.

"Alright, but I was really looking forward to fulfilling a childhood dream of being a spy," Jeremy joked, trading Charlotte a napkin, to wipe the ketchup off her face, for his burger.

"I can order you some food," Jenna offered, watching as Charlotte stole some of Jeremy's fries.

"I don't mind sharing," Jeremy said, pushing his plate so it sat between him and Charlotte. Movement to his right made Jeremy turn his head to find their history teacher approaching.

"Mr. Saltzman," Jeremy greeted him with a fun handshake that had Charlotte wondering how all guys seemed to know the bro's handshake.

"Jeremy, Charlotte," Mr. Saltzeman greeted both his students before turning towards the woman across from them.

"This is my Aunt Jenna," Jeremy started the introductions. When Jenna couldn't take her eyes away from their history teacher, Jeremy and Charlotte shared a look that had Charlotte stifling a giggle by stuffing fries in her mouth.

Between the two of them, Jeremy's food didn't last very long. Mr. Saltzeman was still hanging around the bar when they'd cleared Jeremy's plate. When Jenna kept glancing over at him, they made the decision to leave, slipping out of booth. When Jenna offered to drive they declined, sharing another look.

"If they start dating there's no way you're getting anything less than a B," Charlotte joked as they made their way up Jeremy's front porch.

"And if they break up I'm going to get a D," Jeremy countered.

"I think he'd be fair and give you a C minus," Charlotte said, cracking a smile.

Tossing his house key on the table beside the door, Jeremy led the way to the hall closet. Inside were boxes upon boxes of his parent's things. He hadn't been through them since they died, and seeing them had him hesitating.

"It's alright Jer, I'll go through them with you. It'll be fine," Charlotte reassured him, resting her hand on his forearm.

Reaching for the top shelf, Jeremy handed the first box down to Charlotte. He followed behind her to the kitchen, setting the boxes on the kitchen table. Pulling a photo album from the box Jeremy flipped it open. The first picture was one of his mom and dad. Even knowing there would be pictures of them in the album, it till caught him off guard. Tears prickled in the corner of his eyes and he fought them back as much as he could.

"It's okay to cry," Charlotte murmured, slipping her hand in Jeremy's. "Sometimes it helps."

"I miss them," Jeremy whispered, his free hand touching the corner of the picture.

"I know," Charlotte said, releasing Jeremy's hand so she could wrap her arms around him. "I know."

Setting the album on top of the box, Jeremy returned the hug, pulling Lottie in closer. He relished in the comfort she provided as he breathed in the soft, sweet smell of roses. Lottie always smelled like roses. He wasn't sure if it was her shampoo or a perfume, but it was a familiar scent that immediately calmed him.

Jeremy wasn't sure how long they stood holding onto each other, but the front door opening had them pulling apart. Turning towards the back of the kitchen, Jeremy used his sweatshirt to dab at his eyes before returning to the boxes.

"I'm not going to invite you in," Jenna said after glancing back towards the kitchen to find Jeremy and Charlotte going through the boxes.

"You are so acing history this year," Charlotte whispered, making Jeremy smile and shake his head. "What's this?" Charlotte asked plucking a journal from one of the boxes.

Jeremy unwrapped the leather strap around it, opening it to find the name Jonathan Gilbert written neatly across the first page. The first entry was dated 1864.

"It's the journal Aunt Jenna was talking about," Jeremy said.

"I think you mean journals," Charlotte corrected, pointing to the other leather bound books in the box. "This is so cool. I wonder if my ancestors wrote diaries too."

"Alright kiddos," Jenna interrupted, throwing an arm around each of their shoulders as she came in the kitchen. "It's getting late, and it's a school night. You can sift through the journals tomorrow. Do you need a ride home Charlotte?"

"No, I can walk." Walking home at night wasn't a problem anymore now that her mom's weird 'no staying out after dark' curfew had been revoked. Setting the journal on the table, Jeremy walked her to the door.

"Thanks for tonight Lottie," Jeremy said, leaning against the door as she stepped onto the porch.

"Anytime Jer," Charlotte said, really meaning it. "I'm always here for you."

A/N Hey everyone! I'm hoping you continue to enjoy this story. I'm still having fun exploring Charlotte's character and how she fits into this universe. Sorry if this one is a little choppy. There were a lot of different scenes I wanted to incorporate and I tried my best to tie them together as seamlessly as I could. For those who like story aesthethics, I made an Instagram for my fanfiction stories where I can post aesthetics I like. My username is Gracelesslyfalling just like on here.

Thank you to everyone who favorites/follows, reviews, and reads this story. It means so much to me.

Rach

xoxo