"Hey."
"Aaron, I thought you were going to be here later."
"Miles got me out here early and he sent someone with me." Cynthia stepped into view.
"Ohh perfect, one more head to protect." Of course Miles would send more than he had promised. "Make yourselves at home, you can have the bedroom downstairs." Monroe turned around and headed back upstairs where he found Charlie wrapped in the covers exactly the way he left her, only bent over in pain.
"What's the matter?" Bass raced over to Charlie and started to rub her back.
"My stomach, it's going to kill me." Charlie sat up straight and took a deep breath. "It will pass. What's happened to your food?"
"Ohh, Aaron's here with Cynthia."
"I should get dressed, go start dinner."
"That's fine you stay here. I can make dinner tonight."
"Are you sure?" Bass nodded his head, she smiled. "You know you're the absolute best person in the whole world."
He just laughed and headed out the door. "I love you Charlotte." He whispered.
In the kitchen he found Aaron and Cynthia in the middle of a deep conversation. "I'm making dinner, how does spaghetti sound?" They both nodded and headed into the other room. 'That was fine, they didn't have to talk to him. He was only protecting them.' Aaron returned only minutes later.
"So, Monroe," Aaron didn't know how to put it pleasantly so he simply said it. "How did you get Charlie to bring you here?"
"I told her she needed my help and I guess that was good enough."
"Umhmm," Aaron wasn't buying it, what if he found out about him and Charlie.
"I mean, her mom was in trouble and I could get her here fastest." 'Please, please.'
"I am astounded she trusted you at all, after everything that happened." He had bought it.
"Yeah, she surprised me too." Charlie tiptoed in at that point in a drowsy state, her eyes barley open.
"I really don't feel good, I think I need to eat something." She almost fell over but instead found a seat to sit in.
"When did you last eat?" Bass asked filled with concern.
"Yesterday morning. I think."
"Charlotte, you are ridiculous. The pastas almost ready." Bass pulled some tomatoes out of the cupboard and started to cut them up.
"Thank you for doing this, I really don't feel..." Charlie fell to the floor. Bass dropped the knife he was holding and darted over, Aaron following close behind.
"Charlie, Charlie, wake up...wake up." Monroe was almost yelling. "We need Gene, he'll be able to help." Bass got up and ran to the window where he found the cellphone he had been using to communicate with Miles when he was in Willoughby. He knew Miles would be watching. A few minutes later Charlie opened her eyes. "Hey, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine Bass, I was just a little dizzy. Is dinner ready?" Charlie didn't want to appear vulnerable, not now.
"Dinner? Charlie you were out for at least ten minutes. Are you sure you're okay?" She nodded. "Well I sent for your grandfather anyway, he should be here soon."
"Why did you do that Bass, he doesn't know you're here and what about Aaron and Cynthia, they'll be in jeopardy if anyone finds out."
Aaron spoke up, "We'll be fine Charlie. You really need to be seen." Charlie finally agreed and just a short while later Gene was knocking on the door. With Monroe hidden Gene took Charlie to her bedroom for an exam.
Halfway through the exam Gene spoke to his granddaughter, "Charlie, what did you do?"
"What do you mean? What is it? Grandpa?" her face filled with worry.
"I don't know how to say this Charlie...you're pregnant." Charlie fell silent, she laid her head flat on the bed under her and closed her eyes. But she couldn't stop them, the tears came and they poured down her face.
Practically choking on each word Charlie asked her grandfather to retrieve Aaron, "And grandpa, after you get him please go back to Willoughby, I need to be alone." Gene nodded headed downstairs and told Aaron Charlie needed him.
"What's wrong with her?" Aaron asked just as worried as Charlie had been.
"I think Charlie needs to tell you. Take good care of her Aaron." With that Gene opened the door and started off towards Willoughby.
