The next morning, I woke up with a headache. It was quite early, just before sunrise. Since it was so early, I decided to soak in the bath and relax. So, I just laid there in the hot water and listened to the soft sounds of the piano from my Ipod. I thought of the feelings Charlie stirred up in me, and Amy's warning. I scoffed softly to myself, her warning didn't matter, I was going to do what I wanted, with or without their consent. I got out of the bath once the water started getting uncomfortably cool. I peered out of the bathroom and looked at the sky through my window. The sky was turning a multitude of colors, getting brighter. I started preparing myself for the day. Once my hair was dried and in it's natural curls, I pinned it all to drape over my right shoulder. My makeup was light, some light pink eyeshadow, a thin line of black eyeliner, a light dusting of blush on my cheekbones and a layer of clear lip gloss on my rosy lips. I wore a simple, white sundress that had a light pink sash just under my bust and no straps. On my feet I wore simple white flats.

I skipped down the stairs and met David and Amy in the kitchen. I kissed David on the cheek and looked at Amy. She didn't meet my eyes, immediately looking down as I looked at her. I sighed and shook my head, and began making a cup of coffee. I ate a banana as I leaned against the island, looking out the window. No one talked, we just stayed there in silence, basking in the early morning glow.

"Well, let's head out so we're not late for church." David said as he stood up and stretched, before heading out the door. I tossed the peel of my banana in the garbage and started walking towards the door, when Amy grabbed my arm. I looked at her, narrowing my eyes. She looked into my eyes, tentatively, then looked down at the ground.

"Rosabelle, I'm not asking for forgiveness. What I did was uncalled for. Charlie wasn't the best of guys when we were younger. I'm worried he do something to hurt you." She said softly. I raised my eyebrow and stepped away from her.

"I will not forgive you right now, I'm still pissed off. And yes, what you did was uncalled for. Just, understand the fact that Charlie has changed. Things have happened since you've been gone, that have changed him for the better. Now, I'm gonna tell you what I told David. When I turn 18, I'm going to be able to leave. On that day, we can part on good terms, making me want to come back and see you guys. Or, it can be a bad and ugly end and I'll be gone forever. You decide." I started walking towards the door once again, before saying over my shoulder, turning my head slightly. "I suggest you decide soon. My birthday is only in a couple of days." With that said I walked out and got in the car, not bothering to look at Amy as she got in behind me. The car ride was silent, filled with a tension that only effected Amy and myself. David drove on, seemingly unaware of anything.

When we arrived at the church, David ushered us in. It was already quite packed, even though the sermon hadn't started yet. I sat beside David, directly by the aisle. Amy sat on his other side. Everyone was talking to each other, waiting for the sermon to begin. I looked around and noticed Charlie. I grinned and waved at him. I saw him chuckle and wave to me. I turned to David.

"I'll be right back, Uncle David." I said, he nodded and went on talking to Amy. I stood up and walked back to Charlie. I looked up at him as he was standing. He grinned and looked down at me.

"Hey, Belle. You look mighty nice today." He said, smiling down at me. I blushed lightly, feeling the butterflies flutter around in my tummy.

"Thanks Charlie. I decided to dress up a little today. You know, I gotta dress up for my admirers." I winked exaggeratedly up at him. He rolled his eyes with a chuckle. Then, he reached a hand forward and began playing with a lock of my hair. His eyes stared into mine, with an incredibly soft look that made my insides melt.

"Really Belle, you look beautiful." My blush intensified and I looked down at the ground. He released the lock of hair and cupped my cheek in his large, calloused hand and gently stroked my cheek with his thumb. I heard him mumble 'beautiful' as he stroked my cheek again. I giggled quietly, wrapped in the warm feelings he was causing. We were thrown harshly back into reality by a loud voice beside us, then a meaty arm being slung around us.

"Hey, Rosie! How're you today? My, you're a real looker today!" Bic's loud voice boomed in my ear. I laughed loudly, my early irritation at being interupted, vanishing as I listened to the shy, friendly man. I stepped away from both of them, noticing how Charlie was glaring at Bic's arm around my shoulders.

"I'm pretty good, Bic and thanks. How're you?" I asked, looking at him. He grinned and shrugged.

"I'm alright. Think I might be gettin' sick from working up on that roof for so long in this kinda heat." He answered me. My eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"Well, Bic, don't work yourself too hard. I'd hate to have to watch someone fall from such a height. Same goes for you Charlie." I set my hands on my hips and looked up at him as I spoke firmly. He seemed amused at my sternness.

"We will Belle. We look after our own here." He said, smiling down at me. I smiled back. Then, everyone around us began sitting down.

"See you at the picnic, Charlie." I said and began walking away. I heard him as I walked.

"See you, my beautiful Belle." I blushed at this, it was said quietly enough that it wasn't meant to be heard. I scurried over to my seat and sat down. I glanced at David, and he gave me a knowing look. My blush deepened as I hunkered down in my seat and looked down at my lap. David set his hand on my knee, making me look up at him. He nodded understandingly with a sad smile making me grin. Following that, I sat and paid attention to the sermon in a much lighter mood.