Chapter 148: You Were Playing a Role
Charlotte hesitated for a moment before making a decision. She knew that she needed guidance, someone to talk to, and she knew just the person. "Help...Yes...Can you please drive me to my friend’s house?"
As the driver nodded and turned the car around, Charlotte felt a sense of hope rising within her. She knew that Grandma Grace, her friend’s grandmother, was someone she could confide in.With a sense of resolve, Charlotte settled into the backseat, ready to open up to Grandma Grace and seek her help in making things right with Thea.
Thea walked into her home, dropping her bag by the door as she entered. She was greeted by the sight of her grandma sitting in the living room, engrossed in a magazine. "Grandma, I’m home."
Her grandma looked up, smiling, and said, "Ah, dear, I’m glad you’re back. Today I met Grandma Nia, and she mentioned that she had run into you."
"Yes, Grandma, I met her today too while going to the bus station. She said she had an appointment with you."
Her grandma chuckled and nodded. "Oh, yes, I treated her to a meal today. Go and get freshened up, dear, I’ve left something for you to eat as well." Thea smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her, and headed upstairs to her room.
A few minutes later, the doorbell rang again, breaking the peaceful atmosphere of the house. Grandma Grace looked up, wondering who it could be, and got up from her seat to answer the door. "Who could that be?" she thought to herself as she made her way to the entrance.
As she reached the door, she asked, "Who is it?" through the closed door. A familiar voice replied, "Grandma, it’s me, Charlotte." Grandma Grace’s face lit up with a warm smile as she opened the door to reveal Charlotte standing on the porch.
"Ooh, Charlotte, dear, come on in." Grandma Grace said, stepping aside to let Charlotte enter. As Charlotte walked in, Grandma Grace asked, "Are you here to see Thea?"
"Hmm ..No, Grandma, I’m here to see you."
Grandma Grace’s expression turned concerned as she led Charlotte to the sofa and sat beside her. "What happened, dear?" she asked, her voice gentle and inquiring.
Charlotte took a deep breath before speaking, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Grandma, Thea is angry with me. She’s been ignoring me all day, and I don’t know what to do." Grandma Grace’s eyes sparkled with interest, and she smiled. "Thea is angry, is she? Why, I wonder?"
Charlotte looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "She’s indeed very angry, Grandma. Throughout the day, she completely ignored me. It was as if I didn’t exist." Grandma Grace’s expression turned thoughtful, and she nodded. "But naturally, Thea is not like that. Completely ignoring you, you say?"
Charlotte nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. "Hmm, it’s indeed my fault that she’s angry. I need your help, Grandma. Do you know anything that will make her...less angry?" Grandma Grace’s eyes twinkled with amusement, but before she could respond, she asked, "Have you eaten yet, dear?"
Charlotte shook her head, her focus solely on resolving the issue with Thea. "No, Grandma. Please, tell me if you know how to lessen her anger. I’ll do anything to make things right between us."
Grandma Grace’s voice was filled with warmth and reassurance as she said, "She’s in her room, dear. Go and talk to her. I’m sure you two can work things out." Charlotte looked uncertain, and Grandma Grace added, "I know she isn’t angry with you at all. You two just need to have a good talk and clear the air."
Charlotte’s eyes searched Grandma Grace’s face, seeking confirmation. "Are you sure, Grandma?" she asked, her voice laced with doubt. Grandma Grace nodded, her expression confident. "Hmm, I’m positive. Now, go on and talk to her. And after you’ve had a chance to chat, you two can come downstairs and join me for a meal."
With that, Grandma Grace gave Charlotte a gentle smile and a nod, encouraging her to go and make things right with Thea. Charlotte smiled back, feeling a sense of gratitude and hope, and headed upstairs to Thea’s room. As she climbed the stairs, she felt a sense of determination wash over her, and she steeled herself for the conversation that lay ahead.
Charlotte stood before Thea’s bedroom door, her hand hesitating for a moment before knocking softly. The knock was met with silence, and Charlotte waited for a response, but none came. She spoke up, her voice gentle but firm. "I’m entering."
With that, she slowly turned the handle and pushed the door open, her eyes scanning the room for Thea. But as she stepped inside, she was met with an empty space. The room was tidy, with no signs of disarray, but Thea was nowhere to be seen.
As Charlotte’s gaze swept the empty room, her attention was drawn to the bathroom door, where she heard the sound of running water. She realized that Thea must be taking a shower. Charlotte walked over to the chair and sat down, waiting for Thea to finish.
Her eyes wandered around the room, and she noticed the clothes scattered on the bed. Without thinking, she got up and began to arrange them neatly, folding and smoothing out the wrinkles.
Meanwhile, Thea was oblivious to Charlotte’s presence in her room. She was lost in the warmth and comfort of the shower, the water cascading down her skin. When she finally turned off the tap and stepped out of the bathroom, she wrapped herself in a towel, securing it around her body. She had no idea that Charlotte was sitting in her room, waiting for her.
Thea’s legs trembled slightly when she opened the door and found Charlotte sitting in the chair, her eyes fixed on her phone. Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt a surge of surprise. She hadn’t expected to see Charlotte waiting for her in her room.
Thea called out to herself, reminding herself to stay calm, and walked over to the bed to pick out some clothes to wear. Charlotte looked up, their eyes meeting for a brief moment, but she didn’t feel like teasing Thea as she knew she was still upset. Instead, Charlotte’s expression remained neutral, and she returned her gaze to her phone.
Thea’s eyes landed on the neatly arranged clothes on the bed, and a small smile played on her lips. She knew exactly who had tidied them up. Despite her efforts to remain aloof, Thea felt a tiny spark of appreciation for Charlotte’s gesture. However,she refused to acknowledge it openly and instead, without giving Charlotte a glance, turned and walked back into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Thea emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a fresh outfit, and was met with Charlotte’s expectant gaze. Charlotte had been waiting for her, and as soon as Thea came out, she stood up, positioning herself in front of Thea. "If you don’t talk to me, then..." Charlotte began, her voice trailing off as she searched Thea’s face for a response.
But Thea didn’t give her one. Instead, she stopped looking at Charlotte and turned away, walking towards the balcony. Charlotte, however, was not deterred. She followed Thea, circling around her as she tried to get her attention.
Thea reached the balcony and stood at the railing, gazing out at the view. But Charlotte was relentless, her voice filled with a mix of desperation and sincerity. "Oh, Thea, listen... this time, please forgive me. I promise I won’t betray you again." Charlotte said, her words tumbling out in a heartfelt plea. She moved closer to Thea, her eyes locked on hers, hoping to break through Thea’s defenses and reestablish their connection.
Thea’s words were laced with a hint of challenge as she asked, "Why should I forgive you?" Her eyes narrowed slightly, her expression a mask of seriousness, but a glimmer of amusement danced in their depths.
Charlotte’s face was a picture of contrition, her voice filled with emotion as she replied, "Because I am your best friend." Her eyes shone with sincerity, and her gaze was unwavering as she waited for Thea’s response.
"Have you forgiven me?" Charlotte asked, her voice laced with hope.
Thea’s response was a slip of the tongue. "I wasn’t angry with you at all, but I was prete.." She quickly snapped her mouth shut, but it was too late.
