Chapter 27-2

"I am glad she is trying, but she never supported me in anything before. She only started now because I was hurt. I mean, what if I left him on my own would she still support me then? Probably not." She whispered glanced around the café with an eerie feeling that someone was watching her. Charlotte knew she was being paranoid, but that didn't stop the sensation of dread racing up her spin, leaving pins and needles in its place. Their coffee came quickly, and Chase gave the waiter a small nod as the delicate, steamy cup was placed down in front of her. Charlotte wrapped her hand around the ceramic glass and blew across the surface before taking a small, delicate sip, careful not to burn her tongue. The taste of the dark roast warmed her from the inside out as she gently placed it back onto the saucer. "I sometimes wonder if my mother truly cares that I was hurt, or she is acting overprotective because that is what is expected of her. I know it shouldn't bother me as an adult but a part of me wishes she was a better mother growing up, but then I'm one to talk." Charlotte whispered softly, looked down at her lap and slowly lifted her eyes to meet Chase's. He had put his coffee back down on the table and reached over to grab her hand. She didn't flinch as she saw it coming and felt a sense of security when his large, warm hand clasped hers gently. "Your mother does care for you in her own way. She may not have shown it the way other mothers do, but she cares, and you are nothing like your mother okay. Our daughter was an unfortunate event that you had no control over. These things happen okay, and while I am upset you didn't tell me I don't blame you. You need to learn to forgive yourself because what happened to Ava was a tragic event, okay." His thumb traced the few stray tears that always fell when she thought about their daughter. She always felt like a failure as a woman and mother and blamed no one but herself. She hoped one day she would be able to forgive herself, but she didn't know if she had the strength. They both finished drinking their coffees as Chase spoke about the new book he was writing and how at the start of the year the rights to his first book would go to auction. When they left the café, Chase guided Charlotte back to the car and the moment she was inside she felt her anxiety reduce at the comfort of the metal car. "I have a gift at home for you," Chase told her as they drove through Sydney traffic. Charlotte looked over to Chase and raised one delicate eyebrow, wondering what on earth he had bought her. She tried to think back to when he had left the last few weeks and found her mind fogy from pain and string medication she was told to take. "You didn't have to get me anything. You have done more than enough." Charlotte looked out the window and watched as they whizzed past traffic, and he closed her eyes for a moment and the soft rumble of the car lured her to sleep. When Charlotte woke again, she was being carried inside and when she opened her eyes; she saw Chase looking down at her as he gently placed her on his couch. "Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep." Charlotte sat up and rubbed her eyes, trying to wake herself up. "It's okay if you want you can take a nap while I make us something for lunch." Charlotte wanted to protest saying she was fine and could make something instead she found herself laying back down and drifting off to sleep as the stress and anxiety of being out finally caught up with her. ***** Charlotte was helping clean up dinner after having a lazy day of watching movies after lunch and helping Chase hang out the washing despite his protesting that she needed to relax. Inside Chase's house, she felt and secure, however the moment she stepped out the front door it always hit her, the terrifying feeling that she was being watched and her stomach twisted with dread. Charlotte had finished drying the last of the dishes when Chase grabbed her hand and smiled at her. "I want to show you something," He gently pulled Charlotte through the house and up the stairs to the spare room. He turned around and face Charlotte as a shy smile graced his lips. "If you don't like it, please tell me." He opened the door and raised a hand to gesture Charlotte should step inside. She gave Chase a nervous glance before stepping into the room and gasping. All around was filled with canvas, brushes, paints and everything an artist would need. The large window in the room faced the backyard, and she could already imagine how the light would shine in during the morning. She walked around the room slowly as her fingers trailed along benches filled with brushes and paints waiting to be touched. The room had a stool and a lounge, so if anyone wanted to watch, they would be comfortable. "When?" She questioned as she opened a drawer filled with expensive oil pastels her fingers itched to touch. "I had Harriet and my Mum help me over the last few weeks. Dad helped me build some cupboards. I always remember how you talked about having a studio in the backyard full of windows for natural light and while this isn't exactly what you dreamed of, it's the closet, I could get until we build you a studio in the yard." Charlotte turned around and faced Chase with a bewildered look that he remembered that from all those years ago. "You remembered?" She watched as a shy smile graced his face as he stepped closer to her. "I remembered everything, Charlie. I remember every dream you told me about. I remember all those long conversations we had about our future. I remember all our plans and dreams. I remember it all beautiful." He gently cupped her face into his hands, and she closed her eyes as his lips softly brushed up against her. The kiss was soft, warm and made her feel safe, however as quickly as it started it ended. She felt Chase tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear and at this moment in the room he created for her, she felt loved. The feeling was foreign to her, but her heartbeat a little quicker, and she felt a sense of security she hadn't felt in ages, but with this warm fuzzy feeling came the darkness. The darkness that made her shiver and the words love. Words she hated hearing because they meant nothing other than the pain. She tried to push the dark feelings away, but they were always around and lingering. "I don't know what to say," she whispered as she took a step back from Chase. "Thank you, you have no idea what this means, thank you." She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. "I know you might not be ready to paint again, but this is all here for you when you are ready." He kissed the side of her head and Charlotte allowed herself for the first time in years to grasp on tightly to that glimmer of hope there was starting the bloom inside of her.