Chapter 42 Guilt

Christian

Ten Years Ago

My heart nearly leaped out of my chest as Bernice's eyes fluttered open, catching me mere inches from her face. I froze, hoping she was still half-asleep and hadn't noticed my compromising position.

No such luck.

Her brows furrowed slightly as she focused on me. "Charlie? What are you doing?"

"I, uh..." My mind raced for an excuse, any excuse. "You had some popcorn crumbs. On your face. I was just... getting them off for you."

Wow, real smooth, Christian. I mentally facepalmed.

Bernice looked at me quizzically for a moment, then shrugged. "Oh. Thanks, I guess." She yawned and stretched. "I think I'm going to conk out again, if that's cool with you. Unless there's something else you wanted to do...?"

She let the question hang in the air. I swallowed hard. "Nope, all good here. Sleep away."

"Mmkay. G'night." Bernice nestled back into the couch cushions, her eyes drifting shut.

"Night, Bernie," I whispered.

I watched as her breathing slowed and deepened, her featu