CharlieCompletely engulfed in cleaning and organizing, I lose track of time. The doorbell chimes throughout the house, putting a stop to my manic frenzy. Almost skipping to the door with my hands rubbing together with anxiousness, a shriek of excitement greets my friend at the door.“No car?” I ask.I stare at Juliet as she holds up two large bottles of wine, one in each hand. She invites herself in and immediately goes to the kitchen to put the bottles in the fridge. “Nope. I plan to get tipsy.” She swings back around meeting my stare. “So what’s on the schedule for tonight?”“Drinking. Drinking...and more drinking obviously.” I reply as she waggles the bottles in the air.“Well...I did bring a movie to watch.” She digs in her oversized purse searching for something. It takes a moment before she pulls something out, waving it in my face.That’s the best movie she could find. I do have to say that it’s better than another movie I can think of, but Warm Bodies…a zombie love story. It’

CharlieThe pitch black room doesn’t make my escape any easier. After prying Maxwell’s arm off me, I slip out of bed in search for the door. I contemplate opening the curtains, allowing me to see where the exit is without bumping into furniture, but I decide it would be best to have Maxwell continue sleeping. So, with my eyes open as wide as possible, which is useless, and my arms outstretched before me to guide the way, I start the treacherous walk.I hold my breath with each tiptoe across the floor. The fact that I probably look like Frankenstein crosses my mind. The rattling of something on top of what I believe to be the dresser echoes throughout the room as I walk face first into it. The point of my hands protecting me from that very outcome proves worthless as I underestimate the fact that my brain doesn’t register objects until it’s too late. My body goes rigid until the rattling object becomes silent again. Wishful thinking of if Maxwell does wake up he won’t be able to see me

CharlieEveryone in the room is speechless. Juliet’s eyes move from me to Maxwell just as my eyes move from Maxwell to her.The sound of Juliet’s dry throat clearing fills the room. “You brought your secret boyfriend.” Obviously no one can beat the sarcasm out of her.“Yes. No.” I can feel a blush creeping up my neck to pool in my cheeks.I look over her scrapes and bruises, her cast and IVs. This was a message and the message has been received. The tension in the room is thick, too thick for my liking. “You know what, I’m going to get some coffee and a snack from the vending machines downstairs. Do you want anything?” I look at both of them only to be polite as I take a few steps toward the door. Maxwell follows my lead. “You can stay here and get some juicy dirt on me from my bestie,” I say to him, holding up my hand, stopping him in his tracks. “I know she wants the dish on you.”“Twizzlers,” Juliet demands before I finally depart the room.I look one last time at Maxwell; his expr

CharlieNumber one thing I like about mornings in my own home, no Maxwell. The sun shines on my face as I walk to the mailbox to gather my mail. Already clothed for work I sit at the kitchen table to enjoy some breakfast as I look at the letters I received. A wide smile forms on my face as I see a letter from Robert and Justin, my flower experts. Eagerly, I tear into the envelope to read what other than an invitation to their engagement party. A tiny bit of disappointment seeps into my good mood because I thought they wanted me to help them with their wedding. I haven’t had a chance to check my emails in forever, so for all I know there’s an email from them waiting for me to reply to. To my surprise, a corner of a second piece of paper that is still wedged inside the envelope peaks out. A small laugh fills the silent room as I read a message that Justin wrote. You better have this date available.After finishing my breakfast, I gather my purse and keys to make my way to work, double

CharlieFive minutes to four o clock my cell phone rings. “Hello?”“Put your papers away and get those rubber gloves on, because I’m out. Well, not until you pick me up. I’ll be waiting for you in my room,” Juliet chimes. She sounds like she’s back to her old self again and I can’t be any happier.Goodbyes are exchanged and I do what I was told. I gather all the scrambled papers on my desk into a neat pile and head out.“Leaving already?” Morgan asks me when I come into view. “I love all these different scarves you’re always wearing, by the way,” she adds as she leans over the front desk.I adjust the pink plaid scarf tighter around my neck. It’s becoming