Chapter 7

The family cottage backed out to a beautiful blue lake. The way the sun beamed down on the surface of the water created the illusion of glitter. Charlotte paused as they got out of the car to really look out at the water. In the distance, she could see a pair of ducks swimming by. Sam’s parents headed into the house, but the two girls went straight to the backyard. Her grandparents had a tent set up in the backyard for the two of them. There was a bedroom prepared too, but the girls were excited to spend their first night in the tent. Charlotte wanted to take in the scenery, and listen to the sounds of nature. Sam wanted to take pictures. She wanted to be a photographer, which was something she was working on at her own school. She was a great photographer too. She could see things with her camera that normal people really couldn’t see. Charlotte included. Sam didn’t understand how Charlotte could write because words didn’t make sense to her. They started talking about creating a newsletter using Sam’s photography and Charlotte’s writing. Sam’s school would be able to publish it, and they could give it out to anyone who wanted a copy. Neither of them had put serious effort into the plan, it was just an idea. One of many the two of them would come up with.

It was hard for Charlotte to get comfortable the first night. She wasn’t really used to sleeping away from home. She certainly wasn’t used to sleeping outside. Every sound was keeping her awake. She couldn’t get comfortable in her sleeping bag. Before sleep found her, the sun was shining over the lake. That morning, Sam’s grandparents made blueberry pancakes from berries they had picked themselves. At breakfast, Sam did something outrageous. She took a handful of blueberries and dropped them into her glass of milk. Charlotte had never seen anyone do that. Sam stirred the berries around in the glass, then took a sip, letting out a satisfied sigh.

“Can I try that?” Charlotte asked sheepishly. Sam nodded with excitement and handed her the glass.

“Go ahead.” Charlotte cautiously took a sip, then handed the glass back.

“Not bad.” She hummed. Sam nodded.

“Someone I used to go to church with drank milk like this. I had to try it when I saw it too. I just couldn’t get enough.” Sam gushed. Charlotte nodded.

“I get it.” She agreed.

“Your cousin is coming by later.” Sam’s grandmother called from upstairs. Charlotte looked at Sam.

“Cousin?” She questioned. Sam nodded.

“Robert likes to come over when he knows I’m here. We’re the only ones the same age.” Sam rambled. Charlotte nodded. She had heard stories of Robert, but she hadn’t met him yet. She wasn’t sure what to expect from him. Sam had many biased opinions. She had also confessed that when she was younger, she had a crush on her cousin Robert. As she got older, she realized it was infatuation because she thought he was so cool. He liked to weld, so he worked with metal and dangerous tools. Sam always said it was fascinating when she showed off little decorations he had made her for Christmas or birthdays. He also started woodworking, so he was making shelves for her bedroom this year. Sam had told Charlotte all of this. The part Sam left out was that Robert was actually gorgeous. He was 6’ with messy brown hair hanging over his broad shoulders. He had a wide smile full of bright white teeth and he held his hand out to Charlotte to introduce himself. She excused herself to the bathroom, needing to catch her breath. When he shook her hand, her heart had started racing so fast it felt like it was going to come out of her chest. She splashed her face off before she headed back out to the yard. Robert was sitting in a lawn chair with his shirt hanging over the back. He had muscular arms and a defined chest. He obviously went to the gym too. Charlotte knew she was staring, but he kept smiling when he caught her in the act. Sam eventually dragged Charlotte into the water with her, giving Robert and excuse to get closer. After splashing for a while, they were called out of the water for lunch. Grandpa had set up the barbecue and was grilling hamburgers. After lunch, Robert had to go home. But that night, he called to talk to Sam. When she picked up the phone, he asked to talk to Charlotte instead. He told her that he thought she was cute, and, asked if she might want to see him again. She said she would love to, and they hung up the phone. Sam teased her for an hour before finally moving on.

The next day, Robert came over again. The girls loaded up their beach bags and the three of them walked to the beach a few blocks down the road. It was the same body of water, but there was a nice sandy shore to greet them. Sam dove into the water right away. She didn’t need time to adjust. She started swimming around like a fish. Charlotte laughed as she went in slower. She liked to give her body a chance to adjust to the change in temperature. It was hot outside and the water was cold. Sam splashed towards Charlotte, but missed. She did hit Robert, who was coming in at the same time. Robert and Sam started splashing each other, so Charlotte moved away from the chaos. She dipped herself in the water quickly, knowing it was only a matter of time before she was splashed too. It wasn’t Sam who started splashing her. It was Robert. They laughed and continued splashing each other, not even realizing Sam had taken off. Charlotte noticed she was hanging out with friends from school. Her and Robert made their way back to the towel. She laid on her back, trying to dry in the sunlight. Robert laid beside her, propping himself up on his elbows. He was quiet for a minute.

“Can I kiss you?” He asked softly. Charlotte looked over at him, squinting in the sunlight. She smiled.

“Absolutely.” She agreed. He leaned over top of her and kissed her softly. The moment was broken as Sam came running over to the pair, kicking sand everywhere.

“Ugh, thanks.” Robert groaned as he stood up and shook himself off. Charlotte motioned to the water.

“Go rinse it off.” She suggested. Robert held out his hand for Charlotte. She accepted and followed him back into the water. They walked out and dipped down to free themselves of the sand. Slowly, Robert moved closer to her in the water. She felt his hands on her waist. He kissed her again, this time, pressing his body against hers. She could hear Sam yelling at them from the shoreline. He put his arm around her waist as they walked back out of the water. Sam made a face, then shook her head. Charlotte wasn’t sure if Sam was jealous or just being obnoxious.

A few days after the beach trip, Robert came for an outside sleepover. Sam had the idea to tell each other ghost stories that had scared us as children. Robert was a big fan of horror stories. He told a really good one that couldn’t be repeated without messing it up. Charlotte loved it, hanging on every word. It was like a miniature novel to her. Then Sam told a story that Charlotte had already heard from Sam. It was Charlotte’s turn to tell a scary story. She racked her brain looking for one, but the same silly story kept coming to her mind. Both of them were eagerly awaiting her story.

“This one is so stupid.” Charlotte cautioned. Sam shook her head.

“Then don’t tell it.” She dismissed. Robert laughed.

“No, don’t say that. I want to hear it.” He insisted. Charlotte nodded, then stuck her tongue out at Sam. She rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms and pout.

“I can’t believe you’re not taking my side.” She whined, soon hitting Robert’s shoulder. He laughed.

“I like silly stories.” He shrugged. Sam nodded.

“Go ahead.” She groaned. Charlotte nodded.

“Okay. So, there was a man living out in the woods with his dogs and he kept hearing a strange noise at night. Each night, the dogs would freak out around the same time, so the man started letting them out at night. One night, they don’t come back. That night, he kept his shotgun beside his bed. At some point in the night, he heard an unusual sound. He opened his eyes and looked to the foot of the bed where he saw two glowing eyes. He grabbed the shotgun and pulled the trigger. A scream of pain rang out as the man realized he had shot his own big toes off.” She finished. Sam raised her eyebrow.

“That’s not scary.” She complained. Charlotte laughed.

“I said it wasn’t.” She argued, playfully throwing a pillow at her friend. Sam laughed.

“I guess.” She agreed. Robert smiled.

“I liked it anyway.” He complimented. Charlotte looked down to hide the fact she was blushing.

“I’m going to go inside for the night.” Sam announced suddenly. Charlotte’s eyes shot up to her.

“What? Why?” She squeaked. Sam nodded.

“I think I want to watch a movie.” She insisted. Charlotte nodded.

“I’ll come with you then.” She agreed. Sam shook her head.

“No. You can stay here.” She motioned towards Robert. Charlotte faked a smile.

“Enjoy your movie.” She watched as Sam skipped towards the house. Charlotte looked over at Robert.

“Did you tell her to leave?” She asked softly. Robert nodded.

“Yeah, I did.” He didn’t try to hide it. Charlotte was quiet.

“I just wanted a chance to be alone with you. If you don’t mind.” He spoke softly. She inched closer to him in the tent, putting her hand on his leg. He put his hand over top of hers and leaned in to kiss her.

“I don’t mind.” She assured, kissing him again. She deepened the kiss as she let her hands run over his arms. He pressed into her back and pulled her closer towards him, pulling her into his lap. He pulled off her shirt and undid her bikini top with the same motion. She let a soft moan escape her lips. She could tell that he knew what he was doing. They continued kissing as they slowly undressed each other. He was bigger than James, so she was a bit nervous. He started with his hands and made sure she was ready to take him. When they were finished, they fell asleep naked in each others’ arms.

He got out of there before anyone else woke up.

July 4 2002

Last night I had sex with Robert. And it was good I guess. But it was different too. I know he was only the second guy I’ve been with. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Robert had experience and knew what he was doing. James obviously had no idea. But we were figuring it out together. Now I feel lost. Robert was bigger too. Like around. Maybe that’s what it was. I don’t know. I just know I enjoyed it more when I was with James. Maybe it’s just because he’s my “first love”, like everyone keeps telling me. But I don’t know. It always felt special with James. Like it meant something. This just felt bland. I don’t know how to describe it. It was just sex without the love.

I know I have to give it more time. I’ll adjust to life without James. I just wish it didn’t feel so wrong to be apart…

Sam was dying to go to the roller rink. It was something her and Robert had on their summer bucket list. Every summer break, the two of them made a bucket list together. Charlotte was happy to help them cross it off. The place was packed and there were flashing lights and noise everywhere. Charlotte was overwhelmed, but just stuck close to Sam. She felt comfortable with Sam, like she didn’t feel with any of her friends before. Charlotte wasn’t a strong skater either. She was good with ice skates, but not roller skates. She fell a lot, which lead to Robert holding her hand around the track most times. When she fell, she took him down with her. He only laughed even more. He had a nice smile, so Charlotte loved making him laugh. Even if it was at her own expense. After enough times falling, Robert suggested they grab a slice of pizza. Charlotte was thrilled to take off the skates. She took Robert’s hand proudly and followed him up to the concession area. Sam skipped along behind them singing to whatever was playing on the radio. Charlotte froze, dropping Robert’s hand. He didn’t notice and continued on without her. Sam did as well. James was sitting at one of the tables with a few other people. Charlotte recognized one of them as James’s older brother. There was a blonde girl sitting in between them. Even though Charlotte was there with someone else, there was still a part of her that was jealous to see James with someone else. He noticed her across the room. He practically flipped the table as he jumped up and made his way over to her.

“Charlotte?” He called excitedly. She pretended she hadn’t noticed him, looking around. He walked over and tapped her shoulder. She let her eyes focus on him, now standing in front of her.

“Oh, hey.” She greeted, trying to sound nonchalant. He stepped back, shoving his hands in his pocket.

“How have you been?” He asked softly. She looked around, then back at him.

“I’m good. And you?” She lied. He nodded.

“Not great. My brother’s girlfriend dragged me out. So, I’m trying to make the best of it.” He motioned to the blonde sitting at the table. She was now cuddled up to his brother. Charlotte nodded.

“You always do.” She complimented. He looked over where Sam was standing. She was waving frantically at Charlotte, but Charlotte was ignoring her.

“I guess I’ll let you go. But it was nice seeing you.” He awkwardly shuffled away and Charlotte walked over to Sam and Robert. Neither of them said anything about James, resuming the previous conversation they had been having. They left shortly after.

Even though they technically lived in different cities, Charlotte started talking to Robert on the phone every night. He would tell her about his creations with metal and wood and she told him about her writing projects too. She didn’t share her writing with him. He didn’t ask to read it either. Talking to Robert felt more like talking to a friend than a boyfriend. But Charlotte didn’t think of Robert as her friend. She thought of him as a boyfriend. Only a boyfriend. Sam was her only real friend, since she had pushed Jessica and Kim away. Or they distanced themselves, Charlotte wasn’t sure. Either way, she was starting to feel lonely and isolated. That was probably why she agreed to the outrageous invitation Jessica gave her.