Two Introverts ?

8 | Talk

"Still like this, I see... Don't think I don't know you and don't remember how you used to cling on to me when we were this much -" she brought her hand close to her knee, indicating how small they were, "- and how you used to love playing with my hair. Yeah, don't think I forgot all that."

Charles was soon red in the face with embarrassment. He lightly hit her head and was trying to get ready to go talk with Sam, now that school was over. He hoped he could catch him before he goes off home - Charles didn't think he could live with himself if not. 

Suddenly, he heard Simon's voice say, "Hey, good luck, I heard from Maddie you're gonna talk to Sam. She already told me everything and like, what you did wasn't surprising - " he stifled a laugh, "- but then again, like she said, though, it wasn't like you walked off after he called out to you, so I'd say you don't bring it up when you're talking to him. And since you're so set on apologizing, you might as well use that as an excuse. Try not to make it as awkward as yesterday."

"Yeah, of course. Thanks..." Charles said, not knowing what else to say. As cringe-y as it sounded, he knew he must've done something really great in his past life to be able to have friends like them. Ready to call him out when he's wrong, ready to give him loads of advice and love, ready to support him and help him fix his mistakes. He truly was grateful. When Simon saw him tearing up, he quickly put his arms around Charles and said, "Hey, there's no need for that now. If you go all teary eyed, you're only gonna make Sam cry more. You're going there to comfort him and apologize, right?"

Charles nodded. He didn't even pull away from the hug. He had to admit, it did feel good. The only reason why he didn't show it was because it was embarrassing. Maddie, who was watching all of this unfold, was clearly offended.

"Hey!! When I hug you, you go all, "Eww stop it" and when he does you don't?! What kind of unjust-?" she burst out, obviously sounding extra dramatic as she put her hands up in the air. Charles just chuckled and said, "Sorry?"

He quickly checked his watch and proceeded to say, "Okay, I really have to go now, I'm not even sure if Samuel is still in school. Also, I beg you both not to watch us, it's very very embarrassing."

They both just laughed and got going. Charles had work to do now. He walked aimlessly, trying to catch sight of a small boy with a dark blue hoodie. Maybe he's in the ground? he thought. Then, he realized that Sam would be in a place that's quiet - he definitely wouldn't go to a crowded place when he was hanging so low. The quietest place that he could think of was the infirmary, or- the school park. Yes, he was most definitely there. Charles broke into a run, maneuvering his way through the halls. He knew his school pretty well, so it wasn't so hard. Soon, he was walking through the gates. 

Just as he did, he slowed his pace down, taking in the tranquility and greenery of the place. Even though Charles wasn't really a plant or nature enthusiast, he had to admit this place was very peaceful. Lush green trees with beautiful flowers of many kinds and colors surrounded the park. He could see hues of red, purple and orange - some of his favorite colors. Under different circumstances, he would've looked at each of those flowers and admired them, but at the moment, he had other issues to tend to. Just as he walked inside, he saw a few benches towards the side, their colors perfectly matching with those of the flowers. On one of those sat none other than Samuel.

Charles could feel his nerves starting to dance with anxiety with each step he took. 

Come on, this isn't that hard. Just go and sit next to him and wait till he looks up at you. And then say something comforting. Not so hard.

Not so hard, he kept repeating to himself as he went closer to Sam, who was hugging his bag tightly and sitting. His face was buried inside the bag, so Charles was only able to see a small ball of fluffy brown hair, which made him go "aww" internally. Now is not the freaking time! Get yourself together, ugh, he thought, silently scolding himself. He really couldn't get rid of such thoughts no matter what situation he was in.