My Polaris Star

Chapter Nine: Don't Do This Alone

Julie's POV

"Uh," I pause, "Nothing, I think."

I had just gotten home when Charlie called me. He sounds...different. Not in his usual tone of voice, there's something else there that I can't quite describe.

"Great," he says, "will you do me a favor?"

"Sure?"

"Come with me to an event my parents are having at their hotel."

Oh.

"What kind of event?" I ask. Just the thought of meeting Charlie's parents is daunting, especially knowing just how tense their relationship really is.

"Just like a party, not a big deal or anything of the sort."

"A party? Are you sure it's not a big deal? What am I suppose to wear?" I'm suddenly nervous. Charlie tends to either exaggerate things or make them seem like they're not as big as they actually are and in this case I'm guessing the latter.

"Whatever you want. You could wear pajamas for all I care. I just...don't want to get through it alone. Will you please come?"

"Of course Charlie," I say, "But in all seriousness what's the dress code?"

"I don't know like semi-formal I guess or is it formal?"

"Semi-formal? Formal? Which is it? And you were saying I could wear pajamas. They're not the same thing you know. I also don't think I have any nice dressy clothes right now and what if I don't find anything and-"

"Relax," he says, "we can get something tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'll pick you up at noon."

"Okay," I say. Moments pass before we say anything more.

"Goodnight Julie," Charlie suddenly says.

"Night Charlie," I say then add, "Are you actually going to sleep? You're not going stargazing?"

"Not tonight," he says and there's something in his tone that sounds kind of...sad?

"Okay then, goodnight," I say.

"Night," he tells me before we end the call.

***

Charlie is punctual. He arrives exactly at noon and I go to his car after saying goodbye to my parents.

Once I fasten my seatbelt I receive a text from Sofia.

Sofia: Hey I'm gonna go to the mall wanna to come?

"Everything good?" Charlie questions.

I look up at him. "Yes," I say. "Uh is it cool if Sofia joins us?"

"Um sure."

"Okay awesome," I say and send her a quick text.

When we arrive to the mall I head to the food court which is where I asked Sofia to meet me. When I catch a glimpse of her I wave and she excitedly comes my way but her demeanor changes when she sees Charlie.

"Hey," she says and gives me a look with a sly smile. "I didn't know Charlie was coming with us."

"More like you're coming with us."