What You're Missing

Chapter 9

"I was just bummed I had to walk alone," he replied simply. "I was already in a bad mood just because I'm not a morning person. Our walks are what usually get me out of bed." He looked down to his feet after unintentionally admitting something so, as Charlotte would say, sappy. Nonetheless, Charlotte playfully placed a hand over her heart in adoration, poking her bottom lip out in a pout.

"Aww, Jasp, when did you get so mushy?" she joked while elbowing his arm. Jasper rolled his eyes.

"I look forward to our walks, too. I'm sorry for ditching you," she apologized sincerely.

"It's not a big deal," he replied with a shrug. "Like I said, I was just in a mood."

"Well you won't be moody anymore because it won't happen again," she said with a grin. "I'll just hang out with Henry after school instead of in the mornings because those are reserved for my best friend." She looked up to give him a cheeky grin.

Jasper pressed his lips together in a concealed frown. "Great," he mumbled. He sighed, gazing down and taking an interest in his shoes. The pair continued down the road as Charlotte spoke.

"When do you have to be home, Jasp?" she asked suddenly.

"Uh, I don't know, I probably just need to let my mom know," he replied. "Why? How long's this gonna take?" Charlotte glanced away from his gaze before answering in a lower voice.

"Not too long," she murmured softly, pretending to inspect her fingernails. "Maybe, like, midnight."

"Midnight?!" Jasper exclaimed, coming to a stop. "You're kidding, right? You expect me to spend all Friday night helping you with Henry?"

"We agreed on this!" Charlotte responded. Jasper rolled his eyes.

"C'mon, Jasp, it could be fun," she stated as the two started walking again. "'Charlotte and Jasper: solving crime since nap time." She dramatically waved her hands in front of her, mimicking reading a headline. Jasper scoffed.

"Alright, whatever," he said. "But I like Jasper and Charlotte better."

"Really? I think Charlotte and Jasper has a better ring to it." Jasper rolled his eyes in response as Charlotte giggled alongside him.

"Well where are we going so I can inform my mother before she calls the police at 10pm wondering where I am?"

"My house," she answered. "It's gonna be a long night."

♡

"You want me to what?"

Charlotte and Jasper faced each other on her living room couch, Charlotte hugging her knees nervously while Jasper's legs dangled off the edge. She had just explained her plan to him in length, and Jasper did not seem too impressed.

It was pretty simple, actually. At around midnight, right before the shop closes, she and Jasper would go over to Junk 'N Stuff. Charlotte would stay outside and hide behind a bush while Jasper goes in there to stall Henry and his boss. Outside, Charlotte would be contacting the police and informing them about a case of illegal child labor at Junk 'N Stuff. By then, it would be past the legal time for which minors can work until, displaying perfect evidence to the cops. Soon enough, the police will arrive to arrest Henry's boss, Henry will be free, and Charlotte and Jasper would be his hero.