Plus One. How to Catch a Cloud - ii

Right when she got home, Ara decided to give Georgia a call to find out what she needed to pack. Georgia was always dependable for support when it came to female concerns. After voicing many that had to do with Charlie, Ara was convinced nothing would go wrong because her big brother would be at the end of the trip waiting for them to arrive safe and sound.

I will be fine, she thought. Besides, I can handle him. Just hand him a bottle or two of spirits or beer and he’ll be stupid enough to whack over the head.

Ok. Ok. So he wasn’t a drunk or anything like that. But he isn’t altogether there either when he’s under the influence.

Ara went on thinking about that first night they met. They were exchanging glances one full evening when her big brother hosted his birthday party at their place. The place got a bit overcrowded and instead of retreating to her bedroom she decided to go out to the back porch to get some fresh air.

Sitting down on the top step, she leaned her head against the railing and thought about the good looking, dark haired, light-eyed charmer that caught her attention every time he moved around the room. He talked to everyone there but her; most likely because they hadn’t been introduced yet.

Little did she know then, he was trying to hook up with almost every woman at that party. Georgia recounted how he actually went home with two ladies.

Ding. Dong.

She opened the door and let out an exasperated sigh, something that came out frequently when he was around.

"I’m not done yet, just give me a few minutes."

"No rush."

"Come in."

"You sure?"
"Yeah, why?"

"You’re still scowling at me."
She laughed. "Whatever. Just get in, already!"

Hands up in surrender he replied, "Ok. Ok."

Walking between the washroom, laundry room and her bedroom they held a decent conversation about the things that were planned for the weekend.

She came to a standstill when he asked, "So, what did you get Phoenix for his birthday?"

Ara frowned as she stood staring at Charlie from the hallway.

"Wha- What’s the matter?" Charlie asked.

"I didn’t get him anything!"

"It’s ok, it’s only 7:30 p.m. now, we can still drop by the mall for a bit before we leave. IF you can get all packed by then. Are you bringing your whole closet or something?"

"Ugh. I’m getting everything that Georgia asked me to bring."

"Almost done?"

"Yea, help me take these out?"

"Ok."

And so they continued like that with the camaraderie keeping the goal to get out of the house before 8 p.m. to go shopping.

They walked around a few stores checking out things to buy. She wasn't very amazed that he could pick out good clothes considering he was always dressed so well. Phoenix could use a few fashion tips from him, she thought.

The two finalized on a couple outfits, checked out and had the cashier wrap it up to save her the trouble. They walked out of the store content with their purchase with a good fifteen minutes spared before closing.
Lost in the good time he was having, he draped his arm over her shoulder as they walked. Things should be this comfortable every day, he thought to himself.

He looked down at her because she stopped walking.
Uhoh, he thought. She wasn't happy-anymore.
Her hand plucked his wrist off her shoulders as if it was a used piece of tissue. If that wasn't a clear sign that she didn't want him touching her, she'd have to grow two heads.

She continued to walk but didn't feel his presence.

Glancing back, she noticed he had faltered in his step and the smile he had when they left the store was gone. Oh no, was I too harsh, she thought? He was only being nice. Shit, she exclaimed inwardly.
She waited for him to catch up and watched his face intently. Nothing.

"Give me the bags, I'll put them in the trunk," he said.

She handed them over, trying not to make contact with his skin as he took the bags and did as he said.

The rest of the ride to Marsdale was uneventful, except for the stop over to get more gas and a few snacks for the road. Charlie insisted Ara sleep if she wanted. So to fend off any awkward conversation topics, she pretended to sleep for an hour but fell asleep in the last leg of the journey.

Ara felt like a puddle of jell-o on a plate being jiggled. She giggled as she was being jiggled. What is going on. Opening her eyes, she realized she was still buckled in Charlie's car and he was trying to wake her.

"A few more seconds and I would have carried you in. Though I'm not sure I could carry such heavy baggage."

Her jaw dropped. Did he just say what he said?!
Pushing him out of the way she tried to burst out of the car, but something yanked her back. Her cheeks reddened when she looked down and noted her seat belt was still on.

Punching the release button and breaking a nail while doing so, she burst out, this time he had his back turned so he didn't witness the resentment resonating from her aura. She was sure he was having a great laugh at her expense. When she walked up to his side and gave him a casual look, she saw nothing. He didn't care one way or another.

She stalked off to the front door and rang the doorbell with a little too much force. She was irritated but couldn't figure out what exactly triggered it. Well she knew it had to do with Charlie, but she wasn't sure if she liked him or not.

Ugh!