Chapter 25

• "No. No, I don't, Aleen." Charlie says firmly, coming to stand in my way so I can't disappear into the bathroom and avoid this conversation we have not yet had. About Stephane. She doesn't judge me for succumbing to his temptation, but she is firmly against anything else after this choice he has given me. Of never going back and moving on with my life. I know Charlie means the best for me but how do I make her understand that it is not something I could do? Staying away from Stephane is akin to asking me to stop breathing. It might sound dramatic but it is how I feel.
• "We are too tired for this right now, Charlie. I am not talking about it right now." I say weakly, sidestepping around her to go to my room. She follows me and leaves the door open as I drop on my bed.
• "I am not tired. And actually, I think this is the best time to talk about it. He has given you a choice, Aleen. If you are wise, you will take it. He is your stepfather for Christ's sake! You both don't have any sort of future together that doesn't involve hurting important people in your lives. It is not worth it, Aleen. Move on with your life. Forget about that weekend and whatever mind-blowing sex you guys had. You can't go back, Aleen. Don't do it. Please." Charlie is standing over my bed, hands on her hips, though her words come out firm and almost harshly, her eyes look down at me so warmly, so kindly, I look away.