CHAPTER 57: JUST FRIENDS

MARIE The next day, Charles was up early, excitedly cleaning the slides with disinfectant, and checked on the equipment to ensure nothing was out of place. I watched him work for a few minutes without disturbing him. He whistled every few seconds and then did a little dance. I knew exactly what was getting him all excited like that. It was the fun we had yesterday. Crystal was right. Going out with Charles yesterday was a big mistake because it sent him the wrong message. I didn't want Charles to think that yesterday had been me consenting to or accepting to be anything more than friends with him. I sighed and then approached him. When he noticed me, he turned gingerly and nudged his glasses up his nose bridge. "Hey, pretty! You're up early today!" I nodded, giving a faint smile. "I see you've cleaned everywhere and even tied up the sling. Wow." He shrugged. "I woke up earlier, so I decided to get it done before seven so everywhere will be sparkly clean when the parents come!" "T