There was another crash inside the house, not anything too loud but someone had definitely dropped something which startled Charlotte. Lucia's gaze flew up to hers, threatening to end her if Charlotte made any noise to indicate that something was off about Lucia's room. Charlotte lifted a shoulder in apology, biting down on her lips.
They were here for a bit too long it seemed, and Charlotte took a few steps forward back to the window. She breathed in deeply for a moment, taking in the new scenery and practically cried in relief when there was a buzz. Charlotte ripped the phone out of the sleeve of her dress and slid it up on the phone screen.
The message that Vincent had sent was a voicemail, and she turned up the muted volume a few notches to hear. She quickly pressed play before putting it to her ear to get some privacy as well as keep as quiet as possible. There were a few beats of silence that made Charlotte gnaw on her lips before there was a breath.
"Charlotte? Be careful on your way here. There were bands of vigilantes waiting for my arrival, but Stone and I were able to get into another hideaway out here safely. Don't trust anyone on these streets."
Charlotte pulled the phone down from her ear and sighed. He didn't give her much information per usual. It was natural for him to warn her to get there safely, but seriously no update on his condition?
The people around here have secrets they would do anything to hide, so she obviously didn't want to go digging into anyone's business despite already having done so to Lucia.
She truly only wanted the best for Lucia, but in the end, they both had different destinations and goals. To her, the end game was the same, wasn't it? As it would be for anyone in the world. To be happy and free. To be well-fed and content with no worries about death, disease, corruption, and other matters that went rampant in the world.
Lifting the phone to her lips, she whispered into the microphone and ignored the glare that Lucia sent over to her. "I think it's better to worry about your condition than me. I can figure out my own problems myself."
She paused and went on the tangent that she so badly wanted to go on but cut it down to only a few words. The rest would have to be saved for later when they met up due to how crucial time was and timing. "How are you doing though? I hope that you weren't injured in any way, but I'll be there soon. Stay alive by then."
Ending the message, she slipped her phone back into her sleeve and turned back to Lucia. "Are you ready?"
Lucia nodded. "Let's go."
Glancing back, Charlotte tilted her head. "Aren't you going to say goodbye?"
Lucia smiled sadly. "As if that's a possibility."
Charlotte swallowed thickly and thought about the future of those young girls. What would truly be better for them? Was it even her place to assume that she would be able to help them?
The young girls would have nowhere to go in the area and might end up in the same condition. They would fully have to relocate to go in a bit closer to where there would be broken-down shelters.
Which fate was truly better? Charlotte didn't have a say in such a large matter without the young girls' opinions. Now, Charlotte was able to see Lucia's perspective better. It was such a tough situation to be in. Lucia seemed torn since she clearly wanted to leave but had ties that she couldn't let go of.
People that used others during a time when they need nurturing more don't deserve to be alive. It disgusted her immensely despite not even knowing more context.
That little bit that Lucia let her in on was enough. It was jarring to see a vulnerable side of Lucia, yet Charlotte could tell how poignant that pain was on her face.
Life didn't always go the way wanted. It was the harsh reality check that Charlotte was getting exhausted of getting reminded of every second of the day. Straightening, Charlotte gave Lucia a shaky smile of encouragement when Lucia brushed away the tears that slipped down her cheeks with the back of her hand.
"They are strong girls," Charlotte murmured. "One day, they'll figure out a life that works for them. It'll be okay."
Lucia swallowed harshly. "I'm fine. I wasn't around them often for the last few months, so it would come as no surprise that I'm leaving. I already readied a letter about my departure as well. It's on my desk to say not to look for me."
Charlotte nodded, as it seemed as though Lucia had been preparing for this moment for a while. "Where will you go?"
"Wherever I feel led to," Lucia shrugged.
Charlotte tossed the rope down from the window hinge and watched as it cascaded down until it hit the ground below. She motioned to the rope with her hands. "Yours truly first."