Charlotte nodded, still shaken. "Thanks to her, we are." she said, gesturing to Thea.
The officers nodded, taking statements and radioing for backup. As they waited, Charlotte turned to Thea "Thanks again. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Charlotte smiled. " Let's stick together, okay?"
Charlotte pestered after her for a long time...they met when Thea was 16..From that moment on, Charlotte and Thea were inseparable, their friendship forged in the fires of intellectual curiosity and mutual respect.They were reading in different schools but yet their friendship grew.
When Charlotte learned Thea was going to apply to this university,she also applied there.
As the semester progressed, Charlotte and Thea continued to engage in lively debates and discussions, their mutual respect and admiration growing with each passing day.
Charlotte felt suffocated by the pretentious relationships that surrounded her, but Thea was different . She didn't attempt to ingratiate herself with Charlotte's wealth or impress her with ostentatious gestures. Instead, Thea saw beyond the facade, truly understanding Charlotte.
Later Charlotte learned about her traumatic past - the devastating loss of her parents at a tender age. Charlotte's heart swelled with compassion and sorrow for her friend, and she yearned to alleviate Thea's pain and fill the void in her heart.
Thea only had one school childhood friend who had since relocated overseas.Thea maintained a cordial relationship with her classmates, engaging in casual conversations but keeping them at arm's length.Others didn't take offense to her distance and instead, warmly returned her gestures of friendship.
"Thea... I'm so excited ..." Charlotte bubbled.
"What's got you so happy?" She asked, while they were waiting at the bus stop.
"I've never ridden a bus before. I've always had my chauffeur drive me around."
"And you wanted to experience it for yourself?" Charlotte nodded enthusiastically.
As the bus came to a halt, Thea gestured for Charlotte to board first. "Take the window seat.."
Charlotte stepped inside, her eyes immediately drawn to the scenery unfolding outside. She claimed the window seat, her gaze glued to the passing views.
Thea unlocked the door with a spare key, and they stepped inside. Grandma's eyes remained glued to the TV, her favorite show captivating her attention. A soft, warm smile spread across her face as she finally noticed their arrival.
"You two are home.." she exclaimed..
Charlotte approached her, concern etched on her face. "Grandma, how have you been?"
Grandma's gaze shifted to Charlotte, her expression gentle. "I'm doing well, Charlotte..And you?"
"Me too.. grandma.."Charlotte saying that went to sit beside her, and Thea too joined them, taking a seat on the armchair nearby.
The three of them sat together in comfortable silence for a moment.Then, Grandma Grace spoke up, "I made some cookies earlier. Would you girls like some?" Charlotte's eyes lit up."We'd love some, Grandma."
Grandma Grace smiled ,getting up from the couch. "I'll get them for you."
"Go ahead, both of you, and get refreshed."
Charlotte and Thea headed upstairs to get refreshed. They entered to Thea's room.
Thea went to her closet and pulled out two sets of clothes. One was a new outfit, still with its tags on, which she handed to Charlotte.
"Here, wear this." Charlotte took the clothes from her hands.They quickly finished freshening up and changing into their clothes before heading back downstairs to the living room.
Grandma Grace had already set out a plate of cookies and a pitcher of cold milk on the coffee table.
Charlotte lounged on the sofa, taking a bite of her cookie. Her eyes lit up with delight. "Mmm, Grandma, your cookies are absolutely delicious!"
Thea nodded in agreement, a smile spreading across her face. "Grandma's cookies are truly unbeatable."
Snuggled up in the living room, they savored cookies and milk, sharing stories and laughter. Grandma Grace listened attentively.