Charlotte grabbed her notebook and checked her wrist, still trying to process the unexpected turn of events. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't even notice Andrew's approach.
Andrew slid out of his hiding place and cleared his throat, jolting Charlotte back to reality.
"Buttercups, shall we?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.
Charlotte nodded in affirmation, She tucked her notebook under her arm and followed Andrew out of the laboratory, her mind still reeling with thoughts of Ethan and their unexpected encounter.
As they walked into the cafeteria, Charlotte spotted Claire and Avery already seated at a table, chatting and laughing. She and Andrew made their way over there.
Andrew offered to get their food from the counter, leaving Charlotte alone with Avery and Claire. She took the opportunity to ask the question that had been burning in her mind since her encounter with Ethan.
"Guys, can I ask you something?" Charlotte said, her voice low and curious.
Avery and Claire exchanged a glance, sensing that something was up. "What is it, Charlotte?" Claire asked, her voice encouraging.
"Why didn't you guys tell me that Ethan, Avery's brother, is the supposed science wizard of Springdale?" Charlotte asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Claire and Avery exchanged another glance, this time with a hint of guilt. "We didn't want to influence your opinion of him," Claire said, her voice sheepish.
Avery nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we wanted you to form your own opinion of him, without any preconceptions."
"Moreso it never crossed our minds , everyone thought you knew who you would be assisting".
Charlotte raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what's the story behind him being the science wizard?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Avery leaned in, a conspiratorial look on her face. "Let's just say that My brother is a genius, but he's also...complicated. He's got a lot of baggage, and it's not always easy to be around him."
Charlotte's mind racing with possibilities.
As Avery finished speaking, Andrew returned with their food, As he approached, he noticed that Charlotte, Avery, and Claire were deep in conversation.
They were all leaning in, their faces serious, and their voices hushed.
"Hey, guys! I got your favorite, Buttercups - veggie sandwich and sweet potato fries," he said, setting the tray down in front of her.
Charlotte forced a smile, still trying to process the new information about Ethan. "Thanks, Andrew. You're a lifesaver," she said, taking a bite of her sandwich.
Avery and Claire exchanged another glance, sensing that Charlotte was still trying to wrap her head around the situation.
"So, Charlotte, what do you think about Ethan now?" Claire asked, her voice gentle.
Andrew's eyes landed on Charlotte, and he noticed that she looked...different. She seemed more animated & more engaged, His gaze shifted to Avery, who was speaking in a low, conspiratorial tone.
"What about Ethan , did something happen ", Andrew managed to ask.
Charlotte hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't want to reveal too much, but at the same time, she wanted to be honest with her friends.
"I'm not sure," she said finally. "I mean, he's definitely intense, but there's something about him that's...intriguing , I guess I have to think it through."
Avery nodded, a knowing look on her face. "That's my brother for you. He's always been a bit of an enigma."
Andrew's mind began to wander, and he drew the wrong conclusion. He thought to himself, "Charlotte is seeing Ethan. That's why she said she would think it through about Ethan "
As they continued eating and chatting, Charlotte couldn't help but navigating the complex web of emotions that seemed to surround him.
Andrew acted nonchalantly but deep down the seed of doubt had been planted, his eyes kept drifting to Charlotte, searching for any sign that might confirm his suspicions.
The remaining classes flew by in a blur, with Ethan's eyes fixed on Charlotte the entire time. Andrew turned at a point and noticed it .
Charlotte tried to focus on the lessons, but she could feel his gaze on her, making her skin prickle with awareness.
Finally, the school day drew to a close, and the students began to file out of the classrooms. Charlotte gathered her things to join her friends in the hallway.
"I'm so down for a movie night," Claire said, her eyes shining with excitement. "We can watch that new rom-com that just came out."
"Sounds good to me," Avery agreed. "But we have to make sure Ethan doesn't crash the party."
Andrew snorted. "Fat chance of that happening. He's too busy brooding to care about our movie nights."
Melly rolled her eyes. "You guys are so dramatic. Where's Charlotte, anyway?"
Just then, Charlotte appeared, her hair tied up in a bun and her backpack slung over her shoulder. "Hey, guys. Sorry I'm late. I was just grabbing my books from my locker."
Ethan, who had been lingering in the background, caught her eye and raised an eyebrow. Charlotte felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Okay, so what's the plan for today?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
"Eeeermmm..!!, we're heading to Julian's house for extra lesson , are you and Andrew coming with ?", Claire hinted giving Charlotte a questioning look.
"Well, ..I..do...n't think we wo...uld", Charlotte's stutter was interrupted by Ethan's voice tearing behind them.
"She won't be coming with you , we're heading out", Ethan's cold metallic voice interrupted them.
Everyone was startled, Andrew tilted his head to get a better view of Ethan.
Andrew's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in annoyance. "And who exactly are you to decide Charlotte's plans?" he asked, his voice low and even.
Ethan's gaze didn't waver, his eyes fixed on Charlotte. "I owe you no explanation, so butt off, motherfu**ker."
"Ethan please ..", Claire pleaded but he fell deaf ears.
Charlotte's was surprised by Ethan's announcement. She hadn't agreed to being his assistant
"Brother..!!, " Avery called him, her voice gentle. "I don't think you should force your decision on her ,We want to make sure she's comfortable with whatever she chooses . Can you please let her speak her mind?"
Ethan's expression didn't change, but his voice took on a slightly menacing tone. "I'm afraid I can't."
The group fell silent, unsure of what to do. Charlotte felt a surge of unease, trapped between Ethan's intense gaze and Andrew's protective instincts.
Ethan walked over to Charlotte, his eyes fixed on hers.
"I'll be in the car," he said, his voice low and commanding. "Don't keep me waiting."
With that, he turned and walked out of the Springdale building, leaving Charlotte looking stunned and Andrew and Avery exchanging worried glances.
"What just happened?" Avery whispered.
Andrew shook his head. "I don't know, but I don't like it. He's being really controlling."
Avery nodded in agreement. "We need to keep an eye on Charlotte. Make sure she's okay."
Charlotte swiftly turned to them. "How long are we going to stand here, don't we have plans of going to Julian's place."
"What..!", everyone exclaimed.
Charlotte took a deep breath, " I won't give him that satisfaction that he needs" she concluded and walked away.
Ethan sat in his car, his eyes fixed on the entrance of the Springdale building. He had been waiting for what felt like an eternity, his anger and frustration growing with each passing minute.
Finally, the group emerged, Charlotte was in the middle, her head held high and a determined look on her face. Ethan's eyes narrowed as he watched her approach.
As she passed by his car, he rolled down the window. "Are you trying to be stubborn?" he asked, his voice low and even.
Charlotte didn't even break stride. She scoffed and continued walking away, her friends following close behind.
Ethan's eyes flashed with anger, but he didn't say another word. He turned to his driver and said, "Take me home."
As the car pulled away from the curb, Avery yelled out, "Bye, brother!" waving at the moving vehicle.
Avery turned to Claire and said, "I think Ethan finally met his match. Stubborn and unmoved."
Claire grinned. "I know, right? Charlotte's got spunk."
The extra lesson at Julian's house passed quickly, with them spending only an hour there.
As Charlotte and Andrew walked to the bus stop, Andrew kept throwing glances at her, trying to ascertain if his conclusion about her and Ethan seeing each other was true.
Charlotte, sensing his gaze, looked at him at one point and asked, "Andrew, what's wrong? You've been acting strange since morning."
Andrew raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean , I don't get it ?".
Charlotte hesitated, unsure of how to broach the subject. "It's just...I don't know, Andrew. You've been acting differently today".
"First, you disappeared in the morning without telling me, then at the laboratory, the cafeteria, and at Julian's place...you seemed distracted. And now, you're still quiet. Is everything okay? Did I do something wrong?"
Andrew sighed in guilt. "I don't know what you're talking about, Buttercups. I'm fine. Just a little tired, that's all", He hadn't realized his behavior had been so noticeable.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Tired? That's not what I'm talking about, Andrew come on, I have know you for ages , we are friends ..when did we start keeping secrets ?".
Andrew hesitated, unsure of how to share his concerns.
"A...re , are you in love ..?", he finally voiced it out.
Charlotte raised a brow before busting into laughter , "What...?, Don't be ridiculous, Andrew".
Andrew looked at her skeptically, but Charlotte just shook her head and continued walking. Andrew followed, still unsure of what to make of the situation.
I'm talking about Ethan. I saw the way he looked at you today and what he said, also the way you looked at him. I think something's going on between you two, and I want to know what it is."
Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise. "Andrew, there's nothing going on between me and Ethan, you must have heard wrong , moreso I was surprised when he revealed that he was the science wizard of Springdale"
Andrew sighed, frustration etched on his face. "Don't lie to me, Charlotte. I know what I saw. And I know you're not telling me the truth."
"You saw half the truth , I don't have anything to do with that Rude Riccardo". Charlotte assured him removing her mask.
Andrew nodded, despite not being convinced by what Charlotte said. They walked in silence for a few meters, approaching the bus stop. As they waited for the bus, Andrew turned to Charlotte with a thoughtful expression.
"Buttercups...what do you think will happen if you ever fall in love?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.
Charlotte's smile faltered, her gaze drifting to the horizon. "Every weapon of love targeted against shall never come to pass"
"Come on Buttercups..!, don't joke around",
"I don't know, Andrew. I've never really thought about it."
Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Never thought about it? You're always thinking about something, Buttercups. You can't fool me."
Charlotte sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "Fine. If I'm being honest...I don't know if I believe in love. At least, not the kind that lasts."
Andrew's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean? happy endings are really good but just afraid you might ditch me if it happens."
Charlotte shook her head. "That's just it, Andrew. Happy endings are just a myth. I think love is just a feeling that fades away, leaving you with nothing but heartache and disappointment."
Andrew looked at her, concerned. "Buttercups, that's not true. Love can be real, and it can last. You just have to find the right person , but promise not to ditch me like a refuse when it happens."
Charlotte smiled wistfully, and playfully pulled him closer, "Fine, don't worry even if I happen to like and marry someone in the future, is still going to be you" she joke.
"You little cheat, are you taunting me", Andrew gritted his teeth in frustration and made to grab his shoe, and Charlotte immediately ran off in a hot chase.
The bus arrived, Andrew and Charlotte climbed aboard, finding seats near the back. They sat in silence watching the scenery pass by outside the window.
As they sat on the bus, Andrew couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. He was glad that Charlotte had reassured him that their friendship was important to her, and that she wouldn't ditch him if she ever fell in love.
But as he looked over at Charlotte, who was gazing out the window with a thoughtful expression, he couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. What if she did fall in love with someone? Would she really still consider him her best friend?
Andrew sighed and shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away. He was being ridiculous, he told himself. Charlotte would always be his friend, no matter what.
As the bus ride continued, Andrew and Charlotte sat in comfortable silence, watching the scenery pass by outside the window. They were both lost in their own thoughts, but they were together, and that's all that mattered.
After a while, Andrew turned to Charlotte and smiled. "Hey, Buttercup?" he said, using her nickname.
"Yeah?" Charlotte replied, looking over at him.
"Thanks for being my friend," Andrew said, his eyes serious.
Charlotte's heart swelled with emotion. "Anytime, Andrew," she said, smiling back at him. "I'll always be here for you."
Andrew nodded, and they sat in silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company.
Then, without warning, Andrew reached out and playfully punched Charlotte on the arm. "Hey, let's make a pact," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"What kind of pact?" Charlotte asked, rubbing her arm.
"A pact to always be there for each other, no matter what, and to always be more of my friend than you're to Claire" Andrew said, his expression serious.
Charlotte nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "I promise," she said, holding out her hand.
Andrew took it, and they shook on it. "I promise too," he said, smiling.
As they released hands, Andrew felt a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that no matter what happened in the future, he and Charlotte would always be friends.
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All misconception has being cleared between Andrew and Charlotte .
Ethan thinks he's stubborn he don jam his type