C3 The Mighty Woman is back

I told you, Ethan, there's nothing between Alex and me. We were just talking, and you need to respect that,"

Charlotte firmly states. Ethan, frustrated, responds, "Charlotte, you're being naive. Can't you see he's just trying to take advantage of you in your vulnerable state?" Alex interjects,

"I have no intentions of taking advantage of anyone. Charlotte and I are just friends, and that's all."

Stefan, one of Ethan's friends, taunts, "Friends, huh? We'll see about that."

Charlotte, visibly upset, asserts, "Enough, all of you! I won't let anyone dictate my friendships. If Ethan and I are friends, that doesn't mean I can't have other friends. It's my life, and I'll decide who I want to be around."

Ethan, realizing the gravity of the situation, softens his tone, "Charlotte, I just care about you.

Charlotte replies, "I appreciate your concern, Ethan, but you have to trust me to make my own choices. I need space right now , and pushing me like this isn't helping."

As Charlotte and Alex walk away, Charlotte turns to Alex and says, "I'm sorry you had to deal with that. I appreciate your understanding."

Alex smiles, "No problem, Charlotte. Friends stick together, right?"

"Hmmmm"

"So tell me Charl,how was the meeting with the lecturer?"

"Same old,Preaching and stuffs about My dad you know?"

As they approach a quiet spot on campus,

Alex asks, "Do you want to talk about it? About your dad, I mean."

Charlotte takes a deep breath, "Sometimes, it feels like talking about him brings regret and lovely memories same time, it's hard. But...."

"If you don't want to talk about it,it's ok you know."

"It was on a wednesday. He was coming back from his office at night because he used to come late around 10pm most nights. He was always a workalcholic, Always dutiful in his work and never leaving his target unfinished. Early that day I had a Tiff with him and I shouldn't have said those things to my Dad you know?"She chuckled

"Suddenly,we got a call from the hospital around 3am in the morning which my Aunt picked. They inquired from her if she knows Him,the Nurse then broke the news to my Aunt Lysa about my dad having being rushed before my dad's passing to the other world."

Alex listens attentively as Charlotte recounts the painful memory, his expression filled with empathy. Charlotte continues, "Mia and I rushed to the hospital, but it was too late. The regret of our last argument still haunt me."

"It's tough losing someone you love. Don't worry,your Dad still Loves you regardless of what happened that day"

"I hope so. I Wish I could go back in time to corect what happened that day you know."

"I'm so Sorry Charlotte."

"No,it's okay. No,it's fine actually."

Alex mood suddenly changes

"Do you mean? his car tumbled and no one knows? Did you check the cctv?"

"Yes we did,but no evidence. The police conducted an investigation but still futile."

"Did you check the corpse? Alex started to look worried

"No. We didn't. We weren't allowed to check his Corpse. The authority prevented us which made it more irky."

"Three months ago?" Alex asked looking distressed

"Yes and....."

She suddenly looks at his face

"Wait, what's wrong?" She asked geniuely worried as she places her hands on his cheeks

"Nothing.Nothing at all." He says smiling

"But you were...."

Alex cutting her shut

"It's nothing really. Can we still go grab coffee?

Charlotte checks the time.

"Oh!!it's 4pm already. I'm soo soo sorry Alex. I have to go now. My sister Mia will soon be home and You...i'm the only one she's got especially now that our Dad....."

"Yes,I understand. Mind walking you home?"

"Well...."Charlotte says bringing out a seductive smile no one can resist."

On their way home they meet a lost puppy,white and small.

"Oh there!!where is your owner?"Charlotte asked Genuiely worried

"It looks hungry you know." Alex says Maybe we should drop it off at the station. What do you think?"

"Yeah,I think so to. Come on let's go Cutie."She says as she carries it while they all went to the station.

********

At tth police station enterance,Alex receives a call. He looks at Charlotte and made a sign for her to go inside while she receives the call. The call is from his younger sister Ashley. 'Why is she calling?'He wondered

He goes to the back of the police station building and answers the call

"Hey Lovely sister,to what do I owe the unwanted honor?"

"Alex,when we haven't spoken for centuries and you can't even fake pleasantries?" Ashley said

"Oh!!my bad. Next time I will be more polite and even record your voice just to have as a souvenir."

"Hmmm!!I would be so pleased. To cut to the chase Alex, i'm in Malibu."

"Well... have fun." Alex says then looks left and right

"Look sister,If you think you are here to disrupt my activities,then i'm sorry to tell you but i might have to dagger you again." He says almost like a whisper

"Well...maybe.I might be the one to Danger you first this time brother."

"Ahhh!!!so courageous. I'm beginning to be frightened."

"Come home first. WE have so many things to catch up on."

"No we don't.Let me remind you once again Ash, if you....."

Ashley cuts the phone.

"Hmm!you are welcome."He says to himself

As he walks out to go join Charlotte inside,She sees her coming out of the building.

"Hey!!you done? Alex asks"

"Yepp. who were you on phone with for so long?"Chalotte asks

"It was just my friend,you know. Old school Stuffs. Shall we go now? Alex asks smiling