Charlie barely had time to react when you called him and just told him to get dressed. So he did. He was waiting outside, wearing a brown coat when you pulled up next to him. He got in and sat in the passenger seat. Charlie realized that you had probably been awake for days, on coffee, cigarettes, and Mini Thins, which are small pills that keep you awake. You offered him a cigarette and he accepted. When you drove in silence, you didn't talk much. You just listened to the music on the cassette player, a Christmas present Charlie had given you.

You told him that you had been listening to the cassette player all night, which made Charlie smile. When you finally stopped, Charlie hung on every word you said. You were showing him places where you and your ex-boyfriend used to hang out, since you had recently broken up with him. And together, you shared funny stories about people neither of you knew. And in the end, you decided to thank him. Thank him for ending the fight in the cafeteria, where you simply went after your ex.

"It's okay." Charlie said calmly.

After that, you both fell silent. You took Charlie to his house and both stopped in the garage. You hugged each other, as if to say "stay strong, buddy." When Charlie was about to leave, you stopped in front of him, hugging him tighter. And you moved your face in front of his. And kissed him. A real kiss. Then you pulled away, regretful.

"It's... okay." Charlie said, calmly holding your elbow.

Charlie wasn't very expressive.