In my eyes, he was the perfect considerate boyfriend. However, when did he start allowing Miranda to invade our world?
Thinking back, it must have been the first time he complimented Miranda's cuteness.
Initially, he found her bubbly, bold and outspoken nature overwhelming. He even vented to me about how exhausting it was to manage her during his substitute teaching sessions, claiming she was too rowdy.
However, over time, his complaints transformed into admiration. I could still recall the softness in his voice when he remarked, “Actually, she’s kind of cute.”
His expression at that moment overlaps with the look he had when he first confessed to me.
"Rose … you're …. quite adorable. I like you a lot. Do you feel the same about me? Can I pursue you?” he had said.
I was jolted awake by the sound of the running water of Charlie taking a shower. He had returned at nearly six in the morning.
What he had been doing during those missing hours wasn’t hard to guess. I just need to look at Miranda's Instagram to find the answer.
“Mr. Peterson is the best! He promised to stay and comfort me until I fell asleep and he did. Who’s got the most devoted boyfriend? Oh, right, it’s me!”
Expressionless, I gave her post a thumbs-up.
Not a moment later, she sent me a private message through WhatsApp, "Thanks for the like, Miss Jennings. However, don’t get the wrong idea because there’s nothing going on between me and Mr. Peterson.”
When Charlie emerged from the shower, he awkwardly brought in breakfast for me. He said, "Eat this while it’s still warm. I remember you like soy milk."
He hesitated before adding, "About last night … the door being locked was an accident. I accidentally bumped Miranda and she had oil all over her clothes, so she needed to shower and wash her hair.”
I forced myself out of bed and gave him a nonchalant nod.
Only after I finished breakfast did Charlie stand up and pack his bags. I watched him quietly and did not make any effort to speak. For once, he took the initiative to explain, "I applied to be the supervising teacher for the sketching art class. I couldn’t let them work unsupervised.”
“I promised you I’d take care of these kids. I have to keep my word," he told me.
I laughed bitterly. What an admirable sense of responsibility. He took care of his students so thoroughly that it extended to the bedroom. How responsible.
"When are you leaving?" I asked.