#because... why not

Tim and Lucy + black and baby blue

It Could Be Worse... (#16 Mattie and Charlie)

Mattie lifted her head at the sound, her brow furrowed as her eyes drifted up from the page she was reading. She turned her head, straining to listen; in another room, someone had cleared their throat. The noise was distant enough that she knew it wasn’t a call for her attention but she was curious, and in its wake, she heard the distinct sounds of hurried movement, shuffling feet, a chair scraping along the floor, the metallic clatter of silverware, all of which was punctuated by Lucien’s voice, tight with surprise. “Ah, Charlie!”

She grinned.

“Doc.” Charlie’s voice was tentative, yet polite and only wavered slightly. “Sorry, Mrs. Beazley.”

From the sound of it, Jean did not acknowledge Charlie’s apology, but rather informed him his dinner was on the table, and that it still might be warm. Then there was silence, followed by the sound of Lucien’s familiar footfall fading towards his study, and the kitchen faucet surging to life.

She returned her attention to her book as the sounds of the house settled into the background. Soon enough Charlie would come in and turn on the telly. Jean would join them shortly after that, most likely with her knitting, and Lucien, although not as predictable, would often wander in with the excuse of refilling his whiskey glass or to ask Jean a question.

Mattie looked up and smiled, knowing it was Charlie who had joined her, but her smile dropped as she took in his perplexed gaze. He had stopped short of his usual seat, hands stuffed in his pockets. “Everything alright, Charlie?”

There was a beat of silence as he formalized his thoughts. “Are those two ever going to... “ he trailed off, second-guessing his assumptions as he looked over to Mattie.

A singular laugh escaped from the back of her throat. “You’ll make an excellent detective one day,” she offered as her smile returned.

He sat down on the arm of the sofa. “So it’s not just me then?”

Mattie laughed in earnest.

“I... I’ve heard the rumours.” Charlie continued. “And sure, I did wonder a bit, but living here...” he paused to lower his voice, “seeing them... together... I don’t know what to do sometimes?” He shrugged.

“It could be worse.” Her cheek dimpled despite her commiserative tone.

Charlie ran his hand over his forehead, attempting to rub the discomfort out of his features. “How so?”

“You weren’t here the day they met.”

The corner of his mouth twitched with a crooked smile. “That obvious was it?”

Mattie thought for a moment. “It wasn’t obvious to them,” she answered as she turned to face him. “And maybe it still isn’t.” She sighed. “They’re good people, Charlie.”

He nodded.

“Some advice?” She asked rhetorically. “Don’t listen to rumours and don’t spread gossip. Just be their friend.”

He nodded again as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Yeah.”

“Jean!” Lucien’s voice called out from the other side of the house. “...Would you mind coming in here for a moment?”