Red Light, Green Light

Charlie

I look at my reflection in my bathroom mirror. My eyes are puffy and my mascara's smudge.

What was I thinking? Absolute idiot!

Have we kissed before? Yes. Yes we had. But me kissing him is not the problem. It's the fact that I had a nightmare and he was trying to help me THEN I kissed him.

I take a few deep breaths and wipe the moisture from beneath my eyes. I sniffle and look around before my eyes lock onto a pair of scissors. I pick them up and place them on the counter. I turn back around and rummage around in my draw to find some bobbles.

Taking the few steps back to the mirror I bend my head forward and tie my hair into a ponytail at the front of my face. I grab the scissors and start chopping away at my hair, a big clump forming in the sink. Once I'm happy with the length I take my hair down and section my hair behind my ear, tying it up into a ponytail at the front of my face again.

Looking back in the mirror I fluff my hair and admire my shaggy hair, doing some final touch ups. I take the opportunity to wash my face and remove all my makeup. I throw the towel in the laundry basket and unlock the door, opening it wide to look into my room.

I see Ryder laying on my bed, his chest rising and falling steadily. Asleep.

I stalk over to him for good measure before turning back around to get some pyjamas out of my wardrobe and head back into the bathroom.

Once I come back out I crawl onto the bed and wedge myself under Ryder's arm, throwing the blanket over us and snuggling right into him. Sleep takes me not long after and I'm taken to a dreamless sleep.

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I wake up to an empty bed. I look around groggily as the morning sunlight comes shining through my window and blinding me. I rub at my eyes and get out of bed, putting my comfy slippers on and heading to the kitchen.

I open the kitchen door and round the corner only to walk face first into Ryder's firm chest with an ohmpf.

"Good morning, Angel." His gruff voice welcomes me.

"What happened to Sweet-Pea?" I ask.

"Nothing. I just think Angel is more fitting for you."

I don't ask anymore questions about why it's more fitting but I do walk around him and open to fridge to get a carton of milk out.

"What...did you do?" He comes up behind me and lifts up a stand of my hair.

I turn around and stroke my hair down, "I cut it..." I say shyly. Doesn't he like it?

"It's...different."

"You don't like it." Now I'm starting to worry. I messed it up. He doesn't like it.

"No, I do. It looks badass." He gives me a smile before picking the milk carton up out of my hands and placing it on the side before flicking the kettle on.

I go around and sit on the bar stool and rest my head on the cold granite, "I'm sorry-"

"Don't. Don't apologise, Charlie." Ryder cuts me off.

"I know but I just... it wasn't the kiss," I pause, "I liked the kiss. It was the nightmare that freaked me out."

"I know." Ryder reaches up and takes two mugs out from the cupboard and places them on the counter before putting coffee, sugar and milk in.

I let out a groan of exhaustion and lift my head up, "what do you want to do today?" It's a Saturday so the world's our oyster. Plus my family are still on that stakeout.

"We could paint the town red." He smiles at me before placing my mug in front of me.

"Are your parents on a stakeout, too?" I ask because it would only make sense.

Ryder sits down next to me, "yeah. Now we just wait to see who comes back first," a slow grin spreads across his face, "fancy a bet?"

My mouth drops open and my eyes widen as I look up at Ryder, "yeah! What type of bet?"

Ryder thinks for a moment, "a bet to see whose family runs the better mafia. If your parents come back first it means mine found their guy first. They're probably looking for the same guy anyway."

"That's not fair!" I kneel up on my stool, "my brothers are daft. They'll end up killing each other."

"If I win the bet... you have to introduce me to your family."

I give Ryder a confused look, "they already know you-"

"As your boyfriend." He interrupts.

I groan and put my head in my hands. Nope! Not happening. I'd rather die. I'd rather join the mafia and get killed then let my family know I'm dating Ryder. Are we even dating? Is that a thing?

"Are we even dating?" I ask.

"I'd like to think so. Me saying I'd like to be with you was kinda us getting together." Ryder lifts the mug up to his lips and takes a sip.

"Ugh, fine. And if I win... well I don't know yet but I'll think of something."

Ryder laughs at my comment, "come on. Go get dressed." His hand reaches out and strokes my arm. I get literal butterflies from his touch.

I feel my neck and cheeks grow hot as a blush appears, "okay-" I shoot up from my stool and beeline to my bedroom, locking the door behind me.

Opening my wardrobe I pick out a basic pair of black jeans with a black short sleeve turtle neck and a black cardigan, pairing it with my black docs (could you guess?). I chuck my hair in a claw clip and apply my makeup. Once ready I exit my bedroom and head back into the living room. Waiting by the door is Ryder wearing similar black trousers and a nicely fitted black button up with matching loafers.

"When did you get dressed?" I question. Seriously, where did those clothes appear from?

"I always keep a spare pair of clothes with me." His eyes look up from his phone and an emotion plays in his eyes. I can't tell what it is, "you look beautiful."

I give Ryder a 'yeah right' look, "I always look like this."

"Yeah and you always look beautiful, Charlie." He walks over to me, putting his phone back in his pocket and kisses me on the temple, "lets go." He takes my hand and walks us to the door. I smile at the thought of us spending quality time together. I've never been able to hang out with him.

I get my key out and unlock the door, making sure to set the security alarm. Ryder is stood close behind me and I can feel him breath in my fragrance. But when I swing the door open an all too familiar group of faces greet me, their faces morphing from surprise to utter murder.

"Oh fuck..."

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