Chapter 6 : Alex Gardner

I didn't want Charlie to see me crying, so I quickly diverted my attention by talking. "Eat first. I need to call your brother so he can pick you up."

I pulled out my phone from my pocket and dialed Alex's number. The call was connected after few seconds. From the other side of the phone, I heard a calm and warm voice. "Hello."

"Hello, this is Eirlys Williams. The one who talked to you last night."

"I know, Miss Williams. Is Charlie troubling you in any way?"

"No, she is very well-behaved. I will send you the address now. Could you pick her up in a bit? I need to go to school within 20 minutes, and I feel unsettled leaving her alone here."

"Sure. Just send me the address. I'll pick her up straight away."

After ending the call, I sent my house's address to Alex, then put my phone back into my pocket. I told Charlie that her brother is on his way, to which she replied by nodding her head since her mouth is full. Then, we spend a peaceful breakfast time with a pleasant meal and conversation.

Right after finishing our meal, the bell rings. That should be Alex. I beckoned Charlie to follow me, as I stood up to open the door. Charlie obediently followed me from behind.

When I opened the door, my gaze was met with a pair of black obsidian eyes, paired with a slight smile on his lips. His gaze is sharp, yet has a trace of warmth in it. His well-fitted back suit made him appear more gentlemanly and dignified. He excludes a noble aura which made me stunned for a bit. And his face. I know it's embarrassing, but I can't help but stared foolishly at his chiseled face and handsome feature. It's not every day you encounter such a fine gentleman.

"Are you Miss Eirlys Williams?"

It's the same soothing voice I heard just a few minutes ago, yet hearing it through the phone and from the person himself directly gave a different ring to it. Wait, I need to snap out of it!

I coughed a bit to relieve my awkwardness, before replying. "Yes, I am. Thank you for coming so quickly. You must be Mr. Alex?"

"Brother!"

With hurried steps, Charlie came running from behind me and gave the man a bear hug. The man laughed at his sister antique then he gave her a pat on the head.

"Good morning, little princess. Did you sleep well last night?"

"Very! Big sister treats me so well. And her cooking is superb!"

In front of her brother, Charlie looked relaxed and more childlike, very different from her mature self she showed me last night. It proves that the siblings have a very good relationship.

The man raised his head and looked at me with a grateful expression. "Let me introduce myself formally. I'm Alex Gardner and I'm very thankful for letting my sister stay here for a night," he said while reaching out his hand for a handshake.

I returned the handshake while smiling politely. "My name is Eirlys Williams. Please don't worry. I'm very happy to have Charlie accompanying me."

"It must be inconvenient to have her spend a night so suddenly. Let us repay you somehow by buying you dinner."

I hurriedly raised both of my arms in a polite gesture of rejection. "No, it's fine. It's not inconvenient at all."

"I insist, Miss Williams. I would feel uncomfortable if I didn't do anything for you in return."

"Please come to our house for dinner, big sister! You made my delicious sandwich and omurice, so it's right for us to treat you to a meal as well!" said Charlie while tugging my hand in a spoiled manner.

I smiled at her cuteness, but I can't be swayed again. "Thank you for the invitation, but I think I will just accept the kind intention."

"Why?" Charlie protested with a pout.

Honestly, it's because I felt guilty for almost reporting Charlie to the police as a suspicious person. Another reason is that I know I'd feel uncomfortable intruding into a family dinner of another household.

However, I gave out a different excuse. "I need to work a night shift after school, so I won't make it to the dinner."

It's not a lie, actually. I do have a night shift, but only on weekdays. If I want to, I actually can still make it on the weekend, but I purposely concealed the fact.

"You are working a part-time job?" asked Alex with raised eyebrows.

"Yes. I work a part-time job at the convenience store after school."

"I see. That's unfortunate," said Alex, there is a hint of genuine disappointment in his tone. Meanwhile, Charlie looked unsatisfied. Her lips was pressed together in a pout.

Having these beautiful people looked dejected gave me a little tinge of guilt. I guess they must feel bad because of unsettled debt, although I seriously didn't feel they owe me anything.

"Then, how about you give me a lift to school this morning? I woke up late this morning so I may be late if I walk like always," I said, albeit hesitating a bit.

Charlie was beaming like a ball of sunshine. "Sure! Let's go together, big sister!"

Without waiting for Alex's approval, Charlie pulled my hand to an expensive-looking car parked in front of the house. She urged me to get in, so I can only followed her lead and fasten my seat belt.

Meanwhile, Alex also got in and sat on the driver's seat. I saw him took a glimpse of both of us from the rear view mirror and chuckled. "You seem to like Miss Williams very much, Charlie. That's rare of you."

Charlie blushed a bit before answering in a small voice. "Of course I like her. She is so kind and gentle."

Charlie thinks of me so highly that even I got embarrassed. However, I am also very happy. "I also like Charlie very much," I said as I rubbed her hair affectionately.

Alex laughed seeing Charlie even more embarrassed.