Rain

As the Bugatti Chiron sped through the rainy night, Charlie and Chloe's conversation had brought to light a myriad of emotions and revelations. Their bond had grown even stronger as they navigated the complexities of their friendship, leaving behind the unspoken feelings that had lingered for years.

As the car sped away to its destination, Madam Gizel who sat in another car on the road, saw the car pass by. Her eyes made her desire for such a privilege evident. She watched the sleek vehicle pass by, oblivious to the presence of Charlie and Chloe in the backseat, her attention stolen by the magnificent car itself.

"That's one ride," she mumbled to herself, envious of the luxurious car as it disappeared into the distance. She was oblivious to the fact that Charlie, was inside.

The Bugatti Chiron came to a halt as it reached its intended location. Charlie and Chloe leaned forward, peering out the front window to thank the driver. "Thank you," Chloe said, offering a warm smile.

"Always at your service," the driver replied with a nod and a wink before vanishing into thin air along with the car, as if he had never been there at all.

Charlie raised the mask above his head and turned to Chloe, ready to speak when she suddenly interrupted. "What was that back there? Were you jealous?"

Charlie hesitated for a moment, and then a hint of irritation crept into his voice. "It was time to go, Chloe. It was past— Wait, what? Jealous? Why would I be jealous... I mean, you're my friend, right?"

Chloe looked at him, her eyes filled with an undeniable sense of heartbreak. She couldn't bring herself to answer.

"Right?" Charlie asked again, but he was met with silence.

Chloe's voice quivered as she finally managed to speak. "I, uh... I... I..."

This was the moment, Chloe realized. The right time. She needed to express her feelings and get it over with, whatever the outcome might be. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes, the cool wind making the moment even more surreal. "I love you, Charlie," she blurted out. "I have always loved you."

Charlie's expression shifted from confusion to realization, and he slapped his forehead. "Oh, no, no, no, no," he muttered, turning around in frustration.

Chloe stood there, her hands folded against her chest, waiting for Charlie to respond.

"C... Charlie?" Chloe stammered, peering into his eyes.

"I know," he finally admitted, causing Chloe's expression to lighten.

"But why didn't you tell me... instead, you chose to hide your feelings in a diary," Charlie asked, trying to understand.

"I wasn't sure if it would be the same for you," Chloe explained, tears glistening in her eyes.

Charlie shook his head. "No, you were too scared of breaking our friendship, weren't you?"

Chloe nodded in agreement. "Yes, Charlie. I couldn't bear the thought of ruining the friendship we've had since childhood. I didn't want to risk it."

Charlie sighed, holding his friend as she began to break down. "I'm never good enough, nobody loves me," Chloe sobbed.

Charlie felt a pang of sympathy for Chloe, realizing the depth of her emotions. He tried to comfort her. "Nobody?" he asked with a tender smile.

Chloe paused in her crying, and her eyes met Charlie's as he continued, "Why did you kiss Ryan if you didn't love him? Was it to make me jealous? You know I can't stand anyone who's not your boyfriend being that close to you, don't you remember? Back in elementary school."

Chloe stopped crying, and a small smile returned to her face. "Leave Ryan out of this; he's something else. I was trying to make you jealous, and yes, I remember that day in elementary school when you slapped that boy for sitting too close to me in class."

They both shared a heartfelt laugh, and the tension that had filled the air started to dissipate. As the laughter subsided, Chloe's face turned somber once more.

Charlie placed a hand on Chloe's shoulder, drawing her attention. "Look, Chloe, you're very special. You always have been. You're funny, brave, brilliant, and unique. You're my best friend, the only one I have, actually."

Chloe chuckled, still wiping away her tears. "Without you, I wouldn't have done what I did today. Your support is unwavering, and a friend like you is hard to find in the entire universe. I love you, Chloe, and not even Richelle can stand in the way of our love. You mean the world to me."

Charlie's voice grew more dramatic as he knelt down, making Chloe laugh, and she said, "It's enough now, Speech Master. I'm okay, stand up."

Charlie stood up, embracing Chloe tightly. "I love you, monkey," he said, with a playful smile.

Chloe was about to express her love in return when she realized the term Charlie had used. "Monkey, who's a monkey?" she asked, her playful mood returning.

Charlie raised his hand in mock anger. "You little... Oh, you're in for it now!"

Chloe prepared to retaliate by taking off one of her shoes, ready for a playful chase. "I'll get you, you..." she began to say before the chase began.

The two friends tumbled around, laughing and playing, their worries temporarily forgotten. Rain started to fall, and they continued to dance and frolic under the downpour. Charlie had achieved his goal, and Chloe was no longer conflicted about her feelings for him. It was now crystal clear that their friendship meant more to Charlie than any other relationship they could have.

As they danced under the rain, Chloe eventually grew tired and decided to head home. Charlie walked with her under the rain, to her doorstep. They both approached the door, soaked from the rain. As they stood there, Charlie took a bracelet from his pocket and presented it to Chloe.

Chloe looked at him in surprise. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"I I'm guessing you should give it to someone special ," Charlie said. "I thought that was Richelle. You should keep this one. You've given me a necklace already and now..... this?."

Charlie gazed at Chloe and added, "Is it considered a crime to give a monkey something good."

Chloe smiled, staring at Charlie. "Well, are you going to take it or not?" Charlie asked, bringing her back to the moment.

"Yeah, well..." Chloe took the bracelet from Charlie's hand and wore it on her wrist neck. "Wow, it looks good on you... Mmm, monkey," Charlie teased.

Chloe laughed and playfully slapped him. Charlie's head shifted slightly as he looked at Chloe. He was about to return the favor when a voice from the house interrupted the playful banter. "Who's there?"

It was Mr. Chad. Chloe said goodbye to Charlie and entered her house, leaving Charlie outside to answer Mr. Chad's questions.

"Be sure to stop by tomorrow," Mr. Chad said as Charlie turned to leave.

"I will," Charlie replied and turned to head home. Mr. Chad closed the door behind him. Charlie walked briskly, eager to return to his previous position, hoping to go unnoticed.

He made his way down the street but was suddenly stopped by the sound of a car horn. Charlie froze as the approaching car's headlights illuminated his wet face and clothes, as well as the mask he held above his head. It was a risky coincidence, and he was caught off guard.

The car drew closer, and Charlie could see Madam Gizel sitting in the passenger seat, glaring at him with a threatening expression. At that moment, Charlie knew he had messed up. He hadn't expected them to return so soon. It was just an unfortunate and dangerous twist of fate that had put him in the path of her wicked gaze.