invisible string | c. leclerc

four

IV. Papa's Words

MONACO: May 2023

TWITTER:

Charles and Thalie didn't know when the alcohol was brought out. They didn't know when they started to drink but what they do know is that they were still there at his flat.

They were laughing about something so random, delving into old memories that they have for each other. Charles hummed and grinned, "You were always there for me. Like always." He said.

He looked like he was lost in his mind, so much memories coming into mind. So much that it brought smiles on his face. One specific one came to mind.

"Remember when I was preparing for a date."

Thalie laughed, "Which one?" she said as she laughed. He rolled his eyes and sent her a look. She hummed, "I'm serious, which one?"

He let out a breath, "The one where you planned for a Harry Styles show for yourself..."

Suddenly, it felt like Thalie was brought back to that moment. It was that moment where the model and the driver were staying in the same building, neighbors.

Charles had called for her, to help him get ready for the date. She did not like the girl he was going to go on a date with but she never really stopped Charles.

Maybe that day she wished she did because the girl brought such pain in his life. Maybe deep down, she wished that she made him stay. But she didn't.

FLASHBACK

Charles was tying his shoes when he spoke, "I'm a bit nervous." Thalie looked up at him from the couch, the girl was scrolling through her email and she sent him a curious look.

"How come? You're Charles Leclerc." Thalie noted. He looked back at her but merely shook her head with a chuckle escaping his lips.

"That's the problem." He started as he sat down next to her, "I'm afraid she's dating me only because of that." He simply answered. Thalie sighed, "Don't be ridiculous, you're amazing." She said honestly, a slight hint of blush appearing on her cheeks.

But Charles did not notice, he was busy checking his phone, "If you say so..." he said with a frown.

Deciding on making him feel better and more excited, Thalie did not feel it, but that didn't mean she will stop him, "It will be fine, just be yourself." She said. He looked at her, "You always say that."

"And it always works." The boy continued to scroll through his phone, leaving Thalie to watch him closely. Her thoughts though were interrupted when Charles spoke again.

"I wish you were my date, it would be much easier." He said. Her heart jumped and she sighed, "Yeah..."

He looked at her and sent her a small smile. It was like he wanted to say something but she beat him to it. "I'll be in my room watching Harry Styles' tour shows again when you two will come." She said.

But Charles frowned, "I won't bring her here. I'll come back in time to watch some shows with you." He said. She raised an eyebrow at him, "You said that last time-" "I intend to keep it."

Thalie leaned her chin on her palm with a small smile on her face, "I'll be wearing my pajamas and eating popcorn." She said. Charles' frown turned into a smile, "Sounds like a perfect date, mh?" he asked.

She hummed and nodded, "Picture perfect. But too boring for you." She said. Charles moved to her and kissed her forehead before standing up, "We have to try before saying it." He said and walked away and said his see you laters.

Back to the present, Thalie chuckled at the tipsy Charles who plopped himself on the couch next to her. It was like back in the memory, the two on the couch and talking to each other.

He stared at her in awe, she gulped and moved away a bit, "Do I have something on my face?" she asked. Charles was quick to shake his head, "Nothing."

"Then why are you staring at me like that?" she asked cautiously. Charles smiled, "I always thought you were the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."

It was so genuine that Thalie didn't know if she would list it down on the drunken words or sober words.

"Really?" she asked. Charles hummed and nodded, leaning his forehead on her shoulder, "Don't leave me cherry."

She sighed and wrapped an arm around him, "Never."

MONACO: May 2033

TWITTER:

Felicity looked at her parents in confusion, "You weren't boyfriends and girlfriend?" she asked. Thalie smiled at her as Charles decided to answer, "No we weren't."

"But you sound like you were." The little girl said. The parents looked at the little in shock. They knew that she was acting mature enough but not like this. "You said those words papa?"

Charles hummed and nodded, no words coming into mind. Felicity tilted her head, "And you remember them?" The driver nodded again, "Then you loved Maman already."

Pure shock washed over them. It was always so easy when you are a child. So simple, and the answer is in front of you. That was something they were starting to realize as they told Felicity the story of them.