The Fortune Teller

“IT’S CHRISTMAS EVE!” Rissa shouted as she ran down the stairs.

Charlotte groaned as she rolled out of her bed unwillingly. Her eyes were half shut as she wandered down the stairs, grumbling and bitching all the way.

“It’s fucking ten o’clock in the morning, why the fuck did you wake me up this early?!” Charlotte asked, raising her voice an octave higher.

“CAUSE IT’S CHRISTMAS EVE!” Rissa squealed, jumping around the house in her reindeer onesie.

Charlotte should be used to these moments with Rissa by now. But watching her run around in her reindeer onesie among their Christmas decorations and setting off the motion sensory dancing Santa’s. Hell was literally in their living room.

Charlotte was wishing she binned that dancing Santa when she had the chance.

The morning was filled with Christmas films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, The Holiday and Elf. They were both huddled under their duvet on the couch, their central heating was slowly deteriorating, and this meant that they were covered from head to toe in double layers. The snow was falling heavily down outside confirming that it would be a white Christmas. This excited Charlotte since it made it more special and a real Christmas. Charlotte was swamped with nerves over going to the Syke’s house for Christmas, even though Rissa was so relaxed about it that worried Charlotte further.

“I am gonna get ready now, we might as well get to Syke’s house early to save Carol from all the tidying up.” Rissa said as she made her way up the stairs.

“Alright.” Charlotte mumbled in agreement.

Charlotte picked up Thor, cuddling him to her as she walked up the stairs. She placed him on her bed, watching him curl up and fall asleep.

Charlotte got herself ready, placing her makeup on carefully. She attempted smoky eyes, she knew that tonight was going to be dressy. Rissa was pulling out the whole works; her nails were done yesterday along with her hair in rollers. But then Charlotte for once didn’t know what Rosie was wearing or how she was preparing for tonight and that saddened Charlotte, she hoped before the party actually started that she would get a word with Rosie.

Charlotte shook out of her sad mood and placed her favourite CD in the stereo, blasting her favourite cheesy songs, Ignition by R Kelly and The Offspring’s few singles along with Sum 41 and Bowling for Soup. Charlotte was singing along to Ignition as she slid into her dress and placed on her Jeffrey Campbell’s.

Charlotte was in shock at her own reflection stared back at her. She noticed that she was gaining more of a womanly figure now. Finally curves making her shapelier this suited her dress perfectly. Charlotte brushed her dress softly, mesmerized by the feel of velvet. Charlotte’s dress was dark green velvet maxi dress that that a split up the thigh. Her leg was covered by black tights and was wearing her favourite black leather Jeffrey Cambell’s. Her make-up looked pretty close to perfect as her lack in skilled hand could get. Charlotte groomed her blonde hair into a high long pony tail.

“You ready yet Riss?!” Charlotte shouted towards Rissa’s room. She left Thor on her bed, knowing he’ll happily sleep there for the night.

“Yes!!” Rissa called back, stepping out of her bedroom to come face to face with Charlotte.

“Shit, fuck you look stunning.” Charlotte said in awe.

Rissa laughed, a blush rising on her cheeks. She was wearing a deep cherry dress that hugged her petite frame stunningly perfect, it dipped further in the back creating a maxi dress affect but at the front it was just above her knees, showing her glittery silver stilettos. Her hair was tied into a messy top knot on the top, make up was rather subtle which was unusual for Rissa.

“Thank you but gosh, you are yourself.” Rissa giggled, she pulled Charlotte into a hug. “Oliver is going to be all over you.”

Charlotte groaned at the mention of Oliver’s name. “Riss, what do I have to tell you? We aren’t actually together.”

“But you will be.” Rissa sang.

Charlotte held back from arguing with her, not wanting to get into anything before the party. Charlotte collected her stuff together, they both baked Christmas themed gingerbread men and cookies for the party. Charlotte had both her secret Santa present and Rissa’s in a small Santa’s sack. It was all quaint and girly she had to admit.

“Bring Thor!” Rissa called from the living room.

“Okay.” Charlotte mumbled, walking up the stairs to collect her dog, she placed him in the inside of her coat so that he wouldn’t get too cold in the snow.

The sky was showing a beautiful sunset peaking out of the snow clouds. Charlotte rushed into her car, along with Rissa who was sitting in the passenger seat. They both listened to Christmas classic songs as they drove towards the Syke’s residence.

“I am nervous.” Charlotte admitted after a long silence between her and Rissa.

Rissa shot her a comforting smile. “Don’t worry at all. Carol is the nicest woman ever, she’ll probably gush over you and make you feel like the best person in the world. Then Ian just a lad dad, he doesn’t give any shits, he turns a blind eye on both Oliver and Tom, pretending that they are good boys.”

Charlotte nodded her head, feeling the knot loosen in her stomach. She gave Rissa a thankful smile.

“They probably won’t be around tonight, but its tomorrow when they will but again don’t worry about that because both Jona and I will be with you.” Rissa said, they drove in silence once again until Charlotte drove down a street and stopped outside a perfect sized family house. “Stop! We are at our destination!”

Charlotte raised her eyebrows in surprise. She wasn’t expecting such an ordinary family home, she would’ve thought that Tom or Oliver would have made their parents move to a more extravagant house. It reminded her of her dad’s house, so that was a good feeling to have. As soon as Charlotte cut the engine, Rissa ran out of the car, grabbing the tin of home baked goods with her. Charlotte rolled her eyes at her friend’s surprising capability of running in heels.

“Come on in girls.” Carol grinned as soon as both Rissa and Charlotte were at the door.

Charlotte had the secret Santa sack in one hand and Thor wriggling about in her other arm. She kept her head down shyly. Words couldn’t form in her mouth. It has been a long time since she was this speechless in front of company. She normally got on well with older adults. Lucy always called her an ‘old soul’ for that.

“You must be Charlotte, you’re as beautiful as Oliver makes you out to be.” Carol winked at Charlotte, making her blush a deep red, Carol pulled her in for a motherly hug. Once she pulled away, she embraced Rissa and looked at both of them as if appraising their outfits. “You both look beautiful tonight.” Carol gushed, exactly what Rissa predicted which comforted Charlotte a lot more.

“I am always beautiful.” Rissa grinned cheekily. Both Charlotte and Carol rolled their eyes at her remark.

“Oops, silly me forgetting to introduce myself, I am Carol, the terrible twosomes mum.” Carol smiled widely at Charlotte.

“It’s nice to meet you Carol.” Charlotte grinned back, feeling more at ease now, especially as she saw Tom walking towards them. “You can call me Charlie, I don’t mind.”

“Look Ma! It’s my two favourite birds!” Tom grinned cockily, wrapping his arms around both Rissa’s and Charlotte’s shoulders.

“Thomas! That is not how you great these ladies.” Carol narrowed her eyes at him, shaking her head, trying her hardest to not smile at her younger son’s behaviour. “Charlie, do us all a favour and go upstairs and tell Oliver to hurry up.”

Charlotte grinned at Carol, shoving Tom off her shoulder as he tried to place a sloppy kiss on her cheek. “Rissa control him.” She muttered whilst walking up the stairs slowly, shifting Thor in her arms so that he was more comfortable.

Charlotte smiled to herself, she loves Carol, reminding her so much of Lucy, she wondered whether they’ve met before especially since her dad and Ian know each other. As she reached the top of the stairs, there were two hallways with several doors dotted along. She could hear the soft words spoken from downstairs and the loud music thrumming from the last door in the hallway.

Charlotte stopped outside his door, knocking on it softly before opening it. She let herself in, realising that Oliver hasn’t noticed that she was there, obviously in his own world with the music. And he was shirtless. Charlotte’s eyes bulged. She tightened her grip on Thor. Unable to focus on anything but the tattoos covering his torso and those winding down his arms, she was in a trance.

After a short few seconds passed, Oliver finally turned and focused on the door realising that Charlotte was standing there. A look of shock was shown on his features, it soon passed and a smirk settled on his lips.

“Uh... I am sorry... I w-will wait o-outside...” Charlotte stuttered, stepping backwards and bumping into the doorframe, whacking her head unintentionally. “Ouch.”

Oliver chuckled, stepping closer to Charlotte, he noticed Thor in her arms, poking out of the shelter of her coat. He took him from her and placed Thor on his bed beside Oskar. He motioned for her coat, which she gave to him unwillingly. He touched the back of Charlotte’s head, winking at her.

“Should be better now, it’s got me magic touch on it now.” Oliver smirked.

Charlotte held her breath, realising the close proximity between them both. She looked directly in his eyes, a blush rising on her cheeks.

“Sure it has.” Charlotte mumbled sarcastically under her breath.

Oliver chuckled. “I guess yeh met me mum?”

Charlotte nodded her head sharply. “Yes.”

“Don’t look so scared.” Oliver teased.

“I am not scared, just not at ease by the fact your family could walk in and get the wrong idea.” Charlotte argued, lifting her chin defiantly.

“Sure yeh are.” Oliver snorted.

Charlotte rolled her eyes playfully, leaning towards him with a mischievous smile on her face. “I am not.” She whispered in his ear, letting her hand rest on his chest as she leaned.

“I really want to kiss yeh right now.” Oliver said, his voice cracking huskily.

Charlotte’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “Why don’t you?”

Oliver tensed, as he leaned closer to Charlotte. His lips pressed onto hers, Charlotte still in slight shock, closed her eyes as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her. Oliver cupped her face with his hands, knotting his fingers in her pony tail. Their lips moved together slowly, Charlotte opened her mouth in the kiss allowing Oliver’s tongue entrance to her mouth. Oliver moved from her mouth and left kisses along her jaw. Charlotte muttered something incoherently, the words could not form, she just kissed Oliver, those words couldn’t sink in her head either.

“Oliver not now... please.” Charlotte whispered.

Their eyes met as Oliver pulled away. He pressed another kiss on her lips. A grin spread across his entire face, Charlotte couldn’t help but let out a giggle.

“I can’t keep my hands off of yeh.” Oliver smirked, placing his hands on her hips for extra emphasis.

“Well, that sucks for you then.” Charlotte stuck out her tongue and to her horror he licked it. “Oli!” Charlotte laughed, swatting his chest. “Put on a shirt, and let’s go downstairs before anyone gets any ideas.”

Oliver grinned widely. “I want people to get ideas.”

“Oh no you don’t, I don’t so you don’t, simple as!” Charlotte tsked as she wiggled out of his grasp.

Oliver laughed, as he grabbed one of his black Drop Dead jumpers from his wardrobe and placed it on. He pulled Charlotte into his arms again, kissing the top of her head.

“Yeh look beautiful tonight.” Oliver said honestly.

Charlotte blushed, bowing her head down so that he couldn’t see her eyes as if it would miraculously stop her blushing.

“Thank you.” Charlotte replied softly.

“Yeh really do, also just to warn. I told me parents that yeh are my girlfriend. So don’t argue nor act surprised.” Oliver narrowed his eyes at Charlotte.

Charlotte laughed lightly, hugging him sideways. “Okay, I won’t.”

“We’ll leave our dogs here for now, can’t wait to show yeh the outfits I bought for them both the other day.” Oliver grinned widely.

Charlotte rolled her eyes playfully. “Gosh Oli, you are worse than a girl.”

“Shush yeh gob.” Oliver chuckled, wrapping his arm around her waist as they both walked out of his room.

Even with her heels on she still was not as tall as Oliver. So she could comfortably lean her head on his shoulder as they walked down the stairs together. At the bottom of the stairs, he pressed another kiss to her lips quickly before tugging her into the kitchen where both his parents were arguing in a jokey banter way that seemed to be the norm in the Syke’s household.

“Shut up ye daft sod, making a bad impression on Oliver’s girlfriend.” Carol laughed as she rolled her eyes at her husband’s behaviour.

Ian turned to both Charlotte and Oliver with a grin. “I am Ian, that bastard’s father. Nice to meet yeh Charlie, I’ve heard lots about yeh! She’s prettier than yeh described Oli.”

Charlotte blushed once again, trying not to hide her face this time. She loved the way Oliver seemed to embrace the compliments and comments, nodding his head as he agreed with his dad. He pulled Charlotte in front of him, so he could wrap his arms around her waist almost possessively. He placed his chin on the top of Charlotte’s head, to which she leaned back.

“Thank you Ian. So everyone keeps saying.” Charlotte grinned, her blush still prominent.

Carol turned off a few things on the stove and around the kitchen, doing one last observation as if trying to remember where everything is so that she would know if anything got damaged during the party. She turned to Ian expectantly, who nodded his head in that weird way that couple’s tend to do over time, there was no need for words just one simple look in the eye and turn of the head, they knew what each other were thinking. Charlotte couldn’t help but feel like both her and Oliver were intruding on that private yet small moment Carol and Ian shared.

“Okay, I think that’s it. We are not going to be back until late but Rissa assured me that everything will go smoothly and that she’ll chuck you all out of the house at the appropriate times.” Carol said as she gathered her things together. Ian nodded to both Oliver and Charlotte as he got rushed out of the kitchen. “And I am sorry we are in a rush but we have all tomorrow to talk and bitch about my son, also I'll bring out the embarrassing baby pictures, so see you then.” Carol grinned, tugging Charlotte from Oliver’s embrace and pulling her into a goodbye hug. “Bye Oliver!” She called as she walked out of the kitchen. “Bye Rissa darling! Bye Thomas!” Carol called as she walked out of the house.

Charlotte swore she heard Ian mumble “Bye bastards.” But she couldn’t be sure of that.

Oliver spun Charlotte round as he faced her. “They loved yeh.” He grinned happily, the happiness reaching his eyes.

Charlotte returned a huge happy grin of her own. “Really? I love your parents too.”

Oliver kissed her forehead. “C’mon lets help the dimwits out before everyone comes.”

***

Just after nine, everyone was there. All squashed in the living room. Rosie was clearly avoiding Charlotte since she was sat on the opposite side of room hiding behind Lee. Charlotte attempted to catch her eye and speak to her but Rosie remained purposefully oblivious. Charlotte grew both agitated and frustrated by this. Oliver noticed this and kept a hand on Charlotte as a sign of comfort.

Jona and Matt were sat either side of Oliver and Charlotte. Throughout the night, they were muttering teasing dirty comments about Charlotte and Oliver underneath their breath, making Charlotte extremely paranoid because Oliver didn’t hear any of them. Matt and Jona had guilty cheeky smirks on their faces all night. It took Charlotte all her might to not slap them off their silly faces.

Robyn arrived but luckily she kept her distance from Oliver and Rissa, she was wearing a smarmy smile that made Charlotte want to be sick. Other than those mini problems, Charlotte was enjoying the night. She had to admit she was enjoying the attention Oliver was giving her. He barely let her out of his sight. His arm was permanently attached around her waist. Often he would press a kiss to her temple or on her cheek. He knew that Charlotte was not the one for PDA so he kept it minimal but that didn’t bother Charlotte at all.

She felt floating butterflies flitter in her stomach at every touch. She disguised it well. For once her blush never gave her away, she was doing a good job of controlling her blush, about time too.

“I can’t believe yeh shagged Macy Philips that knocks me sick.” Tom gagged for extra emphasis.

“She was a good lay, I dun care if she is a groupie. I was desperate.” Vegan exclaimed.

Charlotte rolled her eyes, they have been arguing about this so called Macy Philips for over ten minutes. She knew of groupies, who hasn’t? But she tend to forget that the guys were in a band, maybe it was their huge egos that often reminded her but other than that they were normal.

“Shut up, you tools. I don’t want to hear about Vegan’s new lass.” Rissa said, smacking the back of Tom’s and Vegan’s head. “It’s Christmas eve.”

Charlotte swilled her baileys around in her glass, taking another swig. She caught Rosie in the corner of her eye watching her. Charlotte sent a smile her way to which Rosie immediately ignored, turning her attention to Lee. Charlotte grumbled in anger, she just didn’t understand why Rosie was jealous, she felt torn.

“Don’t work yehself up, Riss will start up on the secret Santa, it will take yeh mind off things.” Oliver whispered in her ear.

Charlotte smiled widely at him, kissing his cheek. She couldn’t wait till he got his secret Santa present. As if Rissa could read Oliver’s mind she jumped up from her seat with a beaming grin.

“Secret Santa time!”

All the presents were stacked up in a neat pile with the person’s name on, luckily Rissa told everyone to use the same wrapping paper so no one could get a hint. By the end of the night, you were to guess who got you your present or if you can’t get they reveal themselves to you.

First present ended up to be a blow up penis, it was given to Vegan. He guessed that it was from Lee, he was right. This whole blow up penis was an ongoing humorous issue between them, and now Vegan was beside himself since he has one. Charlotte really didn’t understand how their mind works.

Jona received a kangaroo with a moustache and toy guitar in hand. It was off Matt, which was oddly thoughtful.

“Since yeh are missin’ home and all tha.” Matt mumbled as Jona grinned crookedly at him.

Matt got a girls number wrapped up in a paper box, this was from Vegan as a last minute present. Rosie received tickets to see Rocky Horror Picture Show off Rissa. Charlotte knew that Rocky Horror was one of Rosie and Charlotte’s favourite musicals. It was surprising that Rissa knew that, she swore that Rosie didn’t hang round with Rissa. Charlotte felt weird inside, maybe she was jealous or maybe she just thought she was losing her best friend.

Tom received a leather jacket with the Drop Dead kitty on the back. It was one of a kind and clearly off Oliver.

“There is something moving in my box.” Rissa said, her voice shaking slightly. “I hope it’s not a tarantula.” She added, as she inspected the box curiously.

The box was one of the biggest. She slowly unwrapped it carefully, holding her breath as she opened the box. She squealed loudly.

“Look at it! It’s a bunny!” Rissa screamed. “Thank you Thomas.” She grinned at Tom, who laughed at her reaction.

Charlotte scrunched her nose at the baby rabbit. All she could think of is that Zelda and Toby were going to think it was dinner.

“The cats are going nowhere near my baby.” Rissa laughed, catching Charlotte’s gaze. Charlotte laughed along with her, rolling her eyes playfully.

Robyn received a Topshop voucher off Jona, as he didn’t understand what went on in her brain. So he went for the easy option. Then Lee received a guitar shop voucher off Rosie. Soon it was just Charlotte and Oliver left.

Charlotte noticed the presents she got for Oliver then a rectangle box that seemed to be hers. She worked out that Robyn had her for secret Santa. That made Charlotte feel very worried, she could not trust Robyn no matter how close she was with Oliver.

“Mine first!” Oliver shouted, shooting a smirk at Charlotte.

“Okay big boy, calm down.” Rissa laughed, handing Oliver his presents.

Oliver unwrapped it quickly, shredding the wrapping paper all over the pair of them. Charlotte watched with a bemused smile, Oliver winked, knowing that she had him.

Oliver let out a chuckle as he glanced at the mug, it was just plain white, so he was very confused, his eyebrows furrowed together.

“If you put hot water in it, it changes.” Charlotte said in a ‘duh’ tone.

Oliver nodded his head slowly, finally understanding what it does. He looked at the book with a big smile.

“Thanks Charlie, it was very thoughtful. And not so secret.” Oliver smirked, kissing her lips softly.

Charlotte smirked as she pulled away from their short kiss. Rissa rolled her eyes, refraining from saying anything else, she passed Charlotte her secret Santa present. Charlotte hesitated as she caught Robyn smirking.

Charlotte unwrapped it slowly, trying to buy her time. She glanced nervously at Robyn who was sharing an inquisitive expression. She avoided looking at Robyn. She opened the box, revealing a lacy blood red lingerie set with a sex position manual. Charlotte’s eyes bulged with surprise, her cheeks heated in embarrassment.

“What?” Charlotte spluttered out.

Oliver tensed at her side, narrowing his eyes at Robyn. All was quiet in the room. No one spoke, all waiting for Robyn to react.

“You don’t like it?” Robyn asked feigning innocence. “Oliver likes that sort of thing, so I thought I would do you both a favour.”

Charlotte glared at Robyn, trying not to scoff. Oliver moved to put an arm round Charlotte, she moved away from his attempt of a half embrace, she closed the box with a loud snap.

“I think I am gonna head home now.” Charlotte stood up, avoiding looking at Robyn.

Charlotte couldn’t care less if it was seen that she was overreacting but she was modest and always has been so being with Oliver would never change that. Plus she didn’t want to come across as the girl to only be with Oliver for his somewhat fame and money or for the sex.

“Charlie, please stay.” Oliver said, following her out of the room.

Charlotte turned to face Oliver, giving him a half smile. “I am okay, just need to go home. But you can’t defend her and say that it was not bitchy or snide at all.”

Oliver stared at Charlotte, speechless. “Don’t- I-I don’t know what to say.”

“Exactly Oli, so I will see you tomorrow.” Charlotte grabbed her coat from the coat cupboard by the door and walked out of the house.

Charlotte could hear Oliver conversing with someone, arguing quietly. Charlotte opened her car and sat in it, refusing to even cry. This is probably what Robyn wants, to make me out to be a whore, Charlotte thought. Charlotte probably wouldn’t have cared if Jona, Tom or even Rissa bought her that but because it was Robyn and that there will always be an ulterior motive behind everything that she does especially if it involved getting Oliver back.

“Charlie! Don’t you leave!” Rosie shouted as she ran towards Charlotte.

Charlotte stalled her car, narrowing her eyes. She was surprised to see Rosie there, her red hair sticking up at all ends due to the wind, clutching Thor in her arms as she stopped in front of the car.

“What?” Charlotte asked, unsure of what to say to her ex maybe best friend.

“I am sorry but take me back to yours and we will speak there plus you forgot Thor, you daft bitch.” Rosie smiled widely.

Charlotte opened the passenger door, motioning for Rosie to come in.

“Riss is getting dropped off later, so it will just be us, if that’s okay?” Rosie asked. Her eyes deeply concerned.

Charlotte nodded her head slowly, hugging her best friend. “I am sorry too. Thank you for following me.”

“You’re my bestest friend, what else am I going to do?”