The Other Side

Atalya let them in and directed Mark to Charli’s old room, saying she would bring in the suitcase. It wasn’t until they were climbing the stairs that Charli realized that she had said suitcase. When had they found time to pack a suitcase for her?

Mark opened the door to Charli’s room and Charli went inside. She had been a fan of the color pink as a teenager and the major theme of her bedroom was pink. Pink walls, pink curtains, pink bedding and pink carpet. She had even painted her furniture pink. Charli winced at the amount of the single color.

“Sorry about the decor.” She sat on the bed. It was still as soft as before. “I was a fan of the color when I was a kid.”

“That’s fine.” Mark leaned against the doorframe and grinned. “It’s kind of cute. Hurts the eyes a little.”

Charli grinned back. Andy had spent time in this room and had moaned about the amount of pink. He hadn’t teased her like Mark was doing right now.

“What’s all this about a suitcase?”

“Atalya gave me the key to your apartment and told me to pack a few things for you.” Mark paused. “I hope that wasn’t rude of me. You were kind of busy at the time and Atalya said it was fine providing I stuck to the list she gave me.”

Charli was touched. She didn’t know what she had done to deserve knowing this man but she was grateful.

“Thanks.” She looked around and sighed. “Although I’ll have to move everything into here. My employers will let me have a few days off due to a doctor’s sick note but once I go on maternity leave I won’t be able to afford the rent. Childcare costs are expensive so I won’t be able to go back to work afterwards and I can’t ask other people to help for free.”

“You don’t have to worry about the apartment. I talked to the landlord and explained the situation.” Mark paused. “I’ve paid your rent for the next twelve months. Until this time next year you don’t have to worry about getting evicted.”

Charli stared. Did she hear what she thought she heard? Mark had paid for her apartment? While it wasn’t one of the most expensive of areas she lived in, it was still high rent. She was careful with her money and kept some aside for her rent and bills.

She swallowed.

“Thanks.” She murmured. She coughed. “I’ll do my best to pay you back.”

“You don’t need to. It’s the least I could do.” Mark’s eyes bore into hers. “No way was I letting you go homeless.”

Charli wouldn’t have been homeless; she always had her mother to fall back on. But the gesture was touching.

“I appreciate the help but don’t do things like that too much, please? I’m used to looking after myself and I don’t like asking for help when it comes to money. Even when I was with Andy I looked after myself. I always pay my way.”

“I understand.” Mark nodded his approval. “But I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” He smiled and shrugged. “Hey, we created a life, remember? I’m not going to walk away like that and leave you alone.”

Charli’s heavy heart lifted.

“Does this mean you’re sticking around?”

“If you want me to.”

Charli knew what her response would be. She wanted to launch herself into his arms and kiss him. But she held herself back. While Mark might be hanging around it didn’t mean they were going to be intimate. She didn’t want to send him running.

But he was staying. That was enough for her.

“I do.”

*****

“Ready to be thrashed?”

Mark looked up and saw Henson standing over him, right in his personal space. He knew the tactics Henson was trying to use and this time he ignored them. Today was not the day to be a bully.

Besides, after committing himself to Charli and the pregnancy three weeks before he seemed to have a new found confidence in himself. It was as if Charli was his lucky charm, even if they weren’t together.

And that had to be making Henson furious. That made Mark pleased; Henson deserved a taste of his own medicine.

He carried on tying his shoelaces.

“It’s only an exhibition match. It’s not a grand slam.”

“To you, yes.” Henson was tapping his racket against his leg, the outside of his knee bright red. “But I’m going to make sure you regret fu*king my girl.”

Mark sighed. Henson really hadn’t got the message. Charli had told him that the bas*ard kept sending her several texts messages a day and tried to call frequently but she ignored him. They had hoped after not talking to him for some time he would get the message.

Evidently not.

Mark stood up. His chest brushed against Henson’s and Henson took a step back.

“For the last time, Charli is not your girl. She doesn’t want to be with you.”

“She will. Trust me, she will.” Henson gave him a malicious smirk. “And there won’t be any baby. I’ll make sure of that.”

Mark felt the anger rising but damped it down quickly. This was what Henson wanted; get a rise out of him and put him off his game. Even if it was meant to be a fun match he didn’t want to look a fool. He spoke as calmly as he could.

“Harm her or the baby and I’ll hurt you.”

“Try it, old man.” Henson’s smirk didn’t diminish but his eyes burned blue murder. “I’d like to see you try.”