Charlie cupped my face in his hands and planted a kiss on my forehead. He seemed to be saying something, but I wasn’t listening. His green eyes searched my face for some answer or some kind of reaction other than fear.

“Sweetheart? What’s going on?” I finally heard him ask.

I shook my head to show some kind of reaction. That woman… Who was she? And why did she look like me? Why didn’t she want the baby? How long ago was this?

“What happened?” He grabbed my face and made me look at him.

“Another dream, but it was different.” I explained the dream and what happened and about the woman who looked like me.

“Was it your mom?” Asked Charlie.

“I don’t really look like my mom. I’ve always been told I look more like my dad.” As soon as I said the words it clicked in my mind. “There’s something my mom isn’t telling me.”

Charlie walked to the kitchen and grabbed two letters from the counter.

“While you were sleeping these came for you.” He handed me the letters. One was from Jen and the other my mom. I opened Jen’s first.

Iz,

It’s great to hear you’re having a great time there! I’m sorry, but I’m not going to be able to make it down to Romaina with you! Something’s come up with the family, but be sure to pick me up something before you come back! 

Lots of love,

Jen

Typical Jen to flake out on me, but there were bigger things on my mind. I eyed my mothers letter not sure what was going to be in it.

Isabella,

Good to hear you’re doing fine up there! 

Love,

Mom

That’s it? Wow I’m really feeling the love mom.

“What did they say?” He asked cautiously.

“Jen is bailing on me so it’s just going to be me for the rest of the trip.” I saw his eye sadden at the words. “Um.. My mom just said it’s good to hear from me.”

“That’s it?” He took the letter from me and read it. His face looked confused. “From what you’ve told me about your mom I’d expect a list of questions!”

Something felt strange about the letter, but it was nothing alarming. My mom was probably ready for bed when she got my letter.

“I made some food if you’re hungry.” Offered Charlie.

“Yeah. I think I’m just being paranoid. Maybe these dreams are nothing?” I think I was trying to convince myself more than him.

“Sweetheart, maybe you just need to relax.” He bent down, put his hands on my shoulder, and looked me in the eye. “You are too beautiful to be freaking out so much.”

He really knew what to say to cheer me up. I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a kiss. As he tried to pull away I just pulled him closer. I deepened the kiss and pulled him on top of me. I wrapped my legs around him holding him closer to my body.

“Baby, we can’t do this. Not now. You’re too vulnerable and I’d be taking advantage of you.” His eyes look sincere, but I still wanted to.

“Fine.” I flung myself on the bed in surrender.

“Isabella Jennings, you are so strange, but I guess that’s part of what makes you so wonderful.” He gave me a wink and chuckled a bit.

He walked into the kitchen and grabbed two bowls. He pour what he had made into the bowls and it smelt great. He set the bowls down on the table and walked towards me. He pulled me off the bed. We walked to the table and sat next to each other. I picked up my spoon and shoved it in my mouth. It was amazing!

“This is really good Charlie! What is it?”

“This stew my Mum used to make when one of us was having a bad day or sick.” He smiled at the memory.

He really loved his family. I wish I knew what it was like to live in a big family with lots of love and care.

“One time Percy came inside crying about how he couldn’t fly on a broom the way Bill or I could. Mum sat him on her lap and told him it didn’t matter how good a flyer he was, but how good a person he truly was inside his heart. Then she made him this stew.” He looked at me with loving eyes. “Mum always knew how to cheer us up, but she could also scare the living day lights out of you if you crossed her the wrong way! Ron one time wrote me and told me him, Fred, and George stole my dad’s enchanted car and kidnapped Harry from his Uncle’s house! Mum was furious at them and even yelled at dad for making that car. That woman has the worse temper, but the biggest heart.”

I loved when he told me stories about his family. I didn’t have much to tell about mine since it was just my mom and me. All this was making me feel better, but what he said next took me by surprise.

“Izzy, I was thinking… After you’re month is over, why don’t you stay here with me?”