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“I’m sorry, babe,” Baxter says, rubbing soothing circles on my back.

“He wants me to forgive him so that w-we can be together. He said he l-l-loves me.”

“Well, that isn’t so hard to believe now, is it?” comes Baxter’s cryptic reply.

“What do you mean?” I sit back and look at him, wiping my eyes.

“I mean, of course he still loves you. He’d have to be crazy not to.” He gives me a small smile that I can’t help but return, before snuggling back into his chest for another cuddle. I rest my head on his chest and hear the steady beat of his heart; strong and dependable, just like him.

“I have to go back to the house,” I murmur.

“I know. I’ll be with you. I won’t leave your side,” he promises, stroking my hair. I sigh gently and lean into his touch, craving more.

I reluctantly pull away and look up at him.

“Bax, I-”

Only my words are cut off as Baxter’s lips find mine. Holy shit. He’s kissing me! He’s actually kissing me. For a second I worry that I launched myself at him and he’s about to pull away, but he doesn’t. He just continues to kiss me gently, calmly, patiently. He’s waiting for me, I realise.

Oh! My lips part in shock and I give a gasp of surprise, and that seems to be the signal Baxter was waiting for, because he slides his tongue into my mouth and deepens the kiss.

I expect to freak out, but I don’t. It feels good. Nice. Right. I relax into his arms and begin to kiss him back, like the girl starved of affection that I am.

And then it feels better than good. More than nice. But I pull away before things get out of hand. I’m breathing hard as I smile shyly at Baxter.

I’m unsure about my feelings - especially in light of Jax’s revelations - but I have to admit there’s something growing between me and Baxter. I just hope we get to see what it is, without it destroying everything we already have.

Charlotte’s Diary

27/03/23

Sooooo, weird thing happened today…I got asked out on a date! I have no idea why, but in a moment of madness, I said yes! His name is Charlie and he’s my favourite professor’s son. I figured the son of a professor was a good choice, he was charming and attentive, and actually, pretty adamant about taking me out…so I crumbled and agreed. He’s kinda cute I guess. Not like anyone I’ve ever gone for before, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I have to get Phoenix ready for the childminder’s - she’s having a sleepover - and then I can worry about what to wear.

God, I don’t remember the last time I went out on a date. Do I even remember what to do? Say? What do people talk about? Maybe I should cancel; I’m going to suck at this.