Chapter 789: Tension Rising
Violet snuggled into Charles's arms, feeling his warmth and loving it.
"Charles, why are you here? Why didn't you tell me?"
Charles patted her head gently.
"If you don't come to see me, I have to come see you!" he said.
Every holiday, Violet used to visit him. But since starting middle school, she hadn't. She also called less and always rushed off the phone. Worried something was wrong, Charles came to check on her.
Violet blushed and scratched her head nervously. "I've been super busy with homework. Middle school is tough, and I finish late every day. That's why I haven't visited."
In truth, being busy was just part of it. She felt the gap between them growing. Charles was tall, handsome, and smart, already making a name for himself. She felt average, short, and not great at school. He was like an eagle, and she felt like a chick. She feared he'd look down on her.
Charles didn't know her thoughts and believed her explanation.
"Really? What about now? Finished your homework? Ready to go back?"
Violet stepped back and nodded. "Austin finished my homework for me! We're about to go home."
Charles looked at her closely. Two years had passed. She hadn't grown much taller, but her features had matured. Her face was still chubby with cute dimples. Her skin was clear and smooth, unlike other girls her age who had acne.
"Two years and you've grown up! You're a young lady now."
Violet's eyes dimmed, and she lowered her head sadly. "Not really. My classmates have all grown tall, but I still look like an elementary student. I'm always first in line. Even Austin is tall, but I'm short! We were born together, but only he grew."
This made Violet feel inferior. As a child, she didn't care, but now she understood more.
Charles rubbed her head. "Don't worry, you're only thirteen. You still have time to grow. Girls can grow until they're eighteen. Just a few more inches would be fine."
Violet pouted. "No, I want to grow 5 inches! 5'6" is perfect for a girl! I want to be as tall as Mom."
Charles smiled and didn't argue about height.
"It's late. Let's go home! I'll take you back."
Violet nodded eagerly. Despite avoiding Charles out of insecurity, she missed him a lot. Now she wanted to stick to him.
She mischievously rolled her eyes, walked to Austin, and took her backpack.
"Austin, go home by yourself! I'm sleeping at Charles's house tonight."
Austin's face changed instantly.
"Do you know how old you are?"
Violet didn't get why he asked and said, "fourteen!"
Austin said sternly, "Have you ever seen a fourteen-year-old girl sleep at someone else's house? No, I don't agree! You must come home with me."
Violet knew he didn't like her being with Charles, so she didn't argue. She took out her phone and called Carter.
Carter trusted Charles completely and agreed right away.
"Sure! Just make sure Charles gets you to school on time tomorrow."
Violet put the phone on speaker so everyone could hear Carter's words.
She tilted her chin up proudly and said to Austin, "See? Carter agreed, so you can't object."
Austin's lips tightened. He stared at Violet for a long time, realizing she wouldn't change her mind, then slowly walked over to Charles.
Charles was about half a foot taller than Austin, and his presence was imposing. But Austin didn't back down. He looked Charles in the eye, expressionless. "Remember, she's fourteen. Know your boundaries. Don't do anything that could harm our families' friendship."
Charles understood the implication. The gentleness he showed Violet vanished.
"I care for her deeply. You don't need to worry."
Austin's eyes darkened as he stared at Charles. They locked eyes, neither backing down, the tension thick.
Violet looked between them, sensing the tension but not understanding it.
Just then, Emily finished her homework and came out. When she saw Charles, her eyes widened like she'd seen a celebrity.
"Randy!" Emily ran up to Charles excitedly. "Randy Langley, the piano prince! I'm your biggest fan! Can I get your autograph?"
Charles was speechless. Over the years, Randy had become a celebrity. Everyone knew him, and his piano performances always sold out. He had more fans than the biggest stars and even a dedicated fan club. People often mistook Charles for Randy.
Violet's mouth twitched, and she pulled Emily away.
"Emily, you've got the wrong person. He's not Randy; he's Charles!"
Emily thought Violet was joking and waved her off. "Don't be silly. Randy is my idol. I'd recognize him anywhere."
"I'm serious! He's really not Randy. He's Randy's twin brother, Charles, my brother Charles!"
Seeing Violet's serious expression, Emily finally believed her.
"Twin brother? Charles?"
The name sounded familiar to Emily, like she'd heard it before.
Violet nodded. "Yes, twin brother."
Emily wondered, "Then why is his last name Watson?"
Violet scratched her head. "One takes after their dad's last name, the other after their mom's."
Emily understood. Even though she knew Charles wasn't Randy, she still acted like a fangirl and ran back to Charles. "Then Charles, can we add each other on Facebook?"
Hearing Emily call him, Violet was annoyed. She grabbed Charles and ran off.
"Emily, we have something to do. We'll talk tomorrow!"
"Violet, Violet," Emily called out, wanting to chase after them, but they were already gone.
Austin glanced at Emily, then walked away with his hands in his pockets.
The Moore family's car was parked in the school's designated parking lot, a place for parents. After school, the kids would go there to find their family cars. The parking lot was on the left side of the school, a few minutes' walk from the gate.
From the moment Austin left the school, a pair of eyes had been fixed on him, staring unblinkingly.
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