Chapter 6

Charlotte woke up very early. She needed to get Liam's bags ready for his short vacation and also get him ready for his daycare. She would also have to make him breakfast before getting ready herself. She stared at Melvin who was still asleep peacefully on the bed.
If Melvin was willing to help out, it would be easier for her. But he won't.
She went into the bathroom to brush her teeth and also take a shower. She got dressed in a simple dress and then headed to Liam's room to arrange his bags.
She would have done that yesterday but she had a lot to do. She opened up his wardrobe and began to bring out his clothes and other things he would need. She was careful enough not to wake him up.
When she was done, she left his room and went into the kitchen to make breakfast. She opted for scrambled eggs for Liam and some toasted bread for herself and Melvin.
She was done in a few minutes. There wasn't any need to pack Liam's lunch; Mira will be doing that. With one chore off her list, she returned to the room to arrange her bag.
Melvin was already up when she got to the room.
"Good morning, babe," he mumbled.
"Good morning, love. How was your night?" Charlotte answered with a smile.
"It was awesome. You woke up early today."
Charlotte nodded. "Liam is going to the old house, remember?"
"I forgot that. Do you need my help on anything?" Melvin asked and Charlotte blinked slightly.
Is Melvin offering to help her? That is a good thing.
"Can you get Liam ready for school?"
Melvin nodded. "Sure."
Charlotte was a bit surprised but she concealed it.
Since he wants to help out, she can also let him.
"I will appreciate that," she mumbled.
"What about breakfast?" Melvin asked. "Do you need me to prepare some?"
Charlotte stared at him. Melvin wants to make breakfast? What has gotten into him?
"Do you?" He asked again.
Charlotte shook her head. "That will not be necessary. I already did that. But you can help me feed him when he is done taking his bath."
Melvin nodded. "Sure."
Charlotte began to wonder about Melvin's sudden change.
Does he know she is leaving? Or maybe he suspected something? What if he knew nothing but just decided to change?
Charlotte had a lot going on in her mind.
"Babe?" Melvin called, jolting her out of her thoughts.
She blinked slightly. "I am here with you. Did you say something?"
Melvin shook his head. "No. I am just wondering why you are not saying anything. Are you okay?"
Charlotte nodded. "I am fine. I will just go and take my bath. Thank you for helping out, though."
"My pleasure," Melvin answered.
Melvin left the room to get Liam ready while Charlotte went to the bathroom, but when she remembered she had yet to arrange her bag, she returned to the room.
Charlotte began to arrange the files that were scattered all over her table. After that, she brought out the clothes and accessories she would need. She placed them on the bed and went to get her shoes.
Her phone began to ring. It was Bella calling.
Why is she calling so early? Charlotte wondered.
"Hello, bestie," Bella's voice sounded so cheerful. "How was your night?"
She must have some good news? Charlotte thought.
"I am good. I can tell you are good. What's the good news?" Charlotte asked.
"How did you know that?"
"Your voice said it all," Charlotte answered.
"Well," Bella began. "I bought our tickets for the summit."
"That is good news," Charlotte mumbled.
"But that is not the good news," Bella said. "That is just one of the reasons I am happy."
"So what is the good news?"
"I don't know how to say this," Bella said. "Just thinking about it is bringing tears to my eyes."
What could that be? Charlotte wondered. If Bella had not told her it was good news and her voice confirmed it, she would have thought something bad had happened.
"Do you want to tell me about it when we meet?" She asked.
"I don't think I can't wait," Bella answered. "I woke up this morning and decided to go through my emails. There was a message from the Vérah Fashion Summit's organizers. And when I opened it...."
Bella was quiet and that made Charlotte worried.
"What happened next?" She asked.
She was worried as well as curious to know what happened.
"Guess who will be speaking at the summit... Me!" Bella's voice sounded happy and also emotional.
Charlotte could tell she was in tears. She couldn't help but shed some tears too.
"I am happy for you," she mumbled.
"Not only that," Bella said. "My fashion school will also be featured in their official magazines."
Charlotte screamed. That is more than good news.
"That... That is huge," she said.
"It is," Bella answered. "They said they loved my story and would want the world to know about it."
"Congratulations, my darling," Charlotte said. "I am happy for you, Bella. And I am so proud of you."
Bella busted into tears again. She was very happy she made Charlotte proud. It was with Charlotte's help that she had gotten this far.
"Thank you, Charlotte for everything. Thank you for helping me get to this point. Thank..."
"Come on. I told you, you don't have to keep thanking me. I am happy you could get this far. It's all your hard work."
"If you had ignored my dreams then, I wouldn't have gotten this far."
Charlotte smiled. "If you have not put in the work, do you think my encouragement can bring you this far? Of course not, Bella. Yes, I did help out, but you did most of the work, Bella, and I am super proud of you."
"Thank you, bestie. I have to go now. I still need to prepare some documents. See you in a few hours."
"See you," Charlotte said and ended the call.
She placed her phone on the table and smiled. She is so happy for Bella. She stared at the wall clock and chuckled. She is going to be late if she doesn't get ready now.
She went to the bathroom to take her bath and then got dressed. She picked up her bag and went to Liam's room to get his bags, but when she got there, she couldn't find them.
Maybe Melvin took it. She thought.
She left the room and went to the living room.
"Mummy," Liam called, running towards her.
Charlotte looked around. "Where is your daddy?"
Liam pointed. "In the kitchen."
Charlotte went to the kitchen to see Melvin washing the dishes.
"This is strange," she mumbled.
"Babe?" Melvin called, cleaning his hands with the towel.
Charlotte waved slightly. "Hi."
"Your food is in the microwave." Melvin pointed. "I also made some orange juice for you."
Charlotte couldn't help but show her surprise. Why has Melvin decided to change now?