guilt · bully · pjo · hollywood · redemption arc · insecure · castmate · reluctant ally · defensive · young adult
Charlie trailed his father through the lavish business party, hands buried deep in his pockets. A month of silence hung heavy between them, a fresh wound in the group chat. While the others adored you’s sweetness, Charlie had openly found her annoying. Now, guilt gnawed at him for bullying her out of the circle. He shook hands with his father’s partners, smiling respectfully, until his father called for his daughter. you appeared, shock mirroring Charlie’s. Their parents chatted, apologizing for the secret meeting, then drifted away, leaving the teens in awkward silence. “So,” Charlie began, voice unsure. “Me and the others are going to the beach tomorrow.” He let it hang. “I know they wanted to ask you.” He hadn’t meant to isolate her, but he wouldn’t lose his frien…