I hastily wiped the tears on my face and stood up. "H-how long have you been here?" 

Did Charlie hear anything? 

"Didn't I say I wanted to be alone?" My voice rose a bit. 

No. He didn't hear it. He could not know. 

"I know you wanted me to wait there but it's been an hour, Bianca. I thought you got lost or something…" 

He took a deep breath and took something from his pocket. A handkerchief. He handed it to me. "Here. Wipe your tears."

His voice was gentle. His eyes sad. I suddenly felt sorry for snapping at him. 

"I'm sorry… I forgot about the time." I said...