Catching Charlotte: Love Is a Million Little Things

By Romay Nasir

“Love conquers all”, are not mere words.
Even with the trauma of rape, they stood the test of time, against all odds. When two such friends decided to “Rise above It all” since life was for living and Gwen supported her beloved friend, Charlotte.

She enticed Charlotte to realize the love of an amazing man, ready to awaken her desire. To breathe and embrace the life of love, they had always dreamt possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Dec 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781483440477

Book preview

13

1

CHARLOTTE AND I WERE the best of friends; we had done everything together since the day we met. She was my Charlotte but my mom called us ridiculous together. She was an only child from middle class parents who were both teachers. I was a city girl with two brothers and a sister. My mother was a house wife and my father a small businessman. Charlotte was a young girl, full of fun, who made light of everything.

Father had a new business acquaintance visiting our home, for the weekend. His name was Joe, and after dinner he watched us kids playing snooker. Asking us if he could join in we politely obliged. Since I wasn’t very good at the game, he started showing me. Look he said, coming in behind me. Pushing me gently forward to bend over, he leaned over me so close that I could feel him. Although I was only fifteen years old, I knew his behavior was very inappropriate and moved away from him. I made sure of telling Charlotte of his sexual intent since he always stared at us. When she came over to our house as usual after school, I couldn’t help noticing Charlotte thought of him as cute. He was to return back to Durban on the Sunday but without me realizing, Charlotte had invited him over to her house. Although she was a year older than I was, Charlotte was still very naïve where men were concerned. She had always been a very attractive girl but thought everything was just innocent fun. When she had told me that she liked him, I begged her to be cautious since I had a very bad feeling about him. Besides he was in his late 20’s.

As I was expecting Charlotte, I got worried when after a while there was not even a call from her. Going over to her house, no one responded to my knock. I went around the back of the house since I knew their back door was always open. I knocked but still there was no reply so I pushed the door open. Hearing some faint crying, I walked through the kitchen and down the hall moving towards Charlotte’s room where I’d heard the noise coming from. The cry was very faint but it still alarmed me. Slowly pushing the door open, I found Joe over Charlotte. Her clothes were pushed up and her panties were hanging from one leg. He had his hand covering her mouth to prevent her from screaming whilst he was busy raping her! Screaming as loud as I could, he jumped off her and fumbled to get his pants up. Charlotte was now crying out loud, just laying there as I moved to her. Joe pushed past me saying, If you tell anyone about this, I will do the same to you.

Pulling Charlotte up, I held on to her letting her cry. Pulling her clothes straight I tried to help her up but she wouldn’t move. I’ll be back, I told her but she never answered me and just stayed there crying. I knew I had to get help. Running to my house, I called out to my mom. Please come! Was all I could say, Charlotte needs help.

What happened? she asked, following me. Get the car, I kept on, as I tried to rush her along and get back to Charlotte. She needs to go to hospital! Responding faster, my mom grabbed her keys and followed in her car as I ran back to Charlotte’s house. She has been raped! I said as my mother followed me into Charlotte’s room. By whom? my mom screamed out in anger but we had to attend to Charlotte. It was Joe, I quietly said.

That explains why he rushed out of our house without saying goodbye. I was wondering what his emergency was, speeding off but he never answered. my mom said.

When we got to the hospital we impatiently paced the hallway while Charlotte was being examined. She has been raped mommy, she’s been raped. I flung myself into my mother’s arms and sobbed for my friend. Charlotte mommy, my beautiful Charlotte, I cried on her shoulder as she held on to me. Letting go, my mom went off to call Charlotte’s parents and to get hold of my father to have the matter reported. But it was too late, Joe had disappeared. I went to sit with my head between my hands still trying to come to grips with what had happened. All Charlotte had ever wanted was to find the greatest guy ever, twist his mind as she always said and get married.

Months went by and all we did was spend quiet time in her room. My older brother Neville was leaving to go to college in Pretoria. As I helped him pack I couldn’t help feeling sad as we’d always done so much together. I’m worried about Charlotte, I finally said.

Be patient, Neville tried to encourage me. She’s still deep in pain. I knew that and I knew she felt ashamed being seen by others. Everyone in the neighborhood knew by now and she was avoiding the pity. I had to stay strong so my friend could lean on me. Kissing my brother and seeing him off, he said, Call me, if you need me. You know where to find me. I felt better knowing I had his support.

I went over to Charlotte’s house and her mom was in the kitchen making pancakes. As I headed in the direction of Charlotte’s room with my library books she called after me Will you be staying for dinner, Gwen?

Yes ma’am! Thank you. I replied.

Charlotte was sitting at the window. Jumping on her bed, I asked, Are you coming with me?

No, she said. You don’t even know where we are going yet I replied. Yes I do dummy! You have your library books. Just take mine along with you and please, make some better choices this time.

I’ll try my best but it would be better if you’d come yourself I replied as I walked out the room. I’ll be back for dinner I announced.

Hurry then she sarcastically said! I thought she was getting a bit of her spirit back. After dinner we lay on her bed with our legs up against the wall. I was trying to talk about funny things and boys but she shut me down as she had no interest.

My younger brother Breven, was very sensitive and often needed medical attention. I decided to talk to Charlotte about that since he had to go into hospital and might have to stay there.

On Sunday morning after breakfast, I called her but she was in no mood to talk. Mommy I called out down the hall. What time will we be going to the hospital? She replied that visiting hours were from 2pm to 6pm and we would be leaving just before 2pm. As I walked down the road to Charlotte’s house, I thought I had to do something, anything to get her to leave the house. My little brother was in a private hospital in Paarl. The area was amazingly beautiful so I thought of suggesting the wonderful scenery. Walking into her room, she was sitting writing a note. What are you doing? I asked. Nothing! She replied crumpling the note and throwing it into the waste basket.

Hey! I said, Look at what I’m wearing. It’s a great day outside and you have enough time to change. Not waiting on a reply, I walked over to her wardrobe and selected one of her favorite dresses. Put this on, I stretched out my hand to pass the dress to her. Looking at me cross eyed, I pulled my mouth into a pout as if I would cry if she didn’t. I watched her getting up and my heart jumped as she pulled the dress over her head. She was very quiet in the car, unlike her previous non-stop chatter and badgering about things. I missed my friend I couldn’t help thinking as we drove to Paarl. The gardens were beautiful so I suggested to my mom we would come along shortly and I dragged Charlotte along with me for a walk. Sitting on the bench, I did all the talking and she just nodded her head from time to time.

I will go to college when the new school year starts she suddenly said.

Startled I sat up straight. Great! I said in surprise. Where will you go?

I want to get out of Cape Town, she finally confessed.

That might be exactly what she needed to reconnect with herself, I thought. Perhaps this was not the place for her to do it and I really needed my friend to be able to find herself again. If moving away was what it took then I was willing to let her go for a while.

I will miss you!

I know she said. We will stay in touch we promised as we hugged each other.

Visiting with my little brother, I saw her smiling at him. On our way home, we informed my parents that Charlotte was planning to leave in a few months.

My father had taught Neville and I martial arts but since Neville was now away and my dad busy most of the time, I suggested Charlotte and I join a school in the city. At first she thought it a lame idea but I managed to twist her arm. I wanted her to get some form of confidence and not feel afraid and vulnerable. I couldn’t believe how her confidence and the discipline of the art made her look forward to the class. She was focusing again and for a moment I thought, My Charlotte will come back.

She wanted to study nursing and decided to go to Johannesburg instead. I, on the other hand just wanted my friend to be happy again so didn’t do much protesting. With a heavy heart I said goodbye to Charlotte.

Two years passed. We wrote to each other constantly and we made a pact of always telling each other the truth. I was at University now and hoped to major in Business with Market Development as my specialty. I lived on campus but when I came home one weekend I found Charlotte’s mother at our home in tears.

What’s going on? I demanded from my mom.

It’s Charlotte, she said.

Turning to Charlotte’s mother very impatiently I asked Please tell me!

Charlotte has left school she said through her tears.

Why? I demanded.

I don’t know! She’s not answering our calls. We got the news from her room-mate. Fetching my last letter from her, I asked her mother. What about the boyfriend? Does he know anything?

What boyfriend? Her mother asked in surprise.

Did I say something I shouldn’t have? I thought since she’s been open to me about it, you as her parents would know!

Worried and confused, her mom left. I was very concerned now, not knowing what to think. She had never mentioned anything about leaving school or going anywhere else for that matter. Rushing to my room, I tried to call and the room-mate answered.

Do you know anything that might help me to know where she could be? I begged. After a long conversation, during which she thought she couldn’t be of any help, I learned about a girl called Denise. I asked if she had a number or address for this girl but she couldn’t find anything. I gave her my numbers at home and on campus and asked her to call if she could find any information about Denise.

Sitting on my bed, I called my mom into my room.

I’m worried, I confessed. Charlotte has made a friend called Denise and this character doesn’t sound good at all. What can I do mom?

Nothing she said, Her parents have to call the Police.

I wondered how long that would take. Charlotte was considered an adult. As an adult, she could come and go as she pleased unless foul play was suspected. I on the other hand could sense my friend and I didn’t feel good.

Two weeks passed and I constantly called home to see if any messages from the room-mate had been left. We had another girl-friend living in Johannesburg as well and I wondered if Charlotte might have been in contact with her. I decided to take the chance to call.

Priscilla! I said excitedly when she answered. Have you heard from Charlotte at all while there?

Yes but not lately, she said.

Do you know anything about a girl called Denise?

Yes! she replied as I quickly said a quiet prayer.

Do you know where she could be found?

Priscilla’s husband owned a small hotel in Hillbrow and she mentioned them hanging out there sometimes.

Not very familiar with Johannesburg and since the crime in recent years had escalated to a scary point, I had to muster up a plan. Collecting all the details together, I called my brother in Pretoria. My brother had been lifting weights since he had been in Pretoria and had a big strong body. And it did help that he had a black belt in karate.

You want to do what? He asked.

Find Charlotte, I bravely said. She’s been missing for weeks and has been spotted with no good characters. Please! Come help me. If you don’t, I threatened, you know I will go by myself.

Over my dead body, he screamed at me.

That could be arranged, I teased.

Does mom know you’re leaving? He insisted.

No! I said.

All hell is going to break loose if our parents find you gone! Agreeing to help, he borrowed a friend’s car to drive from Pretoria to Johannesburg. Checking my savings, I called my little sister Rifah.

How much money do you have in savings? I asked.

Why? She protested.

I need it. Please!

Why? the little witch insisted.

Will you keep this to yourself? I quietly asked.

Yes! She promised and gave me her money.

I went to book a bus trip to Johannesburg and called one of my fellow students to copy notes for me. Calling Priscilla, we managed to get a small room from her that my brother and I could share. I didn’t care and was just grateful for all the help we could get, she had promised to get as much information as possible to help us find Charlotte. Once my brother and I had arranged a meeting place I left by bus. With no way of knowing what to expect, I sat with my own thoughts. Arriving in Johannesburg, I went to find a taxi. Please! I begged the driver, Kindly take pity on a student with very little money on a mission to find my friend.

Luckily he did take pity on me and charged me half the going rate, dropping me off at the hotel. I couldn’t help being overwhelmed with gratitude as I thanked him. My brother arrived two hours later and we met with Priscilla who gave us something to eat. We chatted about our families while we ate and then went straight into the business of finding Charlotte.

Priscilla had traced Denise to a building called Ponti, in the heart of Hillbrow. All we knew was that it might be difficult or even dangerous getting in there. We decided it best to rest for a while, since all night businesses open late anyway and we didn’t want to be seen standing around. Going to shower, we took turns in the bathroom and it was odd to be screamed at by my brother to get done in there, just like at home.

Priscilla arrived looking very strange! Why are you dressed like a hooker? I asked. Girl, she asked. What kind of place did you think that was? Everyone in Johannesburg knows what you go to that kind of place for!

What? I asked and my brother now looked at me very stupidly!

What else did you think your little friend could be up to? He growled at me.

Oh no, I said, I’m not dressing up like that.

Leaving for the car, Priscilla came next to me and I couldn’t help laughing at her. Do you dress up like this often? I teased trying to make light of the matter.

What do you think? She smiled, my husband loves this! which made us laugh at her enjoying the moment.

Getting to the building, she pulled my hair out of the ponytail. Toss it around she said. Looking at me, she harshly said. Roll your skirt up. You have nice legs.

My brother was laughing at us trying very hard to make ourselves look like hookers so we could get into the building. Arriving at reception, she handed Neville a pair of sunglasses and asked him to just stand there, with his hand in his pocket so they might think he had a gun at his side. I stood around and couldn’t help looking nervous. Priscilla went to the fat man behind the desk who looked like he’d swallowed a pig. She explained something to the man and he looked at me.

Mm, he said, licking his lips like he could devour me next. Fresh Meat! He glared at me and waved us towards the lift. I thought I was going to get sick but rushed along quickly into the lift. We went quietly up a few floors and I thought we were never going to get there. We had to ring a bell. One of the working girls opened and Priscilla just said. I have a young girl. Is the owner here?

The girl quickly ushered us in and we walked into a living room filled with girls sitting everywhere. I quickly glanced through the room but didn’t see Charlotte. A short stocky man appeared, Austrian we could hear from his accent. We joined him at a small bar and I couldn’t wait anymore. The place was making me sick and he was repulsive.

Where is Denise? I asked. I was recommended to speak to her.

He waved her over and I noticed it was the girl who had been on the phone when we arrived. You want to work? She asked me.

No! I said with a tone in my voice. Where is Charlotte?

Alarmed, she said, Who?

Priscilla realized our cover had already been blown and told the owner,

My husband will call the vice squad if we do not arrive safely downstairs where they are waiting on this missing girl.

Looking around, I saw steps going to upper rooms. Showing Neville he moved towards it and gestured for me to go up. The owner tried to stop us but was grabbed by the neck and Neville asked them all to sit down. Going from room to room, I just wanted to get out of that disgusting place. Pushing the fourth door open, I saw Charlotte. She was naked, sitting on the floor with a man snorting cocaine. Completely out of her mind, she looked at me like she had no idea who I was. Pulling my skirt down because I realized the man was looking at me; I picked up her clothes and grabbed her by the arm. The man tried to stop me but I quickly said. Vice is on the way up so he got dressed while I ran out with Charlotte. Pulling her clothes on, she just stood there. Looking at my friend, I said, Hi, little Charlotte, we’re going for a ride.

Okay! She just smiled, as if she wasn’t even conscious of what was going on around her. Keeping her shoes in my hands since I couldn’t get her to lift her legs, I pulled her along. Neville led us out and guarded the hallway until the lift opened. I put my arm around Charlotte as we walked out the building. Relieved we ran to the car and went to the hospital. I stayed with Charlotte all night as I didn’t want her to be confused when she woke up in the morning. I ordered Neville to go get some sleep since he had a long drive still ahead of him. He arrived the next morning and found me on a seat in the hallway because I’d had to leave the room while the doctor checked on Charlotte. He had brought breakfast.

Coffee and a donut, I complained

Yes. He replied, The Ritz was all out of English breakfast! You have your bus ticket? he checked with me. I’m off then! He said and made me promise I would get back to my life.

In any case, mom will kill me if she finds out so I have to leave soon. Thank You! I hugged my brother, holding on to him for a while. You’re the best! Watching him go, he turned to smile.

The doctor called me back in, to talk to Charlotte and me together. I told him I was there from Cape Town, to fetch my friend back home and had to return to school. Charlotte was looking much better than the night before but the doctor told us, she had a lot of drugs in her system and would still feel bad for a few days. I called her room-mate to get all Charlotte’s belongings together to be picked up. Priscilla was kind enough to buy Charlotte a ticket and took us to the bus terminal. There was no way I was leaving my friend behind. Charlotte slept almost the whole ride through except for a few times when she kicked around a little. I politely made people understand she was sick. I had no choice except call my mom and tell her everything. Besides, I had too much stuff and needed a ride.

With Charlotte back home and under the watchful eyes of her parents, I was sure she had all the help and love she needed. I went back to campus and checked in on her as often as I could. She got enrolled into a local nursing school and restarted her studies. My little brother Breven was quite the little cutie now and a very good athlete who had turned into a strong teenage boy. I decided to give him the job of sending notes to Charlotte from me.

After a year of doing well, I got a call from her, saying she wanted to be on her own and felt she was ready to move to a dorm. Since she’d be working at Groote Schuur hospital, she wanted her independence. Months would go by and we only had the odd contact and conversation now and again. I was in my final year and both of us were very busy.

One Friday afternoon, I got a call from Charlotte. Please Gwen. There’s a party, I’ve received an invitation to.

Good. Go and have fun. I said

No! She replied, I cannot go by myself. Please! Gwen, come with me.

Okay, I promised, Give me the address.

Arriving at the party that evening, I couldn’t find Charlotte as I swept through the room. Being stopped by different guys, I had to brush them off as I tried to look for her and thought she had probably changed her mind. Some guys were standing up on a balcony looking into a room, so I decided to have a look and see what they were so excited about. Looking through the window, I saw Charlotte having sex with some guy. Running around to the door, I burst in and told the guy to leave. Closing the curtains I told her to get dressed."

What are you doing? I was so mad, Look at you? Here is this beautiful girl that is continuously hurting herself."

It’s just sex, isn’t it? She blurted out.

No! I said It’s you hurting. Talk to me Charlotte. I’ve been your friend for years, please! Trust me.

I need a drink, she said jumping up.

I think we’d better go! I insisted.

No! She started performing, throwing things around like a mad thing. The party is just starting, she insisted.

It took me a while to get her under control and finally out of there, to her dorm room. I knew she was on duty the next morning so I put her to bed. Getting some sheets and blankets from her wardrobe, I went to sleep on the couch. Charlotte was screaming a lot in her sleep, causing me to feel very restless about her behavior. It didn’t feel at all good to me how Charlotte was dealing with her hurt and she refused to talk about it.

In the morning I made sure to make lots of coffee and ran to the shop to get things for breakfast since she had nothing wholesome to eat. Getting breakfast started I called my mother to let her know I was having breakfast with Charlotte and not to expect me. But I didn’t let on that I’d been there since the night before. I handed her a cup of coffee as she woke up and got her to join me for breakfast. I made sure I handed her a few cups of coffee during our meal. While I prepared breakfast, looking for things in the kitchen cupboards to use, I found a few bottles of alcohol in different places. Very concerned about the situation, I decided to see Charlotte’s parents after I left her.

Are you seeing the doctor still for your psychiatric sessions? I gently enquired.

What for? she abruptly asked.

So I’m to understand you think you don’t need it?

No! she protested.

Charlotte you need help! You don’t have things under control.

What do you know? she asked.

That’s exactly it. I do not know and I do not profess to know how you feel. But Charlotte, I want to know! Please talk to me.

Blurting it out, she said, I’m all talked out. I don’t need men other than using them. I don’t need love since there’s none in existence. I don’t need a family, since you live in fear something could happen to them. What else is there? Oh yes! Work and I’d better get to that.

Watching her going off to shower, I knew I couldn’t leave this up to Charlotte. She was heading for self destruction. Emptying all the bottles of alcohol into the basin, I took the empty bottles with me and left. Heading straight to Charlotte’s house, I found her parents in the living room. Do you have to collect something for Charlotte? Her mother asked. No ma’am, I said and placed the bag with the empty bottles on their coffee table. This, I said Were bottles of alcohol I found hidden everywhere in her kitchen cupboards. I went to a party on Charlotte’s insistence last night and caught her having sex with a boy while many others looked on. Absolutely drunk out of her mind, she caused a mad scene and it took me forever to get her out of there. I slept in her dorm room last night and Charlotte screams in her sleep. It was unbearable to listen to her, I could hardly sleep.

Looking at her parents dumbstruck faces, I asked the question, Will you get Charlotte the help she needs or will I start screaming because right now I feel like making a scene. She’s working until 2pm this afternoon and cannot go on another day like this. If you don’t do something now she will self destruct. She doesn’t want to talk, I tried a few times.

Her mother got on the phone with the doctor treating her and made the necessary arrangements to get her rehabilitated. Her mother called her matron at the hospital to get Charlotte a leave of absence. Now we had to get Charlotte home, somehow! My little brother being a bit of a wiz, thought since he had such a good rapport with Charlotte that we should invite her to come and see his new project that he wished to show her. Calling her at work with the invite, we confirmed the time she would be there the next day. Packing a bag with clothes for her, Charlotte’s mom brought it over so my mother could place it into the car trunk ready to leave. Straight after my classes, I went home waiting to receive her. Her parents were so nervous not knowing how she would respond, so I had suggested we tell her, we were going to the farm stalls after her visit since she liked that. Not wanting her to get suspicious, my little brother Breven made sure everything was set up ready to see straight after her arrival. We sat and talked about his project and changes he still had to make until my mom announced we were leaving.

We’re going to the farm stalls, I told Charlotte. Why don’t you come along? Thinking nothing of it, she followed us out to the car. Charlotte and I sat on the back seat with my mom driving. I tried to keep her occupied talking so she did not realize where we were going. I held her hand while she talked about work. I could see, she was drained and something that had always been a great passion for her was nothing but routine dragging her down day to day. Arriving at the clinic, she looked up and saw two orderlies standing ready to escort her inside.

What is this Gwen? She asked. What’s going on? With a very scared look on her face, she stared at me. Putting my arms around her neck, I quietly said, I love you Charlotte! Do this for yourself, promise me to be strong! Looking at the tears welling in her eyes, I kissed her cheek. I’ll be waiting, I whispered as they walked her inside. My mom handed the nurse Charlotte’s bag and we drove home with me sitting on the back seat with a lump in my throat.

It will be okay Gwen! My mom said and I burst into tears. Charlotte must hate me right now, was all I could think.

As per the clinic’s instructions, Charlotte could not have any visitors until they had analyzed her situation but the week seemed to drag along forever. The second week, although she couldn’t make any calls she could receive them and I couldn’t wait to hear her voice. When are you coming? She eagerly asked.

It’s all up to you Charlotte, I confessed. Soon I hope! She wanted books to read and went on talking about her progress. My heart was bleeding for my friend and I was longing to hug her. My aunt Joan, who had been living in England for so long, came to visit. She’s back home but is an English girl by heart although with her husband she is happy to be back in the sun. She has always been my favorite aunt and I got a lot of my spiritual influence from her. So that is where I turned since I needed to reach Charlotte on a different level. Sitting and discussing a visit to Charlotte with her, we thought I would ask the clinic’s permission to go there but observe her from a distance. I just wanted her to know I was there and I wanted her to realize, we were waiting to see her. What did young people read? Romance novels of course! But Aunty Joan decided against it, wanting me to realize. Think! She said. Charlotte has been raped. The last thing on her mind is thinking of men in any good way at all. Handing me the Bible, she said, Her mind needs to be made over. Let her start purifying her thoughts. You have always been very good girls. Let her find the will and strength to live a normal life by herself for herself.

Feeling invigorated, I went to the clinic the following Sunday. I was sitting on a bench in the garden when I saw her walking among a group of girls. She looked so much better, I noticed. I knew I couldn’t make contact with her but I raised my arm to wave at her. She blew me a kiss and I ran around showing her I was trying to catch it, sending her off laughing. I felt so guilty having to turn my friend over to get help, but her smile made me feel everything could be better in this world.

A month had passed and we could finally visit with Charlotte. Her parents had been beside themselves waiting impatiently for that day. We all agreed on taking a picnic to make her first visit as relaxed as possible. Since the garden at the clinic was such a delight, we got permission and full of anticipation, our group set off. Spreading the blankets out onto the grass, we set up our picnic and game boards, watching her coming towards us. Kicking my leg, she said. Get up! Like she always did! Flying into her arms, we hugged like we were never ever going to let go. Crying, we held on to one another. She greeted her parents and then mine. We all had a day of showing Charlotte how much we loved her, a day I would probably always remember. But we had to say goodbye to her after just a few hours. It was bitter sweet though. Holding hands, I walked her back to the entrance. Pulling her hand out of mine, I watched her disappear into the building. Since Charlotte was allowed phone calls, we often talked and she regularly gave me an up-date. We scheduled our next visit and were eagerly waiting, looking forward to seeing my little Charlotte. I wondered how I would handle our next discussion but felt better knowing she was on the road to recovery. I called her work as I wanted her Matron to know Charlotte was doing well and to ensure she could return to the work she loved so much. During all our conversations I had learned Charlotte was attending group therapy and she had a twelve-step program. The first week was the hardest going through detoxification and although she wasn’t drunk when we took her in, she’d had a hard time suffering through the cravings. Shockingly I was told that there hadn’t been a single day that had passed without her having a drink. Some days she’d drank so much that she had passed out then woken up in her own filth because she had been sick all over the place. It was impossible to imagine how someone could come into your life for five minutes and destroy you! Although nothing had happened to Joe, I wasn’t going to allow him to take more from my friend than he already had. Calling Aunty Joan after I’d had my Sunday breakfast, we talked about all the things I was allowed to take Charlotte. I wondered how she would view me bringing a Bible instead of a novel. The Bible is the best-selling book ever, isn’t it? said Aunt Joan. Amazingly so, it is filled with stories about handsome men over the centuries, strong soldiers, family, respect and guidance tips for us all.

Go Figure, I love you Aunty Joan, I thanked her.

I love you baby! She replied as always and sent me off feeling very encouraged.

I was able to borrow my mom’s car and as I drove to Houtbay, thought about the clinic. It was a non-profit organization in an amazingly beautiful environment. Charlotte was under constant medical supervision and they separate the genders in the therapy groups. The program that was ahead of her, consisted of 12 step group sessions with regular attendance. She would also have one-on-one counseling, which I hoped would make Charlotte more forth coming with her emotions. Right now, I was still aware that she hesitated a lot in the group sessions and listened more to others pouring out their souls. She had made two friends but I did not know much about them yet other than their names. Arriving at the clinic, Charlotte’s things were inspected for approval and I was pleasantly told her things would be placed in her room. Waiting in the sitting area, I noticed the place was tastefully furnished. I had already been told by Charlotte that her room was rather nice. Asking the attendant if I could take the Bible along with me, I watched the smiling face of Charlotte walking towards me. Hello you I said.

Hello yourself, she giggled! We decided to go out to the fish pond in the garden.

I love a beautiful garden and hope someday to have the cutest little house with a large garden of variety. But enough about me! How was your week? I turned my attention to my girl.

Hard! She said. Do you still crave the drinking? I asked, watching her expression. Every minute, she said and I really felt sorry for her. She seemed sad and humiliated still. The worst was the guilt she felt about inviting the situation into her home. She still refused to talk about it, because she had never faced nor dealt with the impact of just what the whole incident caused. You cannot hide from it Charlotte! It would do you good to start talking about it. Everyone here was in similar situations and I’m sure you’ve heard about so many other bad experiences. What about your two friends? I asked.

Shereen, she said, had a drug addiction and it’s her third time at the Clinic. She comes from a very wealthy family in Durban. She constantly relapsed so her family decided to send her further away from the bad elements that she had been hanging out with causing the bad influence. Jennifer was a school teacher driving a car while on her phone, causing an accident her son died in. She punished herself with the guilt, comforting herself with alcohol. She lost her job and went spiraling down from there. Breathing in deeply she exhaled and said, What did you bring?

Running off ahead of her I went to lie on the grass. She came chasing after me and almost fell over me. I went down the list of fashion magazines and a new sweater from her mom, some new DVD’s and ear phones, along with a big kiss from her dad. I leaned over and plunked the kiss on her cheek. I told her that Breven was growing up and had said, he would wait for her! AAH! She smiled, He is so cute!

My aunty Joan left us a lot of her famous chocolate chip cookies, so my mom has sent you some. I brought you gym wear, so you might as well get your figure back, I teased! You’re a cheeky thing, she snapped at me. What books did you bring? She asked and I went quiet. Well? She said.

This. I told her, presenting the Bible.

You’re kidding me, right?

No! I said with conviction. It will keep your mind focused on more positive things. Besides, there are love stories, like Ruth and Boaz. There’s drama with King David and Bar-she-ba and very handsome men, even referring to their beauty.

Liar, she said, grabbing the Bible from me. Rolling around laughing, she said, Show me! Sitting up, she placed her head on my lap as she always used to do when she wanted me to read to her. I turned to 2 Samuel 14:25 and read it out loud to her. Now, compared with Absalom, there proved to be no man as beautiful in all Israel as to be praised so much. From the soles of his feet to the crown of his head, there proved to be no defect in him.

Give me that, she snapped at me, grabbing the Bible to read the words for herself.

Do you remember our favorite story of Joseph when his brothers sold him?

Yes, she said, I love the part of his life in Egypt. When his life became so prominent that not even his own brothers recognized him.

Well, I continued. Did you know, his own cousin Dinah was raped? Watching her face change, I put my arms around her. I’m so sorry! I never told you yet but I’m so sorry! Crying we sat there holding on to each other. Taking my face into her hands, she said. Gwen! I never blamed you. It was all my stupidity and I do not know, how I will ever get over that.

Please Charlotte! I begged. Do it for yourself. You deserve to live, a wonderful life. Come back to me, I miss my friend.

Driving home, I was still crying but I had to stay strong, so my friend could lean on me. The start of my new week went well until I received a phone call from Charlotte. It had been three days since I last saw her she’d had her first one-on-one session. I can’t do this, Gwen! She screamed at me.

You have to try Charlotte, I tried to calm her down.

I don’t want to be reminded she went on through her tears.

You cannot suppress your feelings and emotions I tried desperately to encourage her. It’s simply going to consume you.

I’m not ready to hear it repeated! I feel like I’m falling and no one can hear me crying. I’ll be here, Charlotte. I will catch you! When is your next session? I asked. Tomorrow She said quietly, We’re having a group meeting.

Start then! I tried to encourage her. Take your Bible and go to bed now! What would you like to read? When she told me I said. Ok! I will read the same. That way it will be like I’m reading to you!

Thank you Gwen, she softly said as we rang off.

Gradually over the next few visits as we met, Charlotte started looking better and was beginning to feel better about herself. During our phone conversations, although only allowed once a week, I could hear her optimism and her positive zest for life beginning to show. Having my usual conversations with Aunty Joan, I could always count on her giving me advice and needed strength. I told her about our regular reading habit since Charlotte always loved me reading to her. Charlotte feels like she was falling, I told my aunt. I promised her, I will be there catching her.

Don’t worry, my aunt said. You go right ahead catching Charlotte. She feels safe with you and I’m happy you are such a brave girl. You are a good friend and the fact that you are going through this experience with her will help you to grow into a better person as well.

A few days later, my mom passed me a message to call Priscilla. Calling her, we talked about Charlotte and her recovery and then she mentioned the boyfriend Albert. He’s been desperately trying to locate Charlotte since he’s been told Charlotte had returned home. Gwen, she earnestly said, He is very interested in Charlotte and wishes to contact her.

Charlotte cannot see any man on the moment, I protested. Asking her for a number, she eagerly passed on, I promised to call him. Thanking her, we said goodbye and promised to stay in touch.

I thought it was all good and well but I could not talk to this person until I knew more about him and what had happened between them. I had to speak to Charlotte first. Getting ready to leave my dorm room to go home for the weekend, I decided to take Charlotte’s letters along. Re-reading them to refresh my memory with things she had mentioned about Albert. I knew they had dated for a while. Charlotte was expecting me on Sunday, so I got my preparation questions all lined up. None of her family members knew of the existence of a boyfriend so I needed to know why she never mentioned him to them since they were important to her. Wanting to leave early, I excused myself from the lunch table and my brother Breven asked where I was going in such a hurry. Catching Charlotte, my mom teased. Very funny mom, I called back after her. She’s been speaking to my aunt Joan, I thought.

Leaving home, I got the use of my mom’s car every Sunday to visit Charlotte. Driving the amazing scenic road to Houtbay, I viewed the sea as I passed along the cliff. The water looked incredibly green and blue as your eyes stretched deeper over the water. As I passed the new hotel to my left on the cliff, I took the sharp bends concentrating. Arriving, Charlotte was already waiting for me. Rushing over, we hugged and I asked her if we could go outside. Passing her things to the familiar face, I said hello to the orderly. Hello! Mugammad said back to me, and Charlotte and I walked hand in hand outside. All things coming in from the outside were always inspected to make sure if the patients were allowed to have them or not. I was getting used to the routine and was in appreciation of what was best for Charlotte. Walking to our favorite side of the garden, we went to sit on a bench. How was your week? I asked to a very quiet Charlotte. I’ve had worse, she replied.

Why, was anything bothering you?

Yes! She said very abruptly. Jennifer is leaving soon. She’s almost through her twelve-steps and will receive her evaluation shortly thereafter.

Does that make you feel sad? I asked, looking at her. Yes! She said, But mostly angry!

Why angry? I asked, trying to be patient.

Because, she said and went quiet for a while. Because, I’m stuck here, she continued. I could be studying for my final exams coming up soon. What if I don’t graduate? She exclaimed with a great worried look on her face.

Realizing it was something weighing heavily on her mind, I got an idea. "Don’t worry about that now! I tried to calm her down. Things will work out, you’ll see. In any case, you