Charlton was startled. He did not expect that coming. He was trying to steer clear from Serena. In fact, he accepted the invite because he wanted to tell Edward that he already wants nothing to do with the songs, but here he was being asked to keep himself involved. 

"I think that Valentine's day falls on a Wednesday, so I am not sure if we can work on that." Charlton replied. He remembered the date quite well since he has been planning to spend it with Serena last year. Though now, that plan went down the drain.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot. Anyway, how about on the 18th?"

Charlton glanced at Serena only to see her looking at him. He saw her face and could not understand why she looked a little disappointed. She was already with Geoffrey so maybe his eyes were just playing tricks on him. Anyway, he can't indirectly say no again. Thus, he nodded his head.

"I will make time then." With that, Charlton has already voiced his agreement.

Serena seeing him agree also gave her affirmation.

"Fantastic. That will definitely make waves. Also, about you two singing live, I don't have an exact date yet, but I will write to you two regarding that."

Serena did not hear Charlton agreeing but since he did not say no, she did not comment.

Leonard looked at the two. He did not like them interacting more than necessary but based on what he saw at the orphanage and now, it seems like Charlton and Serena already understood their position. So, he made no comment. Also, Serena just received that huge favor. He can't just interrupt.

Geoffrey hearing everything did not find any problem with it. He was able to estimate that he might even be able to accompany Serena on the signing event.

After the exchange of favors, Edward smiled in content. He called the waitress to start serving their meal.

--

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Geoffrey and Mr. Leonard. Again, Ms. Serena, Mr. Charlton, I will write to you regarding the details of the signing event by the 16th of February. Thank you both and I will see you then." Edward said as he stood up.

Serena stood from her seat and shook Edward's hand. "Thank you too Mr. Easton, I will also inform you once I have the schedule for the recording fixed."

The other three also stood to shake his hand and say their thanks and goodbyes.

Then Mr. Easton left after settling the bill.

The four sat back on their seat looking at each other. The question 'what now?' was in the air.

Geoffrey being the only person who was not aware of the awkwardness the other 3 were feeling chuckled.

"Should we now head back to school? By the way, Serena, it you won't mind, can I accompany you to the signing event?" Geoffrey asked.

Serena wanted to facepalm. That was not something she wished Charlton to hear. However, before she could respond, Charlton stood up from his seat.

"Sorry everyone, I will go ahead. I still have an appointment to keep."

Serena can only look at him walking away. He did not even wait for them to respond.

"What's his problem? He has been acting quite strange these days." Geoffrey commented.

Leonard can only shake his head. It's not like he can tell the reason 'why' to Geoffrey.

Serena, wanting to change the topic, could only say, "How about we head back and start working on the melody of the song? It's just 1 in the afternoon. We have time."

"Are you sure you don't need to rest?" he asked worriedly. She seemed tired.

Serena shook her head. "We need all the time we can get to have the melody for this song ready. In comparison to the two songs I made earlier, this one is far more challenging."

--

Charlton went back to school in a bad mood. Honestly, do they have to show it to his face that they were together? Why did he even agree on the signing event in the first place? He was not even able to say no on them singing together again.

But he understood too well why, and he wanted to beat himself for it. Was he that weak willed? Just a spark of little hope and he was ready to come back running. Honestly, the little look of disappointment on her face made him think that she still had feelings for him. However, before he could even revel on it, he got his face slapped back immediately.

Looking back, did she know that he was invited on that meeting and thus brought Geoffrey along? It was not like Geoffrey nor Leonard was needed for today. Perhaps the two of them are always together now. It was just that he has not seen her the last two weeks, so he did not know what she has been up to.

Also, Geoffrey accompanying her to the signing event? Can't they even stay apart even for a second? Why do they always have to rub it on his face? Alright, so Geoffrey doesn't know. But Serena should at the very least think of how he feels.

Anyway, he already agreed, and he can't go back on his word. He should just let go of his feelings for Serena and start getting used to seeing her with Geoffrey. It's not like he can avoid them forever.

However, when no one was looking, like right now, he can sit inside his carriage like some loser and wallow in self-pity.

--

Luckily upon arriving there were still some music rooms left vacant. Serena chose the room adjacent to the one she and Charlton used to spend their time in. She has no plans of using that and reminisce everything that happened there. It would only make the pain more unbearable.

She wondered where he went after lunch. Did he go out to meet with other girls? He even indirectly disagreed on the signing event first. How could he have known that Valentine's day was on a Wednesday? She bets that he just made a guess.

Anyway, she should just stop thinking of him already and focus on their project.

--

TBC

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