The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor)

"Please tell me that Amber's in jail," Charlie asked after pulling away from Taylor.noveldrama

Taylor continued holding Charlie on one side. He nodded and said, "Including Grandpa's political rival, Harrison Witmore. He wanted to run for governor, but now, he and those who implemented the spying are locked up.”

"When it all came crashing down for them, I remember Amber begging me for mercy. She cried and kneeled before me, saying she was forced into it. As it turned out, her parents worked for Harrison Witmore. They were normal people, but from what I understood, they had financial problems and saw Mr. Witmore's offer as a way to save themselves from debt."

"But she had a choice," Charlie said. "She could have come clean and asked for your family's help."

With a nod, Taylor agreed. "That's what Grandpa also said."

"Mr. Witmore and the Collins were charged with invasion of privacy and defamation. Additionally, Amber was sentenced for abuse and exploitation of persons with disabilities, plus misrepresentation," Taylor gulped before adding, "Grandpa did not hold back. He was angrier for Tristan and me.”

"But of course, while that was a scandal in town, Grandpa had to protect us. He shut down every news report about it and warned people against talking about it. So, after a few months, it all died down completely."

"Our family took a step back-us, the Wests, and the Dawsons - Tanya's side of the family. Only my grandparents have attended public functions since then. I've kept a low profile. My mom refused to take a more prominent role in city hall. Tristan was homeschooled for a year. Then, we put more effort into teaching Tristan about social cues."

"Most teens my age weren't particularly interested in political news, so many never really recognized me as the governor's grandson. Adults, especially those living with persons with disabilities, sympathized with Tristan so much. As the years passed, one or two occasionally expressed their sentiments about what happened," Taylor shared.

"And that's it. That's my story," Taylor concluded.

"Was Amber your first girlfriend?" Charlie asked.

Shaking his head, Taylor answered, "Technically, yeah. If that even counted."

"So, you never dated before Amber?" Charlie clarified.

"I liked another girl before

Amber-Tiffany. It wasn't formal, but we went out a few times. The thing is, Tiffany was too impulsive and carefree. She'd rather go to parties than study. I knew it wouldn'twork because our beliefs were so opposite." Taylor shared, taking all his time.

"So when Amber and I became friends, and she made me believe she was a more conventional type, I took her seriously. But little did I know, she was only pretending."

"Did-um." Charlie hesitated but found the courage to ask, "Were you and Amber intimate?"

"Honestly, we were getting there. She did play the part of a good girl, so I figured delaying intimacy was part of her tactic. We fooled around, but we didn't go all the way," Taylor said. "But if you're asking if I'm a virgin, Charlie, I'm not."

"My parents do have strict social values, but puberty happened. My testosterone levels were high in high school, girls were constantly throwing themselves at me, and there was peer pressure too," Taylor explained.

Charlie wrinkled her nose. She looked down, saying, "Well, you didn't have to tell me that. It doesn't matter. That's all in your past."

"Charlie, does my past bother you?" Taylor asked. "I would understand if it does

"No, I mean, I feel hurt for you and Tristan, but it doesn't change my opinion of you. I think you're a great brother, a funny and smart guy, and honestly, I think you're one of the most genuine people I've ever met," Charlie said, smiling.

Taylor wavered. A faint smirk played on his lips before asking, "So, you still like me?"

Charlie wound up blushing. She laughed and confirmed, "Yeah, I still like you."

Taylor let out a long sigh. He grabbed her hand, saying, "Thank you, Charlie. Your thoughts mean so much to me."

With that, Charlie willingly gave Taylor another hug. She let herself rest there for a good minutes before finally, letting go of the embrace. As she did, Charlie asked, "Does Tristan now fully understand what happened in the past?"

"Yes and no. I'd say Tristan now understands what went wrong in that situation. However, suppose he encounters a similar scenario in the future presented differently. In that case, he might still be tricked into it," Taylor said. It's a struggle altogether because we know we have to let him learn on his own, but we worry a lot about him."