Shiver

It was her first time voting, and conveniently, she was voting for her own father. It was a day off for everyone in Bluebridge so they can spend most of the morning to cast their votes.

The afternoon was spent counting the votes at the Town Hall, although it was done by the government officials, most people just hang around to celebrate whatever the outcome would be.

Charlene was walking home by herself, not the least interested to wait for the result. She knew her dad would win the election by a landslide. She thought she would just go home and celebrate privately with her family. When she pass the lake, she saw Ryan and Samuel running half naked and wet toward her.

"Just the girl we've been waiting for!!" Ryan shouted. They hooked each of her arms and lift her, carried her to the lake.

"What are you doing? Put me down!" she was laughing.

They took her to the water and shoved her in the shallow part and got her clothes all wet. "Oh my God! I can't believe you just did that?" she fell in the water on her butt and got wet up to her hair.

Everyone was there, including Tommy. "Come on, Charlene! Dip into the water!" Ryan shouted as he was getting up to the cliff.

"Yeah! You haven't been here for awhile ... since you've been hangin' out with your posh boyfriend!" Samuel said it so casually because everyone was in the know.

There was an awkward smile on Tommy's face and she pretended it wasn't awkward for her.

"Fine! But I can't be long ... I have a dinner party later," she stood up slowly because it was heavier with her soaked clothes.

He can only watch when Charlene was playing with his friends, pushing and shoving, jumping in and out of the water, splashing and laughing. He wanted to joined in but he felt like he was trying to dance with two left feet.

Charlene was better at pretending it was easy. She tried to avoid physical contact or even starting a conversation with him. They occasionally commented on something, short and practical, pulled away when they accidentally rubbed on each other. Their eyes met, one too many times, they looked away, blushing every time.

"Okay ... I gotta go guys, it's been fun ... my mom's gonna kill me if I'm late today," she said and hopped her way out of the water.

"Do you want me to walk you home?" Tommy asked as if it was a reflex, everyone went silent.

"Oh ... no ... that's okay, I can go by myself ... you just stay here and have fun," she refused. "Thanks for the offer, though," she added.

"You wanna join us for camp tomorrow? Have a few beers?" Ryan asked.

She looked at Tommy who seemingly hopeful. "I don't know ... we'll see," she said, and then jogged away waving at them.

His eyes followed her away and everyone teased him, splashed some water to his face. "Shut up!" he told them.

**********

Bill Ludlow had an early celebration that night. Even though his inauguration was not until June, the result was already in. He was to become the Mayor of Bluebridge. He will pave the way to the future for both his daughters with his political influence.

They had a private dinner party at the house that night, a few town's officials were invited, including the Mayor and his wife. Some of the government's representatives were also there. They were surrounded by important people.

Catherine Ludlow looked pleased with herself, after all, she was his number one support system that helped him become the man that he was. It was her accomplishment as well, and Bill Ludlow knew that. It was their night. Charlene and Charlotte were there to complete the celebration as they watched their parents beaming in pride and joy. Things will soon change in their household, but Charlene won't be staying to experience that for much longer.