A/N: Just a few snippets from Charles' time at Radley because we really didn't see enough of it. Set about a year after Charles is put in Radley. Might turn into a multi-chapter.

"Mommy!"

Jessica Dilaurentis smiled as she caught her energetic son in her arms and hugged him tightly.

"I missed you, Charlie," she whispered, holding him tightly.

"I missed you too, mommy," Charles said, "Can I come home yet?"

Jessica felt a lump form in her throat, "Soon, honey, soon."

"Okay," Charles smiled innocently, "How's Ali?"

Jessica smiled as she took a seat on her son's bed, looking around the room. She'd done her best best to make it feel homely but… it still wasn't the home her son deserved.

"Mommy? How's Ali? I miss her," the young boy tugged at his mother's sleeve impatiently.

"She's good, sweetheart. Her hair is getting much lighter, she's growing very fast," she pulled out her wallet and passed her son a photo of his toddler sister.

"Wow!" Charles exclaimed, "She's so big now! And her hair is like mine! Can she walk and talk? Can she say 'mom'?"

Jessica melted at her son's curiosity, "Yes, she walks and talks a little. Her first word was Jason… maybe because he was always poking her so one day she hit him and said "Jason! Stop!""

Charles giggled, "Can she say my name?" he asked, eyes wide.

Jessica struggled to keep her composure, "Well," she said slowly, "I thought you could teach her when you see her next."

Charles eyes brightened, "Really? When do I get to see her?"

"I thought…for your birthday maybe you, me, Ali and Jason could go on a little picnic," Jessica explained.

"Okay!" Charles stood up excitedly, "I can't wait! I've missed everyone so much! Well," his face fell, "not dad so much. He'll never like me, will he?"

Jessica took his son's hand, "That's not true, Charles," she said quietly.

"He never visits me," Charles shrugged, "It's okay, mom. I don't mind. He's scary anyway."

Jessica felt a tight tug in her chest, "Oh honey, he just doesn't understand…"

"It's really okay, mom," Charles smiled, "I have you."

"You do," Jessica kissed him on top of the head, "I bought you a new present."

Charles beamed, bouncing on his toes excitedly, "You did? Can I see?"

Jessica reached into her bag and pulled out a small, blue dress.

"It's so pretty!" Charles gasped, taking it in his hands. He placed it over his over body and spun around until he grew dizzy.

Jessica chuckled, "So are you, Charlie," she pulled him into her arms and held him close.

"Thanks, mom," he whispered.

"I love you, Charlie," Jessica whispered, blinking out a tear like she did nearly every time she had to leave her son alone in that place, "Please never forget that."

"I love you too, mom," Charles replied, "And I love my new dress!"

Jessica smiled as she withdrew.

"Don't cry, mommy," Charles said quietly, "I'll see you on my birthday!"

Jessica nodded, "You will. I just miss you, Charlie. I wish…" she trailed off.

"I know," Charles said sadly, "But he's scary and he won't let me come home. It's okay. I like it here."

That only broke Jessica's heart further but she forced a smile for her son.

Charles saw his family coming through the window and bounded out to meet them. He stopped at the doors he wasn't allowed past and waited. His mom hugged him. Jason waved to him. Ali stood behind her mom's legs shyly.

Charles tilted his head and approached her slowly.

"Hi, Ali!" he chirped, "I'm your big brother, Charlie! Can you say Charlie?"

Alison's big eyes blinked slowly and she looked at her mom, "Brother?"

Jessica bent down to her eye level, "Yes, he's your brother. It's his birthday today."

Charlie nodded, moving closer to his mom, "She doesn't remember me," he said sadly.

"She was just a baby, Charlie," Jessica squeezed his shoulders.

"Charlie," Alison interrupted.

Charlie smiled, "Ali!"

Alison put her small arms around her eldest brother, "Brother Charlie. Happy birthday!"

Charlie beamed and returned the hug.

Jessica smiled, "Well, let's get to the lake for a picnic!"

"Mommy, why's Charlie stay at that place?" Alison asked as they arrived back home.

Jessica sat her children down and bent down, a hand on each of their arms, "It's very important, remember, you can't tell daddy where we went today. It's a big secret," she put her finger to her lips, "Promise?"

"Promise," Alison echoed.

Jason nodded, "Promise, mom."

"So, what did you get up to today?"

Alison smiled happily, "We went on a picnic!"

Kenneth smiled at his bubbly daughter, "Was it fun?"

"Yep, we had lots of food and we made a new friend!"

"Sh, you're not meant to tell, remember!?" Jason whispered, poking his little sister.

Jessica felt her body tense.

"A new friend?" a curious Kenneth asked.

Jessica cleared her throat, "Ali fed the ducks," she explained quickly, "They were very friendly."

Alison's smile faltered for a moment before she nodded, "They came up and ate right out of my hand!" she claimed proudly.

"Well, isn't that nice?" Kenneth smiled at his daughters' enthusiasm.

Charles looked at himself in the mirror. He really did like his newest dress. He missed his family already though. He sat on his bed and picked up his favourite teddy bear. He held the teddy tight to his chest.

One day he would be with his family again. He had to believe that.