Chapter 1
"Stop it.." Charlie groaned and rolled over to turn off her alarm. Her hand patted the black painted drawers, searching for the snooze button. Charlie clawed honey colored blonde hair out of her eyes and finally found the button. "Give me a break!" She moaned, throwing off her blanket.
Charlie had finally come back to Morganville after one hundred years. Charlie was a half breed, part vampire, part human. For every ten human years, Charlie aged only one. Charlie was eighteen, therefore she was actually one hundred and eighty years old and she hated it. The founder of Morganville, Amelie had raised Charlie until she'd left. Amelie was like a mother to her.
Charlie regretfully got to her feet and padded across the dirty, moulding floor of Howard Hall. She swung open the door of her bathroom and sighed heavily at the sight. The bathroom wasn't much better than the main room. There was damp on the walls and mould covering the creamy white tiles. It had probably been nice back in the day, but now it was officially past it's time. Kind of like her in that department.
Charlie clicked on the light switch and horrible, yellow light flooded the room. Obviously the person that decorated the place didn't have a clue what they where doing. Charlie rubbed her sleep filled eyes and switched on the crappy shower. She stripped of her pj's and stepped in.
The feel of the warm water running down Charlie's back made her shiver with delight. She quickly lathered her hair with shampoo and washed it out just as fast. She soaped herself up and let the water wash it all away.
As the water began to cool, Charlie jumped out and wrapped a towel round herself. She felt refreshed after the shower. Her good mood faded as she wandered back into the main room. The walls where a horrible mustered colour and the floor a dull grey. When Charlie came back here she didn't have enough money for much furniture so she went with an old set of drawers and a battered closet.
Charlie rummaged through her clothes and pulled out a magenta, long sleeved silk tee and black jeans, with rhinestones on the back. She towel dried herself and slipped on the top and pants. "Make up," she murmmered, shuffling back into the bathroom. She put on thick black eyeliner, some clear lip gloss and a touch of pink blush on her cheek bones to bring some colour to her pale skin. She was unnaturally pale, had icy blue eyes and an hour glass figure most girls would kill for.
She ran a brush through her long, matted hair and gave it a quick blow with the hair dryer. She flipped open her crappy phone. It was nine-thirty and she was late. Again. "Crap," she mummbled as she hurriedly stuffed things into her back pack. She shoved on a pair of black pumps and headed out the door at a run.
As she was leaving her room she saw everything that was wrong with the world, the drone, Monica Morrell, also known as the Mayor's daughter. Charlie put her head down, trying to avoid her, but unfortuantely, today Monica was looking for her toy to play with and sadly, that happened to be Charlie.
"Well, well, look who it is," Monica said, flipping her bleached blonde hair over her shoulder. "If it isn't the closed off freak." Charlie sighed and looked up to stare Monica in the eyes. Monica was wearing a short skirt, that looked more like a piece of fabric she'd cut herself and a pink tank top.
Charlie was glad to see Monica didn't have her clones with her today. "And what can I do for you?" Charlie asked, uninterested. Monica smirked and ran a hand through her glossy hair. The bitch from hell wanted to have some fun.
"I need to talk to you," she said, folding her arms accross her chest. Charlie shot her a sly grin and adjusted her pack on her shoulder. "Well too bad. I've had enough torture to last myself a life time. Now if you'll excuse me..." Charlie said sarcastically, moving around Monica. Monica stepped in her way again and put her hands on her hips. Vampires could do so much, but walking through people wasn't one of them.
"I'm warning you barbie doll, you do not wanna mess with me today. I don't want to have your blood on my hands," Charlie said, flashing Monica a huge grin. Monica looked taken aback for a split second before recovering. "Tough talk from someone with no friends to back them up," she said, shooting Charlie a toxic smile.
Charlie flashed her a wild grin and said, "You really think I need friends to back me up? Show me what ya got doll face." Monica stood mouth agape. "You think you can talk to me like that and get away with it? I practically run this school," Monica said, pulling herself together. "Yeah, your right, you do. You make out with teachers or bully people into doing what you want. You are a pathetic little girl that goes running to daddy about every little problem. I bet you can't even stand up for yourself. Where's your minions Monica?" Charlie said, getting up in Monica's face.
"You are so going to regret that, bitch," Monica hissed. Charlie snorted, and grinned. "You know what? I don't think I am!" Charlie said, laughing. Monica slapped Charlie accross the face. It took Charlie a second to process the sharp pain on her left cheek. Charlie fought back, punching Monica straight in her pouty lips.
Charlie shook her hand, and looked at her knuckles, they where scuffed and bleeding. But that was nothing compared to the state Monica's face was in. Her lip was busted, so was her nose and her teeth where drenched in blood. Charlie had to stop herself from laughing.
"Hey, hey, break it up!" Yelled a teacher, running down the hall. Monica got carted off to the Quack Shack, but not before she whispered, "This isn't over." Yes, it is, Charlie thought. Whilst Monica got sent to the school nurse, Charlie got sent to the Deans office. How unfair was that? Charlie sat in the waiting room for what seemed like hours, staring at the colourless wall. Her cheek stung and her hand throbbed. The assistant got the call, saying Charlie could go through. She painfully made her way to her feet and entered the office reluctantly.
The Dean eyed her, brows furrowed as she made her way to the wooden chair. "Miss Greene. Take a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair accross from him. Charlie lowered herself into it and set her pack at her feet.
The Dean lectured her on how it was bad to fight, new students should be making a good impression blah, blah, blah. There was one thing that stood out though. "Wait, what the hell! Excluded? For how long?" Charlie exclaimed. The Dean scowelled at her, and rested his elbows on the desk. "Miss Greene I will not tolerate that kind of language in my office. We will contact you once we know when you'll be allowed back and we would appreciate it if you'd find somewhere to live off campus," he explained.
Charlie felt the anger bubbling up inside of her and forced herself to calm down. Maybe it would be better if she lived off campus anyway. Fresh start. "You know what? Fine. Oh and can I borrow that paper," Charlie asked. The Dean frowned again. "Yes you can but why?" Charlie swiped the paper up off the desk and smiled at The Dean. "Not that it's any of your buisness anymore but I need to find a place to live," she said and waltzed out of the office.
Charlie flopped down onto a bench on the campus and pulled a pen out of her back pack. She skimmed through atleast four that all sounded creepy and weird. Charlie crossed them off and finally came to one that sounded reasonable Three roomates seeking fourth, huge old house, privacy assured, reasonable rent and utilities. It sounded a lot like one of the founder houses and if Amelie had allowed them to live there then it must be OK.
Charlie dug out her cell and dialled the number on the paper. It rang a few times before voice mail kicked in. Hello, you have reached the Glass House. If you're looking for Michael, he sleeps days. If you're looking for Shane goodluck with that 'cause we never know where the hell he is and if you're looking for Eve, you'll probably get her on her cell phone or at the shop. But hey-
The message cut off and a sleepy, warm, male voice picked up the phone. "Hello, this is Shane, who's this?" Charlie smiled at the voice, he sounded nice. "Um, hey, my name is Charlie Greene and I was wondering about the room?" She asked hopefull. "Oh, yeah," Shane said. He gave a low chuckle. "Is it still available?" Charlie asked. She could hear Shane's soft breathing down the other end of the phone. "Yep, sure is. The address should be on the paper and incase you get lost it's the big mansion, looks across between the muster and 'gone with the wind'" Charlie laughed at that and felt a smile accross her lips.
"Just come along any time. Michael is desperate for a new roomie and I'm in mostly all the time," Shane said laughing low. "Well, I'll look for the creepiest house on the street and see you soon?" Shane laughed again. "Yeah, yeah. See you later," Shane said and clicked off.
Charlie sighed happily. This one sounded hopefull and definitely not creepy. Charlie crossed the quad to the car lot and ran a hand accross her shiny black motor cycle. She was too cool for cars and she hated how stuffy they could get in Morganville, Texas. She stowed her back pack in the back of the motor cycle and slipped on her cherry red helmet. She flipped the visor down and swung her leg over the bike. She heard whistling as she sped out of the lot and on to the long road. The streets where mostly bare, a few cars on the road. 716 Lott Street. That's where she was headed. She remembered when Amelie used to live there. So it was one of the Founder houses.
She pulled out in front of the old victorian house, took off her helmet and shook out her hair. She left it on the seat and retrieved her things from the back. She hoisted it on to her shoulder and checked her clothes. She looked reasonably OK. She took a deep breath, her stomach doing somersaults. She slowly made her way up the path and knocked softly on the door.
The door opened and standing there was a goth looking chick wearing a friendly smile. "You must be the girl Shane was telling me about! Come in, come in," She said, ushering Charlie in the door. "I'm Eve by the way." Charlie smiled. She liked Eve already. "Hi, I'm Charlie."
"Straight down the hall is the living room where Shane should be, slacking as usual," Eve said, walking ahead of Charlie. The hall ended into the living room. It was a lot different from the last time she was there. that was expected though.
A cute, young boy, sat up, running a hand through his brown, uneven hair. He smiled warmly at Charlie. Charlie thought he was realllllly cute. He had warm brown eyes, golden skin and an amazing smile. Charlie couldn't help but smile at him. "You must be Shane," she managed to say. Shane nodded and his smile deepened. "The one and only," he said proudly.
"Charlie?" He asked. Charlie smiled and nodded. "Yep, the one and only," she said mimmicking Shane. Shane laughed warmly and gestured to a wing chair. Charlie lowered herself into it and sat her backpack at her feet. "Want anything? Coke?" Shane asked. "Ooh, that sounds really good," she replied. She loved coke and she didn't have time for anything this morning.
"Cool," Shane murmmered and made his way into the kitchen. Shane was wearing grey sweats and a loose shirt. Charlie could tell he had muscles and he was tall too. Eve took Shane's place on the couch and smiled at Charlie. "So. Do you go to school here?" Eve asked. Charlie nodded silently as a reply. "So why aren't you living on campus?" Charlie, chuckled quietly. "Well," she started. "The truth is, I kind of got excluded for fighting and the Dean 'suggested' that I stay off campus." Eve's eyes windened at that.
"Are you hurt?" Eve asked. Charlie thought it was sweet that Eve was concerned for her. She grinned wide. "No, no, the other chick got it worse than me. I just got a busted up hand, that's all," Charlie replied. Eve grinned. Shane walked back through, two cokes in hand. "Hey, where's mine?" Eve asked Shane. He shrugged and tossed one to Charlie. Charlie grabbed it out of the air and winked at Shane. "Get your own," Shane said, slumping down next to Eve. Eve stuck her tongue out at him and padded into the kitchen. "Stay here. I'll get one for myself."
"So. I heard you saying you got excluded. Up top!" Shane said and held up his hand for a high five. Charlie grinned and hit it hard. "Damn girl, your strong!" He exclaimed. "Yeah, I bet Monica would agree," Charlie murmmered, popping the top of the can. "Wait!" Shane said suddenly, all the warmth draining out of his eyes, leaving a hollow shell.
"Did you just say Monica? As in Monica Morrell?" Shane asked carefully, his tone going low and dangerous. Charlie just knew she'd ruined her chances. And she'd only just walked through the door. "Um, yeah, why?" Charlie said skeptically. Shane smiled coldly. It sent a shiver up Charlie's spine. She sat still, afraid to move. "I just thought that bitch had moved on," he said and sat back in his chair.
Eve wandered back into the living room and took one look at Shane then said, "OK, what did I miss, what's going on?" Shane kept his eyes on his can when he answered. "Monica Morrell is still in town," he murmmered. Eve's eyes went anime wide, emphasized by the dark make-up. "Oh my god Shane, I'm so sorry. I thought she left, I really did." Eve sat down next to Shane and put her hand on his knee.
Shane shook his head and took a sip of his can. Charlie didn't understand. What could have happened between Shane and Monica? "It doesn't matter. That's in the past," he mummbled and looked back up at Charlie, the warmth returning to those beautiful eyes. "I'm sorry. Me and Monica go way back. I hope you got her good," he said running a hand through his uneven hair. It stuck up in odd angles and made him look even more cute if that was even possible. Charlie could feel a blush creep onto her cheeks and she smiled sweetly to draw attention away from her flushed face.
"Yeah, I think I did. I bust up her nose and her mouth," Charlie said taking a long slurp from her coke. The sweet syrupy taste made Charlie's head spin. Shane whistled and grinned. "You have defininitely made yourself an enemy there," he said. "So," Eve cut in. "Do you wanna see the room?" She asked. Charlie smiled and nodded. She liked Eve and Shane already they seemed really friendly and Shane was definitiley hot, which was a bonus.
Eve led Charlie up the stairs and down the hallway. Right at the end she swung open the door. "Here it is," she said, gesturing in the room. The room was a lot bigger than Charlie thought it would be. She hadn't been there in a while and she was surprised at what she saw. "Are you serious?" She asked. Eve smiled wide and put her hands her hips. "It's pretty great huh?" Shane's voice said from behind her.
Charlie could feel Shane's breath in her hair and it made her feel all tingly inside. 'Woah, calm down girl' she thought. She turned to Shane. "Really great! I don't think I have ever seen a bedroom this big before," she said, grinning.
"You'd have to pay for the rent of course, calls, electric bill for the TV unless you want it taken out. Oh and for groceries too. Can you cook?" Eve said, hurriedly. Charlie smiled. She had been taught to cook when she was younger and she had always enjoyed it.
Charlie smiled wide. "Yup. I love to cook!" She said, happily. Eve bounced up and down. "Well, I say you're in. Shane?" she said, looking hopefull at Shane. He hip bumped Charlie and winked. "She's cool. I'm sure Michael will love you." Eve squeeled loudly. "God! It will be so good to have another girl around here," Eve said grinning.
Charlie followed Eve back down the stairs and into the living room again. "Michael can be tough sometimes but he's a real sweety, really," Eve said, her face turning a little pink. Charlie couldn't help but smile. Eve really liked this Michael person. That wasn't hard to tell.
"So. Michael will be up later. He sleeps days, but don't worry, he's not a vampire. I checked. Shane should be here all day because he doesn't have a job. He's a slacker-" Eve got cut off by a voice yelling "Bite me!" From the kitchen.
"Anyway. I got to get to work. I work at Common Grounds, you know the coffee shop?" Eve continued. Charlie nodded and smiled. She'd passed Common grounds but she had never been in. The last time she was here, Common Grounds wasn't.
"So, I'll be back soon. You just make yourself at home and when Michael gets up, you can talk to him." Charlie had some stuff to do before then, so she was glad Michael wouldn't be up. She was kind of excited to meet him though and she really hoped that he'd like her.
"Thank you so much Eve," Charlie said, meaning every word. Eve smiled, showing perfect white teeth. "Us girls gotta stick together," she said and headed for the door. She turned back around before she left and blew Charlie a kiss.
Shane came in from the kitchen and slumped down onto the couch. "Thank god!" Shane said dramatically and let his head fall back against the couch. Charlie slapped his knee and laughed. "Hey, she's really nice. You both are. You should see some of the other ad's in the paper. Freaks," she said, shaking her head. Shane shot her a lop sided, lovely grin.
"You got a car?" Shane asked. Charlie smiled and shook her head. "Nope. But I have a motor cycle," she replied. Shane's head snapped up immediately and he whistled loudly. "Wow! Really?" Charlie smiled shyly and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She nodded and fidgeted, feeling nervous. She didn't usually feel nervous or shy, but around him, she did. She had only felt that way about one other person.
"What kind?" Shane asked. Charlie smiled proudly. "Black Harley. Not great for speed bumps but I really only care about speed," she said. Shane grinned and shook his head. "I'm gonna love having you here," he said. "So, you doing anything else today?" Charlie nodded and shrugged. "I used to live here. There's a few people I'd like to see again. It's been a long time," she replied thinking back.
Charlie saw something flicker in Shane's eyes. A mix of anger, shame and sadness. "Oh no, I've hit something again, haven't I? Crap..." Shane shook his head and plastered on a false smile. "No, no. It's just, I done the same. Some stuff happened, no big deal," he murmmered.
Shane showed Charlie to the door. He still had that complicated look in his eyes. "Michael should be up around six so you can come back then," he said, opening the door. Charlie smiled and put a hand on Shane's arm. She knew she'd struck something inside of him. "Thank you Shane. I really hope Michael agrees to let me stay. Even if I can't I'd like to be friends with you. You seem like a really nice guy," Charlie said smiling. Shane nodded, the uncertainty gradually leaving his eyes. "I'd like that."
Charlie trodded down the steps and turned back around to see Shane stil at the door. She shot him a grin and continued out of the fence. She put her stuff in the back and lifted up her helmet. She clicked it under her chin and flipped the visor down. She waved to Shane as she pulled out of 716 Lott Street.
First stop, Founder's Square. She hadn't been to see Amelie since she arrived back in town and it was time to face the music. Amelie had told her to leave town so she could be safe. But after one hundred years it was time to stop running and settle down. Even if that meant living in Morganville.
Morganville was different. Not as different as she thought it would be but different none the less. She pulled up outside of Founders Square and took of her helmet. She took her back pack with her as she headed for Amelie's office.
She walked in the front doors and took lots of twists and turns before she ended up outside of Amelie's office. Two buff body guards where standing outside. "Sorry, noone is allowed to see the Founder," the taller one said defiantly. Charlie smiled sweetly at the man. "Tell her Charlie Greene is here to see her," Charlie replied. The taller one frowned then nodded to the other. He walked in the office and Charlie could hear low, muffled voices.
"OK, you can go in," he said as he stepped through the doors. Charlie smiled and nodded and entered the room. This was one room that hadn't changed. Amelie was sitting at her desk, wearing a frown. Amelie didn't usually frown or smile or have any expression at all around anyone else. She saved it all for Charlie.
"Child, what are you doing back in Morganville?" Amelie said as soon as Charlie sat down. Charlie sighed. "Nice to see you too Amelie," she muttered. Amelie's frown deepened. "OK, OK. Don't give me that look. I couldn't keep on running forever and...I missed it here," She admitted. Amelie's expression softened. "Well...I suppose your right. Does anyone know what you are?" Charlie shook her head. "Nope. I enrolled at TPU as well. Oh and I also got excluded for fighting. And I only arrived last month," Charlie said cheerfully. Amelie shook her head. "You haven't changed one bit Charlotte."
After Charlie left Founders Square, she felt happier. She really hadn't realised how much she had missed Amelie. Amelie was unhappy at first but soon enough she was back to the Amelie Charlie knew. The one she loved like a mother.
Charlie stopped her motorcycle outside of another Founder house currently occupied by someone by the name of Mrs Day. Charlie was here to see Myrnin, who lived just next to it down a creepy alley way. That was so totally and utterly Myrnin.
Charlie and Myrnin went way back. Charlie had been in love with him but nothing could ever happen because he was with his assistant. A girl named Ada. Charlie hated Ada and not only because she had Myrnin but because she was obsessed with becoming a vampire. And that's what she got in the end.
Charlie made sure to hide her bike out of plain view. She didn't anyone stealing her baby. She made her way down the dim alley which seemed to get narrower the further she went. She came to an old rickety shack and made her way inside. There was a stairway leading down.
She couldn't wait to see Myrnin. It had been years and she had missed him dearly. She came to the end of the stairs, excitement bubbling in the pit of her stomach. There was a warm glow of candles around the lab and she could see a figure hunched over a table.
Charlie grinned when she spotted him, the excitement over flowing. Myrnin slowly turned around and squinted at her like he couldn't make out who she was. Charlie ran to him vamp speed and wrapped her arms around him. "I've missed you, you crazy bastard!" She squeeled. Myrnin was stiff at first but loosened up and closed Charlie in a hug. He lifted her off the ground and spun her around. He pulled back at arms length to look her up and down.
Charlie took this moment to check him out too. He was wearing a white billowing shirt with a lime green vest over the top, beach shorts and vampire bunny slippers. Same wacky Myrnin. He hadn't changed. Not one bit.
"How long has it been?" He asked his eyes growing wide. "One hundred years, my friend."
"I can see your mouth is still as foul as ever," he retorted, a sly grin showing on his lips. Charlie puched his arm and scowled, a smile still plastered on his face.
"Do you want some tea? I'm going to make some tea, do you want some?" Myrnin asked, sitting Charlie down into a chair. Charlie nodded and grinned. Myrnin was still crazy, but then again all the best people where. She felt comfortable being here. She'd missed Morganville so much, it left her feeling empty when she left, one space that could't be filled by anything, but home.
Myrnin came back with tea and handed it to her. Well, not exactly 'handed' more like 'shoved into her face.' Charlie grinned. "Thanks." Myrnin looked down at his. "Wait until you've tasted it," he said and made a face. He sat his tea down without taking a sip and leaned back on his chair. "Does Amelie know that you have arrived back in Morganville?" He asked as Charlie put down her tea. She didn't even want to know what it was like. Myrnin's expression was half bemused and half confused.
Charlie nodded and smiled. "I've just came from Founders Square. it was good to see her. It's been a while," she said, happily. "Yes. Indeed it has," Myrnin said, frowning. Charlie eyed him. "What is it?" She asked. "Something's wrong." Myrnin shook his head. "It's nothing," he murmmered. Charlie leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees loosely. "Tell me Myrnin. I know you," she whispered. He suddenly brightened up and put his hands on her shoulders. "I've really missed you Charlotte! And you're not getting away this time." Charlie grinned, heat spreading accross her cheeks. Myrnin's attitude had turned slightly possesive and predatory but she just took it as a sign of affection. But you never knew with Myrnin.
"So, what's been happening since I left?" Charlie asked. Myrnin shot her a puzzled look and rubbed his jaw, thinking about his answer. "I don't really know. I don't tend to leave my lab unless necessary," he said shrugging. Charlie smiled fondly at him. She looked around, there was no-one else here. "Hey," she said lightly. "Where's Ada?" Myrnin's face dropped, his expression blank.
"Myrnin?" She said, putting a hand on his knee. His eyes connected with hers. "She's...Gone," he said slowly, his beautiful dark eyes flooding with so much emotion it made her gasp. But then he blinked and it was gone. Charlie brought Myrnin to his feet and folded him in a hug. As much as she disliked Ada, Myrnin didn't deserve to lose her. He loved her, any person in the right mind could tell.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Myrnin pulled back and shook his head. "Well, that's in the past now. No need to dwell on the past," he said straightening his vest. He smiled sadly and ran a hand down Charlie's cheek. "I really have have missed you, old friend," he whispered.
After Charlie left Myrnin's it was getting late. It was five-thirty so Charlie thought she should start heading back to the 'Glass House'. She hopped onto her motor cycle and pulled out away from the alley. After the awkward moment about Ada, it had went well. They talked and laughed and caught up. It felt so good to talk to him again. She regretted leaving Myrnin before, and now it finally felt like she was back where she belonged. She was home.
She pulled up outside of the Glass house with ten minutes before six. She jogged up the path and knocked on the door. Shane answered, an easy smile spreading across his lips. "You just couldn't stay away from me, could you?" he said, leaning against the door frame. Charlie could feel the heat spread accross her cheeks.
"Yeah, that's why I'm here. Or is it to see your buddy?" She said winking at him. He stood back to let her inside and smiled. "Touche," he murmmered, raising his eyebrows in gratitude. She stepped over the threshold and smiled. Shane followed her up the hallway to the living room and gestured for her to sit on the couch. The place smelt like garlic and tomato. Chili? "Something smells good," she said, setting her pack on the floor. Shane smiled triumphantly and sat down next to her. "I'm making chilli, it's the best thing I can cook," he said. "More like the only thing he can cook," said a male voice from the stairs.
"Bite me," Shane murmmered, turning in the direction in which the voice had come from. Charlie followed Shane's gaze to see a really cute guy with golden blonde hair and amazing blue eyes. "Hey. I'm Michael, I don't think we've met," he said, making his way towards where Shane and Charlie sat.
"Um, hi, I'm Charlie," she said, sticking out her hand. Michael took her hand in his big strong ones and shook lightly. "Are you here about the room?" He asked. Charlie nodded and smiled. "Yeah, I am, I called earlier and talked to Shane," she explained, smiling at Shane.
"Do you work?" Michael asked. Charlie shook her head lightly. "No, I go to TPU," she replied. Michael looked puzzled. "Why aren't you staying on campus?" Charlie shrugged and cleared her throat. "I, um, got excluded for fighting and they said I should look for a place to live off campus," she said, looking at Michael. He chuckled and sat forward in his chair. "Who did you fight with?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow. "Um, it was Monica Morrell the Mayor's daughter. And I wouldn't have done it if she hadn't bitch slapped me," Charlie murmmered.
After talking for a while, Michael finally sat back in his chair and sighed. "Shane? What do you think? Should we let her stay?" Shane grinned. "Yeah, I think we should. Eve says she's cool too. What do you say?" Shane asked. Michael smiled and winked at Charlie. "Welcome to the Glass House," he said and his smile deepened.
Foot steps on the stairs, turned everybody's heads. "Oh hey Charlie!" Eve said, jogging down the rest of the stairs. Eve was wearing a black furry robe and she had no make-up on. She looked younger but she still looked beautiful. "Ooh, ooh, so Michael, what do you think? Can she stay? Pretty please?" She asked, clasping her hands. She looked adorable, how could Michael say no to that?
He smiled and nodded. Eve let out a high pitch squeel that would only be audible to animals. "Yay!" She said and fell into a heap on the floor. Charlie grinned at Eve and settled back into her chair. She was so relieved. All these people where really nice and they made you feel like you where at home.
"You don't have a lot of things with you," Michael noticed. Charlie shrugged. "I don't have a lot of stuff. I'll go pick up the rest of what I do have in the morning," she replied. "Want me to come with?" Shane asked. Charlie blinked at him, surprised, then quickly recovered by flashing him a full grin. "Yeah, I'd like that. But we're walking. I don't think everything would fit in my motorcycle, as much as I don't have," she replied.
"You have a motorcycle?" Eve and Michael asked at the same time. Charlie laughed and nodded. "So cool..." they both said again. Eve glared at Michael then stood up. "I'm getting me and Charlie some chilli. You ladies can get your own," she said and headed for the kitchen. Shane shook his head and got to his feet. "I make someone dinner and this is the thanks I get," he said and shook his head as he entered the kitchen.
They all sat at the dining room table, having normal dinner conversation. Charlie felt nice and warm inside. It felt good to be sitting at a table with these people. She already felt like they where her friends and she had missed that. The hundred years she'd been away, she hadn't felt like she could trust anyone, she never felt safe. Until now.
Shane's chili was amazing. A little bit too garlicy, but who doesn't love garlic? "So tell me," Shane started. "Why'd you come back to this place?" Charlie put down her spoon. "It's the only real home I ever had. And I had to leave the closest thing I had to a mother. I wanted to see her again," Charlie said smiling sadly. She could feel tears prickling her eyes.
"Well, atleast your back now," Eve said, smiling. She put her hand on hers and squeezed lightly. "I'm fine," she lied and smiled at Eve. Michael and Shane went back for seconds, but Charlie hadn't even finished one. "Boys..." Eve murmmered and shook her head.
After dinner it was Shane's turn to wash up and Charlie offered to help, it's the least she could do. Shane filled the sink with warm soapie water and started to scrub plates. Charlie cocked an eyebrow at him. His brow furrowed. "What?" he asked. Charlie laughed and started drying a plate. "It's like your trying to wash the pattern off it, you don't need to scrub it so hard," she said smiling at Shane. "Give it to me. I'll show you," She said taking the plate from him.
Shane put up his hands in surrender and flicked suds at Charlie. Charlie looked at him mouth agape and hip bumped him away. "Ass," she murmmered and grinned at him. "I am hurt newbie," he said, putting a hand on his chest. She rolled her eyes, still smiling.
Shane was sweet and funny and it was a bonus that he was just about one of the hottest guys she'd ever met. She could see her and Shane becoming very close. "So what do you cook?" Shane asked, going to town on another plate. Charlie shrugged. "Um, lots of things. Lasanga, curry, tacos, stuff like that," she replied, picking up another dripping plate. "Ooh, can you make tacos sometime?" Shane asked, looking at her with a hopefull expression. Charlie smiled and nodded. "Any time."
After they'd done the dishes they went back to the living room where Eve and Michael where playing video games. Charlie jumped as a zombie's head exploded on the screen. Shane laughed at her and flopped down onto the couch. Charlie sat next to him and punched his arm for laughing at her.
Shane swiped the controller from Eve's hand after the game had finished and loaded up another. Eve shrugged, rubbed her eyes and yawned. "I'm going to bed, I'm tired," she announced and waved a hand. "Night, Eve," Charlie said and smiled.
"You like video games?" Michael asked her. Charlie used to play a lot of video games after she left Morganville. "Who doesn't? And I could beat your ass," she said and winked. Michael whistled loudly. "OK, OK, show me what you got, Shane give her the controller," he said and smiled. "I so wanna see this," Shane murmmered and handed over the controller. Michael loaded up a new game and then it started.
"How did you beat me?" Michael exclaimed. Charlie carefully sat the controller next to her and grinned. "You really need to practice more," she said shaking her head. "Collins? Want a game?" She asked, nudging him. "Game on," he said and winked at her.
After the game ended Shane's face was bright red with fury. "I have never been beaten by a girl before," he murmmered. Charlie glowered at him. "What exactly do you mean by that?" She asked, raising her eyebrows. He immediately smiled and shook his head innocently. "Nothing. Nothing at all." Shane put his hands behind his head and stretched wide.
Charlie stole a glance at Shane. His top rode up at the bottom exposing perfect, smooth skin. When he looked at her, she immediately looked away, back at the TV. She should not be checking out her new room mates, especially when she had just moved in.
Michael turned off the game console and started to flick through different channels. Charlie was happy. For once she was happy. She felt warm and nice around these people, she finally had friends that liked her. After she left Morganville, she was on her own.
She sighed happily and relaxed in the couch. "Want a beer man?" Shane asked, ready to get up. Michael nodded and bent over to pick up a guitar case. He opened the case and pulled out a well kept guitar. "You play guitar?" Charlie asked, surprised. He didn't seem like the kind of person that would...Until he held it in his arms. It looked like it was made for him, like he was born to do it.
Michael shot her a movie star smile and said, "Yeah, have been for a while now." Charlie could feel the heat climbing her ckeeks. Michael was hot, no doubt about it and she wasn't immune. Now she knew why Eve liked him, if you didn't you'd be crazy.
But there was something about Shane that Charlie just couldn't put her finger on. He was sweet, charming, cute, witty and just a nice guy. Shane came back in, bringing Charlie out of her thoughts. He handed a beer to Michael and he nodded his thanks. Michael's hands moved swiftly up the neck of the guitar spilling out a beautiful array of sound.
"Wow," she murmmered. "Your amazing Michael!" She could see the tips of Michael's ears turning red, and it was so cute. "Yeah, I'm OK, I guess," he mummbled. Charlie grinned at him and adjusted herself on the couch.
Charlie yawned. It was getting late and she was tired. "OK, I think I'm going to hit the sack," she said getting up. She looked at both of them. I'm living with these hotties? I can't believe it. "Thank you again. I don't know what I would have done if you's hadn't taken me in," she said and smiled. "Hey, no problem. We wouldn't have if we didn't like you, and we do," Michael said and smiled sweetly. She picked up her back pack and smiled warmly. "Well thank you. I'll see you tomorrow. Oh and Shane?" She said when she was at the base of the stairs.
Shane turned away from the TV to look at her. "Yeah?" He said, focusing on her. "You need to be up early. I want to get to school when there aren't a lot of students around." Shane groaned and slumped further down on the couch. "No promises," he murmmered.
Charlie made her way upstairs smiling happily. She quickly used the bathroom and made her way to the end of the hall. She hadn't really brought much, just a spare top. She slipped of her jeans and set them next to the bed. She didn't have her alarm clock so she decided to use her phone. She set it to seven am and settled into the bed. She fell asleep thinking about Shane, which she did not expect.
OK, I know it's a little long and I'm still working out the kinks but please tell me what you think, I'm really excited about this one :S x Thank you my lovelies :D xx Review review review!