There was a noise coming from the top of the stairs. Charlie sat up in bed, listening. The sound of someone walking down the stairs woke Charlie out of a dead sleep. At first, he thought it was Uncle Paton, grabbing his usual midnight snack. But then the sound of the kitchen light turned on.
Charlie got out of bed, and quietly opened his door; he peered out into the hallway. When he was sure he hadn't woken anyone, he quietly made his way downstairs.
"Charlie? What are you doing up?" Charlie's father was sitting at the kitchen table.
"I wanted to see who was down here. Couldn't sleep?" Charlie asked, as his stomach rumbled. He walked towards the fridge and opened it.
"No, I couldn't. I have much on my mind." Lyell said, staring at the table, as if he was trying to count every last grain.
"Like what?" Charlie asked, although he had an inkling of what was on his father's mind. He sat at the table with vegetable dip and carrots.
"Oh, many things. Mostly adult problems." Lyell sighed.
"You know dad, I'm almost thirteen. You can tell me things. I can handle them." Charlie said, dipping his carrot into the dip. Lyell smiled at him.
"You're right. You're growing."
"I think I know what's bothering you. You're scared about the baby." Charlie said, a carrot half way to his mouth. Lyell sighed, almost embarrassed.
"I am. I'm just scared that I'll mess up again." Lyell said.
"What do you mean?" Charlie asked, confused.
"You can't pretend I was there your whole life, Charlie. I messed up with you, and I'm afraid I'm going to mess up with this one too." Lyell explained, getting up and starting to pace. Charlie finally put down the neglected carrot, and stared up at his father.
"Dad, it wasn't your fault, though. If you hadn't tried to save Emma, she could've gotten really hurt. You were just acting on your instincts." Charlie saide reassuringly.
Although Charlie was trying to make his father feel better, he got that jealous feeling again. His sibling's going to get more attention from his father than Charlie ever got.
"I guess, hmm, I guess I just need to know what you think of this? Truthfully?" Lyell asked, stopping in front of his son. Charlie looked at his father.
"I don't know. It still kind of feels strange. I guess I'm happy. I mean, I'm still absorbing it all." Charlie said. In truth, he didn't really know how he felt; both jealous and slightly happy at the prospect of having someone younger around. But then, suddenly, he became scared.
What if his brother or sister were endowed, and they became bad? He's seen it happen many times before. Charlie didn't think he could handle it.
"Charlie? Are you ok?" Lyell asked.
"Huh?" Charlie's eyes refocused on his father.
"You had a vacant stare going on for a second. Are you sure you're alright with this?" Lyell asked.
"Yeah. I just need time." With that said, Charlie finished off the carrots, and headed off bed, his father behind him.