Chapter Two: Chaos Rising: Charlie's P.O.V
I shut my car door with more force than necessary, and I let out a frustrated huff, this was the last time I offered Lydia a ride to school.
"I'm just saying that you could show a little more skin, I mean that outfits cute and all, but you're not a nun." Lydia had been going on for the entire ride to school this morning, she'd even freaked out Andy. He had practically jumped out the car before I'd even fully parked outside his school, I had never seen him run so fast.
"I like what I'm wearing Lydia, plus you picked this out for me remember?" I pulled my bag strap higher onto my shoulder as I walked quickly towards the school doors, Lydia miraculously managed to keep up, even in her heals.
"I know, and as I said it's cute, but I chose you some really nice dresses too, why didn't you wear any of those?" she said as we made are way to the lockers.
Thankfully I didn't have to give her a response as Allison came over, I don't think I'd ever been happier to see the brunette.
"Allison. Thank God." I said then pointed to Lydia, "turn her off, please, I can't seem to find the off switch."
Allison laughed, and Lydia looked less than impressed with my humour.
"Actually, I do need to borrow her, so we will see you at the library later okay?" Allison said as she and then pulled Lydia down the hallway. Lydia turned to look at me over her shoulder, "we're not finished with this discussion" she warned. I rolled my eyes and began to pile my stuff into my locker, I put my bag with my work uniform in, along with some books I wouldn't need until later.
Tonight would be my first shift at Beacon Hill Hospital, and I was both excited and nervous. I had already made sure Lily would be home to look after Andy, it took thirty minutes of continuous arguing for her to agree, but we came to an agreement in the end. Once I closed my locker, I sat down on the floor with my back to the lockers and pulled out my copy of 'The Hobbit' out of my bag.
'Chapter V'
'RIDDLES IN THE DARK'
'When Bilbo opened his eyes, he wondered if he had; for it was just as dark with them shut. No one was anywhere near him. Just imagine his fright! He could hear nothing, see nothing, and could feel nothing except the stone of the floor.
Very slowly he got up and groped about on all fours, till he touched the wall of the tunnel; but neither up nor down it could he find anything: nothing at all, no sign of goblins, no sign of dwarves. His head was swimming-'
"..lie? Charlie? Hey! Dude, I think she's ignoring us."
My book was suddenly snatched from my hands and my head snapped up to see who had taken it.
"Hey!" I stood up and crossed my arms and turned to face Stiles, the book thief.
"Now that I have your attention," stiles said happily "hi," stiles had a huge smile on his face. I raised an eye brow, and held out my hind for my book.
"How do you like the school so far?" he continued.
I said nothing and kept my hand out, waiting. Stiles rolled his eyes, but handed me my book, I quickly tried to find my place so I could mark which page I was on.
"This is my best friend…" I paid no attention, continuing to look for my page.
Stiles napped his fingers in front of my face.
"Focus, please." I let out a huff but looked up at him.
"I am a camera," I muttered. He rolled his eyes again, but I heard someone other than Stiles let out a chuckle. My head snapped to the person next to stiles, and blushed when I noticed Stiles' attractive friend smiling at me.
The first thing I noticed, we're his eyes, they were the most amazing dark chocolate colour, next was his tan skin and brown short cut hair, which seemed to stick up in a manner of different directions. I was hooked and I hadn't even seen the rest of him yet.
"As I was saying, this is my best friend Scott McCall", well that snapped me out of my daze, fast.
Scott McCall, Mellissa's son.
Scott McCall, Allison's ex-boyfriend.
I looked from Stiles to Scott and smiled politely.
"McCall? As in Mellissa's kid?" I asked, even though I knew the answer.
Something seemed to click in Scott's mind, he nodded his head, then said to me, "And you're Charlotte, right?"
I blushed a little, but nodded, not to sure what to say. When other people called me Charlotte I felt ill, my mother called me Charlotte. But when Scott said my name all I felt was butterfly's.
Stiles looked a little lost, and turned to Scott then back to me.
"Charlotte? I thought your name was Charlie?" I laughed nervously.
"Charlie is short for Charlotte." I shifted uncomfortably, and strangely enough I suddenly found my shoes rather fascinating.
Thankfully the bell went, putting a stop to this awkward introduction.
"We've got coach next. Econ. What about you?" Scott asked as he picked up my bag off the floor and handed it to me.
I blushed once again, and my heart was racing so fast and beating so hard I swear he and Stiles could hear it, I pulled out my class list.
"Same", I said softly and put my class list back into my bag. Stiles put his arm around my shoulder guiding me down the hall.
"Well, great we can take you there. You coming Scott?" he said looking behind him at his best friend.
Scott nodded and we continued on.
"so, can I call you Lottie?" Stiles ask as we made it to the class room and found some seats, and pulled out are class books.
"No." I said sharply, Stiles frowned, then pouted out his bottom lip before saying,
"Why not?" I pulled out a note book and pen before I responded.
"Because, I am actually starting to like it here, and it would suck if I had to leave because of your tragic but mysterious death."
I heard Scott laugh lightly, but Stiles only pouted some more.
"The stock market is based on two principles. What are they?" Coach began.
Scott raised his hand, ready to answer.
"Yes, McCall, you can go to the bathroom," coach said dismissively.
"Anybody else?" He continued.
"Uh, no, coach" Scott said awkwardly, "I know the answer." Coach began to laugh, I looked at Stiles who just shrugged his shoulders. Coach looked at Scott and suddenly stopped laughing.
"Oh, you're serious," he said, and motioned for Scott to continue.
"Yes." Scott said "Risk and reward." Coach looked at him shocked.
"Wow! Who are you? And what have you done to McCall? Don't answer that. I like you better. I like you better," Coach exclaimed, then went on.
"Does anybody have a quarter?" People began to route through their bags and pockets searching for some change. Stiles included.
"Yep." He announced as he pulled his hand out of his pocket quickly and rather spastically. But when he pulled out of his pocket, something fell out that certainly wasn't a quarter.
"Stilinski, I think you, uh you dropped this," Coach handed back to Stiles an XL condom. "And congratulations." I blushed heavily and made sure to not look in Stiles direction. But by avoiding Stiles my eyes locked with Scott's, he was smiling and trying to control his laughter, but he grinned when he court my eye.
"Risk and reward. Put the quarter in the mug, win the reward." Coach said and then went to demonstrate.
"Okay, watch coach." He managed to make the quarter reach the mug. He smirked turned to the glass.
"That's how you do it," he said smugly.
"Okay." He turned to a boy near me.
"Danny" he held out the quarter to the boy, "Risk, reward."
"What's the reward?" asked Danny.
"You don't have to take the pop quiz tomorrow."
"Coach, it's not a pop quiz if you tell us about it," Danny said awkwardly.
"Danny, you know, I really expect more from you at this point, really." coach seemed disappointed.
"McCall." He turned to Scott, holding out the quarter. "Risk, reward. The risk: If you don't put that quarter in the mug, you have to take the pop the quiz. And you have to write an essay." Well that seemed unreasonable.
"Risk, more work. Reward No work at all. Or choose not to play."
"But isn't this just chance?" Scott asked, trying to make sense of what coach was saying.
"No." coach said, "You know your abilities, your coordination, your focus, past experience all factors affecting the outcome."
"So what's it gonna be, McCall? More work, no work, or choose not to play?" he gave Scott time to think. Scott looked at the quarter in his hand, then placed the quarter on top of his text book.
"No play." Scott made his decision.
"Okay." Coach nodded.
"Who's next? Who wants the quarter?" Stiles took the quarter, and got out pf his seat.
"There ya go! There's a gamblin' man! Come on! Step up, step up" Stiles made is way to the front of the classroom, quarter in his hand, back to the class room door.
"All right, Stilinski." Stiles prepared to throw the quarter into the mug.
"Stiles."
"Yeah, coach, I got it."
"Stiles." This voice didn't belong to coach, we all tuned to look to the class room door, the sheriff, Stiles father was stood in the door way with a grim look on his face.
-X-
Once the bell rang I began to pack up my stuff, Stiles hadn't come back to class after he left with his dad, and I hoped everything was okay. He may be an unusual kid, but he was kind and hopefully we would be able to be friends. I put my bag onto my shoulder and turned towards the door, but bumped into someone who must have been behind me. I looked up to see Scott, who was smiling sheepishly.
My cheeks turned pink again, and I tried hard not to look away, or stare at my feet.
"So erm, I heard you have your first shift at the hospital tonight?" Scott said, although it sounded more like a question. I nodded, and smiled shyly.
"Y-yeah, it won't be to exciting yet, but its important experience, for the future." I tried my hardest not to stutter, but those eyes did something to my insides that I couldn't explain.
"You want to be a nurse?" he asked. I looked at my feet, and shifted my bag higher onto my shoulder.
"D-doctor. Maybe a Surgeon, not to sure yet." I mumbled, I hadn't really talked to many people about it. Besides Lydia and the one who interviewed me at the hospital, no one really knew.
"Wow, that's kind of awesome." Scott tried to catch my eyes, so I lifted my head up to look at him. When I saw his face he was smiling, and seemed impressed. I didn't think it would be any possible for me to blush any harder. Apparently it was.
"Thanks. I err, need to m-meet Lydia and Allison at the Library. But um-"
He cut me off seeming embarrassed for keeping me here, "oh, no, yeah, right, okay, well err, I'll see you around then?" he said, his hand scratching at the back of his neck.
I smiled softly, his actions were so endearing, and sweet.
"Yeah, see you around." I made my way past him and headed towards the door, but Scott stopped me before I could leave.
"Hey, Charlotte?" the butterfly's fluttered in my stomach, and my heart rate increased. I turned to face him again.
"Good luck, for your first shift I mean" he said smiling softly.
"Oh, yeah, t-thanks Scott." I said trying to keep my blushing to a minimum. I made my way to my locker in a kind of haze. I couldn't even remember the walk there, I was sure there was probably a stupid grin on my face. I was fighting off a stupid girly giggle. This wasn't me, I didn't usually act this was over a guy.
"Thinking of me?" a male voice said, I almost jumped out of my skin. I turned to my left to see one of the twins. His eyes on me caused me to feel uncomfortable. I tried to keep my voice from cracking as I answered him.
"Do I know you?" I asked, I could barely make my voice louder than a whisper, my eyes couldn't stay focus on his for too long before I felt the urge to look at my feet. I tried to continue to do what I was before he made his appearance. Pulling books I would need for my next few classes from my locker.
He smirked, "Well now I feel hurt. But I think I can forgive you, my names Aiden. And you're Charlie, right?" I nodded, but said nothing else. He never lost his smirk, and continued to talk, he must love the sound of his own voice.
"What no, hello, nice to meet you Aiden?" I tried hard to not slam my locker shut, I couldn't be sure what it was about him that made me so uncomfortable, this wasn't my normal shyness I was feeling. He put me on edge, made me want to keep my guard up, he seemed off somehow. He seemed threatening.
"Hello Aiden, look this was g-great and all, b-but I need to go and meet some f-friends," I said, I made sure to stay polite, but I wanted to leave, now.
He smiled again, it seemed almost predatory, "well maybe I could-"he didn't get chance to carry on, because Allison called me as she walked up to the lockers.
"Charlie, there you are, we've been waiting for you," I smiled widely at Allison. This girl had been my saving grace today.
"Yeah, sorry, got held up I'm coming now. Bye Aiden" I mumbled the last part, as I grabbed Allison's elbow and tugged her away.
"Your my wonder women, I swear," I said when we were far enough from Aiden.
"What was that about?" she asked, I shrugged.
"No clue, I was just getting some books from my locker, and he just showed up out of now where and started talking." I rabbled all in one breath.
Allison laughed a little, "no I was talking about your quick exit. He's hot and he was talking to you. You really are shy aren't you?" I shuck my head at her that wasn't it at all. My shyness had nothing to do with it.
"It wasn't about me being shy, he just, I don't know. He creeps me out, something seems off abo- you know what never mind. Lydia at the library?"
Allison seemed to let it go, for now at least, but she looked concerned none the less.
"Yeah, she said she would wait, we wanted to get some homework out the way, you know?" I nodded at her, thankful she had let the Aiden subject drop.
As we made it to the library I heard Lydia.
"Finally! You're here." I mumbled an apology as I put my bag on the table and sat down next to Lydia.
We hadn't been working long when Lydia gave up and began to gaze about the library.
Suddenly she announced "I want one." I looked up to see the twins had made their way into the library. I tensed slightly, but neither girls noticed as the twins held the majority of their attention.
"Which one?" Allison asked curiously.
"The straight one." I answered.
"Obviously." Stated Lydia. Allison looked a little confused, I gestured over to the twin with Danny and smiled at Allison. She nodded slowly when she understood.
I moved my eyes away from Danny and Aiden's twin, but I sadly managed to lock eyes with Aiden instead, he smirked at me once again. I quickly looked away, and saw Lydia make her way over to Aiden.
Suddenly Allison said something which utterly confused me.
"What if it's not a symbol? What if it's actually a logo?" while looking at her coffee cup.
"What logo?" I asked confused and afraid I had missed something she had said. Her head snapped over to me, she shook her head.
"Sorry, talking to myself," I chuckled softly then told her that was normally the first sign of madness.
She swatted my forearm which was resting on the table, giggling slightly.
"Don't joke!" she said with good humour. I laughed at her a little again, before announcing I had to look for a book I'd forgotten to pack this morning that I would need for my bio class. She gestured towards the science section for me, and I made my way around the corner in search for my book.
I was browsing through the books when I jumped out of my skin for the second time today, Aiden was leaning casually on the bookshelf to my right.
"My God, you're like a popup book from hell," I mumbled quietly enough so he couldn't hear me, his grin however suggested I hadn't be quiet enough. He didn't comment on it though.
"Don't worry I'm not following you, just needed this," he held up a book but I didn't catch the title, and he gave me that predatory grin before leaving me be.
I let out a large breath I was unaware I had been holding, and pushed my hair out of my face. I don't know what it was, but something about those twins made me nervous.
-X-
My work schedule was only made up of three days out of the week and Sundays, as my job mostly consisted of paper work and shadowing Mellissa once a week. But I was more than happy with that, as it gave me time with Andy for the rest of the weekday and Saturdays.
"How were your first few days at school? As bad as you thought?" I smiled at Mellissa.
We were in the filing room, putting away some folders and pulling together some documents that we needed for new or already existing patients. I completed the last of the folder I was working on before I answered Mellissa and placed the file in front of her so see could give it a once over.
"It was as expected, but it wasn't too bad. Lydia and Allison have been a great help." I paused before I mentioned Scott.
"And this really hyperactive kid Stiles, he introduced me to Scott, he seems nice." I don't really think 'nice' was a great way to describe him, but I couldn't exactly talk to Scott mother about how he made me feel. I tried not to blush as Mellissa looked up from the paper work I had given her.
She smiled widely, seeming pleased I had meet him.
"Oh yes I know Stiles. A little trouble maker that one. But he's sweet and has the best of intentions." She placed the folder on the pile to be put back on the shelf.
I smiled, relieved she hadn't asked about Scott.
"I don't think I've meet a person like Stiles before," I said chuckling. Mellissa laughed with me before saying he was one of a kind. And we went on with the task we were given.
-X-
It was already dark when I got home, so I knew Andy would already be in bed. I put my keys in the dish by the front door and took off my shoes and carried them with me so I could dump them in my room, along with my bags.
I made my way upstairs and peeked into Andy's room, his back was to the door, so I thought he was asleep. I tried to shut the door as quietly as I could but his little head snapped up as he called my name out softly. I put my stuff on the floor outside his room and made my way inside.
"What are you still doing up?" I asked lightly as I made my way over to his bed, I made myself comfortable next to him on top of the covers.
"I was waiting, you weren't home yet, and Lily wouldn't let me wait up for you. I said I would be good but she said no." I played with soft hair and cute curls, letting out a sigh.
"But now you're going to be sleepy tomorrow at school." Andy shuck his head, before he answered me.
"I won't. I'll be fine, promise!" he pulled the comforter closer to his body and looked up at me a sad look on his face.
"You always put me to bed. Lily doesn't put my night light on, or know that I like my Batman PJ'S better than the spider-man one." I chuckled a little, and continued to play with his hair.
"I know, but it's not going to be every night. Some nights I will be back from work before you go to bed, so Lily will only have to put you to bad twice a week maybe three times. And she will learn which onesie's you like the most.
He shrugged, but seemed a little better. "I promise I will put you to bed tomorrow. Okay?" I asked, this made him smile, he nodded enthusiastically. I kissed his forehead and told him to go to sleep.
I picked up my bags and shoes from outside his room and made my way towards my own, I didn't quite make it though.
"Hey, Charlie?" I tuned to look at Lily who was stood by the stairs.
"Yeah?" I asked, rather apprehensive.
"Your good with him," this shocked me a little, Lily and I rarely got along anymore.
"Err, t-thanks, I guess." She smiled softly and before I could make an escape she spoke again.
"How did your first day at work go?" Lily just seemed to be full of questions tonight.
"It went well," I didn't really know how to respond to her unusual act of kindness.
She smiled at me again. "Good. I-I'm glad. Hey erm, I got a job today." It was my turn to smile.
"Yeah?" she nodded her head.
"Taking pictures for the local newspaper, it's not a major career or anything, but it's a job." I couldn't stop the wide smile that spread across my face.
"Lil' that's awesome. When do you start?" she made her way closer to me, so we were now both stood outside of my room.
"Monday."
"That's great Lily. Really" she looked at her feet, smiling.
"Thank you" I went to open my door, before she stopped me one last time.
"I'm sorry. F-for being difficult about the move. I just- look you have Andy, and I had my friends, and God knows that none of us really have dad, and I just panicked. I wouldn't have anyone, ya know? And I reacted badly. So, I'm sorry."
I was speechless.
She laughed a little.
"I didn't really think about it like that." I looked at my feet feeling a little guilty. She had a point.
"We have each other you know. I know we don't always get along," Lily chuckled a little at that, "but I mean maybe this move can be a new start? Me, You, Andy? We can try and be a family again."
Lily looked a little teary, but she smiled and pulled me into a hug. It was awkward at first, but then we both relaxed. Finally we might actually be getting somewhere.
Lily pulled back, she wiped away a stray tear, and giggled a little bit before saying,
"So I take it I can't get away with calling you Lottie anymore?" I playfully glared at her, before laughing and telling her no, calling me Lottie was out of the question.
-X-
I put my dirty dishes into the dishwasher once I had eaten my re-heated lasagne, I checked my watch and saw it was already nine thirty, my dad had to be home by now.
I made my way to his study, I was little nervous I hadn't spoken to dad since we moved. He was never home, and when he was, he was shut up in his study. I knocked softly on the door, and waited to be invited in.
"Yes?" I heard him call out, I slowly pushed open the door and made my way inside.
He was sat at his desk, shelves and shelves of book cases were behind him, and to the left of his desk by the window sat my mother's old comfy arm chair. Just seeing it pulled at my heart, her small side table sat next to it, but instead of books resting on top and in it's built in cupboard, there were a verity of different alcoholic beverages, and drinking glasses. I looked away from it quickly, and faced my father.
My father wasn't a loving man. Not anymore, in fact he was barely a father figure at all. When we lost our mother, it was like we lost him too. Apart from paying for our home and covering any expenses we needed, it was as if he were a stranger.
"What is it Charlie?" he asked, he glanced up once to see who had disturbed him while he was working, but other than that small acknowledgement he didn't look away from his computer .
Mitchel Brooks was a proud business man, who lived to work. He was a part of some large company to do with insurance. That's all we knew. He never went into any more detail and we never asked. He came from a well off family, and never had to worry about financial problems and difficulties. He met our mother in collage, before he had to take over his father's position in the company.
I think Lily and I met my father's parents twice in our lives, and neither experience was pleasant. And they had never met Andy. His parents didn't approve of our mother, she wasn't a part of the society my father was, and she had no ambition to 'run a house hold' she wanted to teach. They didn't like that. Therefore, they didn't like us children, and I don't think they've spoken to father since. Now my mother's parents, they're a different story completely.
"Charlie? Is there something you need?" he asked irritated. He has stopped typing and closed his laptop, his hands were now joined and resting on top of it.
"Oh, yes, s-sorry, erm, so Lily got a new job today," he nodded his head either in approval or as if to say 'hurry along', I had a feeling it was the latter, "so I was wondering, until she's settled in the job, i-if maybe you could, s-spend more time here, at home. So that Andy won't be home alone. We don't know the shifts Lily will have yet, and I'm just concerned that-"he raised a hand, as if to say 'stop, I've heard enough'.
He let out a deep sigh, and took his glasses off of his face, so he could rub his eyes.
"It is about time that Lily got a job, I will tell her well done when I see her," I tried not to show my irritation at his words. He said nothing of the sort to me when I told him I had gotten a job at the hospital.
"But what I don't find acceptable, is you coming in here and demanding I abandon my responsibilities at work-"
"No, that's not what I meant, I was only asking if-" I stopped talking, his face was turning red from anger.
"No. I will not cut down how long I spend at the office. I am very disappointed in you for asking me such things. I provide for you, your brother and sister, I make sure you have everything you need. You would not have such privilege and comfort if not for me and my work. I hope you know that."
I bit the inside of my lip so hard I could taste blood. All I was asking was for him to maybe come home on some days at a more reasonable hour, so that Andy was taken care of. My pulse had picked up pace due to my anger. But I said nothing. I would not anger him anymore.
So I held my tongue and nodded my head.
"And if you are unable to make sure Andrew is looked after at all times, then perhaps you should re-think your job at the hospital, you are in no need of money. I don't see why you even you took this job in the first place. You have school and your brother to think about. I don't know how you expect to get into a good collage if you are too busy to focus on your school work."
For the first time in a long time I wanted to cry. I said nothing. I turned around and left his study without a word and slammed the door. Tears were falling down my face, making it hard for me to see what I was doing.
I ran up to my room, sobbing, and searching for my phone. When I finally found it I hit speed dial.
"Hello?"
"Lydia..."
-X-
The next morning I parked my car next to Allison's in front of the school, I made sure I had my bag and phone. I didn't need to bring my work scrubs with me as I was on a later shift tonight, so thankfully I would be able to say good night to Andy a little earlier.
As I got out of my car and made my way over to Lydia and Allison I heard them talking, they were part way through their convocation.
"…the logo for a bank?" Lydia scoffs "What's she trying to do? Give us investment advice?" I looked between them rather confused, I turned to Lydia who just gave me a look as if to say I will tell you later.
"Not at this bank. It's been closed for years."
Okay still confused here guys…
"Why aren't you telling Scott?"
What? Why would she need to talk to Scott about investments?
"Because according to someone, I need to find something real."
Okay, completely lost. Lydia and Allison looked at me in amusement as I let out frustrated huff.
"Which reminds me, um, I can't drive you home today. I have an errand to run after school. Can you drop Lydia off at home today?"
Allison directed the last part at me, as we walked towards the entrance of the school, I agreed to give Lydia a lift home.
"Plus, that gives us a chance to talk. We need to talk about last night's phone call." Lydia said as she linked her arm with my own. This time it was Allison's turn to look confused.
"Her dad is an ass," was Lydia's only response.
"Charming as ever, Lydia, charming as ever." I laughed softly.