AN - This is a really short chapter -- sorry about that.
Charlie's POV
As I walked away from him, I fought the yearning to turn back and race for him. It was strange. I really wanted him to stay.
Reluctantly I walked home. My mom rushed out the door. Her hair was a mess, and her make-up was running. I assumed the worst. She caught me by the arm, and pulled me into the car. She locked the doors, and wiped her tears.
I sighed, dropping my backpack between my knees. I was getting angry now.
"Mom, turn on the car."
"Why?" She looked at me, surprised.
"We're going to turn him in."
"Charlie! That won't work."
"Yes it will!"
"Charlie…"
"I'm sick of it, mom! Why won't you do what's right and protect us?"
"You know it's not that easy."
"But it is!"
She sighed, and put her key in the car. She looked back at the house, and then me, and took the key out, dropping it back into her purse.
"I'm sorry Charlie." She got out of the car and walked back into the house without another word, and without looking back. I groaned angrily, and punched the dashboard of the car.
She'll never turn him in.
I realized that it would be up to me. I frowned, she'd walked back into his abusive clutched. Sighing, I got out of the car and walked slowly back to the house. He was waiting, to my surprise.
"Where have you been?" He asked in a soft, gentle voice.
"Uhh…" I was ready to run.
"Wait, look, I'm sorry." Here came his usual apology speech.
"Don't bother." I shoved past him. He frowned, but I knew he wouldn't do anything to me while he was sober. He only yelled at my mom when he wasn't drunk. When he was, that's when the beating started.
I locked myself in my room as he popped the top off his favorite beer. I turned on the music…loud. I didn't want to hear the screams, and locking myself in my room seemed like the best way out.