TOMORROW IS THIS STORY'S 4-MONTH...ummm...birthday! ^_^ Happy 4-Month-
Birthday to you! Happy 4-Month Birthday to you! Happy 4-Month BIRTHDAY to
'The Man He Chose Not To Beeeee'! Happy 4-Month Birthday tooooo
yyyyooouuuuu!!!
Okay, I don't know if you go to jail for stealing money but hey, I don't know a lot of things. I know they couldn't prove Charlie did it but hey, work with me here...
I just saw School of Rock! IT WAS SUCH AN AAWWEESSOOMMEE MOVIE!!!! I loved it! You should ALL go see it! Now! No, wait...you can read the chapter first. Yes, read and review this chapter and THEN go see School of Rock! ^_^ It's well worth the money. ^_^
Liz- Yay! Lol, Josh Jackson rocks my Technicolor socks! Wait...I don't HAVE Technicolor socks...eh...*thinks really hard* Hmmm...this is hurting my brain...anyway...yes, Charlie's dad is a Class A psycho-jerk. And of course, the people of his new residence must be evil too. Otherwise, it would upset the balance of the Universe.
Nellie2- Oh no! Your hate for him is disappearing? That's not good...gotta remedy that...I can't say anything tragic happens in this but trust me, his time will come...I feel bad for the lack of angsty-sadism but these things take time. ^_^ I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.
Sophie- I STILL LOVE YOU! *hugs* ^_^ Yes I did! I'm so happy! *does happy dance* but you won't have to be jealous long...I know for sure yours will. You have some AWESOME fics that I ADORE!!! I'm happy at all the updates you've been doing. ^_^ I've noticed you haven't updated 'Love And Hate Are Such Close Things' again yet...but at least you updated the other. I'm just so addicted to your writing! I may need serious therapy...AND YES! I thank you for all these recruits you're bringing in! *giggles and hugs* Lol...*laughs at your description of 'saucily'* You're funny. Tee hee hee...yes, but again, he turns civil momentarily before warping into evilness again...so don't go into shock if he starts to resemble a human being...the sanity and sadism will soon return. Lol, tension with the Cake- Eaters. Yes, there will be an abundant amount of Cake-Eaters. ^_^ Lol, yes Charlie should consider investing in an iron. He should also consider counseling once WE'RE finished with him. *demonic laugh* Yay! I'm so glad your writer's block is cured! *does happy dance* YYEESS!!! I LOVE Evanescence...thus the subtle *cough* mentioning of them. Lol. I mean it, I've worn that poor CD ragged. ^_^ Aye aye! NEVER let the Charlie angst die out! We'll KEEP IT ALIVE! *places hand over chest as well* I do solemnly swear...
Chels- Lol...bad Chelsea! Lol...j/k. Lol, I used to watch that show all the time. ^_^ The Fonze WAS cool. ^_^ Lol. The preppy Cake-Eaters MAY just have to come back. ^_^ Lol, you have a good point about Charlie's jersey. ^_^ And George has the 100 dollar bill because it suited my purposes...lol. ^_^ And Important Guy is a moron. ^_^ Lol, thanks for reviewing Your Majesty. ^_^
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- Thanks for reviewing! ^_^
Sloane Miette- Lol. Evanescence is awesome. It rocks my socks. I was listening to it earlier but now I'm listening to "Concrete Angel" to get my depressing mood in order. Lol. I'm mixing in Evanescence every now and then to add to my little mind-drama. Lol. Anyway...man, that bites! Tourniquet is an awesome song...my CD is rebelling too...it won't play on my CD player so I have to play it off the computer. It's making me mad...yeah, what happened to Charlie wouldn't happen where I live either. Lol. I live in Texas. Not to say it COULDN'T happen in Texas, I'm just saying that that came from the deep recesses of mind in a flash of inspiration. ^_^ Rah for the South! Lol...I'm okay now...thanks for reviewing, chica! ^_^
Eh, Man- Hi Kate! *waves ecstatically and giggles* Nice to meet you too! Gosh, I adore Sophie! She's so nice to me! *hugs Sophie* Us Charlie-Angst- Lovin' chicas are grouping together. Wow...she said that? *is flattered* How nice of her! I don't think it is bad to put your favorite characters in desperate circumstances to bring out the best in them. ^_^ Nine, huh? Lol. YES! Of COURSE you can join our sad little, slightly non-existent Charlie drama club. ^_^ We would be honored at your presence, even if only in spirit. ^_^ The Mighty Ducks section is in desperate need of Charlie angst and we need all the help we can get so if you decide to join in on our tirade, feel free. ^_^ And as for not knowing much background info, I've seen it enough times to fill it in. And if not, then just make it up. Lol. ^_^ *is in awe at all the compliments flying at face* Wow...thanks! *blushes* Lol, and as for Charlie NOT being ugly, I TOTALLY second that! He is FAR from it...he is far into the realm of sheer hotness. Lol...I'm only mildly obsessed, really...^_^ *reads thing about George* O.o...ermmm...hehehe...lol, I'm glad I've managed to make you hate him. ^_^ That means I'm doin' my job. Lol, I'm that blatant huh? Heh...sorry if I ruined any surprises...^_^ And don't worry, you'll see what happens with Charlie and the Ducks. Oh, I WILL have fun, I assure you. ^_^ Hey, I'm ALL FOR long reviews. I relish in them. Adore them. They motivate me and give me the warm fuzzies! ^_^ People should do them far more often. ^_^ They make me grin like an idiot while reading them until I frighten the other residents of this household. It sad, really...Oh, I DO feel special. I feel VERY special. No, you haven't' bothered me at all! ^_^ I thoroughly enjoyed your review. And don't worry, it wasn't a bad review. Lol...thanks again. I hope you enjoy the chapter EVEN IF it lacks desired angst and drama. It will return, I promise...
Disclaimer- I can't believe I'm still writing this after 13 chapters...you would think everyone would get the picture after all this time...but no, I must say it again. I don't own The Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 14-
Charlie sat on a bench, closely guarded by a policeman sitting behind a counter. And to think there for a while he had liked police officers...
He had called his dad and told him to come. He hadn't had the chance to explain the situation so his dad was still confused as to why he had to pick Charlie up from the police station.
Charlie let out an exasperated sigh and leaned up against the cold wall, closing his eyes. He had been there ONE DAY and he was already in the police station...not a good start...
He opened his eyes only when he heard his father burst in.
The policeman looked up as well.
"Are you this boy's father?" the policeman, let's call him Sam, asked.
"Yes, I am. What did he do?" George asked, very confused.
"They SAID I-" Charlie started.
"You're son supposedly stole one hundred dollars from an elderly woman." Sam The Policeman replied.
"WHAT A BUNCH OF BULL!!! My DAD here GAVE it to me!" Charlie shouted, standing up.
"Sit DOWN!" Sam said, pointing angrily at Charlie.
Charlie glared and reluctantly sat down. This wasn't good. He hadn't done anything wrong and yet this was still happening to him. And WHERE ON EARTH had they gotten the idea that he had stolen the money from an old lady?!
"I asked the policeman, Charlie. Please don't interrupt him." George scolded and gave Charlie a look that said 'remember the TALK we JUST had?'.
Charlie growled under his breath and muttered something incoherent.
"Now, sir. What happened?" George asked, turning to Sam The Policeman.
"Your son was buying a CD when he handed the cashier, Bob, a 100 dollar bill. It had been announced that some unidentified teenager had stolen 100 dollars from an elderly woman. Not to mention your son doesn't look like someone who would just walk around with one hundred dollar pocket change." Sam answered.
"I resent that..." Charlie muttered bitterly under his breath.
"Oh, I gave him that one hundred dollar bill. He had needed some money for a CD and it was the first bill that came out so I figured it would work. I knew whatever I handed him could get him a CD so I didn't even bother to look. My son did no such thing." George answered evenly.
"SEE?!" Charlie exclaimed, standing up again.
"Charlie, sit down." George Conway said to his son, giving him 'the look' again.
Charlie just nodded and sat back down. His dad was his only way out of this and even though he didn't want to, he had to do whatever his father said.
"I see. So it was all just a big misunderstanding. We'll need to contact some people to explain what happened. Thank you for your time sir." Sam replied, noticing how rich the man was. Even if the kid really had done it, it appeared as if the man had enough money to hold his case in court. It also seemed plausible that one hundred dollars could be pocket change for the man. His SON however...let's just say it didn't seem so plausible to Sam the Policeman.
"Thank you. Now come on Charlie." George said, motioning to Charlie.
The boy practically jumped up. He flashed the policeman a toothy grin and followed his father out of the room. He was out scot-free!
They began their walk out of the building. Charlie waved cockily to random police officers as he left the building, grinning like an idiot.
It didn't take long for them to get home. They stepped out of the car and then Charlie realized something.
HE DIDN'T HAVE HIS CD!
"Dad! Dad! The guy took the 100 dollar bill but never gave me change or my CD!" Charlie complained frantically.
Mr. Conway raised his eyebrows. "Really? I wonder why."
"Do you think we could go get it?" Charlie pleaded. He WANTED that CD!
"Sure, it's not as if you haven't caused enough trouble for the day." George said sarcastically as he stepped BACK into the car, followed in suite by Charlie.
It took them much less time to get to the mall this time around, however. Especially considering Charlie had been on foot before and now they were in a car. How convenient...
Charlie led his father to the music store and walked up to the counter again.
"Hey, I thought they got you already." Bob thought out loud.
"They found me innocent because I DIDN'T do it. But I came back for my CD and my change." Charlie replied. George was standing back to see what the guy would do if he didn't see George was with Charlie. Just out of curiosity...
"I'm sorry, we don't break hundreds." Bob answered simply, raising his eyebrows cockily.
"Well then can I have my money back so I can go somewhere that WILL?" Charlie asked, starting to get annoyed.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, kid. Now go on. Shoo!" Bob said, 'shooing' Charlie away.
"What?! You can't do that!" Charlie protested.
"I can, and I am. Now go away, we have another customer. An IMPORTANT one." Bob said, dismissing Charlie.
"What's THAT supposed to mean?!" Charlie nearly screamed as his father walked up behind him.
"Ah, hello sir. How may I help you?" Bob said, putting on his fake smile.
"I'll break the money for the kid." George replied.
"There's no need. The kid isn't worth it." Bob The Cashier replied, shooting Charlie a disgusted look. Charlie returned the favor.
Before Charlie could retort, George cut in again. "Yes, he is. He's my son and I don't appreciate you degrading him in such a manner. I know he is a spoiled, disrespectful little brat but we can't have it all. Now I would appreciate it if you gave my son his change as well as the CD he wanted." George replied curtly.
Charlie didn't know whether to be mad at his dad for calling him a spoiled, disrespectful brat or to hug him for getting him the change and the CD back.
He would stick with a simple thank you. He didn't want his psychopathic father thinking he had any control here. Charlie could tell his dad was a control freak.
The color in Bob's face drained as he stuttered for the money and the CD, SOMEHOW finding change for a hundred this time.
"Thank you sir. It was nice doing business with you." George replied with a nod as he pocketed the change and handed the CD to his son.
Bob nodded nervously and the two Conway men left the building.
Charlie couldn't help but think how for ONCE his father was acting like a decent human being! It was nearly inconceivable!
They went the rest of the trip home with no more than an unemotional "Thank you" and an equally unemotional "You're welcome" as far as conversation goes. And they had no problem with this.
Once they arrived back at the house, er...mansion, Charlie headed straight to his room and put the newly acquired CD into his CD player. Mysteriously enough, the boxes were gone. He shrugged it off.
Just as the first song started, he fell back onto his bed. He liked the song already...
----Monday Morning----
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEE-
Smash.
Charlie pulled his hand back over to his chest and curled back into a ball, pulling the covers over his head. That alarm had been just ASKING for that...
About ten minutes later, Alyssa knocked on the door. She had been sent up to make sure he got up. According to his father, he tended to 'conveniently forget' about things like school.
"Charlie?" Alyssa called through the door. She was starting to get used to calling him by his name instead of what she thought she had been expected to call him. Then again, no one but Agatha called him "Master Charlie", "Sir", or "Mr. Conway" anymore because he gave silent death threats to anyone who dared even THINK it. And he could be one creepy kid when you made him mad. Agatha just did it out of spite.
She heard a mumbled groan and timidly opened the door.
Charlie was curled up in a tiny ball in the middle of his bed, wrapped up tightly in his covers. Then her eyes fell on the broken alarm clock...
She folded her arms and said sternly, "Charlie, why did you break the alarm clock?"
His head slowly emerged from the blankets and he stared at her blankly before giving her his answer. "It kept trying to wake me up..." His voice was still groggy from the sleep.
She rolled her eyes and dragged him out of the bed and onto the floor. "That's what alarm clocks DO Charlie...now go on and get ready for school. I refuse to get in trouble because you don't want to wake up. I expect you to be ready in fifteen minutes." Alyssa said, crossing her arms.
Charlie groaned. "And to think I thought YOU were the NICE one..."
She grinned. "Oh, but I AM the nice one. You don't want to know what Agatha would have done..." Alyssa said, referring to the oldest maid there. There were four total. Agatha was in her sixties and was often the one who punished misbehaving maids and Charlie. Well, she punished Charlie when George wasn't there to do so. Luckily Charlie had learned good and well the FIRST time.
"I guess you're right..." he muttered as he walked over to his dresser to find some clothes to change into.
Alyssa crept out of the door and closed it behind herself.
Charlie sighed and picked out his green peewee Duck jersey. Sure he had worn it a few days ago but hey, there WAS a thing called a washing machine so he figured it wouldn't matter. He also put on some jeans. He had really grown attached to the jersey over the years.
Brushing his hair and teeth, Charlie put on his backpack and roller blades and swung open his door dramatically. He skated on the hardwood floor till he got to the stairs where he tried to stop.
Keyword: Tried.
A random maid who happened to be standing there watched in horror as Charlie went toppling down the stairs, trying to remain standing and failing miserably. Sadly for Charlie, there were a lot more stairs here then where he used to live.
He landed in a heap at the bottom of the stairwell and just about everyone in the house had rushed into the room to make sure he was still alive.
"Charlie! Charlie, are you okay?" Alyssa said as she rushed into the room. Anyone in the house could have heard the scream of the maid at the top of the stairs and Charlie's loud "thump" when he finally hit the floor.
"I...think so..." Charlie muttered, not moving at all except for his hand twitching a little. That had hurt.
George was the last to arrive. "What happened here?" he asked, confused. He hadn't expected to see his son laying at the bottom of the stairs in...roller blades...
"I...fell..." Charlie muttered, trying to sit up.
"Thank you, Captain Obvious. Now tell me, WHY did you fall?" George asked his son with a stern face. Why was that his son had to be such an oblivious moron?
Charlie bit his lip. "I um, tried to roller blade down the stairs...but I couldn't stop!" Charlie pleaded, bracing himself for a lecture.
"Now tell me, does that sound very smart to you?" George asked as he folded his arms across his chest and began tapping his foot.
"...No?" Charlie answered, wincing.
"Then why did you do it?" George questioned impatiently.
Charlie was silent for a second. "Because...I don't know?" he said as he looked up hopefully.
"What have I told you time and time again about roller blading in the house?" George asked.
"Um, don't do it?" Charlie said with a half-grin.
"Bingo! Now what are you going to do?" George hinted.
"Go to school?" Charlie said, now grinning broadly.
"Yes, go to school! Good answer, Charlie. Now hurry along." George said as Charlie stood back up straight and "dusted" himself off.
"Sir, yes sir!" Charlie said, 'saluting' his father and skating out of the house.
He then skidded to a stop. He turned back and yelled.
"Hey, I have no clue where I'm going..."
His dad rolled his eyes. "I figured you didn't. I'll drive you today. Once you figure it out you can use your own means of transportation."
Charlie nods and his dad drives him to his school.
The fourteen year old stepped out of the car and into the sunlight. He stared up at the towering school and let out a sigh. So this was it. This was his new school.
This was going to be one baaad day...
Okay, I don't know if you go to jail for stealing money but hey, I don't know a lot of things. I know they couldn't prove Charlie did it but hey, work with me here...
I just saw School of Rock! IT WAS SUCH AN AAWWEESSOOMMEE MOVIE!!!! I loved it! You should ALL go see it! Now! No, wait...you can read the chapter first. Yes, read and review this chapter and THEN go see School of Rock! ^_^ It's well worth the money. ^_^
Liz- Yay! Lol, Josh Jackson rocks my Technicolor socks! Wait...I don't HAVE Technicolor socks...eh...*thinks really hard* Hmmm...this is hurting my brain...anyway...yes, Charlie's dad is a Class A psycho-jerk. And of course, the people of his new residence must be evil too. Otherwise, it would upset the balance of the Universe.
Nellie2- Oh no! Your hate for him is disappearing? That's not good...gotta remedy that...I can't say anything tragic happens in this but trust me, his time will come...I feel bad for the lack of angsty-sadism but these things take time. ^_^ I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.
Sophie- I STILL LOVE YOU! *hugs* ^_^ Yes I did! I'm so happy! *does happy dance* but you won't have to be jealous long...I know for sure yours will. You have some AWESOME fics that I ADORE!!! I'm happy at all the updates you've been doing. ^_^ I've noticed you haven't updated 'Love And Hate Are Such Close Things' again yet...but at least you updated the other. I'm just so addicted to your writing! I may need serious therapy...AND YES! I thank you for all these recruits you're bringing in! *giggles and hugs* Lol...*laughs at your description of 'saucily'* You're funny. Tee hee hee...yes, but again, he turns civil momentarily before warping into evilness again...so don't go into shock if he starts to resemble a human being...the sanity and sadism will soon return. Lol, tension with the Cake- Eaters. Yes, there will be an abundant amount of Cake-Eaters. ^_^ Lol, yes Charlie should consider investing in an iron. He should also consider counseling once WE'RE finished with him. *demonic laugh* Yay! I'm so glad your writer's block is cured! *does happy dance* YYEESS!!! I LOVE Evanescence...thus the subtle *cough* mentioning of them. Lol. I mean it, I've worn that poor CD ragged. ^_^ Aye aye! NEVER let the Charlie angst die out! We'll KEEP IT ALIVE! *places hand over chest as well* I do solemnly swear...
Chels- Lol...bad Chelsea! Lol...j/k. Lol, I used to watch that show all the time. ^_^ The Fonze WAS cool. ^_^ Lol. The preppy Cake-Eaters MAY just have to come back. ^_^ Lol, you have a good point about Charlie's jersey. ^_^ And George has the 100 dollar bill because it suited my purposes...lol. ^_^ And Important Guy is a moron. ^_^ Lol, thanks for reviewing Your Majesty. ^_^
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- Thanks for reviewing! ^_^
Sloane Miette- Lol. Evanescence is awesome. It rocks my socks. I was listening to it earlier but now I'm listening to "Concrete Angel" to get my depressing mood in order. Lol. I'm mixing in Evanescence every now and then to add to my little mind-drama. Lol. Anyway...man, that bites! Tourniquet is an awesome song...my CD is rebelling too...it won't play on my CD player so I have to play it off the computer. It's making me mad...yeah, what happened to Charlie wouldn't happen where I live either. Lol. I live in Texas. Not to say it COULDN'T happen in Texas, I'm just saying that that came from the deep recesses of mind in a flash of inspiration. ^_^ Rah for the South! Lol...I'm okay now...thanks for reviewing, chica! ^_^
Eh, Man- Hi Kate! *waves ecstatically and giggles* Nice to meet you too! Gosh, I adore Sophie! She's so nice to me! *hugs Sophie* Us Charlie-Angst- Lovin' chicas are grouping together. Wow...she said that? *is flattered* How nice of her! I don't think it is bad to put your favorite characters in desperate circumstances to bring out the best in them. ^_^ Nine, huh? Lol. YES! Of COURSE you can join our sad little, slightly non-existent Charlie drama club. ^_^ We would be honored at your presence, even if only in spirit. ^_^ The Mighty Ducks section is in desperate need of Charlie angst and we need all the help we can get so if you decide to join in on our tirade, feel free. ^_^ And as for not knowing much background info, I've seen it enough times to fill it in. And if not, then just make it up. Lol. ^_^ *is in awe at all the compliments flying at face* Wow...thanks! *blushes* Lol, and as for Charlie NOT being ugly, I TOTALLY second that! He is FAR from it...he is far into the realm of sheer hotness. Lol...I'm only mildly obsessed, really...^_^ *reads thing about George* O.o...ermmm...hehehe...lol, I'm glad I've managed to make you hate him. ^_^ That means I'm doin' my job. Lol, I'm that blatant huh? Heh...sorry if I ruined any surprises...^_^ And don't worry, you'll see what happens with Charlie and the Ducks. Oh, I WILL have fun, I assure you. ^_^ Hey, I'm ALL FOR long reviews. I relish in them. Adore them. They motivate me and give me the warm fuzzies! ^_^ People should do them far more often. ^_^ They make me grin like an idiot while reading them until I frighten the other residents of this household. It sad, really...Oh, I DO feel special. I feel VERY special. No, you haven't' bothered me at all! ^_^ I thoroughly enjoyed your review. And don't worry, it wasn't a bad review. Lol...thanks again. I hope you enjoy the chapter EVEN IF it lacks desired angst and drama. It will return, I promise...
Disclaimer- I can't believe I'm still writing this after 13 chapters...you would think everyone would get the picture after all this time...but no, I must say it again. I don't own The Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 14-
Charlie sat on a bench, closely guarded by a policeman sitting behind a counter. And to think there for a while he had liked police officers...
He had called his dad and told him to come. He hadn't had the chance to explain the situation so his dad was still confused as to why he had to pick Charlie up from the police station.
Charlie let out an exasperated sigh and leaned up against the cold wall, closing his eyes. He had been there ONE DAY and he was already in the police station...not a good start...
He opened his eyes only when he heard his father burst in.
The policeman looked up as well.
"Are you this boy's father?" the policeman, let's call him Sam, asked.
"Yes, I am. What did he do?" George asked, very confused.
"They SAID I-" Charlie started.
"You're son supposedly stole one hundred dollars from an elderly woman." Sam The Policeman replied.
"WHAT A BUNCH OF BULL!!! My DAD here GAVE it to me!" Charlie shouted, standing up.
"Sit DOWN!" Sam said, pointing angrily at Charlie.
Charlie glared and reluctantly sat down. This wasn't good. He hadn't done anything wrong and yet this was still happening to him. And WHERE ON EARTH had they gotten the idea that he had stolen the money from an old lady?!
"I asked the policeman, Charlie. Please don't interrupt him." George scolded and gave Charlie a look that said 'remember the TALK we JUST had?'.
Charlie growled under his breath and muttered something incoherent.
"Now, sir. What happened?" George asked, turning to Sam The Policeman.
"Your son was buying a CD when he handed the cashier, Bob, a 100 dollar bill. It had been announced that some unidentified teenager had stolen 100 dollars from an elderly woman. Not to mention your son doesn't look like someone who would just walk around with one hundred dollar pocket change." Sam answered.
"I resent that..." Charlie muttered bitterly under his breath.
"Oh, I gave him that one hundred dollar bill. He had needed some money for a CD and it was the first bill that came out so I figured it would work. I knew whatever I handed him could get him a CD so I didn't even bother to look. My son did no such thing." George answered evenly.
"SEE?!" Charlie exclaimed, standing up again.
"Charlie, sit down." George Conway said to his son, giving him 'the look' again.
Charlie just nodded and sat back down. His dad was his only way out of this and even though he didn't want to, he had to do whatever his father said.
"I see. So it was all just a big misunderstanding. We'll need to contact some people to explain what happened. Thank you for your time sir." Sam replied, noticing how rich the man was. Even if the kid really had done it, it appeared as if the man had enough money to hold his case in court. It also seemed plausible that one hundred dollars could be pocket change for the man. His SON however...let's just say it didn't seem so plausible to Sam the Policeman.
"Thank you. Now come on Charlie." George said, motioning to Charlie.
The boy practically jumped up. He flashed the policeman a toothy grin and followed his father out of the room. He was out scot-free!
They began their walk out of the building. Charlie waved cockily to random police officers as he left the building, grinning like an idiot.
It didn't take long for them to get home. They stepped out of the car and then Charlie realized something.
HE DIDN'T HAVE HIS CD!
"Dad! Dad! The guy took the 100 dollar bill but never gave me change or my CD!" Charlie complained frantically.
Mr. Conway raised his eyebrows. "Really? I wonder why."
"Do you think we could go get it?" Charlie pleaded. He WANTED that CD!
"Sure, it's not as if you haven't caused enough trouble for the day." George said sarcastically as he stepped BACK into the car, followed in suite by Charlie.
It took them much less time to get to the mall this time around, however. Especially considering Charlie had been on foot before and now they were in a car. How convenient...
Charlie led his father to the music store and walked up to the counter again.
"Hey, I thought they got you already." Bob thought out loud.
"They found me innocent because I DIDN'T do it. But I came back for my CD and my change." Charlie replied. George was standing back to see what the guy would do if he didn't see George was with Charlie. Just out of curiosity...
"I'm sorry, we don't break hundreds." Bob answered simply, raising his eyebrows cockily.
"Well then can I have my money back so I can go somewhere that WILL?" Charlie asked, starting to get annoyed.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, kid. Now go on. Shoo!" Bob said, 'shooing' Charlie away.
"What?! You can't do that!" Charlie protested.
"I can, and I am. Now go away, we have another customer. An IMPORTANT one." Bob said, dismissing Charlie.
"What's THAT supposed to mean?!" Charlie nearly screamed as his father walked up behind him.
"Ah, hello sir. How may I help you?" Bob said, putting on his fake smile.
"I'll break the money for the kid." George replied.
"There's no need. The kid isn't worth it." Bob The Cashier replied, shooting Charlie a disgusted look. Charlie returned the favor.
Before Charlie could retort, George cut in again. "Yes, he is. He's my son and I don't appreciate you degrading him in such a manner. I know he is a spoiled, disrespectful little brat but we can't have it all. Now I would appreciate it if you gave my son his change as well as the CD he wanted." George replied curtly.
Charlie didn't know whether to be mad at his dad for calling him a spoiled, disrespectful brat or to hug him for getting him the change and the CD back.
He would stick with a simple thank you. He didn't want his psychopathic father thinking he had any control here. Charlie could tell his dad was a control freak.
The color in Bob's face drained as he stuttered for the money and the CD, SOMEHOW finding change for a hundred this time.
"Thank you sir. It was nice doing business with you." George replied with a nod as he pocketed the change and handed the CD to his son.
Bob nodded nervously and the two Conway men left the building.
Charlie couldn't help but think how for ONCE his father was acting like a decent human being! It was nearly inconceivable!
They went the rest of the trip home with no more than an unemotional "Thank you" and an equally unemotional "You're welcome" as far as conversation goes. And they had no problem with this.
Once they arrived back at the house, er...mansion, Charlie headed straight to his room and put the newly acquired CD into his CD player. Mysteriously enough, the boxes were gone. He shrugged it off.
Just as the first song started, he fell back onto his bed. He liked the song already...
----Monday Morning----
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEE-
Smash.
Charlie pulled his hand back over to his chest and curled back into a ball, pulling the covers over his head. That alarm had been just ASKING for that...
About ten minutes later, Alyssa knocked on the door. She had been sent up to make sure he got up. According to his father, he tended to 'conveniently forget' about things like school.
"Charlie?" Alyssa called through the door. She was starting to get used to calling him by his name instead of what she thought she had been expected to call him. Then again, no one but Agatha called him "Master Charlie", "Sir", or "Mr. Conway" anymore because he gave silent death threats to anyone who dared even THINK it. And he could be one creepy kid when you made him mad. Agatha just did it out of spite.
She heard a mumbled groan and timidly opened the door.
Charlie was curled up in a tiny ball in the middle of his bed, wrapped up tightly in his covers. Then her eyes fell on the broken alarm clock...
She folded her arms and said sternly, "Charlie, why did you break the alarm clock?"
His head slowly emerged from the blankets and he stared at her blankly before giving her his answer. "It kept trying to wake me up..." His voice was still groggy from the sleep.
She rolled her eyes and dragged him out of the bed and onto the floor. "That's what alarm clocks DO Charlie...now go on and get ready for school. I refuse to get in trouble because you don't want to wake up. I expect you to be ready in fifteen minutes." Alyssa said, crossing her arms.
Charlie groaned. "And to think I thought YOU were the NICE one..."
She grinned. "Oh, but I AM the nice one. You don't want to know what Agatha would have done..." Alyssa said, referring to the oldest maid there. There were four total. Agatha was in her sixties and was often the one who punished misbehaving maids and Charlie. Well, she punished Charlie when George wasn't there to do so. Luckily Charlie had learned good and well the FIRST time.
"I guess you're right..." he muttered as he walked over to his dresser to find some clothes to change into.
Alyssa crept out of the door and closed it behind herself.
Charlie sighed and picked out his green peewee Duck jersey. Sure he had worn it a few days ago but hey, there WAS a thing called a washing machine so he figured it wouldn't matter. He also put on some jeans. He had really grown attached to the jersey over the years.
Brushing his hair and teeth, Charlie put on his backpack and roller blades and swung open his door dramatically. He skated on the hardwood floor till he got to the stairs where he tried to stop.
Keyword: Tried.
A random maid who happened to be standing there watched in horror as Charlie went toppling down the stairs, trying to remain standing and failing miserably. Sadly for Charlie, there were a lot more stairs here then where he used to live.
He landed in a heap at the bottom of the stairwell and just about everyone in the house had rushed into the room to make sure he was still alive.
"Charlie! Charlie, are you okay?" Alyssa said as she rushed into the room. Anyone in the house could have heard the scream of the maid at the top of the stairs and Charlie's loud "thump" when he finally hit the floor.
"I...think so..." Charlie muttered, not moving at all except for his hand twitching a little. That had hurt.
George was the last to arrive. "What happened here?" he asked, confused. He hadn't expected to see his son laying at the bottom of the stairs in...roller blades...
"I...fell..." Charlie muttered, trying to sit up.
"Thank you, Captain Obvious. Now tell me, WHY did you fall?" George asked his son with a stern face. Why was that his son had to be such an oblivious moron?
Charlie bit his lip. "I um, tried to roller blade down the stairs...but I couldn't stop!" Charlie pleaded, bracing himself for a lecture.
"Now tell me, does that sound very smart to you?" George asked as he folded his arms across his chest and began tapping his foot.
"...No?" Charlie answered, wincing.
"Then why did you do it?" George questioned impatiently.
Charlie was silent for a second. "Because...I don't know?" he said as he looked up hopefully.
"What have I told you time and time again about roller blading in the house?" George asked.
"Um, don't do it?" Charlie said with a half-grin.
"Bingo! Now what are you going to do?" George hinted.
"Go to school?" Charlie said, now grinning broadly.
"Yes, go to school! Good answer, Charlie. Now hurry along." George said as Charlie stood back up straight and "dusted" himself off.
"Sir, yes sir!" Charlie said, 'saluting' his father and skating out of the house.
He then skidded to a stop. He turned back and yelled.
"Hey, I have no clue where I'm going..."
His dad rolled his eyes. "I figured you didn't. I'll drive you today. Once you figure it out you can use your own means of transportation."
Charlie nods and his dad drives him to his school.
The fourteen year old stepped out of the car and into the sunlight. He stared up at the towering school and let out a sigh. So this was it. This was his new school.
This was going to be one baaad day...
