Oh...my gosh...OH MY GOSH! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! I LOVE YOU GUYS! *hugs all
reviewers* I love you all! I don't know what I would do without you. Mostof
you have stuck with me for a long time, even throughout my long,
unnecessarily drawn-out waits for updates. ^_^ Thanks for helping me break
300! I love you all! Alot! In fact, I love you all SO MUCH, you all get
cookies! *throws bags of cookies to the flock of readers* Enjoy! Thanks
again everyone! It's you guys that keep me going! In fact, in honor of
everyone who reveiwed, this chapter is dedicated to you! All of you! Since
you all were SO SWEET in your reveiws, I decided to speed up my update and
give you a quickie! ^_~ Enjoy!
Banksiesbabe99- Lol, this is your lucky chapter! Someone is showing up! Lol...don't worry; you won't have to miss them for long! Aww, don't break your finger, silly girl! Lol...Since you're in pain, I'll forgive you. I'm just glad you took the time to review anyway!
Soph- Lol, that would not surprise me at all if my replies to your reveiws we're longer than the actual chapter...lol...I got a bit carried away. ^_^ I'm glad you like reveiwing all the chapters! Makes me happyful! Lol...aw, don't get sick, Sophie-dearest! I'll even try to get this out quick in hopes of making you feel better. Lol. *glances between George gagged and in a straightjacket in one corner and Charlie cowering in the other* Yeah, I guess it is a little dangerous...but I protect Charlie. The worst thing George can do OUTSIDE of the fic is make scary noises at him. When he DOES, I come up with some way to torture him while Charlie is constantly pampered. *pets Charlie's head* He is a very loved little Duckling. *sends Charlie Sophie's regards, and Charlie smiles* Aw, you made him happy Soph! Look! He's smiling! Anyway, YAY! You're gonna update Defiance is a Hard Game soon? WAH-HOO!!! *does happy dance* I can't wait! I can't wait! And I agree about the creepy voice thing. Lol...I felt George needed a new level of evilness added on...*glares at George and whaps him upside the head for scaring Sophie* BAD GEORGE! *George's eye twitches and he growls at Chelsea*...*mouth twitches*...*beats George upside the head again* BEHAVE! I'm sorry that he is misbehaving. He does that sometimes. *glares at George*...*clears throat and smiles sweetly* Yes, Disney is very cool! Lol...we have so many Disney movies it's not even funny. There is no shame in not wanting to grow up! ^_~ I had to write a fairy tale for my Theater Arts class, so I wrote a parody of Cinderella...lol...it was Cinderfella. My teacher liked it. She thought it was funny. ^_^ *gasp* Something NOT angtsy written by Chelsea? Say it isn't so! It is so...lol...^_^ Ooh, I gave you goosebumps? ^_^ And Charlie is thankful that you didn't give him a peice of you rmind. He agrees that the trauma he has suffered throughout this story far surpassed what was stated in his contract. But thats okay; he has recieved sufficiant love outside the story (and some in the story...kinda...lol). Hee, yes! I made a bold move and added Bombay. Woot for Chelsea! ^_^ Hehehe, you feel a Julie reapearance in your bones? *whistles innocently*...*smiles*...Aw, you're crying? Charlie thanks you for the sympathy. I'm glad you liked the voice thing. Poor Charlie is a lot different...I'm glad you liked the chapter, and thank again for reviewing!
Nikkiloola- Thanks so much! That means alot to me.
Chroni- Yes, he is dumb...but we love him anyway...Thanks again for reviewing!
Nebula- Yes, way to go Jesse! Lol...you aren't sure anymore? ^_^ Have I provoked distrust in my readers? *grins* Heehee...I'm just so unpredictable...lol...^_^ I know, I feel sorry for Charlie and I'm writing the story...lol...Thanks!
Sloane Miette- Lol, wow...beat up all the Georges? ^_^ Aww! Only four feet? How cute! Lol...I'm wondering when all the guys in my school are gonna grow...lol...we're in ninth grade and theyr're all short. Lol...oh well. I agree; the four foot eighth grade boy shall go unscathed. Lol. *looks frightned* Oh, I am so afraid of Gizmo! And I do care that you forgive me! Lol. I hate chemistry too...blech...but I had that last semester. THIS semester is physics...*sarcastically* whoo-hoo...
CF28- Thanks for reveiwing again! *smiles really big* It's good to know you're enjoying the story! *grins*
Adriana- Lol...heehee...you're funny. *eyes light up* COOKIE! COOKIE! WHEE- HEE! *frowns when cookie is taken back*...*grins even BIGGER when bag is offered* YAY! *eats cookie happily, clutching cookie bag with excitement*...*feels bad*...*gives Adriana a cookie for her trouble* There! you get a cookie for being sweet! ^_^ Yikes about the school thing...lol...^_^ Eek, that could not have been good at all. That is a nightmare; trying to pick all that up while everyone piles out for the next class. Lol...you seriously wrote "b" instead of "d" and vice versa? *cracks up* I'm sorry...lol...that's just funny. ^_^ Aw, don't hit yourself on the head! Lol...enjoy your rest!
Snorts- Thanks bunches! ^_^
Oh...My Goodness...Could It Be? COULD IT BE?! YES! IT IS! KAATTTTEEE!!!!- KATE! KATE'S BACK! KATE'S BACK! *throws a party* THE ALIENS DIDN'T TAKE HER ermm...YOU! ^_^ So nice to hear from you again! It's nice to know you're still alive...lol...I worried there for awhile. Hehe. ^_^ Wow, that's alotta stuff! Lol, I guess I can forgive you then. *smiles* Wow, finals huh? Finals are evil...and of COURSE you're studying! Lol. ^_^ I'm glad you didn't leave me a three word review...because yes...that just would be the same. ^_^ It was well worth the wait. Lol...I'm glad you enjoyed the chapters. Lol. And as for "One Way Ticket," I'm glad you liked my plot twist. *grins* Hehehe, it's Jeremy. Lol...^_^ But close enough. Hehehe, yes. Charlie is quite hot. i have to agree. XD Aw, poor Charlie is pelted enough as it is. ^_^ But he is in need of common sense. It just doesn't come easily for the boy. Hehehe, yeah. We'll just say all the payphones in Montana all shut down spontaneously...lol...Jesse is the only person with common sense in this story. Lol...he holds everyone else's common sense in brain. He stole it from them. ^_^ *giggles* The uh-muh-muh-muhms confused you? Must be a me thing. Lol. I'll try to explain...lol...it could just be my friends and I, but when someone gets in trouble, we go "Uh-muh-muh- muhm!" and so yeah. I passed it on to them...lol...that probably made NO sense, but oh well. It makes sense to me. Lol..."Men In Black" is a good movie...Thanks for the reveiw, Kate! I hope you don't get in trouble...lol... Thanks for making time for me! ^_~
Amy- Thanks so much! *blushes* You're so nice!
Katie- Yeah, I'm jealous of him getting to miss school too...lol...Hehehe, I provoked distrust in you too? ^_^ You're the second person who wouldn't put it past me to make it George's sick little test...lol. It's great. ^_^ In one of the little paragraphs surrounding Jesse actually calling, it said that he had a paper Charlie had left at his house. Charlie had Bombay's number on a peice of paper that he accidentl;y left at Jesse's when he left. I didn't go into detail on it, so don't worry. Lol...*grins* You're sweet. Thanks for the review! ^_~
Christy-Yeah. He does, doens't he? Thanks for reviewing! ^_^
Rachel- I'm glad you hate George...lol...I hate him too, just for the record. ^_^ Aw you're so nice! *hugs* Such niceness! I love working on these stories, and it's amazing to come home to find out other people like what you've written. I can hardly keep the smile off my face for the rest of the day. Thans for letting me know you like it! It always means alot to me! ^_^
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- That's okay, you're forgiven. *grins* Yuck...homework and projects...I know the feeling...I have a Pre-AP Geography project, a Geomentry project, plus homework for every other class, so I understand your dilema. ^_^ Lol, in fact, I'm supposed to be working on them...but I'm not. Lol...I'm such a rebel. ^_~ *Charlie's eyes light up when he's givent he hockey stuff* Aw, you made Charlie happy! *Charlie smiles real big* He gives you his thanks. *Charlie scurries off to sit in his corner, marveling at his present* Yes, George got busted. Had to happen some time. Lol, thanks for reviewing!
Missa- Yeah, that's true. But Charlie is kinda warped. He can't help that he's lost his common sense somewhere along the way. And that's true too, abotu Charlie being stubborn. I think you're understanding where I'm coming from. ^_^
Liz- Lol, silly Liz! Giving it away! Shh, you can't tell! Lol...^_^ I'm glad you liked the chapter! And thanks abotu the review thing! *grins* You've helped me get here! *hugs*
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 32-
Charlie followed the two men solemnly into the building. He still felt sick and now had no clue what was going on. Would his father be here? Where exactly was he?
The sight he saw was DEFINITELY unexpected.
"Charlie? Oh my gosh...Charlie." he heard a man's voice say. Wait...he knew that voice.
His head whipped up as he briefly saw a blur come at him. He automatically tensed up, protecting himself from all harm.
Suddenly, however, he felt his ribs being crushed into a hug as the shorter man finally looked at Charlie.
"Co...Co...Coach?" Charlie said in a weak voice as he felt his eyes well up with tears. He pulled the shorter man into another hug as Gordon Bombay felt a wave of relief wash over him. Charlie was still alive and breathing.
"Oh Charlie, Charlie you're okay. What happened? Are you alright?" Gordon asked once he pulled away again. He took in Charlie's broken form. He had felt the hard cast but hadn't really noticed it until now. "Wha-what happened?"
Charlie just adverted his gaze. "Um. That's not really important. What are you doing here?"
Gordon Bombay, however, did not buy into this lie. Jesse had told him all about Charlie's father and Bombay had jumped on the first plane over. He had informed Child Protective Services about Charlie and gave them his number. He stayed in a motel over night and had them call him the moment they got Charlie.
Bombay decided not to push the issue, however. For now, he would just ignore it. They would talk about it later.
"I jumped on the first plane over as soon as I found out. Charlie, why didn't you tell me?' Gordon asked, trying to mask his hurt.
"What are you talking about Coach?" Charlie said, feigning confusion as he shifted straight back into defense-mode. "Tell you what?"
Bombay was in shock. Was he really going to deny it...even now?
"Charlie...please, not now. You know what I'm talking about." The ex-peewee hockey coach said.
The two men who had brought Charlie were shaking their hands, letting out sighs.
Charlie kept his body tense, as he shook his head 'no.'
"Charlie, are you seriously telling me that you deny the fact that your father did this? Are you really going to do that?" Gordon asked with disbelief.
Charlie looked to the side, his mouth tightened and his eyes distant.
"Charlie..." Gordon said in frustration, wiping his face with his hand.
One of the men placed a hand on Gordon's shoulder giving him a look that said 'we'll work with him.'
Gordon let out a sigh as he nodded and watched the two men walk off with Charlie. Gordon felt it in the pit of his stomach. The boy was a mess; physically as well as emotionally. Gordon had never seen the boy so drained of emotion. He was usually bright and happy, spreading his opinion like a wildfire. When he wasn't happy, he at least had emotion. When he was angry, he was angry. When he was sad, he was sad. But now...now he had an almost blank, vacant look to his face. He walked with less confidence and he spoke with an almost timid quality. When his voice wasn't emotionless, it was cold or accusing.
What had that man done to Charlie?
~~~*~~~
The rest had been a blur to Charlie. Several people had tried to talk to him, but he clammed up to every one. He was getting the feeling that this may not be a test after all...but he had to be careful. He couldn't allow himself to let down his guard.
The thing with his Coach had thrown him off guard. He hadn't been expecting it at all, and he didn't know how to react. He wanted everything to just disappear. For everything to be okay.
He pretended like he didn't hear them, but he did. He heard them talk about how worried they were about him. Charlie knew it was all lies. They didn't care...Why would they care? Oh yeah, that's right. They were PAID to care...
He let out a bitter laugh. Yes, they didn't really care about him. They were only doing this so they could pick up their paycheck and claim they did their good deed for the day.
They had kept him overnight, not allowing him to go home. Not that he really cared one way or another.
Now they were having another 'private conversation' that they thought he couldn't hear. He could hear, if he wanted to...but he could really care less what they were saying.
However, he had heard something about a trial. His dad sure was thorough, if nothing else...
"Charlie?" came a voice from inside the room.
Charlie rolled his eyes and stood up, walking into the room. "Yeah?" he asked unenthusiastically.
"Sit down." One said gently. Charlie obeyed.
"Now Charlie, we need to introduce you to someone. This is Miss Jackson, your social worker. She will be with you through this case so I hope you can learn to trust her." The man said, motioning to the lady from before.
"Hello Charlie." She said, extending her hand.
He accepted it reluctantly. "Ms. Jackson." He said with a nod.
"Would you mind if I spoke with you alone?" she asked Charlie.
Charlie shrugged nonchalantly. "Whatever. Makes no difference to me."
She exchanged a concerned look with the men in the room before leading Charlie out. Ms. Jackson knew that she had to try and crack the boy out of his shell if they were going to win this. If he refused to admit that his father did this, they had no case. She couldn't stand to see a child go back into the household of an abusive parent because the child refused to admit to being brutalized.
They stopped in a private room a few halls over. She sat down in a chair and patted the seat next to her. Charlie hesitantly sat down, sitting on the edge of his seat. He was uncomfortable. He hoped this woman wouldn't make him talk. This was really starting to make him nervous. Why wouldn't they just leave him alone?
She let out a sigh and looked the boy over. She had been told he was fourteen years old and would be a hard kid to crack. She hadn't really thought he would until she saw him. His posture screamed 'stay away,' and yet he looked afraid.
"So Charlie. Why is it that you keep denying the fact that your father did this?" she asked bluntly.
He looked up from where he had been staring, taken off guard at her bluntness. He hadn't been prepared for that. He shrugged it away quickly though and regained his former posture. These people were like vultures...at any sign of weakness, they swoop in.
He refused to answer her question. Answering her question would be like admitting that he had been lying before. They were trying to play mind games on him...trying to trick him into betraying his father. Trying to get his father angry...trying to hurt him...
She let out a sigh and ran a hand through her hair. This was definitely going to be difficult. "Charlie, please. You need to talk to me about this. It's important."
He kept his tight, unreceptive posture as he stared off into space. He refused to acknowledge her presence. Maybe if he ignored her long enough, she would go away...Since when was his personal life any of her business?!
She reached out and touched his arm gently. "Charlie..."
He flinched and sat back in his seat a little farther, crossing his arms across his chest in an attempt to block himself off.
She retracted her arm and let out a dejected sigh. "Charlie, if you don't start talking to me, there's a good chance we may lose you again to your father. You need to cooperate with us if this is going to work."
Charlie's lips tightened and his eyes narrowed skeptically. "What's the point? We're just going to lose anyway." He said darkly.
Ms. Jackson took on a shocked expression. "Say what? What makes you think that? Is it something he said to you?"
Charlie shrugged, upset with himself for giving in and responding. At least these questions weren't too terribly condemning and prying. "Not necessarily. It's more of an implied thing. It's simple common sense." He said nonchalantly.
"Why do you think we are going to lose this? Charlie, if you can come forward and admit what he did, he gets thrown in jail and you're free. I can't understand why you insist on keeping this a secret when it's no longer a secret. Everyone has admitted it but you. Well, and your father. You have the bruises, a reasonably low self-confidence level in comparison to what people say it used to be, and your father supposedly has a record for abuse. Why can't you just make this simple and easy for all parties concerned and just tell us the truth." Ms. Jackson said, trying to keep her frustration hidden. Charlie was her first child abuse case and she was doing all in her power to try and understand where he was coming from and what he was thinking.
Charlie took in a sharp breath and kept silent. She didn't understand...she didn't understand that his father ALWAYS won. Always. He won last time when charges were pressed against him for the abuse of Casey Conway, and he would win this time. Charlie could never win. It would only upset the man more. This lady didn't understand that Charlie was only trying to protect the only thing he had left. His pride.
Ms. Jackson buried her face in her hands for a moment and took a calming breath. Why wasn't the kid cooperating? How come he couldn't just admit that something is wrong?
When the social worker realized Charlie wasn't going to budge, she allowed him to return to the room he was staying in. Walking into the bathroom and splashing her face with water, she stared at her reflection. What was she going to do about this? Could she really handle this kid and his case?
~~~*~~~
Nearly a week had passed when they were called to court. It was the first time Charlie would see his father since the morning before he had been taken from school. They had nearly been forced to drag him out of bed in order to make him go. It was safe to say he wasn't looking forward to it...
Charlie sat behind a bench on the left side of the room, from the judge's point of view. He was biting his lip and looking at his lap. He felt jittery and nervous; he wanted to avoid eye contact with his father at ALL costs.
He had decided he was going to try and tell the truth, and he knew that if he looked at his father there would be no way he could do it. Charlie knew a well-practiced lie would find itself sliding off of his tongue. His father would get that self-satisfied grin and all would be lost.
Gordon Bombay was sitting in a bench behind him, offering his support. The hockey coach had spent the entire week trying to reconnect with Charlie, but the boy had tightly closed himself off. He felt horrible for doing it to Bombay, but it was an almost subconscious thing. It had become ingrained in Charlie's brain that anyone could be the enemy and anyone could betray him. He couldn't allow himself to get hurt again. He remembered the last time he opened up and accepted his coach as a father figure; Bombay had left him for a job. Charlie could think of few other times he felt more betrayed. There was no way that would happen again.
The judge walked in and everybody stood up. Charlie mimicked them, numbly going through the motions. He couldn't have told anyone what was being said, because he was only half listening. He was watching his father out of the corner of his eye.
The man stood there, looking respectable and innocent. Charlie crossed his arms again and bit his lip, trying to advert his gaze. He couldn't help that his eyes were drawn to his father. He would have to find a spot on the wall if he was going to make it out of this.
Soon enough everyone around him sat down. He quickly did the same, leaning back in his chair and staring at the floor. If he could keep this up, he may just be okay...
From the other side of the room George was watching his son out of the corner of his eye. He could see the tenseness and nervous aura around his son. Charlie had his arms tightly crossed across his chest and was looking at the floor, studying it intently. George knew if he could gain eye contact when Charlie was on the stand, this case would be in the bag. He knew his son's defense had crumbled by this point and George was well aware of the fact that Charlie would realize just how stuck he was.
A hint of a smirk appeared on George's face as Charlie purposely avoided eye contact with him. This would be too easy...
Banksiesbabe99- Lol, this is your lucky chapter! Someone is showing up! Lol...don't worry; you won't have to miss them for long! Aww, don't break your finger, silly girl! Lol...Since you're in pain, I'll forgive you. I'm just glad you took the time to review anyway!
Soph- Lol, that would not surprise me at all if my replies to your reveiws we're longer than the actual chapter...lol...I got a bit carried away. ^_^ I'm glad you like reveiwing all the chapters! Makes me happyful! Lol...aw, don't get sick, Sophie-dearest! I'll even try to get this out quick in hopes of making you feel better. Lol. *glances between George gagged and in a straightjacket in one corner and Charlie cowering in the other* Yeah, I guess it is a little dangerous...but I protect Charlie. The worst thing George can do OUTSIDE of the fic is make scary noises at him. When he DOES, I come up with some way to torture him while Charlie is constantly pampered. *pets Charlie's head* He is a very loved little Duckling. *sends Charlie Sophie's regards, and Charlie smiles* Aw, you made him happy Soph! Look! He's smiling! Anyway, YAY! You're gonna update Defiance is a Hard Game soon? WAH-HOO!!! *does happy dance* I can't wait! I can't wait! And I agree about the creepy voice thing. Lol...I felt George needed a new level of evilness added on...*glares at George and whaps him upside the head for scaring Sophie* BAD GEORGE! *George's eye twitches and he growls at Chelsea*...*mouth twitches*...*beats George upside the head again* BEHAVE! I'm sorry that he is misbehaving. He does that sometimes. *glares at George*...*clears throat and smiles sweetly* Yes, Disney is very cool! Lol...we have so many Disney movies it's not even funny. There is no shame in not wanting to grow up! ^_~ I had to write a fairy tale for my Theater Arts class, so I wrote a parody of Cinderella...lol...it was Cinderfella. My teacher liked it. She thought it was funny. ^_^ *gasp* Something NOT angtsy written by Chelsea? Say it isn't so! It is so...lol...^_^ Ooh, I gave you goosebumps? ^_^ And Charlie is thankful that you didn't give him a peice of you rmind. He agrees that the trauma he has suffered throughout this story far surpassed what was stated in his contract. But thats okay; he has recieved sufficiant love outside the story (and some in the story...kinda...lol). Hee, yes! I made a bold move and added Bombay. Woot for Chelsea! ^_^ Hehehe, you feel a Julie reapearance in your bones? *whistles innocently*...*smiles*...Aw, you're crying? Charlie thanks you for the sympathy. I'm glad you liked the voice thing. Poor Charlie is a lot different...I'm glad you liked the chapter, and thank again for reviewing!
Nikkiloola- Thanks so much! That means alot to me.
Chroni- Yes, he is dumb...but we love him anyway...Thanks again for reviewing!
Nebula- Yes, way to go Jesse! Lol...you aren't sure anymore? ^_^ Have I provoked distrust in my readers? *grins* Heehee...I'm just so unpredictable...lol...^_^ I know, I feel sorry for Charlie and I'm writing the story...lol...Thanks!
Sloane Miette- Lol, wow...beat up all the Georges? ^_^ Aww! Only four feet? How cute! Lol...I'm wondering when all the guys in my school are gonna grow...lol...we're in ninth grade and theyr're all short. Lol...oh well. I agree; the four foot eighth grade boy shall go unscathed. Lol. *looks frightned* Oh, I am so afraid of Gizmo! And I do care that you forgive me! Lol. I hate chemistry too...blech...but I had that last semester. THIS semester is physics...*sarcastically* whoo-hoo...
CF28- Thanks for reveiwing again! *smiles really big* It's good to know you're enjoying the story! *grins*
Adriana- Lol...heehee...you're funny. *eyes light up* COOKIE! COOKIE! WHEE- HEE! *frowns when cookie is taken back*...*grins even BIGGER when bag is offered* YAY! *eats cookie happily, clutching cookie bag with excitement*...*feels bad*...*gives Adriana a cookie for her trouble* There! you get a cookie for being sweet! ^_^ Yikes about the school thing...lol...^_^ Eek, that could not have been good at all. That is a nightmare; trying to pick all that up while everyone piles out for the next class. Lol...you seriously wrote "b" instead of "d" and vice versa? *cracks up* I'm sorry...lol...that's just funny. ^_^ Aw, don't hit yourself on the head! Lol...enjoy your rest!
Snorts- Thanks bunches! ^_^
Oh...My Goodness...Could It Be? COULD IT BE?! YES! IT IS! KAATTTTEEE!!!!- KATE! KATE'S BACK! KATE'S BACK! *throws a party* THE ALIENS DIDN'T TAKE HER ermm...YOU! ^_^ So nice to hear from you again! It's nice to know you're still alive...lol...I worried there for awhile. Hehe. ^_^ Wow, that's alotta stuff! Lol, I guess I can forgive you then. *smiles* Wow, finals huh? Finals are evil...and of COURSE you're studying! Lol. ^_^ I'm glad you didn't leave me a three word review...because yes...that just would be the same. ^_^ It was well worth the wait. Lol...I'm glad you enjoyed the chapters. Lol. And as for "One Way Ticket," I'm glad you liked my plot twist. *grins* Hehehe, it's Jeremy. Lol...^_^ But close enough. Hehehe, yes. Charlie is quite hot. i have to agree. XD Aw, poor Charlie is pelted enough as it is. ^_^ But he is in need of common sense. It just doesn't come easily for the boy. Hehehe, yeah. We'll just say all the payphones in Montana all shut down spontaneously...lol...Jesse is the only person with common sense in this story. Lol...he holds everyone else's common sense in brain. He stole it from them. ^_^ *giggles* The uh-muh-muh-muhms confused you? Must be a me thing. Lol. I'll try to explain...lol...it could just be my friends and I, but when someone gets in trouble, we go "Uh-muh-muh- muhm!" and so yeah. I passed it on to them...lol...that probably made NO sense, but oh well. It makes sense to me. Lol..."Men In Black" is a good movie...Thanks for the reveiw, Kate! I hope you don't get in trouble...lol... Thanks for making time for me! ^_~
Amy- Thanks so much! *blushes* You're so nice!
Katie- Yeah, I'm jealous of him getting to miss school too...lol...Hehehe, I provoked distrust in you too? ^_^ You're the second person who wouldn't put it past me to make it George's sick little test...lol. It's great. ^_^ In one of the little paragraphs surrounding Jesse actually calling, it said that he had a paper Charlie had left at his house. Charlie had Bombay's number on a peice of paper that he accidentl;y left at Jesse's when he left. I didn't go into detail on it, so don't worry. Lol...*grins* You're sweet. Thanks for the review! ^_~
Christy-Yeah. He does, doens't he? Thanks for reviewing! ^_^
Rachel- I'm glad you hate George...lol...I hate him too, just for the record. ^_^ Aw you're so nice! *hugs* Such niceness! I love working on these stories, and it's amazing to come home to find out other people like what you've written. I can hardly keep the smile off my face for the rest of the day. Thans for letting me know you like it! It always means alot to me! ^_^
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- That's okay, you're forgiven. *grins* Yuck...homework and projects...I know the feeling...I have a Pre-AP Geography project, a Geomentry project, plus homework for every other class, so I understand your dilema. ^_^ Lol, in fact, I'm supposed to be working on them...but I'm not. Lol...I'm such a rebel. ^_~ *Charlie's eyes light up when he's givent he hockey stuff* Aw, you made Charlie happy! *Charlie smiles real big* He gives you his thanks. *Charlie scurries off to sit in his corner, marveling at his present* Yes, George got busted. Had to happen some time. Lol, thanks for reviewing!
Missa- Yeah, that's true. But Charlie is kinda warped. He can't help that he's lost his common sense somewhere along the way. And that's true too, abotu Charlie being stubborn. I think you're understanding where I'm coming from. ^_^
Liz- Lol, silly Liz! Giving it away! Shh, you can't tell! Lol...^_^ I'm glad you liked the chapter! And thanks abotu the review thing! *grins* You've helped me get here! *hugs*
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 32-
Charlie followed the two men solemnly into the building. He still felt sick and now had no clue what was going on. Would his father be here? Where exactly was he?
The sight he saw was DEFINITELY unexpected.
"Charlie? Oh my gosh...Charlie." he heard a man's voice say. Wait...he knew that voice.
His head whipped up as he briefly saw a blur come at him. He automatically tensed up, protecting himself from all harm.
Suddenly, however, he felt his ribs being crushed into a hug as the shorter man finally looked at Charlie.
"Co...Co...Coach?" Charlie said in a weak voice as he felt his eyes well up with tears. He pulled the shorter man into another hug as Gordon Bombay felt a wave of relief wash over him. Charlie was still alive and breathing.
"Oh Charlie, Charlie you're okay. What happened? Are you alright?" Gordon asked once he pulled away again. He took in Charlie's broken form. He had felt the hard cast but hadn't really noticed it until now. "Wha-what happened?"
Charlie just adverted his gaze. "Um. That's not really important. What are you doing here?"
Gordon Bombay, however, did not buy into this lie. Jesse had told him all about Charlie's father and Bombay had jumped on the first plane over. He had informed Child Protective Services about Charlie and gave them his number. He stayed in a motel over night and had them call him the moment they got Charlie.
Bombay decided not to push the issue, however. For now, he would just ignore it. They would talk about it later.
"I jumped on the first plane over as soon as I found out. Charlie, why didn't you tell me?' Gordon asked, trying to mask his hurt.
"What are you talking about Coach?" Charlie said, feigning confusion as he shifted straight back into defense-mode. "Tell you what?"
Bombay was in shock. Was he really going to deny it...even now?
"Charlie...please, not now. You know what I'm talking about." The ex-peewee hockey coach said.
The two men who had brought Charlie were shaking their hands, letting out sighs.
Charlie kept his body tense, as he shook his head 'no.'
"Charlie, are you seriously telling me that you deny the fact that your father did this? Are you really going to do that?" Gordon asked with disbelief.
Charlie looked to the side, his mouth tightened and his eyes distant.
"Charlie..." Gordon said in frustration, wiping his face with his hand.
One of the men placed a hand on Gordon's shoulder giving him a look that said 'we'll work with him.'
Gordon let out a sigh as he nodded and watched the two men walk off with Charlie. Gordon felt it in the pit of his stomach. The boy was a mess; physically as well as emotionally. Gordon had never seen the boy so drained of emotion. He was usually bright and happy, spreading his opinion like a wildfire. When he wasn't happy, he at least had emotion. When he was angry, he was angry. When he was sad, he was sad. But now...now he had an almost blank, vacant look to his face. He walked with less confidence and he spoke with an almost timid quality. When his voice wasn't emotionless, it was cold or accusing.
What had that man done to Charlie?
~~~*~~~
The rest had been a blur to Charlie. Several people had tried to talk to him, but he clammed up to every one. He was getting the feeling that this may not be a test after all...but he had to be careful. He couldn't allow himself to let down his guard.
The thing with his Coach had thrown him off guard. He hadn't been expecting it at all, and he didn't know how to react. He wanted everything to just disappear. For everything to be okay.
He pretended like he didn't hear them, but he did. He heard them talk about how worried they were about him. Charlie knew it was all lies. They didn't care...Why would they care? Oh yeah, that's right. They were PAID to care...
He let out a bitter laugh. Yes, they didn't really care about him. They were only doing this so they could pick up their paycheck and claim they did their good deed for the day.
They had kept him overnight, not allowing him to go home. Not that he really cared one way or another.
Now they were having another 'private conversation' that they thought he couldn't hear. He could hear, if he wanted to...but he could really care less what they were saying.
However, he had heard something about a trial. His dad sure was thorough, if nothing else...
"Charlie?" came a voice from inside the room.
Charlie rolled his eyes and stood up, walking into the room. "Yeah?" he asked unenthusiastically.
"Sit down." One said gently. Charlie obeyed.
"Now Charlie, we need to introduce you to someone. This is Miss Jackson, your social worker. She will be with you through this case so I hope you can learn to trust her." The man said, motioning to the lady from before.
"Hello Charlie." She said, extending her hand.
He accepted it reluctantly. "Ms. Jackson." He said with a nod.
"Would you mind if I spoke with you alone?" she asked Charlie.
Charlie shrugged nonchalantly. "Whatever. Makes no difference to me."
She exchanged a concerned look with the men in the room before leading Charlie out. Ms. Jackson knew that she had to try and crack the boy out of his shell if they were going to win this. If he refused to admit that his father did this, they had no case. She couldn't stand to see a child go back into the household of an abusive parent because the child refused to admit to being brutalized.
They stopped in a private room a few halls over. She sat down in a chair and patted the seat next to her. Charlie hesitantly sat down, sitting on the edge of his seat. He was uncomfortable. He hoped this woman wouldn't make him talk. This was really starting to make him nervous. Why wouldn't they just leave him alone?
She let out a sigh and looked the boy over. She had been told he was fourteen years old and would be a hard kid to crack. She hadn't really thought he would until she saw him. His posture screamed 'stay away,' and yet he looked afraid.
"So Charlie. Why is it that you keep denying the fact that your father did this?" she asked bluntly.
He looked up from where he had been staring, taken off guard at her bluntness. He hadn't been prepared for that. He shrugged it away quickly though and regained his former posture. These people were like vultures...at any sign of weakness, they swoop in.
He refused to answer her question. Answering her question would be like admitting that he had been lying before. They were trying to play mind games on him...trying to trick him into betraying his father. Trying to get his father angry...trying to hurt him...
She let out a sigh and ran a hand through her hair. This was definitely going to be difficult. "Charlie, please. You need to talk to me about this. It's important."
He kept his tight, unreceptive posture as he stared off into space. He refused to acknowledge her presence. Maybe if he ignored her long enough, she would go away...Since when was his personal life any of her business?!
She reached out and touched his arm gently. "Charlie..."
He flinched and sat back in his seat a little farther, crossing his arms across his chest in an attempt to block himself off.
She retracted her arm and let out a dejected sigh. "Charlie, if you don't start talking to me, there's a good chance we may lose you again to your father. You need to cooperate with us if this is going to work."
Charlie's lips tightened and his eyes narrowed skeptically. "What's the point? We're just going to lose anyway." He said darkly.
Ms. Jackson took on a shocked expression. "Say what? What makes you think that? Is it something he said to you?"
Charlie shrugged, upset with himself for giving in and responding. At least these questions weren't too terribly condemning and prying. "Not necessarily. It's more of an implied thing. It's simple common sense." He said nonchalantly.
"Why do you think we are going to lose this? Charlie, if you can come forward and admit what he did, he gets thrown in jail and you're free. I can't understand why you insist on keeping this a secret when it's no longer a secret. Everyone has admitted it but you. Well, and your father. You have the bruises, a reasonably low self-confidence level in comparison to what people say it used to be, and your father supposedly has a record for abuse. Why can't you just make this simple and easy for all parties concerned and just tell us the truth." Ms. Jackson said, trying to keep her frustration hidden. Charlie was her first child abuse case and she was doing all in her power to try and understand where he was coming from and what he was thinking.
Charlie took in a sharp breath and kept silent. She didn't understand...she didn't understand that his father ALWAYS won. Always. He won last time when charges were pressed against him for the abuse of Casey Conway, and he would win this time. Charlie could never win. It would only upset the man more. This lady didn't understand that Charlie was only trying to protect the only thing he had left. His pride.
Ms. Jackson buried her face in her hands for a moment and took a calming breath. Why wasn't the kid cooperating? How come he couldn't just admit that something is wrong?
When the social worker realized Charlie wasn't going to budge, she allowed him to return to the room he was staying in. Walking into the bathroom and splashing her face with water, she stared at her reflection. What was she going to do about this? Could she really handle this kid and his case?
~~~*~~~
Nearly a week had passed when they were called to court. It was the first time Charlie would see his father since the morning before he had been taken from school. They had nearly been forced to drag him out of bed in order to make him go. It was safe to say he wasn't looking forward to it...
Charlie sat behind a bench on the left side of the room, from the judge's point of view. He was biting his lip and looking at his lap. He felt jittery and nervous; he wanted to avoid eye contact with his father at ALL costs.
He had decided he was going to try and tell the truth, and he knew that if he looked at his father there would be no way he could do it. Charlie knew a well-practiced lie would find itself sliding off of his tongue. His father would get that self-satisfied grin and all would be lost.
Gordon Bombay was sitting in a bench behind him, offering his support. The hockey coach had spent the entire week trying to reconnect with Charlie, but the boy had tightly closed himself off. He felt horrible for doing it to Bombay, but it was an almost subconscious thing. It had become ingrained in Charlie's brain that anyone could be the enemy and anyone could betray him. He couldn't allow himself to get hurt again. He remembered the last time he opened up and accepted his coach as a father figure; Bombay had left him for a job. Charlie could think of few other times he felt more betrayed. There was no way that would happen again.
The judge walked in and everybody stood up. Charlie mimicked them, numbly going through the motions. He couldn't have told anyone what was being said, because he was only half listening. He was watching his father out of the corner of his eye.
The man stood there, looking respectable and innocent. Charlie crossed his arms again and bit his lip, trying to advert his gaze. He couldn't help that his eyes were drawn to his father. He would have to find a spot on the wall if he was going to make it out of this.
Soon enough everyone around him sat down. He quickly did the same, leaning back in his chair and staring at the floor. If he could keep this up, he may just be okay...
From the other side of the room George was watching his son out of the corner of his eye. He could see the tenseness and nervous aura around his son. Charlie had his arms tightly crossed across his chest and was looking at the floor, studying it intently. George knew if he could gain eye contact when Charlie was on the stand, this case would be in the bag. He knew his son's defense had crumbled by this point and George was well aware of the fact that Charlie would realize just how stuck he was.
A hint of a smirk appeared on George's face as Charlie purposely avoided eye contact with him. This would be too easy...
