Yes, you people will finally get to see some more other-Duck action. Yes,
it does live in me...somewhere. The attention of Ducks other than Charlie
actually are in existence within my little bubble of life...Shocking, isn't
it? I remember people saying they wanted more Ducks so at least the
beginning of the chapter is gearing more around the Ducks reaction to
Charlie's return, rather than Charlie's reaction to them.
Gasp, this is shocking. Adam is showing up more and more in the fic. o.O...Only Liz would understand why this is a shocking concept. But the little guy's really growing on me. ^_^ I can hardly help it...
You should all thank Catherine The Hacky-Sack. She inspired me to write. *holds up orange, blue, green, and red colored hacky-sack for all to see* Everyone, this is Catherine. *Catherine The Hacky-Sack sits motionless* She's a little shy. I won her from Putt-Putt the other day. My friend Abby won Lorraine, and my friend Becca won Babs. Babs is Chad The Hacky-Sack's sister. Chad died. It's very tragic. Chad used to belong to Abby, but then he was brutally murdered. My friend Zane was playing hacky-sack with Chad and broke him. We all cried. But that's okay; his memory lives on through Catherine, Babs, and Lorraine. Let's have a moment of silence for Chad The Hacky-Sack...*Catherine is still motionless*
Okay, that was totally pointless, so I'm very sorry. Lol...I just had an impulse to share the story of Chad and the Hacky-Sacks with you. ^_^ I had an urge to be weird. ^_^ But Catherine, Babs, Lorraine and Chad do exist! But Chad The Hacky-Sack IS dead, so it was all a true story. Lol, but you don't care, so I shall allow you to start the REAL story...^_^
Angel Spirit- I'm glad you don't mind my continuing. ^_^ And I'm glad you enjoyed the Julie part. ^_^ And as for the last part, I would have NO objection to you writing a Charlie angst fic. *smiles* Lol...but I'll update anyway. ^_^
Nebula- Sorry to keep disappointing you...lol...I'm kinda on a slump with "One Way Ticket," and I'm dreadfully sorry...I'm just really on a roll with what I wanna do with this. It's a rare time that I actually know what I'm doing! Lol...Yeah...I guess Bombay is getting the short end of the stick; but I have a plan here. Even if it involves Charlie being a twitty little butthead. Lol...But yeah, I can understand while you feel bad for Bombay...Lol...I'm glad you liked the little Duck bit...I work in patterns...lol...make'm happy, make'm sad...lol...they are but my little puppets...lol...I'm feelin' sorry for them when they find out Charlie isn't "Charlie" anymore...and heck, I WROTE it that way! Lol...I'm glad you thought Russ tryin' to see Adam's cards was funny. Really, it makes me feel more confident...lol...I'm always scared I can't do humor or no one'll catch it...or won't think it's funny...and then I'll feel stupid. Lol...^_^ And I have noticed the story is getting kinda heavy and serious. o.O Lol...and I'm trying with the other story's update; I just really cannot make myself be satisfied with anything I write for that stupid chapter! Lol...but I'm sure something'll come to me...or I'll just post something anyway...lol...whichever comes first.
Banksiesbabe- Sorry for leaving you in suspense. ^_^
Chroni- ^_^ Thanks for reviewing, and here's your update.
Katie- I'm glad you understand where I'm coming from with this. I was afraid people wouldn't. o.O Lol...Yes, Charlie has changed quite a bit...lol...and this could very well go up to fifty chapters. In fact, I'm sure it will. It's a dang-freakin' novel! Lol....this is BY FAR the longest thing I have ever written, so I'm growing VERY emotionally attached to it. ^_^ Thanks again for reviewing! ^_~ Love ya lots!
Rachel- Heehee...Yes, where for art thou Spaghettios? Lol.I have had a very Shakespeare-filled week.We're reading Romeo and Juliet in Pre-AP English and reading Othello in Theater. Or, we STARTED Othello in Theater. But then we started watching the movie "Hamlet" with Mel Gibson, so we're gonna finish that before continuing Othello. Not that I'm complaining...Hamlet is actually relatively interesting, minus all the weird-speak that they used back then that Chelsea has difficulty understanding. ^_^ And Chelsea likes to talk in third person occasionally. *smiles and nods* It's the truth. *shakes head* Anyway...I kinda got off-topic there. ^_^ Aw, thanks so much! *hugs* I'm glad you think it's realistic. I'm really trying to think what he would do, how he would behave, etc...I have put a LOT of thought into this. Lol...and I'm also glad you approve of my keeping George in Charlie's mind. It just seems to me like that's not something that would just magically disappear. Crazy psycho or not, George was his dad and Charlie was with him for an extended period of time. Lol. Thanks so much for the review! It really made me feel good about my story; I was having doubts there for awhile.
Liz- Yes, Charlie has escaped George! Whee-hee! And I'm glad you liked the little Julie part. ^_^ I figured you would. I had so much fun writing it. It's nice to get my humor fix out of the way before it gets super-angsty again. You know what I'm talking about. ^_^ Don't ya? Yep, because you've read it all. Lol... ^_^ I'm glad you liked the rock band and Brad Pitt lines. ^_^
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- Yes, he does appreciate the new hockey stick. And I will be sure to moderate his Lord of the Rings watching habits. Lol...I guess he's not so much SCARED anymore, but he isn't exactly peppy either. Lol...and there's no shame in watching a lot of Dawson's Creek episodes...I do it obsessively quite often. ^_^ Lol...Thanks for reviewing! ^_~
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks...yet...
-Chapter 36-
Julie stood with the other Ducks as they hung out around the Eden Hall Academy courtyard. Finals were a mere two weeks away and she was ready for them. Most of the other Ducks, excluding Adam and Kenny, couldn't say that for themselves. However, their last game had already passed, so Coach was more lenient on their practices. More study time for those who were ill prepared. Not that they would use that time for studying or anything...
She watched as Portman honed in on a poor, unsuspecting female. She felt sorry for the girl. At least the guy knew better then to try her or Connie. He knew that he would be maimed and left for dead...
"Julie? Did you finish your Algebra 2 homework?" Ken Wu asked her as he walked over. Only Julie, Ken, and Adam were taking Algebra 2, so they often got together to work on it. Everyone else was taking Algebra 1. It was safe to say the three freshmen were over-achievers.
"Yeah. It was pretty tough, though. But with all the excitement about Charlie I nearly forgot. Once I got back to my dorm, I saw my backpack lying on the ground and remembered the homework. I was up until nearly two o'clock working on it." she said, glancing around for any sign of Charlie.
"No kidding. I wonder how Bombay did it, though. Charlie's dad didn't look like the type to relent easily." The Asian boy said, joining Julie in her search.
"Yeah, no kidding. He was a real prick." Julie said, folding her arms across her chest.
Her glance slowly drifted to the rest of the Ducks.
"Averman...what are you doing?" she asked with a cocked eyebrow.
"I'm being a monkey!" Averman said as he swung upside down from the tree by his legs. He was dangling freely, held up only by his legs hooked around the branch.
"You oughtta get down from there. You wouldn't want to fall down and break your neck." Goldberg said, licking his fingers as an indication that he was finished with his chocolate-donut breakfast.
"Yes, that would be a tragedy. Then who would annoy us?" Russ asked jokingly.
Averman continued being a monkey until Adam walked up to the group and rolled his eyes. "Averman, get down from there. If security caught you, they might suspend you for damaging the tree. Or they might sue you for ripping off a leaf. Or they might maim you for breaking a branch."
Averman pouted and swung himself up, grabbed the branch, and unhooked his legs, dropping down to the ground semi-gracefully.
"Heh, you would know Banksie. Have you been swinging upside down from trees lately? Is this personal experience you speak from?" Russ said jokingly, and Adam jabbed him in the side.
"Shuttup." Adam said, though he was smiling.
Fulton silenced them. "Hey guys, look." He said, pointing as a car drove up.
Everyone instantly snapped into attention as they followed Fulton's gaze.
The smile on Julie's face grew as she realized whose car it was...
Suddenly Charlie stepped out of the car, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. He said something to Bombay before the car drove off. For some reason, something seemed...different. But Julie couldn't quite put a finger on it.
He turned towards them and gave them a half smile. Julie could tell his heart wasn't in it, though she couldn't figure out why. Her smile faded slightly, but not enough for anyone to notice.
They all ran over to him, despite his lack of enthusiasm. Julie wondered if she was the only one who noticed something was wrong...
When Julie exchanged a look with Adam, she saw he had noticed the same thing she had. They shared a look that said 'we should find out what's wrong' before joining in on the festivities.
Fulton was the first to mention the sling. "Dude, what happened to your arm?" he asked, eyeing the blue sling and cast with question.
"Long story. I don't really wanna get into it right now." Charlie said with a shrug. Hopefully that would be enough.
Most shrugged it off while Julie and Adam exchanged another look.
"Well, we should probably get on to class." Charlie said, putting his non- casted hand in his pocket and glancing at the school building.
"Yeah, well it's great to have ya back, Conway." Russ sat, patting Charlie's arm before leaving for class.
Charlie nodded, resisting a flinch that threatened to occur.
Most of the others took off for class as well, each informing Charlie that they were glad he was back.
'Yeah...great to be back...' he thought unenthusiastically to himself as he trudged off to class. 'Like they really care...'
Adam and Julie sighed and parted ways, Julie taking off with Connie while Adam attempted to catch up to Charlie.
"Charlie! Wait up!" Banks called after Charlie as he moved past a fellow student.
Charlie pretended he couldn't hear him over the noise of the crowd. He wasn't in the mood to hear the profound thoughts of Adam Banks at the moment...
"Hey, wait up! I know you can hear me Charlie!" Adam said, struggling to get through a group of students standing in front of the entrance to Eden Hall. When he discovered he couldn't go THROUGH them, he decided to go AROUND them. "Charlie!"
Charlie stopped and closed his eyes, letting out a breath. Might as well. The guy was pretty persistent...
It wasn't too long before Adam had caught up. "Took you long enough...what was with the whole 'let's ignore Adam while he's trying to talk to you' thing?" Adam asked.
Charlie raised his eyebrows innocently. "I didn't hear you."
Adam cocked a skeptical eyebrow. "Yeah. I'm sure you didn't."
When Charlie gave him a shrug and ceased his protests, Adam sighed, rubbing his temples. "Sorry. I guess I was just getting-" Adam started his apology.
"Hey, sorry to cut this conversation short, but I really have to get to class. I wouldn't want to be late on my first day back...see ya around Adam." Charlie said with a dismissive shrug as he turned to walk off.
Adam stood there in slight shock. Charlie hadn't even let him finish his apology...
The blonde boy watched as his friend cut through crowds, in far too big a hurry to get to class. Why was Charlie avoiding him?
He let out a sigh and proceeded to rub his temples again. This was not what he had expected from the return of his best friend...
With a dejected frown, Adam weaved his way through the crowd, forgetting the fact that it would be hard for Charlie to avoid him when they both had the same first period class...
~~~*~~~
Charlie walked through the door to his first period class and trudged over to his seat. He sat down and unceremoniously plopped the bag onto the floor, laying his head on the desk. Why couldn't Adam just be like everyone else and leave him alone?
He let out a sigh and propped his head up on his hand, staring blankly forward.
He saw the door open and a certain tall, blonde, recently-shrugged-off boy walked in the door.
Charlie groaned, muttering obscenities under his breath as he laid his head back on the desk. He really didn't want to deal with this right now...
When he did look up, he saw Adam give him a look that said there would be some explaining to do after class; or at least as soon as Adam could back him into a corner and morph into evil-Adam-who-won't-let-you-go-until-you- explain-your-actions-to-him-in-great-detail.
That Adam was really scary...
And bordering on obsessive-compulsive...
Letting out another groan, Charlie looked up at the teacher who had just begun class. This would be a long day...
~~~*~~~
"...and your homework is to do pages 167 and 168; #1-20 evens on both. Class dismissed." The teacher said, releasing her students from the first period of the day.
Charlie quickly gathered his things and began heading for the door. He was hoping to beat Adam out of the classroom.
Almost there...so close...just a few more feet...
"Charlie."
Darn...so close...yet so far away...
Charlie stopped, pivoting on his heels to face Adam. He knew couldn't get away with it when they were a few feet away from each other. Charlie knew that Adam knew he wasn't THAT hard of hearing.
"Look, Adam. Really, as much as I would LOVE to talk, I can't. I need to get to class. So before we start any form of a lecture, I thought I might save you the breath. Maybe at lunch." Charlie said, internally wincing at his own cold tone. That had come out meaner than he had intended...
Adam furrowed his eyebrows. He was about to say something when Charlie turned back around to leave.
Adam's mouth tightened. "Charlie..." he said sternly, walking after Charlie.
However, Charlie only quickened his pace. He knew he couldn't deal with whatever Adam had to say...even Adam had his point of tolerance, and Charlie figured that might have crossed it...
He roughly bumped shoulders with someone as he jerked through the crowd.
"Watch it, Duck," came the self-righteous voice of a person Charlie had hoped never to see, or hear, again...
Charlie tightened his lips and kept going, refusing to acknowledge the condescending undertone intended in that statement.
He felt a hand grip his shoulder. Shrugging it off, he attempted to continue on his way. He had way too much pent up anger to allow himself into an argument. It might get a little messy...
"I was talking to you." the voice said, whipping Charlie around.
Charlie glowered at him, the two captains staring each other down. "What do you want Riley?"
Rick Riley smirked. "Oh, I just wanted to have a nice friendly conversation with you, Captain Duck. Is that so hard to comprehend?"
Charlie rolled his eyes, jerking his shoulder from under Riley's hand. "Yeah, it kinda is."
"Hm, I guess you're actually right this time. I don't want to attempt a nice, friendly conversation with you. I just wanted to know why you thought that I would ignore the fact you rudely bumped into me. Without even a little apology. That's very rude, you know." Riley said, the smirk fading into a glare.
Charlie glanced at the floor, not wanting to answer. He just looked up to Riley for a moment before silently walking off. He couldn't handle confrontation right now...
Despite Riley's protests, Charlie managed to slip away unharmed. Though Charlie was sure that wasn't Riley's original plan.
He quietly slipped into his next period class; for once he was relieved none of the Ducks were in it with him...
Gasp, this is shocking. Adam is showing up more and more in the fic. o.O...Only Liz would understand why this is a shocking concept. But the little guy's really growing on me. ^_^ I can hardly help it...
You should all thank Catherine The Hacky-Sack. She inspired me to write. *holds up orange, blue, green, and red colored hacky-sack for all to see* Everyone, this is Catherine. *Catherine The Hacky-Sack sits motionless* She's a little shy. I won her from Putt-Putt the other day. My friend Abby won Lorraine, and my friend Becca won Babs. Babs is Chad The Hacky-Sack's sister. Chad died. It's very tragic. Chad used to belong to Abby, but then he was brutally murdered. My friend Zane was playing hacky-sack with Chad and broke him. We all cried. But that's okay; his memory lives on through Catherine, Babs, and Lorraine. Let's have a moment of silence for Chad The Hacky-Sack...*Catherine is still motionless*
Okay, that was totally pointless, so I'm very sorry. Lol...I just had an impulse to share the story of Chad and the Hacky-Sacks with you. ^_^ I had an urge to be weird. ^_^ But Catherine, Babs, Lorraine and Chad do exist! But Chad The Hacky-Sack IS dead, so it was all a true story. Lol, but you don't care, so I shall allow you to start the REAL story...^_^
Angel Spirit- I'm glad you don't mind my continuing. ^_^ And I'm glad you enjoyed the Julie part. ^_^ And as for the last part, I would have NO objection to you writing a Charlie angst fic. *smiles* Lol...but I'll update anyway. ^_^
Nebula- Sorry to keep disappointing you...lol...I'm kinda on a slump with "One Way Ticket," and I'm dreadfully sorry...I'm just really on a roll with what I wanna do with this. It's a rare time that I actually know what I'm doing! Lol...Yeah...I guess Bombay is getting the short end of the stick; but I have a plan here. Even if it involves Charlie being a twitty little butthead. Lol...But yeah, I can understand while you feel bad for Bombay...Lol...I'm glad you liked the little Duck bit...I work in patterns...lol...make'm happy, make'm sad...lol...they are but my little puppets...lol...I'm feelin' sorry for them when they find out Charlie isn't "Charlie" anymore...and heck, I WROTE it that way! Lol...I'm glad you thought Russ tryin' to see Adam's cards was funny. Really, it makes me feel more confident...lol...I'm always scared I can't do humor or no one'll catch it...or won't think it's funny...and then I'll feel stupid. Lol...^_^ And I have noticed the story is getting kinda heavy and serious. o.O Lol...and I'm trying with the other story's update; I just really cannot make myself be satisfied with anything I write for that stupid chapter! Lol...but I'm sure something'll come to me...or I'll just post something anyway...lol...whichever comes first.
Banksiesbabe- Sorry for leaving you in suspense. ^_^
Chroni- ^_^ Thanks for reviewing, and here's your update.
Katie- I'm glad you understand where I'm coming from with this. I was afraid people wouldn't. o.O Lol...Yes, Charlie has changed quite a bit...lol...and this could very well go up to fifty chapters. In fact, I'm sure it will. It's a dang-freakin' novel! Lol....this is BY FAR the longest thing I have ever written, so I'm growing VERY emotionally attached to it. ^_^ Thanks again for reviewing! ^_~ Love ya lots!
Rachel- Heehee...Yes, where for art thou Spaghettios? Lol.I have had a very Shakespeare-filled week.We're reading Romeo and Juliet in Pre-AP English and reading Othello in Theater. Or, we STARTED Othello in Theater. But then we started watching the movie "Hamlet" with Mel Gibson, so we're gonna finish that before continuing Othello. Not that I'm complaining...Hamlet is actually relatively interesting, minus all the weird-speak that they used back then that Chelsea has difficulty understanding. ^_^ And Chelsea likes to talk in third person occasionally. *smiles and nods* It's the truth. *shakes head* Anyway...I kinda got off-topic there. ^_^ Aw, thanks so much! *hugs* I'm glad you think it's realistic. I'm really trying to think what he would do, how he would behave, etc...I have put a LOT of thought into this. Lol...and I'm also glad you approve of my keeping George in Charlie's mind. It just seems to me like that's not something that would just magically disappear. Crazy psycho or not, George was his dad and Charlie was with him for an extended period of time. Lol. Thanks so much for the review! It really made me feel good about my story; I was having doubts there for awhile.
Liz- Yes, Charlie has escaped George! Whee-hee! And I'm glad you liked the little Julie part. ^_^ I figured you would. I had so much fun writing it. It's nice to get my humor fix out of the way before it gets super-angsty again. You know what I'm talking about. ^_^ Don't ya? Yep, because you've read it all. Lol... ^_^ I'm glad you liked the rock band and Brad Pitt lines. ^_^
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- Yes, he does appreciate the new hockey stick. And I will be sure to moderate his Lord of the Rings watching habits. Lol...I guess he's not so much SCARED anymore, but he isn't exactly peppy either. Lol...and there's no shame in watching a lot of Dawson's Creek episodes...I do it obsessively quite often. ^_^ Lol...Thanks for reviewing! ^_~
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks...yet...
-Chapter 36-
Julie stood with the other Ducks as they hung out around the Eden Hall Academy courtyard. Finals were a mere two weeks away and she was ready for them. Most of the other Ducks, excluding Adam and Kenny, couldn't say that for themselves. However, their last game had already passed, so Coach was more lenient on their practices. More study time for those who were ill prepared. Not that they would use that time for studying or anything...
She watched as Portman honed in on a poor, unsuspecting female. She felt sorry for the girl. At least the guy knew better then to try her or Connie. He knew that he would be maimed and left for dead...
"Julie? Did you finish your Algebra 2 homework?" Ken Wu asked her as he walked over. Only Julie, Ken, and Adam were taking Algebra 2, so they often got together to work on it. Everyone else was taking Algebra 1. It was safe to say the three freshmen were over-achievers.
"Yeah. It was pretty tough, though. But with all the excitement about Charlie I nearly forgot. Once I got back to my dorm, I saw my backpack lying on the ground and remembered the homework. I was up until nearly two o'clock working on it." she said, glancing around for any sign of Charlie.
"No kidding. I wonder how Bombay did it, though. Charlie's dad didn't look like the type to relent easily." The Asian boy said, joining Julie in her search.
"Yeah, no kidding. He was a real prick." Julie said, folding her arms across her chest.
Her glance slowly drifted to the rest of the Ducks.
"Averman...what are you doing?" she asked with a cocked eyebrow.
"I'm being a monkey!" Averman said as he swung upside down from the tree by his legs. He was dangling freely, held up only by his legs hooked around the branch.
"You oughtta get down from there. You wouldn't want to fall down and break your neck." Goldberg said, licking his fingers as an indication that he was finished with his chocolate-donut breakfast.
"Yes, that would be a tragedy. Then who would annoy us?" Russ asked jokingly.
Averman continued being a monkey until Adam walked up to the group and rolled his eyes. "Averman, get down from there. If security caught you, they might suspend you for damaging the tree. Or they might sue you for ripping off a leaf. Or they might maim you for breaking a branch."
Averman pouted and swung himself up, grabbed the branch, and unhooked his legs, dropping down to the ground semi-gracefully.
"Heh, you would know Banksie. Have you been swinging upside down from trees lately? Is this personal experience you speak from?" Russ said jokingly, and Adam jabbed him in the side.
"Shuttup." Adam said, though he was smiling.
Fulton silenced them. "Hey guys, look." He said, pointing as a car drove up.
Everyone instantly snapped into attention as they followed Fulton's gaze.
The smile on Julie's face grew as she realized whose car it was...
Suddenly Charlie stepped out of the car, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. He said something to Bombay before the car drove off. For some reason, something seemed...different. But Julie couldn't quite put a finger on it.
He turned towards them and gave them a half smile. Julie could tell his heart wasn't in it, though she couldn't figure out why. Her smile faded slightly, but not enough for anyone to notice.
They all ran over to him, despite his lack of enthusiasm. Julie wondered if she was the only one who noticed something was wrong...
When Julie exchanged a look with Adam, she saw he had noticed the same thing she had. They shared a look that said 'we should find out what's wrong' before joining in on the festivities.
Fulton was the first to mention the sling. "Dude, what happened to your arm?" he asked, eyeing the blue sling and cast with question.
"Long story. I don't really wanna get into it right now." Charlie said with a shrug. Hopefully that would be enough.
Most shrugged it off while Julie and Adam exchanged another look.
"Well, we should probably get on to class." Charlie said, putting his non- casted hand in his pocket and glancing at the school building.
"Yeah, well it's great to have ya back, Conway." Russ sat, patting Charlie's arm before leaving for class.
Charlie nodded, resisting a flinch that threatened to occur.
Most of the others took off for class as well, each informing Charlie that they were glad he was back.
'Yeah...great to be back...' he thought unenthusiastically to himself as he trudged off to class. 'Like they really care...'
Adam and Julie sighed and parted ways, Julie taking off with Connie while Adam attempted to catch up to Charlie.
"Charlie! Wait up!" Banks called after Charlie as he moved past a fellow student.
Charlie pretended he couldn't hear him over the noise of the crowd. He wasn't in the mood to hear the profound thoughts of Adam Banks at the moment...
"Hey, wait up! I know you can hear me Charlie!" Adam said, struggling to get through a group of students standing in front of the entrance to Eden Hall. When he discovered he couldn't go THROUGH them, he decided to go AROUND them. "Charlie!"
Charlie stopped and closed his eyes, letting out a breath. Might as well. The guy was pretty persistent...
It wasn't too long before Adam had caught up. "Took you long enough...what was with the whole 'let's ignore Adam while he's trying to talk to you' thing?" Adam asked.
Charlie raised his eyebrows innocently. "I didn't hear you."
Adam cocked a skeptical eyebrow. "Yeah. I'm sure you didn't."
When Charlie gave him a shrug and ceased his protests, Adam sighed, rubbing his temples. "Sorry. I guess I was just getting-" Adam started his apology.
"Hey, sorry to cut this conversation short, but I really have to get to class. I wouldn't want to be late on my first day back...see ya around Adam." Charlie said with a dismissive shrug as he turned to walk off.
Adam stood there in slight shock. Charlie hadn't even let him finish his apology...
The blonde boy watched as his friend cut through crowds, in far too big a hurry to get to class. Why was Charlie avoiding him?
He let out a sigh and proceeded to rub his temples again. This was not what he had expected from the return of his best friend...
With a dejected frown, Adam weaved his way through the crowd, forgetting the fact that it would be hard for Charlie to avoid him when they both had the same first period class...
~~~*~~~
Charlie walked through the door to his first period class and trudged over to his seat. He sat down and unceremoniously plopped the bag onto the floor, laying his head on the desk. Why couldn't Adam just be like everyone else and leave him alone?
He let out a sigh and propped his head up on his hand, staring blankly forward.
He saw the door open and a certain tall, blonde, recently-shrugged-off boy walked in the door.
Charlie groaned, muttering obscenities under his breath as he laid his head back on the desk. He really didn't want to deal with this right now...
When he did look up, he saw Adam give him a look that said there would be some explaining to do after class; or at least as soon as Adam could back him into a corner and morph into evil-Adam-who-won't-let-you-go-until-you- explain-your-actions-to-him-in-great-detail.
That Adam was really scary...
And bordering on obsessive-compulsive...
Letting out another groan, Charlie looked up at the teacher who had just begun class. This would be a long day...
~~~*~~~
"...and your homework is to do pages 167 and 168; #1-20 evens on both. Class dismissed." The teacher said, releasing her students from the first period of the day.
Charlie quickly gathered his things and began heading for the door. He was hoping to beat Adam out of the classroom.
Almost there...so close...just a few more feet...
"Charlie."
Darn...so close...yet so far away...
Charlie stopped, pivoting on his heels to face Adam. He knew couldn't get away with it when they were a few feet away from each other. Charlie knew that Adam knew he wasn't THAT hard of hearing.
"Look, Adam. Really, as much as I would LOVE to talk, I can't. I need to get to class. So before we start any form of a lecture, I thought I might save you the breath. Maybe at lunch." Charlie said, internally wincing at his own cold tone. That had come out meaner than he had intended...
Adam furrowed his eyebrows. He was about to say something when Charlie turned back around to leave.
Adam's mouth tightened. "Charlie..." he said sternly, walking after Charlie.
However, Charlie only quickened his pace. He knew he couldn't deal with whatever Adam had to say...even Adam had his point of tolerance, and Charlie figured that might have crossed it...
He roughly bumped shoulders with someone as he jerked through the crowd.
"Watch it, Duck," came the self-righteous voice of a person Charlie had hoped never to see, or hear, again...
Charlie tightened his lips and kept going, refusing to acknowledge the condescending undertone intended in that statement.
He felt a hand grip his shoulder. Shrugging it off, he attempted to continue on his way. He had way too much pent up anger to allow himself into an argument. It might get a little messy...
"I was talking to you." the voice said, whipping Charlie around.
Charlie glowered at him, the two captains staring each other down. "What do you want Riley?"
Rick Riley smirked. "Oh, I just wanted to have a nice friendly conversation with you, Captain Duck. Is that so hard to comprehend?"
Charlie rolled his eyes, jerking his shoulder from under Riley's hand. "Yeah, it kinda is."
"Hm, I guess you're actually right this time. I don't want to attempt a nice, friendly conversation with you. I just wanted to know why you thought that I would ignore the fact you rudely bumped into me. Without even a little apology. That's very rude, you know." Riley said, the smirk fading into a glare.
Charlie glanced at the floor, not wanting to answer. He just looked up to Riley for a moment before silently walking off. He couldn't handle confrontation right now...
Despite Riley's protests, Charlie managed to slip away unharmed. Though Charlie was sure that wasn't Riley's original plan.
He quietly slipped into his next period class; for once he was relieved none of the Ducks were in it with him...
