Whee! I think this chapter breaks 100,000 words! Whoo-hoop-dee-doo!
Heh, Charlie is having a wee-bit of an attitude problem, I know. But I'm hoping I can manage to explain it enough throughout the chapters. I don't know if I'm doing a good job at clueing you in on Charlie's little issues...o.O And remember, whenever it is focusing on Charlie, it's kind of from Charlie P.O.V. So what he thinks influences the way the scene is portrayed. Just thought I'd mention that. ^_^
I'm beginning to wonder if I have some disease that causes me to draw things out longer when I write them. They go by so much quicker in my brain...o.O...if only I could plant all the things that go on in my brain into the computer, the updates would be much quicker. ^_^
Nebula- Thank you for your sympathy. Catherine and I appreciate your condolences on Chad's behalf. ^_^ Yes! At least is an update. Lol...I guess I'm putting my all into this one, so it makes it difficult to focus on anything else. Lol. ^_^ I'm glad you liked the appearance of the other Ducks as well as Averman hanging from a tree. ^_^ I could see it too. Yep. All the abuse is for Charlie, I'm afraid. And I'm sad to say that Evil Incarnation Charlie is getting very comfortable right where he is. We could be here for awhile. Lol...after all, I do have to fill out my 40+ chapters worth of Charlie angst. Lol...and I'm sorry for the whole 'ignoring Adam' bit. I figured you were an Adam fan. I know Adam was trying to help (because well, I wrote it ^_^) but you see, Charlie doesn't see things our way. ^_^ Lol...but I'm trying to stay true to my story. It makes me sad to write out scenes where Charlie is being stubborn. It takes me awhile, but I gotta stick to my plan. ^_^ It's hard for me to get the story across the way it is in my head. Hehehe, I guess Charlie comes across a lot worse on the computer screen then he does in my head. ^_^ Maybe it's because I am making him act the way I think he would feel, and I'm slightly biased. ^_^ It's also good to here that I still managed to surprise you. ^_^ I'm proud of myself; a Riley encounter with NO BLOOD! Shocking, I know. ^_^ I'm happy that you liked the update, and I hope you like this one too. And try not to hate Charlie too much. ^_^
Rachel- Oh, I so know the feeling...I'll have this big ol' long review ready and then POOF! It deletes in some way shape or form...I hate it. Lol...Only I rant about it for about a page-length in the review in order to cool myself down...lol...And thank you so much for the support. I'm a wee-bit insecure. ^_^ It really means a lot to me that you guys like it, and that you don't doubt my story. And I'll try not to doubt it myself. *hugs* Besides, I wouldn't want my butt kicked. ^_^ Plane tickets are rather expensive...lol...^_^ I'm glad you could relate to that little part of the story. ^_^ Yay for the movin'-abroad-teacher! Lol. ^_^ Or would it be teacher-movin'-abroad? o.O...meh, I don't wanna think about it. Lol...^_^ Again, thanks for your support! You're just SOO nice! *hugs again* You flatter me. ^_^
Banksiesbabe99- Lol...yes, you sound quite posh. ^_^ Lol...I'm so happy you like the Charlie/Adam tension! Makes me happy. ^_^ It pleases me that you liked the chapter. *smiles real big for effect* I hope you like the chapter!
Angel Spirit- Yes, Charlie is by far my favorite too...but Adam is growing on me...It's quite scary, actually. ^_^ Lol...I tend to have mixed feelings. I get a little schizo from time to time. I'll be like "Ooh, Adam's cool!" then I'll turn around and say "No! Adam's not cool!" It just depends on the mood I'm in. ^_^ I guess I get a little depressed when I realize there may never be as many Charlie fics as there are for Adam. *nods* It's very tragic. Lol...But enough of that. Ooh! I made you day/week? That gives me the warm fuzzies! *smiles* And I agree about there needing to be more stories. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing! ^_^
Allie- Aw, you're not mean. *pats head* But thank you for reviewing! ^_^ YES! *holds fist up in the air* RAH FOR THE CHARLIE/JULIE REVOLUTION! I agree...we must be rid of the A/J tyranny...lol...Rah for the C/J goodness! Lol. ^_^ We do need more Charlie/Julie...and it is possible that you are sensing some C/J goodness on the horizon...perhaps. ^_^ Thanks again, Al!
Liz- Lol, yes. You don't like Averman much, do ya? I'm glad you liked the tree part, though. Lol...thanks for the review. ^_~
Nikkiloola- Yep, Charlie is cutting everyone out of his life, and Julie does wanna help. Lol, but he is dense. He doesn't understand this. I'm glad you like the story. And as for him continuing to cut the Ducks out of his life, you'll just have to read and see. I have a plan, and everything happens for a reason. Lol...so I just ask that you stick with me. ^_^ Things'll get better.
Chroni- I'm glad you liked the arrival of Adam. ^_^
Hockey_Luvva- Wow, thanks! ^_^ *blushes* I'm honored that you pay to read this! Lol...Thanks for giving me your feedback; I always wanna know what everything thinks of it. ^_^
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- Lol...pep pills, you say? That could work. Hey Charlie-dear, want some pep pills and coffee? *Charlie cocks an eyebrow* It'll make you happy! *Charlie looks at pep pills and coffee skeptically* C'mon, you know you want too! *Charlie sets down Pretty New Hockey Stick Given To Him Earlier and downs the pills and coffee* There! *Charlie nearly chokes and spits out coffee; it was too hot* Now, now! You're not supposed to try and drink hot coffee at once, you silly boy! *sighs*...What am I going to do with him? Anyway...thanks for reviewing! ^_^
Katie- Lol, yes...Poor confused little Charlie. I know how ya feel. ^_^ I just wanna hug him and never let'm go, too! I'm really honored that you like this story so much; it really means a lot to me! *hugs* Thanks!
Disclaimer- I do not own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 37-
Yet another class period droned on for Charlie Conway. He found that he was drastically behind in all of his classes, because he hadn't truly paid attention in quite some time. He had missed several days of school, too. The boy was beginning to wonder how he was ever going to pass his finals...
Grabbing his backpack, he walked out the door, not at all eager to get to lunch. He had a distinct feeling that Adam would feel some impulse to come and finish the two attempted conversations they had already had. If he had wanted to talk to Charlie so bad, maybe he could have called when Charlie really cared...
He roughly opened the door, unintentionally working himself into another dark mood. Why hadn't they called him, if they really cared? They were such hypocrites...all of them...
He paused at the entrance of the cafeteria. He knew he would be expected to sit with the Ducks...it's just who he was. It was his existence at this stupid school. But then he would be forced to talk to Adam. Adam would probably rant at him for a while, trying to pry any little details from his cold, dead fingers if he had to.
Charlie sighed. He somewhat missed not having anyone to pry into his problems. When he had no friends, he wanted friends. Now that he had them back, they insisted on knowing what was wrong. It figures. It really figures...
Deciding he would go ahead and sit with them, he fully entered the cafeteria. Maybe Adam had forgotten...
Yeah, right.
He made his way over to the table and sat down. Dwayne, Guy, and Ken were already sitting down. They each greeted him briefly before continuing with their lunches.
He propped his head up with one arm and stared off into space. It wouldn't be long...
"Hey Charlie, where's your lunch?" Fulton asked, sitting next to the forlorn boy.
"Not hungry." Charlie replied simply, his expression keeping its emotionless-ness.
"You sure?" Fulton asked with raised eyebrows.
Charlie nodded absently.
Fulton shrugged. "Suit yourself." He said as he began eating.
The rest of the Ducks soon joined them. Luckily for Charlie, Julie occupied the seat on Charlie's other side, so Adam had to sit a few seats down. Frustrated Adam; made Charlie much happier.
Well, as happy as Charlie could be in his current angry, depressed, and spacey little mood.
Julie kept sending Charlie curious glances. She could see Adam sending him funny looks throughout lunch. She decided not to ask because Charlie was persistently ignoring everything anyone said to him...it was beginning to worry her.
About ten minutes before lunch was supposed to end, Charlie got up without saying anything. The Ducks were all giving him confused glances as he weaved his way around the student body of Eden Hall.
Adam was about to stand up and go after him, but Fulton put a hand on his shoulder, keeping the boy in his seat. Fulton shook his head 'no,' telling Adam that it wasn't the time.
Adam nodded reluctantly and watched his friend disappear into the halls.
~~~*~~~
Charlie shoved past a group of students roughly, not paying attention to where he was going. He blinked his eyes closed a few times, swinging open the door to the guy's bathroom and leaned up against the door. Luckily no one was in there.
He closed his eyes and stood there for a moment. He then opened them again, taking in another shaky breath as he walked over to the farthest stall, locking it behind him. He sat up against the cold tile wall and pulled his knees to his chest tentatively.
Still breathing choppily, he rested his chin on his knees and closed his eyes.
He had felt suffocated, sitting at the table with everyone. Just listening to them talk around him, oblivious to his little world was a blessing and a curse. It was good because they didn't worry, but it was bad because they didn't worry. He wasn't sure what to do. He could never tell them...He couldn't allow himself to feel that exposed...even to the Ducks. Not even the Ducks.
It was beginning to scare him...the fact that he felt so detached from those who knew him best...or, USED to know him best...his closest friends had become strangers within months.
His eyes misted over slightly as he clenched them closed tighter. Not one of them truly cared. Not one. Not a single Duck called him up over the months. He had called them, but they had never taken the initiative. Maybe they didn't even want him there...Maybe they didn't care...
A shaky breath escaped as he tensed his muscles, biting his lip again. His gaze drifted to the floor as he blanked out his mind and rested his chin gently on his knees again, staring off into to space.
He listened as a flood of people walked into the bathroom, signifying the end of lunch. Several people had banged on his door, but eventually left when there was no response.
Soon enough everyone was gone again.
He listened numbly as the door opened again. He heard a few guys scuffle around and Charlie heard a flick, signifying a lighter. He heard a few sharp inhales and hurried whispers.
Charlie blinked in an unresponsive way, tuning out the surrounding world.
It wasn't long before the smoke from the guys' cigarettes set off the fire alarm. Charlie heard the guy's scuffle out of the bathroom hurriedly. Charlie absently glanced over his head at the blinking, blaring alarm before resting his head back on his knees. He wasn't ready to get up just yet.
~~~*~~~
Julie looked up frantically at the fire alarm. The teacher looked equally as startled. They hadn't been informed of a fire drill...
"Children! Children get in a line! Don't talk, just move!" the teacher ordered, trying to keep the panic out of her voice.
Everyone obeyed and lined up, walking out into the filling halls. Everyone filed outside as the firemen drove up, dashing into the building to check for the fire.
Most of the Ducks were all standing around in their respective lines, talking.
"I didn't know there was going to be a drill..." Guy said, glancing at the giant building.
"Maybe it's not a drill..." Connie said, a hint of fright in her voice as she looked warily at Eden Hall Academy.
"I'm sure it is...they probably didn't tell us so that we wouldn't blow it off. Or maybe someone in Culinary Arts burned food or something...I'm sure it's no big deal." Adam said, reassuring himself as well as everyone else.
Connie nodded, but still leaned into Guy's chest.
Fulton looked around. "Hey guys...have you seen Charlie?" he asked, looking around for their M.I.A. captain.
"No...he wasn't in class." Russ said from behind Julie. Julie nodded, confirming Russ's statement.
"What if he's still in there?" Julie asked, unable to keep the worry out of her voice.
"I'm sure he's fine. He probably just got mixed up with another class or something. I'm sure he's fine." Adam said, trying to be positive. He didn't want to think of anything happening to Charlie...Even if the guy was being a stubborn dork, that didn't mean he wasn't still Adam's best friend.
Julie watched as the firemen continued their search in the building. She hoped Charlie was okay...
~~~*~~~
Charlie heard the door fling open again as a few very hustled voices filled the room, their owners swinging open stalls. He kept staring forward, assuming the 'drill' was over. So much for the peace and quiet...he hadn't had much quiet since he had gotten in there...maybe the janitor's closet would have been the smarter idea after all...
Soon enough, his door was being shaken. He heard a few adult male voices talking, but the words weren't processing in his brain. It all sounded like a low hum. He may have been in the room physically, but his mind was elsewhere.
He felt the door rattle open as the face of a fireman appeared in the doorway, decked out in all the equipment. The fireman took him by the arm and pulled him up. That fireman took Charlie while the other observed the bathroom, deciding that this was the source of the alarm. He saw an abandoned cigarette lying in the sink.
~~~*~~~
The students had all been sent back to class and Charlie had been taken to the office. The fireman had told about the cigarette in the sink and that Charlie had been in the bathroom when they had gotten there.
They had sat Charlie outside the room as they talked. He had his arms crossed across his chest, waiting for them to come get him.
~~~*~~~
"We found this in the sink." One fireman said as he held up the used cigarette. They had stayed because they needed to discuss the possible cause of the alarm.
Dean Buckley took the offending object and looked at it. "And you think Charlie Conway may have been the reason for the setting off of the alarm?" the aging man asked.
"We don't know for sure. We don't want to jump to any conclusions, but he was in there when it would have happened. We have no other ideas." The fireman said.
The dean nodded. "That's true. We called up his legal guardian, Gordon Bombay, to come pick him up. We can have a meeting with them both and try to figure this out."
They called Charlie into the room. The boy still had a sullen face and had his arms crossed in a defensive way. He sat down in the chair, staring off into space. He hadn't even done anything wrong...well, okay...he HAD been skipping...but STILL! That was it!
He sat there and waited for them to say something when Gordon Bombay walked into the room. He was still dressed in his suit from work. He had gotten another job as a lawyer when he moved permanently back to Minnesota.
"You called?" Bombay asked.
"Come with us." Dean Buckley said.
Gordon Bombay gave them a questioning glance when they motioned for him to follow them into the private office. Charlie watched as the adults disappeared into the room again.
~~~*~~~
"What's going on here?" Gordon Bombay asked the dean and firemen.
"We had and unexpected fire drill today. We don't have solid proof and we don't want to jump to any conclusions, but there is a possibility that Charlie might have had something to do with it." Dean Buckley explained.
"Charlie?" Bombay clarified with confusion.
"Yes. After lunch, it was recorded that he didn't show up for class. Later into the class period, a fire alarm went off. When the firemen searched the building, they found Charlie in one of the bathrooms..." The man explained. "...with this." The dean of the school held up the cigarette.
Before Gordon had a chance to say anything, Dean Buckley continued. "Now, we don't have any proof that it was necessarily him, but we thought you might want to know...just in case."
Bombay was in shock. "Surely it couldn't have been him..." he said, almost to himself.
"I was informed that he has gone through some rough months lately. It is possible, if it was even him, that he didn't think it could hurt to try. More and more children are getting into this stuff. We were thinking you should talk to him about it." One of the firemen said.
Gordon nodded. "I will. Would you like me to take him home now, or were you going to ask him questions?' the man asked, letting out a sigh. He couldn't believe Charlie was being so irresponsible!
"We'll probably get his side of the story, and then you may take him home. Feel free to relax. You might need it." Dean Buckley said as Gordon left the room, sending in Charlie.
Charlie sat down warily in the hard seat. He wasn't sure what they had been talking about.
"So Charlie..." a fireman started. "...does this look familiar?' he asked, holding up the offending drug-in-question.
Charlie shook his head no.
"I see. What were you doing in the bathroom, and why didn't you leave when the fire alarm sounded?" the fireman continued.
Charlie shrugged.
"Charlie, you are going to have to be more specific than a simple shrug." Dean Buckley said.
"Were you smoking this?" one of the firemen asked.
"No." Charlie said, leaning back in his chair. He crossed his arms, but was wary of his casted arm.
"Then how did the fire alarm go off?"
"Well, obviously SOMEONE was." Charlie snapped. "I didn't see who though."
"What were you doing in the bathroom during class?" the dean asked, choosing to ignore the first comment.
"I was having a bad day..." he replied softly, still avoiding eye contact.
"So you were hanging out in the bathroom when SOMEONE sets of the alarm, but you don't know who?" a fireman asked.
"I didn't do it, if that's what you're trying to say." Charlie said hotly.
"We're not trying to wrongly accuse you of anything. I'm just saying there are a lot of gray areas here. Mr. Bombay is waiting outside the door, so you can go home for the day. He has your work for the rest of the day, and we expect you back in the morning. Now go on, Mr. Conway." Dean Buckley said, shooing the fourteen-year-old out the door.
Charlie pursed his lips and left the room. He found his old coach, and they left the building to get into the car.
Charlie climbed into the passenger seat as Gordon Bombay started the engine.
The beginning of the car ride was silent and uneventful, but then Bombay could hardly take it anymore.
"What happened back there?" he asked, trying not to sound accusing. He still didn't know whether Charlie had done it or not.
Charlie tightened his lips and continued staring out the window. "Nothing." He said curtly.
"Really? Nothing?" Gordon asked, keeping his eyes on the road.
"Yes. Nothing." Charlie replied blankly.
"Because that wasn't what Dean Buckley was saying. Charlie, what were you thinking?" Gordon asked.
"What was *I* thinking? What was I thinking?! Don't tell me you believe them! It figures...it really does! Of COURSE you believe them." Charlie said bitterly as they drove into the apartment parking spot.
As soon as the car pulled to a complete stop, Charlie unbuckled his seatbelt and swung the door open roughly, slamming it behind him.
"Charlie..." Gordon said, pulling the key out of the ignition, unbuckling himself, and going after Charlie. "Charlie, wait!"
When Charlie was a few feet away from the door, he turned around. "You know what? I don't even care what you think right now. Go on! Believe them if you want to. It's not like it matters anyway." Charlie said with crossed arms and diverted eyes.
"Charlie, but I don't-" Gordon started.
"Just forget it..." Charlie said bitterly as he walked the rest of the way to the door and pulled out his key, walking into the apartment.
Gordon let out a sigh as he closed the front door behind himself. He heard Charlie's bedroom door slam shut.
The man collapsed on the couch and stared at the ceiling. This wasn't how it was supposed to be...
~~~*~~~
Charlie fell back on to his bed and pulled the pillow to his chest, burying his face into its soft fabric. Of course Coach believed them...of course he didn't believe Charlie...no one bothers to listen to Charlie...
He let out a depressed sigh and let his gaze drift to a picture sitting on his nightstand. The one of his mother...
He tentatively reached out and picked it up, pulling it over to himself.
The boy could feel tears pool in his blue eyes again, but he furiously wiped them away. Why did his mother have to die?
Pulling the picture to his chest protectively, he curled up into a ball.
He couldn't do this by himself...he needed his mother...
Heh, Charlie is having a wee-bit of an attitude problem, I know. But I'm hoping I can manage to explain it enough throughout the chapters. I don't know if I'm doing a good job at clueing you in on Charlie's little issues...o.O And remember, whenever it is focusing on Charlie, it's kind of from Charlie P.O.V. So what he thinks influences the way the scene is portrayed. Just thought I'd mention that. ^_^
I'm beginning to wonder if I have some disease that causes me to draw things out longer when I write them. They go by so much quicker in my brain...o.O...if only I could plant all the things that go on in my brain into the computer, the updates would be much quicker. ^_^
Nebula- Thank you for your sympathy. Catherine and I appreciate your condolences on Chad's behalf. ^_^ Yes! At least is an update. Lol...I guess I'm putting my all into this one, so it makes it difficult to focus on anything else. Lol. ^_^ I'm glad you liked the appearance of the other Ducks as well as Averman hanging from a tree. ^_^ I could see it too. Yep. All the abuse is for Charlie, I'm afraid. And I'm sad to say that Evil Incarnation Charlie is getting very comfortable right where he is. We could be here for awhile. Lol...after all, I do have to fill out my 40+ chapters worth of Charlie angst. Lol...and I'm sorry for the whole 'ignoring Adam' bit. I figured you were an Adam fan. I know Adam was trying to help (because well, I wrote it ^_^) but you see, Charlie doesn't see things our way. ^_^ Lol...but I'm trying to stay true to my story. It makes me sad to write out scenes where Charlie is being stubborn. It takes me awhile, but I gotta stick to my plan. ^_^ It's hard for me to get the story across the way it is in my head. Hehehe, I guess Charlie comes across a lot worse on the computer screen then he does in my head. ^_^ Maybe it's because I am making him act the way I think he would feel, and I'm slightly biased. ^_^ It's also good to here that I still managed to surprise you. ^_^ I'm proud of myself; a Riley encounter with NO BLOOD! Shocking, I know. ^_^ I'm happy that you liked the update, and I hope you like this one too. And try not to hate Charlie too much. ^_^
Rachel- Oh, I so know the feeling...I'll have this big ol' long review ready and then POOF! It deletes in some way shape or form...I hate it. Lol...Only I rant about it for about a page-length in the review in order to cool myself down...lol...And thank you so much for the support. I'm a wee-bit insecure. ^_^ It really means a lot to me that you guys like it, and that you don't doubt my story. And I'll try not to doubt it myself. *hugs* Besides, I wouldn't want my butt kicked. ^_^ Plane tickets are rather expensive...lol...^_^ I'm glad you could relate to that little part of the story. ^_^ Yay for the movin'-abroad-teacher! Lol. ^_^ Or would it be teacher-movin'-abroad? o.O...meh, I don't wanna think about it. Lol...^_^ Again, thanks for your support! You're just SOO nice! *hugs again* You flatter me. ^_^
Banksiesbabe99- Lol...yes, you sound quite posh. ^_^ Lol...I'm so happy you like the Charlie/Adam tension! Makes me happy. ^_^ It pleases me that you liked the chapter. *smiles real big for effect* I hope you like the chapter!
Angel Spirit- Yes, Charlie is by far my favorite too...but Adam is growing on me...It's quite scary, actually. ^_^ Lol...I tend to have mixed feelings. I get a little schizo from time to time. I'll be like "Ooh, Adam's cool!" then I'll turn around and say "No! Adam's not cool!" It just depends on the mood I'm in. ^_^ I guess I get a little depressed when I realize there may never be as many Charlie fics as there are for Adam. *nods* It's very tragic. Lol...But enough of that. Ooh! I made you day/week? That gives me the warm fuzzies! *smiles* And I agree about there needing to be more stories. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing! ^_^
Allie- Aw, you're not mean. *pats head* But thank you for reviewing! ^_^ YES! *holds fist up in the air* RAH FOR THE CHARLIE/JULIE REVOLUTION! I agree...we must be rid of the A/J tyranny...lol...Rah for the C/J goodness! Lol. ^_^ We do need more Charlie/Julie...and it is possible that you are sensing some C/J goodness on the horizon...perhaps. ^_^ Thanks again, Al!
Liz- Lol, yes. You don't like Averman much, do ya? I'm glad you liked the tree part, though. Lol...thanks for the review. ^_~
Nikkiloola- Yep, Charlie is cutting everyone out of his life, and Julie does wanna help. Lol, but he is dense. He doesn't understand this. I'm glad you like the story. And as for him continuing to cut the Ducks out of his life, you'll just have to read and see. I have a plan, and everything happens for a reason. Lol...so I just ask that you stick with me. ^_^ Things'll get better.
Chroni- I'm glad you liked the arrival of Adam. ^_^
Hockey_Luvva- Wow, thanks! ^_^ *blushes* I'm honored that you pay to read this! Lol...Thanks for giving me your feedback; I always wanna know what everything thinks of it. ^_^
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- Lol...pep pills, you say? That could work. Hey Charlie-dear, want some pep pills and coffee? *Charlie cocks an eyebrow* It'll make you happy! *Charlie looks at pep pills and coffee skeptically* C'mon, you know you want too! *Charlie sets down Pretty New Hockey Stick Given To Him Earlier and downs the pills and coffee* There! *Charlie nearly chokes and spits out coffee; it was too hot* Now, now! You're not supposed to try and drink hot coffee at once, you silly boy! *sighs*...What am I going to do with him? Anyway...thanks for reviewing! ^_^
Katie- Lol, yes...Poor confused little Charlie. I know how ya feel. ^_^ I just wanna hug him and never let'm go, too! I'm really honored that you like this story so much; it really means a lot to me! *hugs* Thanks!
Disclaimer- I do not own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 37-
Yet another class period droned on for Charlie Conway. He found that he was drastically behind in all of his classes, because he hadn't truly paid attention in quite some time. He had missed several days of school, too. The boy was beginning to wonder how he was ever going to pass his finals...
Grabbing his backpack, he walked out the door, not at all eager to get to lunch. He had a distinct feeling that Adam would feel some impulse to come and finish the two attempted conversations they had already had. If he had wanted to talk to Charlie so bad, maybe he could have called when Charlie really cared...
He roughly opened the door, unintentionally working himself into another dark mood. Why hadn't they called him, if they really cared? They were such hypocrites...all of them...
He paused at the entrance of the cafeteria. He knew he would be expected to sit with the Ducks...it's just who he was. It was his existence at this stupid school. But then he would be forced to talk to Adam. Adam would probably rant at him for a while, trying to pry any little details from his cold, dead fingers if he had to.
Charlie sighed. He somewhat missed not having anyone to pry into his problems. When he had no friends, he wanted friends. Now that he had them back, they insisted on knowing what was wrong. It figures. It really figures...
Deciding he would go ahead and sit with them, he fully entered the cafeteria. Maybe Adam had forgotten...
Yeah, right.
He made his way over to the table and sat down. Dwayne, Guy, and Ken were already sitting down. They each greeted him briefly before continuing with their lunches.
He propped his head up with one arm and stared off into space. It wouldn't be long...
"Hey Charlie, where's your lunch?" Fulton asked, sitting next to the forlorn boy.
"Not hungry." Charlie replied simply, his expression keeping its emotionless-ness.
"You sure?" Fulton asked with raised eyebrows.
Charlie nodded absently.
Fulton shrugged. "Suit yourself." He said as he began eating.
The rest of the Ducks soon joined them. Luckily for Charlie, Julie occupied the seat on Charlie's other side, so Adam had to sit a few seats down. Frustrated Adam; made Charlie much happier.
Well, as happy as Charlie could be in his current angry, depressed, and spacey little mood.
Julie kept sending Charlie curious glances. She could see Adam sending him funny looks throughout lunch. She decided not to ask because Charlie was persistently ignoring everything anyone said to him...it was beginning to worry her.
About ten minutes before lunch was supposed to end, Charlie got up without saying anything. The Ducks were all giving him confused glances as he weaved his way around the student body of Eden Hall.
Adam was about to stand up and go after him, but Fulton put a hand on his shoulder, keeping the boy in his seat. Fulton shook his head 'no,' telling Adam that it wasn't the time.
Adam nodded reluctantly and watched his friend disappear into the halls.
~~~*~~~
Charlie shoved past a group of students roughly, not paying attention to where he was going. He blinked his eyes closed a few times, swinging open the door to the guy's bathroom and leaned up against the door. Luckily no one was in there.
He closed his eyes and stood there for a moment. He then opened them again, taking in another shaky breath as he walked over to the farthest stall, locking it behind him. He sat up against the cold tile wall and pulled his knees to his chest tentatively.
Still breathing choppily, he rested his chin on his knees and closed his eyes.
He had felt suffocated, sitting at the table with everyone. Just listening to them talk around him, oblivious to his little world was a blessing and a curse. It was good because they didn't worry, but it was bad because they didn't worry. He wasn't sure what to do. He could never tell them...He couldn't allow himself to feel that exposed...even to the Ducks. Not even the Ducks.
It was beginning to scare him...the fact that he felt so detached from those who knew him best...or, USED to know him best...his closest friends had become strangers within months.
His eyes misted over slightly as he clenched them closed tighter. Not one of them truly cared. Not one. Not a single Duck called him up over the months. He had called them, but they had never taken the initiative. Maybe they didn't even want him there...Maybe they didn't care...
A shaky breath escaped as he tensed his muscles, biting his lip again. His gaze drifted to the floor as he blanked out his mind and rested his chin gently on his knees again, staring off into to space.
He listened as a flood of people walked into the bathroom, signifying the end of lunch. Several people had banged on his door, but eventually left when there was no response.
Soon enough everyone was gone again.
He listened numbly as the door opened again. He heard a few guys scuffle around and Charlie heard a flick, signifying a lighter. He heard a few sharp inhales and hurried whispers.
Charlie blinked in an unresponsive way, tuning out the surrounding world.
It wasn't long before the smoke from the guys' cigarettes set off the fire alarm. Charlie heard the guy's scuffle out of the bathroom hurriedly. Charlie absently glanced over his head at the blinking, blaring alarm before resting his head back on his knees. He wasn't ready to get up just yet.
~~~*~~~
Julie looked up frantically at the fire alarm. The teacher looked equally as startled. They hadn't been informed of a fire drill...
"Children! Children get in a line! Don't talk, just move!" the teacher ordered, trying to keep the panic out of her voice.
Everyone obeyed and lined up, walking out into the filling halls. Everyone filed outside as the firemen drove up, dashing into the building to check for the fire.
Most of the Ducks were all standing around in their respective lines, talking.
"I didn't know there was going to be a drill..." Guy said, glancing at the giant building.
"Maybe it's not a drill..." Connie said, a hint of fright in her voice as she looked warily at Eden Hall Academy.
"I'm sure it is...they probably didn't tell us so that we wouldn't blow it off. Or maybe someone in Culinary Arts burned food or something...I'm sure it's no big deal." Adam said, reassuring himself as well as everyone else.
Connie nodded, but still leaned into Guy's chest.
Fulton looked around. "Hey guys...have you seen Charlie?" he asked, looking around for their M.I.A. captain.
"No...he wasn't in class." Russ said from behind Julie. Julie nodded, confirming Russ's statement.
"What if he's still in there?" Julie asked, unable to keep the worry out of her voice.
"I'm sure he's fine. He probably just got mixed up with another class or something. I'm sure he's fine." Adam said, trying to be positive. He didn't want to think of anything happening to Charlie...Even if the guy was being a stubborn dork, that didn't mean he wasn't still Adam's best friend.
Julie watched as the firemen continued their search in the building. She hoped Charlie was okay...
~~~*~~~
Charlie heard the door fling open again as a few very hustled voices filled the room, their owners swinging open stalls. He kept staring forward, assuming the 'drill' was over. So much for the peace and quiet...he hadn't had much quiet since he had gotten in there...maybe the janitor's closet would have been the smarter idea after all...
Soon enough, his door was being shaken. He heard a few adult male voices talking, but the words weren't processing in his brain. It all sounded like a low hum. He may have been in the room physically, but his mind was elsewhere.
He felt the door rattle open as the face of a fireman appeared in the doorway, decked out in all the equipment. The fireman took him by the arm and pulled him up. That fireman took Charlie while the other observed the bathroom, deciding that this was the source of the alarm. He saw an abandoned cigarette lying in the sink.
~~~*~~~
The students had all been sent back to class and Charlie had been taken to the office. The fireman had told about the cigarette in the sink and that Charlie had been in the bathroom when they had gotten there.
They had sat Charlie outside the room as they talked. He had his arms crossed across his chest, waiting for them to come get him.
~~~*~~~
"We found this in the sink." One fireman said as he held up the used cigarette. They had stayed because they needed to discuss the possible cause of the alarm.
Dean Buckley took the offending object and looked at it. "And you think Charlie Conway may have been the reason for the setting off of the alarm?" the aging man asked.
"We don't know for sure. We don't want to jump to any conclusions, but he was in there when it would have happened. We have no other ideas." The fireman said.
The dean nodded. "That's true. We called up his legal guardian, Gordon Bombay, to come pick him up. We can have a meeting with them both and try to figure this out."
They called Charlie into the room. The boy still had a sullen face and had his arms crossed in a defensive way. He sat down in the chair, staring off into space. He hadn't even done anything wrong...well, okay...he HAD been skipping...but STILL! That was it!
He sat there and waited for them to say something when Gordon Bombay walked into the room. He was still dressed in his suit from work. He had gotten another job as a lawyer when he moved permanently back to Minnesota.
"You called?" Bombay asked.
"Come with us." Dean Buckley said.
Gordon Bombay gave them a questioning glance when they motioned for him to follow them into the private office. Charlie watched as the adults disappeared into the room again.
~~~*~~~
"What's going on here?" Gordon Bombay asked the dean and firemen.
"We had and unexpected fire drill today. We don't have solid proof and we don't want to jump to any conclusions, but there is a possibility that Charlie might have had something to do with it." Dean Buckley explained.
"Charlie?" Bombay clarified with confusion.
"Yes. After lunch, it was recorded that he didn't show up for class. Later into the class period, a fire alarm went off. When the firemen searched the building, they found Charlie in one of the bathrooms..." The man explained. "...with this." The dean of the school held up the cigarette.
Before Gordon had a chance to say anything, Dean Buckley continued. "Now, we don't have any proof that it was necessarily him, but we thought you might want to know...just in case."
Bombay was in shock. "Surely it couldn't have been him..." he said, almost to himself.
"I was informed that he has gone through some rough months lately. It is possible, if it was even him, that he didn't think it could hurt to try. More and more children are getting into this stuff. We were thinking you should talk to him about it." One of the firemen said.
Gordon nodded. "I will. Would you like me to take him home now, or were you going to ask him questions?' the man asked, letting out a sigh. He couldn't believe Charlie was being so irresponsible!
"We'll probably get his side of the story, and then you may take him home. Feel free to relax. You might need it." Dean Buckley said as Gordon left the room, sending in Charlie.
Charlie sat down warily in the hard seat. He wasn't sure what they had been talking about.
"So Charlie..." a fireman started. "...does this look familiar?' he asked, holding up the offending drug-in-question.
Charlie shook his head no.
"I see. What were you doing in the bathroom, and why didn't you leave when the fire alarm sounded?" the fireman continued.
Charlie shrugged.
"Charlie, you are going to have to be more specific than a simple shrug." Dean Buckley said.
"Were you smoking this?" one of the firemen asked.
"No." Charlie said, leaning back in his chair. He crossed his arms, but was wary of his casted arm.
"Then how did the fire alarm go off?"
"Well, obviously SOMEONE was." Charlie snapped. "I didn't see who though."
"What were you doing in the bathroom during class?" the dean asked, choosing to ignore the first comment.
"I was having a bad day..." he replied softly, still avoiding eye contact.
"So you were hanging out in the bathroom when SOMEONE sets of the alarm, but you don't know who?" a fireman asked.
"I didn't do it, if that's what you're trying to say." Charlie said hotly.
"We're not trying to wrongly accuse you of anything. I'm just saying there are a lot of gray areas here. Mr. Bombay is waiting outside the door, so you can go home for the day. He has your work for the rest of the day, and we expect you back in the morning. Now go on, Mr. Conway." Dean Buckley said, shooing the fourteen-year-old out the door.
Charlie pursed his lips and left the room. He found his old coach, and they left the building to get into the car.
Charlie climbed into the passenger seat as Gordon Bombay started the engine.
The beginning of the car ride was silent and uneventful, but then Bombay could hardly take it anymore.
"What happened back there?" he asked, trying not to sound accusing. He still didn't know whether Charlie had done it or not.
Charlie tightened his lips and continued staring out the window. "Nothing." He said curtly.
"Really? Nothing?" Gordon asked, keeping his eyes on the road.
"Yes. Nothing." Charlie replied blankly.
"Because that wasn't what Dean Buckley was saying. Charlie, what were you thinking?" Gordon asked.
"What was *I* thinking? What was I thinking?! Don't tell me you believe them! It figures...it really does! Of COURSE you believe them." Charlie said bitterly as they drove into the apartment parking spot.
As soon as the car pulled to a complete stop, Charlie unbuckled his seatbelt and swung the door open roughly, slamming it behind him.
"Charlie..." Gordon said, pulling the key out of the ignition, unbuckling himself, and going after Charlie. "Charlie, wait!"
When Charlie was a few feet away from the door, he turned around. "You know what? I don't even care what you think right now. Go on! Believe them if you want to. It's not like it matters anyway." Charlie said with crossed arms and diverted eyes.
"Charlie, but I don't-" Gordon started.
"Just forget it..." Charlie said bitterly as he walked the rest of the way to the door and pulled out his key, walking into the apartment.
Gordon let out a sigh as he closed the front door behind himself. He heard Charlie's bedroom door slam shut.
The man collapsed on the couch and stared at the ceiling. This wasn't how it was supposed to be...
~~~*~~~
Charlie fell back on to his bed and pulled the pillow to his chest, burying his face into its soft fabric. Of course Coach believed them...of course he didn't believe Charlie...no one bothers to listen to Charlie...
He let out a depressed sigh and let his gaze drift to a picture sitting on his nightstand. The one of his mother...
He tentatively reached out and picked it up, pulling it over to himself.
The boy could feel tears pool in his blue eyes again, but he furiously wiped them away. Why did his mother have to die?
Pulling the picture to his chest protectively, he curled up into a ball.
He couldn't do this by himself...he needed his mother...
