Banksiesbabe99- I'm so glad it made you feel better! ^_^ Yes, poor Adam is
secretly worried about Charlie, and Charlie is currently mad at the world.
Gordon does have it pretty rough too. Thanks for reviewing! It brightened
my day! ^_~
Rachel- Thanks so much for your review! I was literally grinning ear to ear when I saw you had reviewed. ^_^ It makes me feel really good about my story when you say it seems real. I'm really shooting for reality, so I'm so glad you said that! It's good to know that I'm managing to convey some of the things in my head into the story; I was worried I wouldn't be able to bring people in to what the characters are feeling. I'm glad that you liked that line; it's to know I'm doing something right. ^_~ Aww! Thank you so much! *hugs* You're so sweet! I feel like I've come a long way since the beginning of my story, so I'm glad you guys are sick of me yet! *winks* Lol...thanks again for reviewing! Much love!
Nebula- o.O...You no like evil Charlie? I'm sorry...Yes, I know he's being a jerk, but I'm trying to be realistic. Yes, he whined to get them back and now he doesn't want them, but I have a plan! Worry not! And the thing about it not being the Ducks fault; yes, I know it's not their fault. But Charlie doesn't know that. That whole thing will come into play later. He doesn't quite understand that it isn't their fault, and he may not for awhile. ^_^ And I know Gordon is having a rough time. He didn't get the Charlie he had before, but things'll work out. Just try and stick with me here. ^_^ I could never bear to write an unhappy ending. I'm glad you like the story, even if I've been a mean, horrible person and haven't been updating "One Way Ticket." ^_^
Angel Spirit- Yes, you are VERY right. Charlie does have good reason to have an attitude problem. ^_^ You understand me! Lol...erm...Charlie...eh...o.O You get the picture. Lol...^_^ I'm glad that you caught on that he doesn't KNOW Julie called because his DAD never told him...*claps* I'm very proud of you. Anyway...thanks for the great review! I really needed it...lol...I can always count on you guys to brighten my day! *hugs*
Allie- HOO-WAH FOR THE C/J REVOLUTION! MWAHAHAHA! Lol...The A/J ship has sailed too long! Bwa! Lol...I'm okay now, really I am...^_^ Yes, you were right! Whee for Allie! *claps*...*thinks* Yeah, sure why not? Torture Charlie to your little heart's content. ^_^ I'm glad you liked the Fulton and Julie protectin' Charlie thing...lol...Yes, yes...it was an angsty moment. Especially since this has been so lacking in angst...*cough* lol...Just for the record, I will NEVER be tired of hearing that's its good...lol...I guess I'm one of those insecure people who believe that repetition is the key...lol. ^_^ Otherwise I like have a brain spasm and convince myself everyone hates it. Lol...Yes, I'm bordering on neurotic. ^_^ Thanks again for the sweet review, Allie! *hugs* Love ya lots!
Chorins96- Don't worry, I won't kill him off. ^_^ I would cry WAY too much if he died. I don't know if I'm capable of killing him...lol...I wanna see Digger really bad! I've never seen it, but hey, it has Joshua Jackson in it! Lol...I ordered "Ronnie and Julie" off of Amazon.Com simply because he's in it...lol...even though the Evil Margot Finlay (a.k.a. Linda *screams in horror) plays his co-star...blech on her...lol...Hmm...Charlie Dolls, you say? They sound quite fun. I want one too! *a Charlie Doll magically materializes* Ooh! A Charlie Doll! *hugs and squeezes it* Yay! *another Charlie Doll appears and it handed to Chorins96* Here, you have one too. Be nice to him and don't play TOO rough...but simple angst- inflicting-meanness is alright...lol.^_^
Chroni- *nods*
Hockey_Luvva- I'm so glad to hear that!*hugs* You're sooo nice! I could just give you a cookie! In fact, I think I will. *hands you a cookie* Enjoy! I'm glad my updates come at a suitable pace! ^_~ *hugs again*
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- Yeah, Charlie is a little slow with the 'Caution: Hot!' label on coffee cups. Lol. But we love him anyway. *Charlie glares* Aw, but you heard me! We still love you! *pets his head*...*Charlie snarls and bites Chelsea's hand* EEP! Owwie! Bad Charlie! *Charlie's mouth twitches as he mutters something incoherent under his breath* You know, you have been unnecessarily violent lately! I know YOU don't think you get paid enough for this, but that doesn't matter! Because I have no money! Besides, you get to spend time with ME, Charlie! *smiles*...*Charlie cocks an eyebrow*...*glares at Charlie* Watch it, bud. I'm the one writing the script here. I control your every thought and move, so I suggest you be nice to me. *Charlie suddenly smiles very sweetly and cuddles Chelsea* Aw, much better. *pets Charlie's head* Good Charlie. Anyway, where was I...oh yes! A dream of his mom would be a very good idea...I may wait awhile to use it, but I will definitely try to find a way to add it in. ^_^ That would be a good addition. *hugs* Thanks! And as for pinching his cheeks: Yeah, he doesn't like that so much. He tends to have a nasty biting habit. We're trying to break him of this habit, but it's a taxing process. He's rather stubborn. Thanks bunches for the review! It was very much appreciated.
Liz- I'm glad you like the chapter! I know what it's like when FF.Net's review boxes don't work...happens to me all the time. ^_^ Lol...no problem for the slip. ^_^ Don't ya feel all special knowing something NO ONE ELSE knows? Lol...yeah, Valentine's Day can be depressing. No fun at all. And speaking of Sarah, I need to rummage through her poems and see if I can use any of them...hmm...Thanks for reminding me. Well, indirectly. Lol. Yes, no one reviewing your hard-worked-on fics is EXTREMELY depressing. Lol...well I'm talking to ya on IM as I type this, so I guess that's that. ^_^
Sloane Miette- I'm sorry it's so depressing. Chances are, it won't get much less depressing (if not more) for awhile, but it'll get better eventually. I'm shootin' for the whole 'things gotta get worse before they can get better.' Hehehe, yeah. Julie and Adam are being observant non-losers. Homework isn't fun. *pouts* I hate homework...it's evil...grr...*cough* Anyway...EEK! *hides behind a pillow, cowering with terror from Gizmo The Evil Naval-Poking Bunny* Don't hurt me Gizmo! Don't hurt me! Ahhh! *climbs under couch*
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 38-
Charlie walked into the school building the next morning. He hadn't had any time to finish his work and he was seriously beginning to wonder if he would pass the ninth grade...
He saw the Ducks congregating near a tree by the entrance to the school. He purposely avoided them; he didn't feel like explaining yesterday's actions to anybody at the moment.
Perching himself on a stone wall that served as a rail to the school, he leaned up against the giant building.
That morning had not gone well at all. Charlie and Gordon had said little- to-nothing the entire morning. Both were wary of the other, so they carried out their morning routine in silence.
Letting out a sullen sigh, he jumped off the ledge to follow the flock of students into Eden Hall.
~~~*~~~
Charlie had gone through the day without having a full conversation with anybody. Adam had begun to lay off a little, much to Charlie's relief. He couldn't hold up for much longer anyway.
When they asked him if he wanted to hang out for a while he had declined, claiming he had work to do.
It was actually the truth.
So now Charlie sat amongst the nerds/procrastinators/over-achievers in the vast library of Eden Hall Academy.
He pulled out a random subject and began staring right through the page. There was no way he could concentrate on this...were they not aware of his inability to concentrate on boring things such as school?
Letting out a sigh, he began tapping his pencil absently on the table. This could take awhile...
~~~*~~~
Julie, as well as the other Ducks, walked along the halls of their school. They were on their way to find something to do.
She only half-listened as they discussed some topic of no interest to her.
Her gaze slowly found its way through the window of the library. She saw Charlie sitting alone at a table, looking not-at-all interested in the book before him...
So he HAD been telling the truth about the homework thing...
That made her feel a little better.
"Hey guys," Julie said to the Ducks. They all turned to her. "I'm going to go work on some homework for awhile. I may catch up to you later."
They all nodded, walking on without her. It wasn't terribly unusual for her, Ken, or Adam to opt for studying. They were rather studious individuals.
Once they were out of sight, Julie walked into the library. She spotted Charlie again and walked over to him.
"Hey Conway," She said, sitting down next to him in their wooden chairs.
He looked up, startled. "Hey Julie. Weren't you going with the Ducks?" he asked skeptically.
She shrugged. "I was. But I decided not to. What'cha doing?" she asked.
"Makeup work...I'm having issues here." He said, propped his elbows on the tabletop and resting his face in his palm.
She nodded, deciding not to question him further as to how he had makeup work. She was on a roll here; he was actually responding.
"Bummer. Need any help?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"
She leaned over and began looking to see what he was doing. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and biting her lip, she scanned the page.
Charlie watched her with question.
Suddenly, her finger flew to the page. Charlie jumped back from the sudden movement.
"You were forgetting a step here." She said, pointing at his work for Algebra. "And you're supposed to do this before that. You had it backwards." She explained.
He sat there, staring blankly at it for a moment. "Oh...right...I knew that." He said before erasing it and re-doing the problem; this time it came out evenly. "Ah...it makes sense now..."
Julie grinned. "Glad to be of service. Is there any other subjects you need help on?" she asked.
"Well, since you're already here..." he started before he was shushed by the librarian. "Wanna go to the lobby?" he asked.
She brightened slightly. Nodding, she got up and waited for Charlie to gather the rest of his books and homework.
Charlie slung his bag over his shoulder and led the way out of the huge library.
He had been surprised when she had gone the whole time without saying a single word about the day before. He had been prepared to recede into his protective shell and defend himself, but she hadn't given him a reason to. For the first time since he had been back, someone had forgotten that he had ever acted different and just treated him normal. No strings attached.
They stopped and sat down on the couches in the lobby. Julie spread out his books on the table and sat back on the couch. Charlie grabbed his Geography book and sat next to her.
"Let the fun begin." Charlie said sarcastically as they plunged into the work.
~~~*~~~
Before they knew it, hours had passed. Charlie glanced up at the clock to see that it was already eight p.m.
"Julie, look. It's eight." He said, pointing to the clock hanging on the opposite wall.
"Yes, it sure is. I can't believe we've been here that long. You sure had a lot of homework." She said, stretching and falling back onto the couch.
"I know..." he started. "Hey Julie?" he asked quietly.
"Yeah?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Thanks." He said simply as he got up and left.
She smiled fondly. "You're welcome..." she whispered to herself as he disappeared down the corridor.
~~~*~~~
Charlie rode the bus home and trudged up the stairs to his and Bombay's apartment.
He pulled out his key and opened the door. He was greeted with a slightly frazzled Gordon Bombay.
Charlie nodded in Gordon's direction before heading straight into his room, closing the door behind himself.
Bombay stood there, mouth open to say something. However, it never left his mouth because he realized his audience was gone.
Gordon let out a sigh and rubbed his temples. This was getting increasingly stressful...
~~~*~~~
The next day after school, Charlie rode the bus home from school. Gordon was still at work, so Charlie was alone in the apartment for the first time.
After feeling the need to move again, he stood up and left the apartment, going downstairs to check the mail.
He used the little key to unlock the box. He pulled out several envelopes and walked back to their apartment.
Charlie closed and locked the door behind him as he began leafing through the mail.
"Bill...junk mail...junk mail...Coach...Coach..." he started before he got to one different from the others. This one was addressed to him.
He tossed the others on to the table, holding the other one shakily in his hands.
There was no return address...
He gulped as flipped it over a few times; he had a bad feeling.
Taking a calming breath and reminding himself it was only a letter, he forced his shaky hands to carefully open the envelope.
Charlie walked into his room and shut the door behind him. Setting the now- empty envelope on his nightstand, he unfolded the letter with nervous hands.
He inhaled sharply as he read the short message scrawled across the paper.
'Charlie-
You know you can't forget me. I'll never let you go.'
A shudder crept down his spine as he stumbled backwards, his heart thumping wildly in his chest. His throat tightened up as he started at the messy writing. No...he couldn't let it bug him...
On second thought...yes he could...
He breathed choppily as he threw the paper on the floor, leaning up against the wall. He was sitting on the bed his knees pulled to his chest again. He could feel himself shaking, but he didn't even try to stop.
His gaze was locked on the single sheet of paper lying on his floor. It didn't say whom it was from, but Charlie knew. Charlie knew exactly whom it was from...
Charlie could still feel the control his father had over him, even though he knew he was physically safe. His father was in prison in Montana...there was nothing he could still do to him...right?
~~~*~~~
That night when Gordon came home, he announced the house he was buying had closed, so they would be moving. Most of Charlie's stuff hadn't been unpacked yet to they just moved it over. Over the next few days, they unpacked what they could, though there were many boxes they may never get to. They now were in a small, two-story house.
~~~*~~~
Charlie walked amongst the halls of the prep school. It had been several days since the 'fire drill' incident, but luckily Charlie had managed to keep it under wraps. None of the Ducks knew where he had been yet. He planned on keeping it that way.
That night the Ducks were coming over for a belated-house-warming-party. It wasn't the top of Charlie's 'happy list'...but that's also excluding the fact that at the moment, Charlie's 'happy list' was still blank...
Rachel- Thanks so much for your review! I was literally grinning ear to ear when I saw you had reviewed. ^_^ It makes me feel really good about my story when you say it seems real. I'm really shooting for reality, so I'm so glad you said that! It's good to know that I'm managing to convey some of the things in my head into the story; I was worried I wouldn't be able to bring people in to what the characters are feeling. I'm glad that you liked that line; it's to know I'm doing something right. ^_~ Aww! Thank you so much! *hugs* You're so sweet! I feel like I've come a long way since the beginning of my story, so I'm glad you guys are sick of me yet! *winks* Lol...thanks again for reviewing! Much love!
Nebula- o.O...You no like evil Charlie? I'm sorry...Yes, I know he's being a jerk, but I'm trying to be realistic. Yes, he whined to get them back and now he doesn't want them, but I have a plan! Worry not! And the thing about it not being the Ducks fault; yes, I know it's not their fault. But Charlie doesn't know that. That whole thing will come into play later. He doesn't quite understand that it isn't their fault, and he may not for awhile. ^_^ And I know Gordon is having a rough time. He didn't get the Charlie he had before, but things'll work out. Just try and stick with me here. ^_^ I could never bear to write an unhappy ending. I'm glad you like the story, even if I've been a mean, horrible person and haven't been updating "One Way Ticket." ^_^
Angel Spirit- Yes, you are VERY right. Charlie does have good reason to have an attitude problem. ^_^ You understand me! Lol...erm...Charlie...eh...o.O You get the picture. Lol...^_^ I'm glad that you caught on that he doesn't KNOW Julie called because his DAD never told him...*claps* I'm very proud of you. Anyway...thanks for the great review! I really needed it...lol...I can always count on you guys to brighten my day! *hugs*
Allie- HOO-WAH FOR THE C/J REVOLUTION! MWAHAHAHA! Lol...The A/J ship has sailed too long! Bwa! Lol...I'm okay now, really I am...^_^ Yes, you were right! Whee for Allie! *claps*...*thinks* Yeah, sure why not? Torture Charlie to your little heart's content. ^_^ I'm glad you liked the Fulton and Julie protectin' Charlie thing...lol...Yes, yes...it was an angsty moment. Especially since this has been so lacking in angst...*cough* lol...Just for the record, I will NEVER be tired of hearing that's its good...lol...I guess I'm one of those insecure people who believe that repetition is the key...lol. ^_^ Otherwise I like have a brain spasm and convince myself everyone hates it. Lol...Yes, I'm bordering on neurotic. ^_^ Thanks again for the sweet review, Allie! *hugs* Love ya lots!
Chorins96- Don't worry, I won't kill him off. ^_^ I would cry WAY too much if he died. I don't know if I'm capable of killing him...lol...I wanna see Digger really bad! I've never seen it, but hey, it has Joshua Jackson in it! Lol...I ordered "Ronnie and Julie" off of Amazon.Com simply because he's in it...lol...even though the Evil Margot Finlay (a.k.a. Linda *screams in horror) plays his co-star...blech on her...lol...Hmm...Charlie Dolls, you say? They sound quite fun. I want one too! *a Charlie Doll magically materializes* Ooh! A Charlie Doll! *hugs and squeezes it* Yay! *another Charlie Doll appears and it handed to Chorins96* Here, you have one too. Be nice to him and don't play TOO rough...but simple angst- inflicting-meanness is alright...lol.^_^
Chroni- *nods*
Hockey_Luvva- I'm so glad to hear that!*hugs* You're sooo nice! I could just give you a cookie! In fact, I think I will. *hands you a cookie* Enjoy! I'm glad my updates come at a suitable pace! ^_~ *hugs again*
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- Yeah, Charlie is a little slow with the 'Caution: Hot!' label on coffee cups. Lol. But we love him anyway. *Charlie glares* Aw, but you heard me! We still love you! *pets his head*...*Charlie snarls and bites Chelsea's hand* EEP! Owwie! Bad Charlie! *Charlie's mouth twitches as he mutters something incoherent under his breath* You know, you have been unnecessarily violent lately! I know YOU don't think you get paid enough for this, but that doesn't matter! Because I have no money! Besides, you get to spend time with ME, Charlie! *smiles*...*Charlie cocks an eyebrow*...*glares at Charlie* Watch it, bud. I'm the one writing the script here. I control your every thought and move, so I suggest you be nice to me. *Charlie suddenly smiles very sweetly and cuddles Chelsea* Aw, much better. *pets Charlie's head* Good Charlie. Anyway, where was I...oh yes! A dream of his mom would be a very good idea...I may wait awhile to use it, but I will definitely try to find a way to add it in. ^_^ That would be a good addition. *hugs* Thanks! And as for pinching his cheeks: Yeah, he doesn't like that so much. He tends to have a nasty biting habit. We're trying to break him of this habit, but it's a taxing process. He's rather stubborn. Thanks bunches for the review! It was very much appreciated.
Liz- I'm glad you like the chapter! I know what it's like when FF.Net's review boxes don't work...happens to me all the time. ^_^ Lol...no problem for the slip. ^_^ Don't ya feel all special knowing something NO ONE ELSE knows? Lol...yeah, Valentine's Day can be depressing. No fun at all. And speaking of Sarah, I need to rummage through her poems and see if I can use any of them...hmm...Thanks for reminding me. Well, indirectly. Lol. Yes, no one reviewing your hard-worked-on fics is EXTREMELY depressing. Lol...well I'm talking to ya on IM as I type this, so I guess that's that. ^_^
Sloane Miette- I'm sorry it's so depressing. Chances are, it won't get much less depressing (if not more) for awhile, but it'll get better eventually. I'm shootin' for the whole 'things gotta get worse before they can get better.' Hehehe, yeah. Julie and Adam are being observant non-losers. Homework isn't fun. *pouts* I hate homework...it's evil...grr...*cough* Anyway...EEK! *hides behind a pillow, cowering with terror from Gizmo The Evil Naval-Poking Bunny* Don't hurt me Gizmo! Don't hurt me! Ahhh! *climbs under couch*
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 38-
Charlie walked into the school building the next morning. He hadn't had any time to finish his work and he was seriously beginning to wonder if he would pass the ninth grade...
He saw the Ducks congregating near a tree by the entrance to the school. He purposely avoided them; he didn't feel like explaining yesterday's actions to anybody at the moment.
Perching himself on a stone wall that served as a rail to the school, he leaned up against the giant building.
That morning had not gone well at all. Charlie and Gordon had said little- to-nothing the entire morning. Both were wary of the other, so they carried out their morning routine in silence.
Letting out a sullen sigh, he jumped off the ledge to follow the flock of students into Eden Hall.
~~~*~~~
Charlie had gone through the day without having a full conversation with anybody. Adam had begun to lay off a little, much to Charlie's relief. He couldn't hold up for much longer anyway.
When they asked him if he wanted to hang out for a while he had declined, claiming he had work to do.
It was actually the truth.
So now Charlie sat amongst the nerds/procrastinators/over-achievers in the vast library of Eden Hall Academy.
He pulled out a random subject and began staring right through the page. There was no way he could concentrate on this...were they not aware of his inability to concentrate on boring things such as school?
Letting out a sigh, he began tapping his pencil absently on the table. This could take awhile...
~~~*~~~
Julie, as well as the other Ducks, walked along the halls of their school. They were on their way to find something to do.
She only half-listened as they discussed some topic of no interest to her.
Her gaze slowly found its way through the window of the library. She saw Charlie sitting alone at a table, looking not-at-all interested in the book before him...
So he HAD been telling the truth about the homework thing...
That made her feel a little better.
"Hey guys," Julie said to the Ducks. They all turned to her. "I'm going to go work on some homework for awhile. I may catch up to you later."
They all nodded, walking on without her. It wasn't terribly unusual for her, Ken, or Adam to opt for studying. They were rather studious individuals.
Once they were out of sight, Julie walked into the library. She spotted Charlie again and walked over to him.
"Hey Conway," She said, sitting down next to him in their wooden chairs.
He looked up, startled. "Hey Julie. Weren't you going with the Ducks?" he asked skeptically.
She shrugged. "I was. But I decided not to. What'cha doing?" she asked.
"Makeup work...I'm having issues here." He said, propped his elbows on the tabletop and resting his face in his palm.
She nodded, deciding not to question him further as to how he had makeup work. She was on a roll here; he was actually responding.
"Bummer. Need any help?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"
She leaned over and began looking to see what he was doing. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and biting her lip, she scanned the page.
Charlie watched her with question.
Suddenly, her finger flew to the page. Charlie jumped back from the sudden movement.
"You were forgetting a step here." She said, pointing at his work for Algebra. "And you're supposed to do this before that. You had it backwards." She explained.
He sat there, staring blankly at it for a moment. "Oh...right...I knew that." He said before erasing it and re-doing the problem; this time it came out evenly. "Ah...it makes sense now..."
Julie grinned. "Glad to be of service. Is there any other subjects you need help on?" she asked.
"Well, since you're already here..." he started before he was shushed by the librarian. "Wanna go to the lobby?" he asked.
She brightened slightly. Nodding, she got up and waited for Charlie to gather the rest of his books and homework.
Charlie slung his bag over his shoulder and led the way out of the huge library.
He had been surprised when she had gone the whole time without saying a single word about the day before. He had been prepared to recede into his protective shell and defend himself, but she hadn't given him a reason to. For the first time since he had been back, someone had forgotten that he had ever acted different and just treated him normal. No strings attached.
They stopped and sat down on the couches in the lobby. Julie spread out his books on the table and sat back on the couch. Charlie grabbed his Geography book and sat next to her.
"Let the fun begin." Charlie said sarcastically as they plunged into the work.
~~~*~~~
Before they knew it, hours had passed. Charlie glanced up at the clock to see that it was already eight p.m.
"Julie, look. It's eight." He said, pointing to the clock hanging on the opposite wall.
"Yes, it sure is. I can't believe we've been here that long. You sure had a lot of homework." She said, stretching and falling back onto the couch.
"I know..." he started. "Hey Julie?" he asked quietly.
"Yeah?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Thanks." He said simply as he got up and left.
She smiled fondly. "You're welcome..." she whispered to herself as he disappeared down the corridor.
~~~*~~~
Charlie rode the bus home and trudged up the stairs to his and Bombay's apartment.
He pulled out his key and opened the door. He was greeted with a slightly frazzled Gordon Bombay.
Charlie nodded in Gordon's direction before heading straight into his room, closing the door behind himself.
Bombay stood there, mouth open to say something. However, it never left his mouth because he realized his audience was gone.
Gordon let out a sigh and rubbed his temples. This was getting increasingly stressful...
~~~*~~~
The next day after school, Charlie rode the bus home from school. Gordon was still at work, so Charlie was alone in the apartment for the first time.
After feeling the need to move again, he stood up and left the apartment, going downstairs to check the mail.
He used the little key to unlock the box. He pulled out several envelopes and walked back to their apartment.
Charlie closed and locked the door behind him as he began leafing through the mail.
"Bill...junk mail...junk mail...Coach...Coach..." he started before he got to one different from the others. This one was addressed to him.
He tossed the others on to the table, holding the other one shakily in his hands.
There was no return address...
He gulped as flipped it over a few times; he had a bad feeling.
Taking a calming breath and reminding himself it was only a letter, he forced his shaky hands to carefully open the envelope.
Charlie walked into his room and shut the door behind him. Setting the now- empty envelope on his nightstand, he unfolded the letter with nervous hands.
He inhaled sharply as he read the short message scrawled across the paper.
'Charlie-
You know you can't forget me. I'll never let you go.'
A shudder crept down his spine as he stumbled backwards, his heart thumping wildly in his chest. His throat tightened up as he started at the messy writing. No...he couldn't let it bug him...
On second thought...yes he could...
He breathed choppily as he threw the paper on the floor, leaning up against the wall. He was sitting on the bed his knees pulled to his chest again. He could feel himself shaking, but he didn't even try to stop.
His gaze was locked on the single sheet of paper lying on his floor. It didn't say whom it was from, but Charlie knew. Charlie knew exactly whom it was from...
Charlie could still feel the control his father had over him, even though he knew he was physically safe. His father was in prison in Montana...there was nothing he could still do to him...right?
~~~*~~~
That night when Gordon came home, he announced the house he was buying had closed, so they would be moving. Most of Charlie's stuff hadn't been unpacked yet to they just moved it over. Over the next few days, they unpacked what they could, though there were many boxes they may never get to. They now were in a small, two-story house.
~~~*~~~
Charlie walked amongst the halls of the prep school. It had been several days since the 'fire drill' incident, but luckily Charlie had managed to keep it under wraps. None of the Ducks knew where he had been yet. He planned on keeping it that way.
That night the Ducks were coming over for a belated-house-warming-party. It wasn't the top of Charlie's 'happy list'...but that's also excluding the fact that at the moment, Charlie's 'happy list' was still blank...
