Wow, lots of lovely reviews to reply too! Yay! *hugs all reviewers and
hands out LOTS of yummy things for them to eat while reading* Enjoy!
Not like you people really care, but I changed my email address to 'spazzychick96@yahoo.com' so now the one in my profile is correct. Just thought I'd share...^_^ I was also wondering if I should change my penname. I'm thinking about switching it to 'Spazzychick96,' but I'm not sure if I should. It's my yahoo name, and I've been thinking about changing my name for awhile, I just haven't quite decided yet. Would it be too terribly confusing? I don't want to change it is it will confuse people.
I'm excited because my poem placed in the Colin County Poetry Contest! *grins* It's exciting! I feel so special...lol...I have to read it at a banquet ceremony thingy on Saturday, and I'm scared...I don't like speaking (or reading?) in front of lots of people...o.O...meep...
Allie- I bet you do feel free. Lol...It is always a refreshing feeling to complete a story, even if you kinda miss it. I have a feeling I won't be feeling that for a LONG time...lol...I know it's shocking, but I won't be mean to Charlie for FOREVER! It has to stop someday. It just may be awhile. ^_^ Hehehe...the pretty shiny is very...shiny. Lol. I like shiny things too. ^_^ Yes, yes, Charlie is a VERY unhappy person. *pats his head* Poor little thing...I worry about him too...*lights a candle with Allie* Yes, Connie and Fulton are observant, and Portman and Russ...well...aren't! Lol. *patting Allie's sobbing head* Don't worry, I'll fix him...later. I'll fix him later...Don't you worry. *hangs head in shame* Yes, I have to make his life bad...I can't help it...*hugs back* Thanks for the review!!!
Nebula- I'm not surprised that you've never heard of "Ronnie and Julie." Lol...But it's a good movie. It's super cute! ^_^ Yeah...Charlie has a wee- bit of a tendency to blow things kinda outta proportion...but that's okay. I'm glad you liked the Riley scene. ^_^ I guess I was giving him a little bit too much credit, though. *shrugs* Oh well. *nods head* Out little Charlie is very careless. *pats his head* I'm glad you liked it, and I hope you like this one too! ^_~
BenjiAndJoelsNumber1Fan- Thanks for reviewing! I hope you enjoy this chapter! ^_~
Hockey_Luvva- *eyes widened and gobbles down yummies* Yay! Lol...*face falls* ehh...wow. o.O Sorry to hear that...that really bites...
Katie- I'm glad you liked it! ^_^ And you would be surprised how much work went into FINDING a copy of "Ronnie and Julie." It's an elusive little bugger...lol. ^_^ It's a great movie, and half just simply will not cut it. Lol. Yeah, I noticed Julie is Linda...but I pretend I don't throughout the duration of the movie...otherwise I would drive myself into insanity...So for 99 minutes, I pretend she ISN'T Linda and that I DON'T want to kill her in several very creative ways. ^_^
Banksiesbabe99- I'm so glad to hear that you liked the chapter. *smiles giddily* You're always so nice. *hugs*
Rachel- Hehehe, I guess it was a pretty mean cliffhanger. ^_^ But now it shall be fixed in THIS chapter! Lol. I'm really happy that people seemed to like Riley's chicken/duck/road remark. Lol. I don't feel totally stupid anymore. ^_^ As for the whole cutting thingy, yeah. I haven't done it before, but as I've probably said before, I had a friend who I think did. And I've read a few things on reasons people would, how they act, blah blah blah...I did my research. Lol...and I tend to try and be insightful when possible. I'm just glad it's coming out right! Yay! *feels really flattered and blushes* Aw, you're just so NICE, Rachel! The word 'realistic' is EXACTLY what I was hoping for...whew...I love you guys, really I do. *hugs* It's nice to know that people who I don't actually know like it too. I always thought my friends Liz and Chris were just being nice because I was bugging them and they're stuck with me if they say mean, nasty things. Lol...^_^ And as for "Ronnie and Julie," it's a modern "Romeo and Juliet" with Joshua Jackson as the main character (need I say more? Lol...). He is a hockey player, and she is a figure skater. Their parents are both running for mayor. All that lovely stuff. But it's an awesome movie, and I love it. ^_^
*gasp*...*eyes widen*...*pinches self to insure it isn't a dream*...SSOOPPHHIIEE- SOPHIE! YAY! *dopes happy dance* You reviewed! Yay! You totally just made my otherwise horrible day NOT SO HORRIBLE! ^_^ I just came back from "Solo and Ensemble" practice for Choir, and my teacher was being evil, as usual, and I was really sad. But now I'm happy! I was like "DANG! Seven reviews?!" and smiled real big and happy-like when I realized you came back! ^_^ The peeved-ness has definitely left the building, Soph. ^_^ Trust me. It's gone now. Lol...*sighs* I GUESS I'll forgive you Sophie. I guess I can do that. ^_^ Lol...I'm glad that the update may come soon. I'll be looking forward to it. *giddy smile* I'm excited. Lol...Wow, it has been awhile...this review is still during the court case. o.O Lol...I'm glad you liked "The Lawyer Who Chelsea Was Too Lazy To Name." ^_^ I though it had a nice ring to it, too. Melodrama and Star Wars! Two very beautiful things. Lol. I'm glad you were happy that George was found guilty. I don't think even I'M mean enough to stick him with his dad again...at least I wasn't at the moment. ^_~ Ehehehe...No, I wouldn't want you as an enemy, my dear Soph. but you see, that's why we're friends. Lol. ^_^
Sophie #2- Yeah, I just could never live with myself if I gave you nice little epilogue and ended it there. That simply would NOT work. I have MUCH more to say. *nods* Yep, it ain't over yet. I've noticed my developing evilness too...I'm growing much more comfortable with the angst category. Lol...Heaven help the Mighty Ducks section, Chelsea is on the loose...lol. ^_~ I don't really wanna give anything away (as if I haven't already...lol...^_^), this will not have an unhappy ending. It IS possible that I MIGHT unfairly favor Charlie...and Charlie SHOULD regret being so gosh-darn adorable...He pays dearly for it by catching my eye and reeling me in. *nods* So now he gets to endure OUR WRATH! BWAHAHA! He will never escape...dun dun dun...*creepy music*...*cough* Anyway. I'm glad you thought Russ was being in-character. Lol. I'm sorry you're depressed now. *pats Sophie's head*...*squeals excitedly* Yay! I got you're approval on bringing across Charlie's feelings! Yes! I'm glad you're satisfied with the emotions. It gives me relief that you like it. I need my fellow Charlie- angst author to assure me I'm not screwing it all up. *smiles and hugs Sophie*
Sophie #3- Whee-hee! You liked my hacky-sack paragraph! Lol...A hacky-sack is a little colorful sack-thingy that is a little smaller than the palm of your hand. It has little bean thingies in it, and you're supposed to kick it up in the air as many times as you can without dropping it. I'm not a very good explainer-person, but oh well. Lol...I can't do it, so I don't even try. I just got it because it was pretty and stuff. Lol. ^_^ *glances at Catherine The Hacky-Sack sitting next to keyboard* Good times, good times. As for the nicely-strangeness of my friends, some of them are. The ones I have the most fun with are as weird as me. Lol...Birds of a feather flock together...lol. But I'm still convinced if we lived in the same country, we could be good friends. Lol...details, details...Yes, I know the shockingness of it all...I don't really swear, so I guess that is as close as I've come. Lol...^_^ Ehh...vampire Goldberg and Adam, you say? Lol...creepy. Good, I'm not the only one who sees Obsessive-Compulsive Adam...lol. Yes, I made that a nice fun chapter. A brief, slight break from the intense angst-fest. Lol. *shifty eyes*...
Sophie #4- Wow, the replies to the reviews are about three pages long at this point. o.O Yikes...lol...Yeah, if Charlie failed, that would be a little bit bad. Ehehe...that was quite a jump. But that's okay. ^_~ And I guess the peeps weren't bright enough to make the connection that smoke fumes cling...But again, there must be a constant supply of stupid, dense people in my story. ^_~
Sophie #5- Lol, yes...You're getting closer! I've been a busy little girlie lately. ^_^ Updates left and right...hehehe...I'm just really getting into it. I agree; Charlie and Julie make a splendid couple! Lol...I can't help it! It's not my fault! ^_^ Lol, okies Soph. I suppose I can refrain from chucking Charlie out. Lol...^_~ Or, actually refrain from making Bombay chuck Charlie out...lol...chuck Charlie...hehe...that sounds funny...Because 'Chuck' is a nickname for 'Charlie'...heeheehee...I'm okay now, really...Oh, Sophie, I will NEVER be bored of you. Lol...
Sophie #6- Ehe...I guess I could be a wee-bit dangerous and evil if left to my own devices...lol...I'm glad you had your tissues ready just in case...I'm glad you aren't worried anymore. I knew it was a very clichéd subject, but I'm relieved to know it's an original-enough take on it to earn your approval...lol...and that was horrible grammar, and probably made NO sense, but just pretend it did. Lol...^_~ Don't make fun of me...*sniffles, but recovers* I'm very happy that you liked the little Charlie/Julie moment. *smiles happily*
Sophie #7- I'm not surprised that you've never heard of "Ronnie and Julie"...lol...as I explained to Rachel (who also didn't know what it was about), it's a modern "Romeo and Juliet" with Joshua Jackson as the main character (need I say more? Lol...). He is a hockey player, and she is a figure skater. Their parents are both running for mayor. All that lovely stuff. It's a great movie...lol...It got the 'Chelsea Stamp of Approval.' But it can sometimes be a wee-bit expensive, and the girl who plays Linda in D3 plays Julie in it...but even *I* could pretend to ignore it for 99 minutes in order to see Josh Jackson in all his one-year-after-D3 glory...lol...So if that sounds like fun to you, go ahead. I loved it! ^_~ And I agree that it isn't any fun when there are no fics at all written about a new obsession...Very depressing. It even got me OUT of the mood to write stuff for my MD fics for a day or so...isn't that horrible? But I soon recovered. So it's okay now. I'll just have to cry until one shows up, or I have enough time to dream up a plot for one...lol...Hm, you're very perceptive about it not being a smart idea to bring shiny razor to school. Riley has an awful habit of showing up at the wrong times, doesn't he? Lol. Okay, I SERIOUSLY need to remove the "L" and "O" keys because they tend to show up a lot...I laugh a lot. ^_^ Hehehe...yeah...anyway...that was off track...Sorry. *smiles and hugs Sophie* You're so nice and flattering! *hugs* I'm quite happy that you're caught up too...lol...gah! I did it again! *slaps wrist* Gahhrr...o.O....I'm sorry I depressed you, but it's good that your friends and the cinema will cheer ya right back up! Lol...*twitches* I really do need to remove the "L" and "O" keys...Again, I'm very excited about you working on your next chapter! Lol...I can't wait for the next update! Thanks for all your inspiring reviews, and the replies to reviews has just hit four pages...lol...*ignores the use of 'lol' again*...
Snorts- Yes, I miss happy Charlie too...but that's okay. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!
Denverhockeygirl- Hey, it's nice to get feedback from ya again! ^_^ I'm glad you like the story! *feels proud* It means a lot coming from you, considering I kinda think of you as one of the big Charlie angst authors...So yeah. I'm glad it's angsty enough for ya! ^_~ And no fear about fluff; this has quite a way to go, and I'm far to into the angst thing to give it up yet. If there is any fluff at all, it will be in small doses. Angst is just too addicting...It's drawn me in! Lol...Thanks for reviewing! Made my day. ^_^
Brnnttebabe12- I'm glad you like the story. ^_^ And don't worry, the cutting will stop eventually. Just have patience. ^_~ You'll just have to see how the whole Charlie/Julie thing turns out, because I've ruined enough of the story already...lol...I totally agree that Charlie/Julie rocks...lol...:p Thanks for your feedback! ^_~
Liz- Yes, out little Charlie is MUCHLY abused...but alas, life will get better eventually. Thanks for the review. ^_~
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 41-
Adam wasn't sure how long he had kneeled there, staring at the silver object, marred with fresh blood.
He timidly picked it up by a clean part. He bit his lip, unsure of what to do. Hadn't this been the one Charlie was in? No...couldn't be...he wouldn't...
The blonde teenager was shaken out of his trance when he realized he was the only one still in the restroom. He tossed the razor in his bag, ignoring the fact that it was still wet with blood.
His mind swarmed as he walked through the halls to his next class. Charlie was the only other Duck in his next class...maybe that would be the best time to confront him. That way if he was totally off base, no one would ever think of it.
Adam saw Charlie sitting in his seat, fiddling with the cap of a pen. The blonde took his seat next to his brown-haired friend. "Hey Charlie." He said, trying to forget the cold, angry things Charlie had said at lunch.
Charlie's mouth twitched slightly.
"Hey." He said, pretending to be fascinated by the penciled graffiti scrawled across his desk. What part of 'Go away and leave me alone' did Adam not understand?
Charlie could feel an unasked question lingering in the air as they sat there silently.
Adam cleared his throat and seemed to be struggling with the words. "Um, Charlie." He started.
Charlie didn't look up. "Yeah?" he asked.
"It was weird. Uh, yeah. I uh, found something on the bathroom floor." Adam started.
"Toilet paper? Dead crickets? What else is new? There's always stuff on the floor..." he said quietly. He felt his heart racing and a lump in his throat forming. He suddenly felt nervous...He couldn't have left it...
Charlie had to hold back the urge to check his backpack for the razor. He couldn't remember picking it back up...
Holy crackers, that's not good...
Banks sighed. "No, not quite. I found this." He said, pulling out the razor. "I just remembered you had been in there, so I was wondering if you knew anything about it." Adam said, probing at his friend while avoiding a direct question.
Charlie's lips tightened and he struggled to calm his rabid heartbeat. Suddenly the noise in the room seemed to grow and the sound of his thumping heart seemed to be a blaring, steady drum booming in his head.
He closed his eyes for a second, trying to steady his shaky breath. He licked his lips once and took another calming breath. He looked over at the object in Adam Banks's hand. Sure enough, it was his razor.
"No, I can't say I know anything about it." he lied, unable to keep the cold edge out of his voice.
"You sure?" Adam pried.
"YES, I'm sure. What makes you think I would know anything about it?" he snapped.
Banks sighed with frustration. "I'm not trying to accuse you, I was just asking because I knew you had been in there. Calm down."
Charlie nodded and tried to swallow the knot in his throat. "I guess I didn't see it while I was in there. It must have been someone else's." he said, suddenly becoming fascinated with the carpet.
Adam nodded suspiciously, but shoved the razor into his backpack again. He'd get rid of it later. He spent the rest of the class analyzing the situation.
~~~*~~~
Charlie had been unable to concentrate the entire class period. He had felt like Adam was staring holes through him the whole time. It could be his over-reactive imagination and paranoia, but he couldn't tell for sure.
Now he was leaving for home without a ride, due to the fact he had spent his bus fare on lunch.
"Hey Charlie!" a voice called out.
Charlie stopped when he realized it wasn't Adam, Fulton, Portman, or Russ. He knew an explanation would be in order if it was. But Charlie didn't have an answer.
He turned around to see Julie. "Hey." He answered.
"You ready for finals?" she asked as they began walking again.
"Nope. Not in the slightest." He answered truthfully.
"Do you wanna come study with me?" she asked, turning to face him as she walked, her eyes questioning.
Charlie pursed his lips in thought. "Is Adam going to be there?" he asked, hoping she didn't detect the hostility in his voice.
She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "...Yeah. Why does that matter? You two have a fight?" she asked. She hadn't seen the display in the lunchroom.
Charlie's mouth twitched slightly. "Yeah, something like that. I just don't really want to talk to him right now. I'll just go on home." He said, starting to walk off.
"Hey, wait. Where are you going? I don't have to study with them if it makes you uncomfortable. You and I can just go to the library or something." She said, trying not to let him get too far away. If he did, then he could just pretend he hadn't heard her.
"I don't want to keep you from them. It's not a big deal. I can study by myself." He said, walking backwards so he could face her and walk at the same time.
"No, it's okay. Really." She insisted.
"Why do you care so much? It was never a big deal before I came back. I wish everyone would leave me alone; it's creeping me out." He said, turning back around, not realizing that his voice had chilled a few degrees.
She opened her mouth to say something, but realized she didn't know why she suddenly cared so much. "Um...I guess I'm worried about you. You've been all by yourself all this time, and I guess I miss you. Maybe everyone else can leave you alone, but I can't. I just get the feeling that something's wrong." She said before she could stop herself.
He stiffened a little. "Nothing's wrong. I'm perfectly fine. Now go on; they're probably wondering if you were abducted on your way to the study session." Charlie said bitterly as he again tried to walk away.
"Charlie, wait." She said, grabbing him by the wrist to stop him.
He tensed up and swallowed, reminding himself the gesture wasn't meant to be threatening. It was only Julie...just Julie...
He closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing. After only a few seconds, he figured he had calmed himself down again.
When he opened his eyes again, he saw Julie standing in front of him.
"Look...Charlie. Whether or not something is bothering you, I still want to study with you. We don't have a deep bond session or anything. We don't have to talk at all if you don't want to. Just don't shut me out completely. It's just studying." She said, making eye contact and holding his gaze.
Charlie looked away, breaking eye contact as soon as he realized he was doing it. There was something about looking into someone else's eyes that made him feel vulnerable. Exposed.
He contemplated her offer. She said they didn't have to talk...only study...studying was safe enough...
Once he decided it was fair enough, he nodded in confirmation.
Julie smiled with relief. "Alright. Let's hit the books. Wanna head to my dorm?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me." He said before following her upstairs.
When she unlocked the door and walked in, Charlie followed in suite. He glanced around as she flipped on a few lights. Her bed was made neatly, but books and papers were scattered across it. The desk was semi-messy, and had a drawer half-open, a few folders sticking out. Connie's bed, or what he assumed was Connie's bed, was on the opposite wall. It was also made-up, but with less precision. It seemed like the girls had grown comfortable with there surroundings and weren't obsessed with keeping it perfect, yet they didn't let it get as bad as most of the guys did.
"You just going to stand there?" she asked as she plopped down on the floor, pulling all the books from the bed onto the floor.
He snapped out of his trance. "Sorry, I just never realized that this is my first time in here. Just looking around...." He said with a shrug.
She grinned. "Alright then." She said as he sat down by her and pulled out his books.
As Julie worked silently next to Charlie, she couldn't help but wonder what was going on with him. He had been avoiding everyone like the plague. She was just relieved he had given in and decided to study with her. She didn't want to see him alone.
Charlie was tapping his pen on the carpeted floor repeatedly, biting his lip as he thought about his homework. When had they learned this anyway?
It wasn't long before they had completed their review packets.
"So I guess I should be going..." he said, stuffing his books in his backpack.
She nodded, watching him complete this task.
When his bag was packed, he pulled in onto his lap and sat there, unmoving. Julie watched curiously, wondering why he wasn't getting up. She didn't say anything for fear of him thinking she wanted him to leave.
"Charlie?" she said softly after a few minutes. When he didn't respond, she gently nudged his shoulder.
He jumped, unconsciously slamming his back into the bed. His head snapped up to attention with wide eyes.
Julie jumped back at the sudden jolt. "You okay?" she asked as she watched him curiously, her worry mounting slowly.
His gaze shifted over to her as he realized it had been her again. He allowed his breathing to return to normal as he nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay. You just...startled me a little."
She nodded, though she wasn't satisfied. "You were spacing a bit there. You sure you're okay?" she asked, catching his gaze and gently probing his eyes with her own.
He stared back, not knowing whether or not to tell the truth. Maybe he could tell her about his father...that wouldn't be so bad...
He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it again. He didn't know what to say. What if she told them? What if they all found out?
Charlie shut his eyes, trying to block off tears. He couldn't cry in front of her...that would just be...wrong...
What if he was over-reacting? What if it wasn't that big of a deal anyway?
"Charlie?" she asked again, concern in her voice. He hadn't answered her...
He swallowed the lump in his throat, and opened his eyes again. He could do this...
Julie furrowed her eyebrows when she saw his eyes glass-over slightly. "Char..." she started before stopping herself. He looked like he was about to say something.
"Julie..." he started. "Do you promise not to say anything?"
She nodded. "Yeah, of course."
"You won't tell anybody? Not even the Ducks?" he said, making sure.
"If you don't want me too. What about Coach Bombay?" she asked.
"He already knows." Charlie said softly.
Julie nodded. "I won't tell a soul. Your secret's safe with me."
He nodded and swallowed again, finding his confidence slip away again. "Um. Man, I feel so stupid." He said, trying to fake a smile as he felt his eyes well up with tears again. "Crying in front of a girl. How embarrassing." He said, still not speaking much above a whisper.
She gave him a half-smile. "As opposed to crying in front of a guy being any better?" she said lightly.
He let out a soft, tear-filled, almost-laugh. "Fair enough. But I'm trying to talk here. Hush before I change my mind."
She nodded and abruptly grew silent, her smile fading as she realized it had to be something serious. Most likely the thing that had been bothering him.
As he opened his mouth to continue talking, the door unlocked and Connie walked in.
"Hey guys. You been here the whole time?" Connie asked, slinging her bag on the bed and taking down her ponytail. "We were wondering why you didn't show up. Averman was telling us we should alert the police because the aliens had finally gotten you."
Charlie shut his mouth again and Julie silently cursed. The boy had instantly clammed up and shut down when realizing he had almost given in...
"Connie...hi..." Julie said, trying not to sigh. Great...just great.
Connie turned to them and looked between them. "Oh, I'm sorry. Was I interrupting something?" she asked.
"No, we were just going over some of the reviews. Studying. Boring stuff like that. And I was just getting ready to leave anyway. See you girls later." He said, standing up with his bag, relieved that Connie apparently hadn't heard the crack in his voice.
"Oh, you don't have to go." Connie said, worried that she had done something wrong.
"No, I was just about to leave anyway. Bye." He said, closing the door behind him.
"Dang it..." Julie muttered under her breath as she crawled into bed and covered her head with a pillow.
Not like you people really care, but I changed my email address to 'spazzychick96@yahoo.com' so now the one in my profile is correct. Just thought I'd share...^_^ I was also wondering if I should change my penname. I'm thinking about switching it to 'Spazzychick96,' but I'm not sure if I should. It's my yahoo name, and I've been thinking about changing my name for awhile, I just haven't quite decided yet. Would it be too terribly confusing? I don't want to change it is it will confuse people.
I'm excited because my poem placed in the Colin County Poetry Contest! *grins* It's exciting! I feel so special...lol...I have to read it at a banquet ceremony thingy on Saturday, and I'm scared...I don't like speaking (or reading?) in front of lots of people...o.O...meep...
Allie- I bet you do feel free. Lol...It is always a refreshing feeling to complete a story, even if you kinda miss it. I have a feeling I won't be feeling that for a LONG time...lol...I know it's shocking, but I won't be mean to Charlie for FOREVER! It has to stop someday. It just may be awhile. ^_^ Hehehe...the pretty shiny is very...shiny. Lol. I like shiny things too. ^_^ Yes, yes, Charlie is a VERY unhappy person. *pats his head* Poor little thing...I worry about him too...*lights a candle with Allie* Yes, Connie and Fulton are observant, and Portman and Russ...well...aren't! Lol. *patting Allie's sobbing head* Don't worry, I'll fix him...later. I'll fix him later...Don't you worry. *hangs head in shame* Yes, I have to make his life bad...I can't help it...*hugs back* Thanks for the review!!!
Nebula- I'm not surprised that you've never heard of "Ronnie and Julie." Lol...But it's a good movie. It's super cute! ^_^ Yeah...Charlie has a wee- bit of a tendency to blow things kinda outta proportion...but that's okay. I'm glad you liked the Riley scene. ^_^ I guess I was giving him a little bit too much credit, though. *shrugs* Oh well. *nods head* Out little Charlie is very careless. *pats his head* I'm glad you liked it, and I hope you like this one too! ^_~
BenjiAndJoelsNumber1Fan- Thanks for reviewing! I hope you enjoy this chapter! ^_~
Hockey_Luvva- *eyes widened and gobbles down yummies* Yay! Lol...*face falls* ehh...wow. o.O Sorry to hear that...that really bites...
Katie- I'm glad you liked it! ^_^ And you would be surprised how much work went into FINDING a copy of "Ronnie and Julie." It's an elusive little bugger...lol. ^_^ It's a great movie, and half just simply will not cut it. Lol. Yeah, I noticed Julie is Linda...but I pretend I don't throughout the duration of the movie...otherwise I would drive myself into insanity...So for 99 minutes, I pretend she ISN'T Linda and that I DON'T want to kill her in several very creative ways. ^_^
Banksiesbabe99- I'm so glad to hear that you liked the chapter. *smiles giddily* You're always so nice. *hugs*
Rachel- Hehehe, I guess it was a pretty mean cliffhanger. ^_^ But now it shall be fixed in THIS chapter! Lol. I'm really happy that people seemed to like Riley's chicken/duck/road remark. Lol. I don't feel totally stupid anymore. ^_^ As for the whole cutting thingy, yeah. I haven't done it before, but as I've probably said before, I had a friend who I think did. And I've read a few things on reasons people would, how they act, blah blah blah...I did my research. Lol...and I tend to try and be insightful when possible. I'm just glad it's coming out right! Yay! *feels really flattered and blushes* Aw, you're just so NICE, Rachel! The word 'realistic' is EXACTLY what I was hoping for...whew...I love you guys, really I do. *hugs* It's nice to know that people who I don't actually know like it too. I always thought my friends Liz and Chris were just being nice because I was bugging them and they're stuck with me if they say mean, nasty things. Lol...^_^ And as for "Ronnie and Julie," it's a modern "Romeo and Juliet" with Joshua Jackson as the main character (need I say more? Lol...). He is a hockey player, and she is a figure skater. Their parents are both running for mayor. All that lovely stuff. But it's an awesome movie, and I love it. ^_^
*gasp*...*eyes widen*...*pinches self to insure it isn't a dream*...SSOOPPHHIIEE- SOPHIE! YAY! *dopes happy dance* You reviewed! Yay! You totally just made my otherwise horrible day NOT SO HORRIBLE! ^_^ I just came back from "Solo and Ensemble" practice for Choir, and my teacher was being evil, as usual, and I was really sad. But now I'm happy! I was like "DANG! Seven reviews?!" and smiled real big and happy-like when I realized you came back! ^_^ The peeved-ness has definitely left the building, Soph. ^_^ Trust me. It's gone now. Lol...*sighs* I GUESS I'll forgive you Sophie. I guess I can do that. ^_^ Lol...I'm glad that the update may come soon. I'll be looking forward to it. *giddy smile* I'm excited. Lol...Wow, it has been awhile...this review is still during the court case. o.O Lol...I'm glad you liked "The Lawyer Who Chelsea Was Too Lazy To Name." ^_^ I though it had a nice ring to it, too. Melodrama and Star Wars! Two very beautiful things. Lol. I'm glad you were happy that George was found guilty. I don't think even I'M mean enough to stick him with his dad again...at least I wasn't at the moment. ^_~ Ehehehe...No, I wouldn't want you as an enemy, my dear Soph. but you see, that's why we're friends. Lol. ^_^
Sophie #2- Yeah, I just could never live with myself if I gave you nice little epilogue and ended it there. That simply would NOT work. I have MUCH more to say. *nods* Yep, it ain't over yet. I've noticed my developing evilness too...I'm growing much more comfortable with the angst category. Lol...Heaven help the Mighty Ducks section, Chelsea is on the loose...lol. ^_~ I don't really wanna give anything away (as if I haven't already...lol...^_^), this will not have an unhappy ending. It IS possible that I MIGHT unfairly favor Charlie...and Charlie SHOULD regret being so gosh-darn adorable...He pays dearly for it by catching my eye and reeling me in. *nods* So now he gets to endure OUR WRATH! BWAHAHA! He will never escape...dun dun dun...*creepy music*...*cough* Anyway. I'm glad you thought Russ was being in-character. Lol. I'm sorry you're depressed now. *pats Sophie's head*...*squeals excitedly* Yay! I got you're approval on bringing across Charlie's feelings! Yes! I'm glad you're satisfied with the emotions. It gives me relief that you like it. I need my fellow Charlie- angst author to assure me I'm not screwing it all up. *smiles and hugs Sophie*
Sophie #3- Whee-hee! You liked my hacky-sack paragraph! Lol...A hacky-sack is a little colorful sack-thingy that is a little smaller than the palm of your hand. It has little bean thingies in it, and you're supposed to kick it up in the air as many times as you can without dropping it. I'm not a very good explainer-person, but oh well. Lol...I can't do it, so I don't even try. I just got it because it was pretty and stuff. Lol. ^_^ *glances at Catherine The Hacky-Sack sitting next to keyboard* Good times, good times. As for the nicely-strangeness of my friends, some of them are. The ones I have the most fun with are as weird as me. Lol...Birds of a feather flock together...lol. But I'm still convinced if we lived in the same country, we could be good friends. Lol...details, details...Yes, I know the shockingness of it all...I don't really swear, so I guess that is as close as I've come. Lol...^_^ Ehh...vampire Goldberg and Adam, you say? Lol...creepy. Good, I'm not the only one who sees Obsessive-Compulsive Adam...lol. Yes, I made that a nice fun chapter. A brief, slight break from the intense angst-fest. Lol. *shifty eyes*...
Sophie #4- Wow, the replies to the reviews are about three pages long at this point. o.O Yikes...lol...Yeah, if Charlie failed, that would be a little bit bad. Ehehe...that was quite a jump. But that's okay. ^_~ And I guess the peeps weren't bright enough to make the connection that smoke fumes cling...But again, there must be a constant supply of stupid, dense people in my story. ^_~
Sophie #5- Lol, yes...You're getting closer! I've been a busy little girlie lately. ^_^ Updates left and right...hehehe...I'm just really getting into it. I agree; Charlie and Julie make a splendid couple! Lol...I can't help it! It's not my fault! ^_^ Lol, okies Soph. I suppose I can refrain from chucking Charlie out. Lol...^_~ Or, actually refrain from making Bombay chuck Charlie out...lol...chuck Charlie...hehe...that sounds funny...Because 'Chuck' is a nickname for 'Charlie'...heeheehee...I'm okay now, really...Oh, Sophie, I will NEVER be bored of you. Lol...
Sophie #6- Ehe...I guess I could be a wee-bit dangerous and evil if left to my own devices...lol...I'm glad you had your tissues ready just in case...I'm glad you aren't worried anymore. I knew it was a very clichéd subject, but I'm relieved to know it's an original-enough take on it to earn your approval...lol...and that was horrible grammar, and probably made NO sense, but just pretend it did. Lol...^_~ Don't make fun of me...*sniffles, but recovers* I'm very happy that you liked the little Charlie/Julie moment. *smiles happily*
Sophie #7- I'm not surprised that you've never heard of "Ronnie and Julie"...lol...as I explained to Rachel (who also didn't know what it was about), it's a modern "Romeo and Juliet" with Joshua Jackson as the main character (need I say more? Lol...). He is a hockey player, and she is a figure skater. Their parents are both running for mayor. All that lovely stuff. It's a great movie...lol...It got the 'Chelsea Stamp of Approval.' But it can sometimes be a wee-bit expensive, and the girl who plays Linda in D3 plays Julie in it...but even *I* could pretend to ignore it for 99 minutes in order to see Josh Jackson in all his one-year-after-D3 glory...lol...So if that sounds like fun to you, go ahead. I loved it! ^_~ And I agree that it isn't any fun when there are no fics at all written about a new obsession...Very depressing. It even got me OUT of the mood to write stuff for my MD fics for a day or so...isn't that horrible? But I soon recovered. So it's okay now. I'll just have to cry until one shows up, or I have enough time to dream up a plot for one...lol...Hm, you're very perceptive about it not being a smart idea to bring shiny razor to school. Riley has an awful habit of showing up at the wrong times, doesn't he? Lol. Okay, I SERIOUSLY need to remove the "L" and "O" keys because they tend to show up a lot...I laugh a lot. ^_^ Hehehe...yeah...anyway...that was off track...Sorry. *smiles and hugs Sophie* You're so nice and flattering! *hugs* I'm quite happy that you're caught up too...lol...gah! I did it again! *slaps wrist* Gahhrr...o.O....I'm sorry I depressed you, but it's good that your friends and the cinema will cheer ya right back up! Lol...*twitches* I really do need to remove the "L" and "O" keys...Again, I'm very excited about you working on your next chapter! Lol...I can't wait for the next update! Thanks for all your inspiring reviews, and the replies to reviews has just hit four pages...lol...*ignores the use of 'lol' again*...
Snorts- Yes, I miss happy Charlie too...but that's okay. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing!
Denverhockeygirl- Hey, it's nice to get feedback from ya again! ^_^ I'm glad you like the story! *feels proud* It means a lot coming from you, considering I kinda think of you as one of the big Charlie angst authors...So yeah. I'm glad it's angsty enough for ya! ^_~ And no fear about fluff; this has quite a way to go, and I'm far to into the angst thing to give it up yet. If there is any fluff at all, it will be in small doses. Angst is just too addicting...It's drawn me in! Lol...Thanks for reviewing! Made my day. ^_^
Brnnttebabe12- I'm glad you like the story. ^_^ And don't worry, the cutting will stop eventually. Just have patience. ^_~ You'll just have to see how the whole Charlie/Julie thing turns out, because I've ruined enough of the story already...lol...I totally agree that Charlie/Julie rocks...lol...:p Thanks for your feedback! ^_~
Liz- Yes, out little Charlie is MUCHLY abused...but alas, life will get better eventually. Thanks for the review. ^_~
Disclaimer- I don't own the Mighty Ducks.
-Chapter 41-
Adam wasn't sure how long he had kneeled there, staring at the silver object, marred with fresh blood.
He timidly picked it up by a clean part. He bit his lip, unsure of what to do. Hadn't this been the one Charlie was in? No...couldn't be...he wouldn't...
The blonde teenager was shaken out of his trance when he realized he was the only one still in the restroom. He tossed the razor in his bag, ignoring the fact that it was still wet with blood.
His mind swarmed as he walked through the halls to his next class. Charlie was the only other Duck in his next class...maybe that would be the best time to confront him. That way if he was totally off base, no one would ever think of it.
Adam saw Charlie sitting in his seat, fiddling with the cap of a pen. The blonde took his seat next to his brown-haired friend. "Hey Charlie." He said, trying to forget the cold, angry things Charlie had said at lunch.
Charlie's mouth twitched slightly.
"Hey." He said, pretending to be fascinated by the penciled graffiti scrawled across his desk. What part of 'Go away and leave me alone' did Adam not understand?
Charlie could feel an unasked question lingering in the air as they sat there silently.
Adam cleared his throat and seemed to be struggling with the words. "Um, Charlie." He started.
Charlie didn't look up. "Yeah?" he asked.
"It was weird. Uh, yeah. I uh, found something on the bathroom floor." Adam started.
"Toilet paper? Dead crickets? What else is new? There's always stuff on the floor..." he said quietly. He felt his heart racing and a lump in his throat forming. He suddenly felt nervous...He couldn't have left it...
Charlie had to hold back the urge to check his backpack for the razor. He couldn't remember picking it back up...
Holy crackers, that's not good...
Banks sighed. "No, not quite. I found this." He said, pulling out the razor. "I just remembered you had been in there, so I was wondering if you knew anything about it." Adam said, probing at his friend while avoiding a direct question.
Charlie's lips tightened and he struggled to calm his rabid heartbeat. Suddenly the noise in the room seemed to grow and the sound of his thumping heart seemed to be a blaring, steady drum booming in his head.
He closed his eyes for a second, trying to steady his shaky breath. He licked his lips once and took another calming breath. He looked over at the object in Adam Banks's hand. Sure enough, it was his razor.
"No, I can't say I know anything about it." he lied, unable to keep the cold edge out of his voice.
"You sure?" Adam pried.
"YES, I'm sure. What makes you think I would know anything about it?" he snapped.
Banks sighed with frustration. "I'm not trying to accuse you, I was just asking because I knew you had been in there. Calm down."
Charlie nodded and tried to swallow the knot in his throat. "I guess I didn't see it while I was in there. It must have been someone else's." he said, suddenly becoming fascinated with the carpet.
Adam nodded suspiciously, but shoved the razor into his backpack again. He'd get rid of it later. He spent the rest of the class analyzing the situation.
~~~*~~~
Charlie had been unable to concentrate the entire class period. He had felt like Adam was staring holes through him the whole time. It could be his over-reactive imagination and paranoia, but he couldn't tell for sure.
Now he was leaving for home without a ride, due to the fact he had spent his bus fare on lunch.
"Hey Charlie!" a voice called out.
Charlie stopped when he realized it wasn't Adam, Fulton, Portman, or Russ. He knew an explanation would be in order if it was. But Charlie didn't have an answer.
He turned around to see Julie. "Hey." He answered.
"You ready for finals?" she asked as they began walking again.
"Nope. Not in the slightest." He answered truthfully.
"Do you wanna come study with me?" she asked, turning to face him as she walked, her eyes questioning.
Charlie pursed his lips in thought. "Is Adam going to be there?" he asked, hoping she didn't detect the hostility in his voice.
She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "...Yeah. Why does that matter? You two have a fight?" she asked. She hadn't seen the display in the lunchroom.
Charlie's mouth twitched slightly. "Yeah, something like that. I just don't really want to talk to him right now. I'll just go on home." He said, starting to walk off.
"Hey, wait. Where are you going? I don't have to study with them if it makes you uncomfortable. You and I can just go to the library or something." She said, trying not to let him get too far away. If he did, then he could just pretend he hadn't heard her.
"I don't want to keep you from them. It's not a big deal. I can study by myself." He said, walking backwards so he could face her and walk at the same time.
"No, it's okay. Really." She insisted.
"Why do you care so much? It was never a big deal before I came back. I wish everyone would leave me alone; it's creeping me out." He said, turning back around, not realizing that his voice had chilled a few degrees.
She opened her mouth to say something, but realized she didn't know why she suddenly cared so much. "Um...I guess I'm worried about you. You've been all by yourself all this time, and I guess I miss you. Maybe everyone else can leave you alone, but I can't. I just get the feeling that something's wrong." She said before she could stop herself.
He stiffened a little. "Nothing's wrong. I'm perfectly fine. Now go on; they're probably wondering if you were abducted on your way to the study session." Charlie said bitterly as he again tried to walk away.
"Charlie, wait." She said, grabbing him by the wrist to stop him.
He tensed up and swallowed, reminding himself the gesture wasn't meant to be threatening. It was only Julie...just Julie...
He closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing. After only a few seconds, he figured he had calmed himself down again.
When he opened his eyes again, he saw Julie standing in front of him.
"Look...Charlie. Whether or not something is bothering you, I still want to study with you. We don't have a deep bond session or anything. We don't have to talk at all if you don't want to. Just don't shut me out completely. It's just studying." She said, making eye contact and holding his gaze.
Charlie looked away, breaking eye contact as soon as he realized he was doing it. There was something about looking into someone else's eyes that made him feel vulnerable. Exposed.
He contemplated her offer. She said they didn't have to talk...only study...studying was safe enough...
Once he decided it was fair enough, he nodded in confirmation.
Julie smiled with relief. "Alright. Let's hit the books. Wanna head to my dorm?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me." He said before following her upstairs.
When she unlocked the door and walked in, Charlie followed in suite. He glanced around as she flipped on a few lights. Her bed was made neatly, but books and papers were scattered across it. The desk was semi-messy, and had a drawer half-open, a few folders sticking out. Connie's bed, or what he assumed was Connie's bed, was on the opposite wall. It was also made-up, but with less precision. It seemed like the girls had grown comfortable with there surroundings and weren't obsessed with keeping it perfect, yet they didn't let it get as bad as most of the guys did.
"You just going to stand there?" she asked as she plopped down on the floor, pulling all the books from the bed onto the floor.
He snapped out of his trance. "Sorry, I just never realized that this is my first time in here. Just looking around...." He said with a shrug.
She grinned. "Alright then." She said as he sat down by her and pulled out his books.
As Julie worked silently next to Charlie, she couldn't help but wonder what was going on with him. He had been avoiding everyone like the plague. She was just relieved he had given in and decided to study with her. She didn't want to see him alone.
Charlie was tapping his pen on the carpeted floor repeatedly, biting his lip as he thought about his homework. When had they learned this anyway?
It wasn't long before they had completed their review packets.
"So I guess I should be going..." he said, stuffing his books in his backpack.
She nodded, watching him complete this task.
When his bag was packed, he pulled in onto his lap and sat there, unmoving. Julie watched curiously, wondering why he wasn't getting up. She didn't say anything for fear of him thinking she wanted him to leave.
"Charlie?" she said softly after a few minutes. When he didn't respond, she gently nudged his shoulder.
He jumped, unconsciously slamming his back into the bed. His head snapped up to attention with wide eyes.
Julie jumped back at the sudden jolt. "You okay?" she asked as she watched him curiously, her worry mounting slowly.
His gaze shifted over to her as he realized it had been her again. He allowed his breathing to return to normal as he nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay. You just...startled me a little."
She nodded, though she wasn't satisfied. "You were spacing a bit there. You sure you're okay?" she asked, catching his gaze and gently probing his eyes with her own.
He stared back, not knowing whether or not to tell the truth. Maybe he could tell her about his father...that wouldn't be so bad...
He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it again. He didn't know what to say. What if she told them? What if they all found out?
Charlie shut his eyes, trying to block off tears. He couldn't cry in front of her...that would just be...wrong...
What if he was over-reacting? What if it wasn't that big of a deal anyway?
"Charlie?" she asked again, concern in her voice. He hadn't answered her...
He swallowed the lump in his throat, and opened his eyes again. He could do this...
Julie furrowed her eyebrows when she saw his eyes glass-over slightly. "Char..." she started before stopping herself. He looked like he was about to say something.
"Julie..." he started. "Do you promise not to say anything?"
She nodded. "Yeah, of course."
"You won't tell anybody? Not even the Ducks?" he said, making sure.
"If you don't want me too. What about Coach Bombay?" she asked.
"He already knows." Charlie said softly.
Julie nodded. "I won't tell a soul. Your secret's safe with me."
He nodded and swallowed again, finding his confidence slip away again. "Um. Man, I feel so stupid." He said, trying to fake a smile as he felt his eyes well up with tears again. "Crying in front of a girl. How embarrassing." He said, still not speaking much above a whisper.
She gave him a half-smile. "As opposed to crying in front of a guy being any better?" she said lightly.
He let out a soft, tear-filled, almost-laugh. "Fair enough. But I'm trying to talk here. Hush before I change my mind."
She nodded and abruptly grew silent, her smile fading as she realized it had to be something serious. Most likely the thing that had been bothering him.
As he opened his mouth to continue talking, the door unlocked and Connie walked in.
"Hey guys. You been here the whole time?" Connie asked, slinging her bag on the bed and taking down her ponytail. "We were wondering why you didn't show up. Averman was telling us we should alert the police because the aliens had finally gotten you."
Charlie shut his mouth again and Julie silently cursed. The boy had instantly clammed up and shut down when realizing he had almost given in...
"Connie...hi..." Julie said, trying not to sigh. Great...just great.
Connie turned to them and looked between them. "Oh, I'm sorry. Was I interrupting something?" she asked.
"No, we were just going over some of the reviews. Studying. Boring stuff like that. And I was just getting ready to leave anyway. See you girls later." He said, standing up with his bag, relieved that Connie apparently hadn't heard the crack in his voice.
"Oh, you don't have to go." Connie said, worried that she had done something wrong.
"No, I was just about to leave anyway. Bye." He said, closing the door behind him.
"Dang it..." Julie muttered under her breath as she crawled into bed and covered her head with a pillow.
