Katie- Hehehe, I'm ashamed of the lack of Charlie...It's...shameful...But
he gets to go home, so that makes up for it. ^_^ Yep...this is the big 5-
0...I hope I can handle it! ^_^ Ooh! *squeaks and accepts coke* Why thank
you! *grins and sips coke*
Hotashell99- *grins* I'm glad you liked the chapter. ^_^ I hope I didn't keep ya waiting too long. ^_~ And no prob about reviewing your chapters. Been my pleasure. ^_~
Banksiesbabe99- Yeah...Things aren't going too well for Gordy...Heh...the other Ducks have been NAUGHTY! Bad Ducks! BAD! *cough* Yeah, well I hope you like this chapter! ^_~ Thanks for reviewing, as always! ^_~
Sarah- Lol...Thanks for reviewing, and I hope you emjoy this update as well. ^_~
Rachel- Yes, sending Charlie away would be very sad...It wasn't a problem at all giving advice over email. ^_~ It's sad that it isn't working for you though...*pouts* Anyway...is it an MD fic, or is it for another fandom (I can't quite remember if you said...)? I'm glad you liked the update! *beams* You always give me encouragement, and I can't thank you enough. ^_^ My insecurity complex thanks you too. ^_~
Brnnttebabe12- I'm glad you liked the chapter. ^_^ *eyes sparkle at the yummy chocolates* Mmm...*smiles* Thank you! Hehehe, I accept bribes. ^_~ Lol...I hope you like the chapter.
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- Lol...Dr. Nick, you say? ^_^ Charlie will come around...someday...*cough*...eventually...maybe...lol...^_~ Thanks for the review and enjoy the chapter! *grins*
Allie- WHOO! Such a long, prettyful review! ^_^ *waves* Hi Dwayne! Heehee...Ooh! Tell Davey I said hi! *shakes Davey awake, leaving Fulty asleep because he isn't pleasant after being woken up* Hi Davey! *Davey is confused and doesn't recognize Chelsea* Sorry. I've only seen your movie twice, Davey dear...and I've never browsed your fandom, but you're still mucho cool in my book! *Davey backs away slowly* I'll leave you alone now. And I'll just tell Fulty hi next time I write him into the story. My minions are Charlie and Pacey from Dawson's Creek; I got me some twins...sorta! *giggles as Charlie and Pacey frown* Aw, cheer up guys! *they pout and crawl under the couch* Aww...my poor babies...Hmm...I'll find them later. I'm glad you like Fulton in this story. ^_^ I like him too; he's definitely growing on me. ^_^ Heehee...'Wondering' with Gordy and Fulty and how to 'Break up then get back together again' with Connie and Guy? Hmm...I wouldn't know considering I haven't had a boyfriend. Sorry peeps, that semiar will do me no good. ^_~ Yes...it seems so long ago that George was a regular in the cast of Charlie's Life. I don't think it's odd that you went back and read all your reviews. I do it often...lol...encourages me that I'm not a total psycho whom nobody likes. Lol...^_~ Yes...I would truly have nothing to write about if the months disapeared because...well...that's my entire story! Lol...ANGST! Rah! Lol...I'm capable of writing happy things (I think?) I just chosoe not to. ^_^ And I'll try to refrain from throwing things at you. ^_^ *Charlie cocks an eyebrow at Allie's threat* Charlie...behave...*Charlie snatches the newspaper and crawls back under the couch where he takes to burning the paper, earning a grin from Pacey as they sit and watch it like the little pyros they are* Charlie! Pacey! Bad! Fire is bad! NOT UNDER THE COUCH GOSH- DANGIT! ....They don't listen well...hmm...Sorry they ruined your paper...Hee hee! Hi Fulton! *Fulton cowers from Chelsea, afraid she will angst him up too* Don't worry, Fulty. I won't angst on ya. You get off this time. Be good for Allie! ^_^ I hope you enjoy the chapter, Al!
Nebula- Yeah...Gordon's not having a very good day...week...month...etc...Charlie is not evil! Lol...hehehe...You'll just have to see what happens...*innocent smile*...*twitch*...*evil author laugh*...*twitch*...*innocent smile* Hehehehe...Enjoy the chapter!
French Chipmunk- *grins* I got ya SUCK IN! Bwahaha...lol...*cough*...I'm okay now...^_^ I'm glad you're likin' the angst. ^_^
MDSWitter26- ^_^ I'm glad you liked the chapter (is it just me or do i say that a lot...o.O)...*shakes head* Anyway. Yep. As a matter of fact, Charlie returns home. I know...50 chapter is...a lot...lol...I can remember when 20 chapters used to seem like a million...lol...It really gives you perespective. I would never have dreamed it would end up this long. And more to come, at that. ^_^ I have difficulty finishing stories, too...I have, like, four individual MD fics going and one being co-written with chorins96...and then SEVERAL being co-written with KittySpazway (my friend Liz) that are on her account. I'm a busy, busy person...lol...I very well may explode someday. ^_^ But I also have a tendency to get off track, so what started that tangent again? Lol...oh yes. I remember. But yeah...I get distracted and start writing another, only to later realize that now I have more stories to keep updated for people...lol...it's crazyness. ^_~ Enjoy the chapter! ^_~
Kate- *squeaks with excitement* YAY! I didn't have to wait a long time! Whoo! Lol....hehehe...^_^ There's no shame in being silly. *smiles* I'm silly. Hehehe...and maybe a bit psycho...but only on occasion....o.O...*cough* Yeah...Review truly is a beautiful word...It needs to be engraved and lined with gold, for it is a word of such undescribable happiness...Perhaps I shall write a poem about it someday. ^_~ Lol...or not. But that's okay. It was worth a shot. *grins* Yes, your status as number one fan was just raised. ^_^ You got upgraded! ^_~ Hee hee. Yeah...I agree about Lester being a weird name...hehehe...It's no wonder he goes by "Averman." I would too if my name was Lester. ^_~ Hehehe...I never thought of that, but Lester DOES sound like a mouse name. ^_~ Wow...I get TWO reviews? *feels such a deep feeling of happiness and excitement* But Gordon finding Charlie difficult is QUITE blasphamous! Where does he get these silly ideas? Heehee...yes...the plot thickens...DUN DUN DUN...o.O...*cue twilight zone music*...Lol...you'll just have to see what happens...^_^ Adam is...umm...hiding. He doesn't like Charlie much at the moment. He's still a bit bitter from their argument. I don't think ANYONE really wants ot tell him...hehehe...I sure don't. ^_~ Heehee...now, now, Kate...don't taunt the characters...They're traumatized enough. *Gordon twitches and Charlie points and laughs* Charlie! Bad! *Charlie pouts and his eyes water* Aww...I'm sorry...I didn't mean to yell at you...*huggles Charlie, stroking his head lovingly* Lol...I enjoyed your reviews! They brightened my day...er....night! ^_~
MoonlightAngel16- Lol...I'm glad you like it. But Adam's a bitter meanie- face right now. Lol...yes...the Ducks have been bad too. Tisk tisk...^_^ Yep! You finally get to see (err...read?) Charlie be home again. Lol...I hope you enjoy my "big-number 50" chapter...lol...heehee...Thanks for the review! *grins*
Disclaimer- Even by Chapter 50, I still have yet to gain ownership of The Mighty Ducks. It's pretty pitiful, isn't it?
-Chapter 50-
The day had finally come...Charlie was going home.
Charlie stood silently beside Gordon, clutching his returned backpack. He was keeping his eyes glued to the floor as Bombay spoke with various doctors.
He hadn't seen or spoken with Bombay since before...well, awhile. It was more than awkward to stand there and pretend nothing had happened...but it was a skill Charlie was honing down to perfection.
So instead of trying to listen to what the adults were saying, he observed the ground under his feet and held his backpack with a death-grip like vice. The floor was really dirty and apparently needed to be swept...but he wasn't going to tell THEM that...
Charlie's gaze then shifted to his left arm. The sling was back in place, but they said he only needed to wear if for another week before it could come off completely. It was relatively exciting, if nothing else.
He began digging the toe of his black Converse into the tile floor and bit his lip in concentration. He didn't want to go home, but he didn't want to be at the hospital either.
"Charlie?" Gordon said softly, snapping Charlie out of his trance.
The boy turned his spaced-out gaze to the older man, and Gordon motioned to the door.
"We're going home now."
Charlie nodded solemnly and followed Bombay in silence.
Climbing into the car, Charlie let out a long, drawn-out sigh. He automatically took to staring out the window as they starting driving from the hospital. It was the same scenery as always, but he watched it just the same.
Gordon had chosen against bringing up 'the subject.' He knew it would only make it worse, and that wouldn't be the best conversation to start with. Charlie had completely closed himself off again, and it would be difficult to have a conversation at all. So they settled for silence.
At least for awhile.
"Tomorrow you're going to have to take your finals," Gordon said quietly, the silence becoming too much for him.
"Sounds exciting," Charlie said dryly.
Bombay let out a frustrated sigh but didn't reply. There was no need to get worked up over it...
Yet another conversation Gordon was truly dreading would be the one in which he would need to suggest counseling. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know that Charlie wouldn't be too up with that...
Well, maybe he MIGHT be okay with it...
Or...not.
~~~*~~~
The next day, Charlie went to take his finals. The school didn't cause any problems due to his 'situation,' as some had taken to calling it. Made no difference to him.
When he came back to the house, most of if not all the Ducks were eating lunch in his living room. Did they not have houses of their own to occupy?
"Hey Charlie," Connie said.
Charlie nodded at her and caught Adam's gaze. Their eyes locked briefly before Charlie continued walking, heading up the stairs to retreat to his room.
"Well...he acknowledged our presence...That's progress, right?" Connie said weakly.
Adam had a bitter expression on his face, Fulton shrugged, Julie watched Charlie scale the stairs, and everyone else just sat there.
Gordon walked in from the kitchen and sighed. Looking up the stairs, Gordon crossed his arms with defeat. "I guess I'll go talk to him..."
The Ducks nodded and watched their ex-coach walk up the stairs to certain doom and much loud yelling.
Once Gordon had arrived at Charlie's door, he struggled to knock over the loud music playing on the other side. It was a nice attempt, but a fruitless one.
"Charlie!" Gordon said, trying to speak over the loud music.
There was no response from Charlie.
After a few more attempts, Bombay opened the door.
Strangely enough, Charlie was lying out on his bed with headphones on. So he had one CD blaring on his stereo, yet he was listening to another loudly on his CD player...
No wonder he hadn't heard Bombay...
Bombay knew it was an extremely dangerous stunt, but he removed the headphones from Charlie's head.
"Hey! What are you doing?!" Charlie snapped when the music disappeared.
"Trying to get your attention," Gordon replied simply.
"Ever heard of knocking?" the teen asked with a biting tone.
"Yes, but it is far more useful when the recipient of the knock isn't blaring two sets of music far above their intended levels. You're going to damage your hearing that way," Gordon said, unable to stop the parental comment.
Charlie rolled his eyes and grabbed the headphones back, only to toss them aside. "Whatever..." he mumbled as he crossed his arms and looked forward. "What do you care anyway?"
Gordon furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean by that?"
Charlie turned and looked at him, an irritated expression on his face. "What do you think? How many definitions could that sentence possibly have?" he said edgily.
"Look, Charlie, the snide comments really need to stop. I'm trying to help here, and your cooperation would really be appreciated," Gordon said sternly.
Charlie rolled his eyes again, and turned away, his mouth tightening with aggravation.
"I know that something is obviously bothering you, and I'm sorry. But you need to talk to us. If you don't want to talk to us, then we need to find someone you can talk to. You've been grossly out of character, snapped at everyone for no reason, and have been a generally unlikable person. Some of the doctors suggested therapy or counseling, and I think it would be a good idea. Seeing a psychiatrist might help you work through this stuff," Gordon said.
Charlie whipped his head around to face the older man. "WHAT?! What do you mean? You're sending me to a SHRINK?!" Charlie shrieked with horror. "I'm not going to a SHRINK, thank you very much!" Charlie said sharply.
"It's not a 'shrink,' Charlie. It's just going and talking to someone about things you obviously don't feel comfortable talking to us about. It's simple and painless, really," Gordon said, trying to reassure Charlie and make this somewhat simple.
"Easy for YOU to say! You aren't the one being told to go!" Charlie said angrily.
"Charlie, it's not that big of a deal," Gordon said with exasperation.
"It IS a big deal! It's kinda upsetting when people considering you crazy enough to go to a SHRINK! Shrinks are for crazy people! I'm not going! No way! Not gonna happen!" Charlie protested firmly.
"We do NOT think you're crazy," Gordon said, crossing his arms.
Charlie glared at him. "Well obviously you do. You don't send people you think are sane to get 'therapy.' Though I don't NEED 'therapy,' you obviously think I do! But I don't! Because there is nothing wrong with me, and I'm not crazy! I'm not going!" Charlie said angrily, glaring hotly.
"Charlie, calm down a little. There's no need to get upset," Gordon said, trying to keep himself as in-control as possible.
"I AM CALM!" Charlie yelled sharply.
"Fine, fine. You're calm. But you still need to get used to the idea of going. It doesn't have to be every day; just enough to let it help," Gordon said, wishing Charlie would just agree. He would almost prefer a blank nod over an onslaught...
"NO! I am NOT going and there's no way you can make me!" Charlie countered with vigor.
"Charlie..." Gordon said, rubbing his temples. "Can you please just listen to me?"
"Why should I?" Charlie asked harshly, his eyes still fiery from the argument.
Gordon removed his fingers from his temple and looked at Charlie. "Because I'm only trying to help. Just go to a few sessions, okay? Whether or not you know it, it will help."
Charlie snorted indignantly and turned in the other direction.
When Gordon realized their conversations would progress no further, he stood up. He walked out the door and shut the door behind himself.
Once Charlie was sure the older man was gone, he let out a sigh and closed his eyes tightly, gripping the pillow. He curled up slightly, and opened his eyes, resting them on the picture of his mother sitting in the nightstand.
He let out a choked breath and blinked his eyes, trying to focus them on the picture. His mom loved him...His mom wouldn't make him go to some stupid shrink...
But his mom was gone...
Charlie clamped his eyes shut at the thought, and bit his lip. He tensed his muscles and tried to think of something else...anything else...
However, he couldn't get the face out of his mind. He couldn't make himself change his line of thought, and all he could think about was how much he longed to have his mother back. How much he wanted her to be alive...How much he would do just to be with her again...
He felt stinging tears threaten to pool in his eyes, but he only squeezed his eyes shut tighter. Charlie could feel himself shaking slightly, yet he continued tensing every muscle in his body while trying desperately to clear his mind. The teenage boy felt a wave of emotion come again, as it always did when he truly thought about his mother being gone. Irretrievable. Gone...forever.
Giving into these feelings, he allowed a choking sob to escape. He shunned his own weakness, but the ever-present insecurity wasn't enough to stop it.
Charlie was relieved he still had the stereo blasting.
He buried his face in the pillow and continued sobbing, wishing like heck he had that stupid razor...
~~~*~~~
Gordon Bombay trudged down the hall, sending one last glance towards Charlie's door before walking back down the stairs.
When he reached the bottom, all the Ducks were waiting in anticipation to know what happened.
"How'd it go, Coach?" Averman asked.
Gordon sighed and sat down in a chair. "I suppose it could have gone worse..." he said with a dreary sigh before resting his head on the wooden table.
They all nodded each taking their own interpretation of that response because Bombay never extended upon that answer.
Bombay sent a sidelong glance up the stairs. Why was Charlie doing this? Why wouldn't he let them help him? Did he truly not understand?
The older man was snapped out of his trance when Adam stood up angrily and started for the door.
"Where are you going?" Portman asked the fair-haired teen as he was leaving.
Instead of answering, Adam continued walking and left straight out the door.
After a few moments of walking, he broke into a run, not stopping until he arrived at his own house.
He passed his mother in the living room, and continued walking as she gave him a greeting.
Once he was in the safety of his room, he collapsed on his bed. He hadn't gone back to see Charlie ever since their argument in the hospital room.
The words had stung. The rejection had been a harsh blow Adam wasn't sure if he had been ready to take. Adam knew that that this wasn't Charlie...it couldn't be.
When Charlie had said they didn't care, it had been a sharp slap in the face. Charlie had said they had never called him, and that they only cared because everyone expected them to and that it was convenient. Charlie was seriously convinced that they didn't care.
Yet Adam couldn't help but feel a boiling rise of anger at remembering their conversation. Charlie hadn't even tried to understand. He had rejected what Adam said before it even left his mouth. He didn't want their help.
As much as Adam wanted to just shut out the idea of even bothering with Charlie, the side that missed his best friend contradicted it. The part of Adam that missed having someone who understood him, or at least pretended to, always there when he needed someone to unleash his frustrations on. He couldn't allow himself to hate Charlie...No matter how angry he was, he couldn't make himself stop wanting to help.
He could tell it was tearing the Ducks in several different directions. Seeing their Captain in such an awkward and abnormal condition was disheartening.
Everyone was dealing with it in different ways. It was strange, really. Many of them had never returned to the hospital.
Adam had gathered that Portman was freaked out about the whole suicide thing, though he hadn't said it directly. It would ruin his image.
Averman had been the strangest of them all. He seemed as if he was trying not to acknowledge it at all. Adam didn't think it was that he didn't care, so much as it was one of those things he couldn't wrap his mind around without breaking down. Averman was one of those people who had known Charlie since District Five, and Adam could only assume he didn't want to think of it as reality. It was too serious to joke about, so it left Averman without any defense against the truth.
Luis, Dwayne, and Ken were all worried for him, but hadn't been terribly close to Charlie. They were friends and teammates, but the situation was a little too much for them to try and bear. Adam didn't blame them at all; it was rough enough without flinging yourself into the middle of the crisis.
Russ appeared as if he was holding up an exterior that he was okay, but Adam wasn't sure. Russ and Charlie were pretty good friends, but the whole thing seemed to intimidate the dark-skinned hockey player. Russ was a rough- and-tough player, so Adam guessed he was choosing to be detached as opposed to vulnerable. If he kept up a hard shell, he wouldn't have to worry about it affecting him.
Goldberg was taking it pretty hard. He was another one of the original District Five players, and had been another person who had grown relatively close to Charlie over the years. He didn't really talk much about it, and seemed to be doing similar to what Averman was doing. Trying to pretend it wasn't really happening. Pretending that soon Charlie was going to wake up from this phase and magically be normal again.
Connie and Guy were each dealing with it in their own way too. Connie was trying to be calm, strong, and understanding, yet Adam had caught her crying one time the day after they had found out. He had simply turned the other direction and left her alone. Guy, on the other hand, was plunging all his thought and energy into helping Connie. Instead of spending time thinking about one of his close friends' near-death, he concentrated solely on keeping Connie afloat. It was much easier that way.
Fulton had continued visiting Charlie even after Adam had stopped. Adam knew that the larger teenager felt the need to be there, even if he simply stayed in the waiting room. Charlie had been a close friend to Fulton, and almost like a younger brother.
Julie, however, had never left Charlie's side. At least not when it was her choice. When she hadn't been there in body, Adam was sure she had been there in spirit. It had surprised Adam when Julie had suddenly become so engrossed in everything regarding Charlie. He wasn't sure, but he had thought he heard something about Carrie Longfield being sentenced to after- school cleaning duties for fighting with Julie. He had also heard the whole thing had started over Charlie, which led Adam to believe that Carrie had said something to Julie, which caused her to start a fight and get herself after-school cleaning duties with the janitors.
Resting his head on the pillow, Adam let out a long sigh and closed his eyes. Why did life have to be so freakin' screwed-up?
Hotashell99- *grins* I'm glad you liked the chapter. ^_^ I hope I didn't keep ya waiting too long. ^_~ And no prob about reviewing your chapters. Been my pleasure. ^_~
Banksiesbabe99- Yeah...Things aren't going too well for Gordy...Heh...the other Ducks have been NAUGHTY! Bad Ducks! BAD! *cough* Yeah, well I hope you like this chapter! ^_~ Thanks for reviewing, as always! ^_~
Sarah- Lol...Thanks for reviewing, and I hope you emjoy this update as well. ^_~
Rachel- Yes, sending Charlie away would be very sad...It wasn't a problem at all giving advice over email. ^_~ It's sad that it isn't working for you though...*pouts* Anyway...is it an MD fic, or is it for another fandom (I can't quite remember if you said...)? I'm glad you liked the update! *beams* You always give me encouragement, and I can't thank you enough. ^_^ My insecurity complex thanks you too. ^_~
Brnnttebabe12- I'm glad you liked the chapter. ^_^ *eyes sparkle at the yummy chocolates* Mmm...*smiles* Thank you! Hehehe, I accept bribes. ^_~ Lol...I hope you like the chapter.
DodgerMcClure.aka.Drama-Queen- Lol...Dr. Nick, you say? ^_^ Charlie will come around...someday...*cough*...eventually...maybe...lol...^_~ Thanks for the review and enjoy the chapter! *grins*
Allie- WHOO! Such a long, prettyful review! ^_^ *waves* Hi Dwayne! Heehee...Ooh! Tell Davey I said hi! *shakes Davey awake, leaving Fulty asleep because he isn't pleasant after being woken up* Hi Davey! *Davey is confused and doesn't recognize Chelsea* Sorry. I've only seen your movie twice, Davey dear...and I've never browsed your fandom, but you're still mucho cool in my book! *Davey backs away slowly* I'll leave you alone now. And I'll just tell Fulty hi next time I write him into the story. My minions are Charlie and Pacey from Dawson's Creek; I got me some twins...sorta! *giggles as Charlie and Pacey frown* Aw, cheer up guys! *they pout and crawl under the couch* Aww...my poor babies...Hmm...I'll find them later. I'm glad you like Fulton in this story. ^_^ I like him too; he's definitely growing on me. ^_^ Heehee...'Wondering' with Gordy and Fulty and how to 'Break up then get back together again' with Connie and Guy? Hmm...I wouldn't know considering I haven't had a boyfriend. Sorry peeps, that semiar will do me no good. ^_~ Yes...it seems so long ago that George was a regular in the cast of Charlie's Life. I don't think it's odd that you went back and read all your reviews. I do it often...lol...encourages me that I'm not a total psycho whom nobody likes. Lol...^_~ Yes...I would truly have nothing to write about if the months disapeared because...well...that's my entire story! Lol...ANGST! Rah! Lol...I'm capable of writing happy things (I think?) I just chosoe not to. ^_^ And I'll try to refrain from throwing things at you. ^_^ *Charlie cocks an eyebrow at Allie's threat* Charlie...behave...*Charlie snatches the newspaper and crawls back under the couch where he takes to burning the paper, earning a grin from Pacey as they sit and watch it like the little pyros they are* Charlie! Pacey! Bad! Fire is bad! NOT UNDER THE COUCH GOSH- DANGIT! ....They don't listen well...hmm...Sorry they ruined your paper...Hee hee! Hi Fulton! *Fulton cowers from Chelsea, afraid she will angst him up too* Don't worry, Fulty. I won't angst on ya. You get off this time. Be good for Allie! ^_^ I hope you enjoy the chapter, Al!
Nebula- Yeah...Gordon's not having a very good day...week...month...etc...Charlie is not evil! Lol...hehehe...You'll just have to see what happens...*innocent smile*...*twitch*...*evil author laugh*...*twitch*...*innocent smile* Hehehehe...Enjoy the chapter!
French Chipmunk- *grins* I got ya SUCK IN! Bwahaha...lol...*cough*...I'm okay now...^_^ I'm glad you're likin' the angst. ^_^
MDSWitter26- ^_^ I'm glad you liked the chapter (is it just me or do i say that a lot...o.O)...*shakes head* Anyway. Yep. As a matter of fact, Charlie returns home. I know...50 chapter is...a lot...lol...I can remember when 20 chapters used to seem like a million...lol...It really gives you perespective. I would never have dreamed it would end up this long. And more to come, at that. ^_^ I have difficulty finishing stories, too...I have, like, four individual MD fics going and one being co-written with chorins96...and then SEVERAL being co-written with KittySpazway (my friend Liz) that are on her account. I'm a busy, busy person...lol...I very well may explode someday. ^_^ But I also have a tendency to get off track, so what started that tangent again? Lol...oh yes. I remember. But yeah...I get distracted and start writing another, only to later realize that now I have more stories to keep updated for people...lol...it's crazyness. ^_~ Enjoy the chapter! ^_~
Kate- *squeaks with excitement* YAY! I didn't have to wait a long time! Whoo! Lol....hehehe...^_^ There's no shame in being silly. *smiles* I'm silly. Hehehe...and maybe a bit psycho...but only on occasion....o.O...*cough* Yeah...Review truly is a beautiful word...It needs to be engraved and lined with gold, for it is a word of such undescribable happiness...Perhaps I shall write a poem about it someday. ^_~ Lol...or not. But that's okay. It was worth a shot. *grins* Yes, your status as number one fan was just raised. ^_^ You got upgraded! ^_~ Hee hee. Yeah...I agree about Lester being a weird name...hehehe...It's no wonder he goes by "Averman." I would too if my name was Lester. ^_~ Hehehe...I never thought of that, but Lester DOES sound like a mouse name. ^_~ Wow...I get TWO reviews? *feels such a deep feeling of happiness and excitement* But Gordon finding Charlie difficult is QUITE blasphamous! Where does he get these silly ideas? Heehee...yes...the plot thickens...DUN DUN DUN...o.O...*cue twilight zone music*...Lol...you'll just have to see what happens...^_^ Adam is...umm...hiding. He doesn't like Charlie much at the moment. He's still a bit bitter from their argument. I don't think ANYONE really wants ot tell him...hehehe...I sure don't. ^_~ Heehee...now, now, Kate...don't taunt the characters...They're traumatized enough. *Gordon twitches and Charlie points and laughs* Charlie! Bad! *Charlie pouts and his eyes water* Aww...I'm sorry...I didn't mean to yell at you...*huggles Charlie, stroking his head lovingly* Lol...I enjoyed your reviews! They brightened my day...er....night! ^_~
MoonlightAngel16- Lol...I'm glad you like it. But Adam's a bitter meanie- face right now. Lol...yes...the Ducks have been bad too. Tisk tisk...^_^ Yep! You finally get to see (err...read?) Charlie be home again. Lol...I hope you enjoy my "big-number 50" chapter...lol...heehee...Thanks for the review! *grins*
Disclaimer- Even by Chapter 50, I still have yet to gain ownership of The Mighty Ducks. It's pretty pitiful, isn't it?
-Chapter 50-
The day had finally come...Charlie was going home.
Charlie stood silently beside Gordon, clutching his returned backpack. He was keeping his eyes glued to the floor as Bombay spoke with various doctors.
He hadn't seen or spoken with Bombay since before...well, awhile. It was more than awkward to stand there and pretend nothing had happened...but it was a skill Charlie was honing down to perfection.
So instead of trying to listen to what the adults were saying, he observed the ground under his feet and held his backpack with a death-grip like vice. The floor was really dirty and apparently needed to be swept...but he wasn't going to tell THEM that...
Charlie's gaze then shifted to his left arm. The sling was back in place, but they said he only needed to wear if for another week before it could come off completely. It was relatively exciting, if nothing else.
He began digging the toe of his black Converse into the tile floor and bit his lip in concentration. He didn't want to go home, but he didn't want to be at the hospital either.
"Charlie?" Gordon said softly, snapping Charlie out of his trance.
The boy turned his spaced-out gaze to the older man, and Gordon motioned to the door.
"We're going home now."
Charlie nodded solemnly and followed Bombay in silence.
Climbing into the car, Charlie let out a long, drawn-out sigh. He automatically took to staring out the window as they starting driving from the hospital. It was the same scenery as always, but he watched it just the same.
Gordon had chosen against bringing up 'the subject.' He knew it would only make it worse, and that wouldn't be the best conversation to start with. Charlie had completely closed himself off again, and it would be difficult to have a conversation at all. So they settled for silence.
At least for awhile.
"Tomorrow you're going to have to take your finals," Gordon said quietly, the silence becoming too much for him.
"Sounds exciting," Charlie said dryly.
Bombay let out a frustrated sigh but didn't reply. There was no need to get worked up over it...
Yet another conversation Gordon was truly dreading would be the one in which he would need to suggest counseling. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know that Charlie wouldn't be too up with that...
Well, maybe he MIGHT be okay with it...
Or...not.
~~~*~~~
The next day, Charlie went to take his finals. The school didn't cause any problems due to his 'situation,' as some had taken to calling it. Made no difference to him.
When he came back to the house, most of if not all the Ducks were eating lunch in his living room. Did they not have houses of their own to occupy?
"Hey Charlie," Connie said.
Charlie nodded at her and caught Adam's gaze. Their eyes locked briefly before Charlie continued walking, heading up the stairs to retreat to his room.
"Well...he acknowledged our presence...That's progress, right?" Connie said weakly.
Adam had a bitter expression on his face, Fulton shrugged, Julie watched Charlie scale the stairs, and everyone else just sat there.
Gordon walked in from the kitchen and sighed. Looking up the stairs, Gordon crossed his arms with defeat. "I guess I'll go talk to him..."
The Ducks nodded and watched their ex-coach walk up the stairs to certain doom and much loud yelling.
Once Gordon had arrived at Charlie's door, he struggled to knock over the loud music playing on the other side. It was a nice attempt, but a fruitless one.
"Charlie!" Gordon said, trying to speak over the loud music.
There was no response from Charlie.
After a few more attempts, Bombay opened the door.
Strangely enough, Charlie was lying out on his bed with headphones on. So he had one CD blaring on his stereo, yet he was listening to another loudly on his CD player...
No wonder he hadn't heard Bombay...
Bombay knew it was an extremely dangerous stunt, but he removed the headphones from Charlie's head.
"Hey! What are you doing?!" Charlie snapped when the music disappeared.
"Trying to get your attention," Gordon replied simply.
"Ever heard of knocking?" the teen asked with a biting tone.
"Yes, but it is far more useful when the recipient of the knock isn't blaring two sets of music far above their intended levels. You're going to damage your hearing that way," Gordon said, unable to stop the parental comment.
Charlie rolled his eyes and grabbed the headphones back, only to toss them aside. "Whatever..." he mumbled as he crossed his arms and looked forward. "What do you care anyway?"
Gordon furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean by that?"
Charlie turned and looked at him, an irritated expression on his face. "What do you think? How many definitions could that sentence possibly have?" he said edgily.
"Look, Charlie, the snide comments really need to stop. I'm trying to help here, and your cooperation would really be appreciated," Gordon said sternly.
Charlie rolled his eyes again, and turned away, his mouth tightening with aggravation.
"I know that something is obviously bothering you, and I'm sorry. But you need to talk to us. If you don't want to talk to us, then we need to find someone you can talk to. You've been grossly out of character, snapped at everyone for no reason, and have been a generally unlikable person. Some of the doctors suggested therapy or counseling, and I think it would be a good idea. Seeing a psychiatrist might help you work through this stuff," Gordon said.
Charlie whipped his head around to face the older man. "WHAT?! What do you mean? You're sending me to a SHRINK?!" Charlie shrieked with horror. "I'm not going to a SHRINK, thank you very much!" Charlie said sharply.
"It's not a 'shrink,' Charlie. It's just going and talking to someone about things you obviously don't feel comfortable talking to us about. It's simple and painless, really," Gordon said, trying to reassure Charlie and make this somewhat simple.
"Easy for YOU to say! You aren't the one being told to go!" Charlie said angrily.
"Charlie, it's not that big of a deal," Gordon said with exasperation.
"It IS a big deal! It's kinda upsetting when people considering you crazy enough to go to a SHRINK! Shrinks are for crazy people! I'm not going! No way! Not gonna happen!" Charlie protested firmly.
"We do NOT think you're crazy," Gordon said, crossing his arms.
Charlie glared at him. "Well obviously you do. You don't send people you think are sane to get 'therapy.' Though I don't NEED 'therapy,' you obviously think I do! But I don't! Because there is nothing wrong with me, and I'm not crazy! I'm not going!" Charlie said angrily, glaring hotly.
"Charlie, calm down a little. There's no need to get upset," Gordon said, trying to keep himself as in-control as possible.
"I AM CALM!" Charlie yelled sharply.
"Fine, fine. You're calm. But you still need to get used to the idea of going. It doesn't have to be every day; just enough to let it help," Gordon said, wishing Charlie would just agree. He would almost prefer a blank nod over an onslaught...
"NO! I am NOT going and there's no way you can make me!" Charlie countered with vigor.
"Charlie..." Gordon said, rubbing his temples. "Can you please just listen to me?"
"Why should I?" Charlie asked harshly, his eyes still fiery from the argument.
Gordon removed his fingers from his temple and looked at Charlie. "Because I'm only trying to help. Just go to a few sessions, okay? Whether or not you know it, it will help."
Charlie snorted indignantly and turned in the other direction.
When Gordon realized their conversations would progress no further, he stood up. He walked out the door and shut the door behind himself.
Once Charlie was sure the older man was gone, he let out a sigh and closed his eyes tightly, gripping the pillow. He curled up slightly, and opened his eyes, resting them on the picture of his mother sitting in the nightstand.
He let out a choked breath and blinked his eyes, trying to focus them on the picture. His mom loved him...His mom wouldn't make him go to some stupid shrink...
But his mom was gone...
Charlie clamped his eyes shut at the thought, and bit his lip. He tensed his muscles and tried to think of something else...anything else...
However, he couldn't get the face out of his mind. He couldn't make himself change his line of thought, and all he could think about was how much he longed to have his mother back. How much he wanted her to be alive...How much he would do just to be with her again...
He felt stinging tears threaten to pool in his eyes, but he only squeezed his eyes shut tighter. Charlie could feel himself shaking slightly, yet he continued tensing every muscle in his body while trying desperately to clear his mind. The teenage boy felt a wave of emotion come again, as it always did when he truly thought about his mother being gone. Irretrievable. Gone...forever.
Giving into these feelings, he allowed a choking sob to escape. He shunned his own weakness, but the ever-present insecurity wasn't enough to stop it.
Charlie was relieved he still had the stereo blasting.
He buried his face in the pillow and continued sobbing, wishing like heck he had that stupid razor...
~~~*~~~
Gordon Bombay trudged down the hall, sending one last glance towards Charlie's door before walking back down the stairs.
When he reached the bottom, all the Ducks were waiting in anticipation to know what happened.
"How'd it go, Coach?" Averman asked.
Gordon sighed and sat down in a chair. "I suppose it could have gone worse..." he said with a dreary sigh before resting his head on the wooden table.
They all nodded each taking their own interpretation of that response because Bombay never extended upon that answer.
Bombay sent a sidelong glance up the stairs. Why was Charlie doing this? Why wouldn't he let them help him? Did he truly not understand?
The older man was snapped out of his trance when Adam stood up angrily and started for the door.
"Where are you going?" Portman asked the fair-haired teen as he was leaving.
Instead of answering, Adam continued walking and left straight out the door.
After a few moments of walking, he broke into a run, not stopping until he arrived at his own house.
He passed his mother in the living room, and continued walking as she gave him a greeting.
Once he was in the safety of his room, he collapsed on his bed. He hadn't gone back to see Charlie ever since their argument in the hospital room.
The words had stung. The rejection had been a harsh blow Adam wasn't sure if he had been ready to take. Adam knew that that this wasn't Charlie...it couldn't be.
When Charlie had said they didn't care, it had been a sharp slap in the face. Charlie had said they had never called him, and that they only cared because everyone expected them to and that it was convenient. Charlie was seriously convinced that they didn't care.
Yet Adam couldn't help but feel a boiling rise of anger at remembering their conversation. Charlie hadn't even tried to understand. He had rejected what Adam said before it even left his mouth. He didn't want their help.
As much as Adam wanted to just shut out the idea of even bothering with Charlie, the side that missed his best friend contradicted it. The part of Adam that missed having someone who understood him, or at least pretended to, always there when he needed someone to unleash his frustrations on. He couldn't allow himself to hate Charlie...No matter how angry he was, he couldn't make himself stop wanting to help.
He could tell it was tearing the Ducks in several different directions. Seeing their Captain in such an awkward and abnormal condition was disheartening.
Everyone was dealing with it in different ways. It was strange, really. Many of them had never returned to the hospital.
Adam had gathered that Portman was freaked out about the whole suicide thing, though he hadn't said it directly. It would ruin his image.
Averman had been the strangest of them all. He seemed as if he was trying not to acknowledge it at all. Adam didn't think it was that he didn't care, so much as it was one of those things he couldn't wrap his mind around without breaking down. Averman was one of those people who had known Charlie since District Five, and Adam could only assume he didn't want to think of it as reality. It was too serious to joke about, so it left Averman without any defense against the truth.
Luis, Dwayne, and Ken were all worried for him, but hadn't been terribly close to Charlie. They were friends and teammates, but the situation was a little too much for them to try and bear. Adam didn't blame them at all; it was rough enough without flinging yourself into the middle of the crisis.
Russ appeared as if he was holding up an exterior that he was okay, but Adam wasn't sure. Russ and Charlie were pretty good friends, but the whole thing seemed to intimidate the dark-skinned hockey player. Russ was a rough- and-tough player, so Adam guessed he was choosing to be detached as opposed to vulnerable. If he kept up a hard shell, he wouldn't have to worry about it affecting him.
Goldberg was taking it pretty hard. He was another one of the original District Five players, and had been another person who had grown relatively close to Charlie over the years. He didn't really talk much about it, and seemed to be doing similar to what Averman was doing. Trying to pretend it wasn't really happening. Pretending that soon Charlie was going to wake up from this phase and magically be normal again.
Connie and Guy were each dealing with it in their own way too. Connie was trying to be calm, strong, and understanding, yet Adam had caught her crying one time the day after they had found out. He had simply turned the other direction and left her alone. Guy, on the other hand, was plunging all his thought and energy into helping Connie. Instead of spending time thinking about one of his close friends' near-death, he concentrated solely on keeping Connie afloat. It was much easier that way.
Fulton had continued visiting Charlie even after Adam had stopped. Adam knew that the larger teenager felt the need to be there, even if he simply stayed in the waiting room. Charlie had been a close friend to Fulton, and almost like a younger brother.
Julie, however, had never left Charlie's side. At least not when it was her choice. When she hadn't been there in body, Adam was sure she had been there in spirit. It had surprised Adam when Julie had suddenly become so engrossed in everything regarding Charlie. He wasn't sure, but he had thought he heard something about Carrie Longfield being sentenced to after- school cleaning duties for fighting with Julie. He had also heard the whole thing had started over Charlie, which led Adam to believe that Carrie had said something to Julie, which caused her to start a fight and get herself after-school cleaning duties with the janitors.
Resting his head on the pillow, Adam let out a long sigh and closed his eyes. Why did life have to be so freakin' screwed-up?
