Three uneventful weeks had gone by and, once again, Charlie had gone away for the weekend and wasn't due back until later that Sunday. Mike had been slightly nicer to him in the weeks passed, due to the fact it was basically impossible to insult him. He had to admit he liked Charlie. He constantly thought about him in class and could no longer deny it to himself, but that didn't stop him denying it from Charlie. Nothing could become of a future chocotier and one who hated chocolate, he was smart enough to know that.
Mike sat by the window, staring out at the grounds. He thought about going to the gym, but he just couldn't get up and leave his room. Stuff was bothering him and he was unable to block it out. He blamed the lack of video games and television. A part of him felt bored. Another part felt depressed. All he needed was something to do.
Mike grabbed the paper that he had found at lunch and read through it. When he reached the local movie times, he smiled unable to believe it. A screening of the most incredible thriller movie ever: Burning Desire. Mike had read about it on the web, about the awesome special effects and how the acid scenes were made to look so life like and gory it would scare the pants of even the biggest horror movie buff. The problem was, the premiere screening was on Tuesday night and he wasn't allowed off the school grounds at that time.
Throwing the paper down on the ground he mumbled to himself, then noticed the map of the school on his desk. He grabbed it, thinking about how badly he wanted to see the premiere. Looking at the map, he worked out where all the cameras and guards were. Then, applauded himself as he easily found a way to escape. In a much happier mood, Mike changed his clothes and headed off to the schools gym.
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Charlie couldn't believe the shocking news. Staring at the ground, he could hear all the others around him, happily gossiping about their weekends with their friends, boyfriends and girlfriends. Charlie blocked them out as he found his way back to the boys dormitory to room 3F. Before he stepped in the door he wiped his tears and put on a happy face. He knew that if Mike saw him cry he would probably mumble some comment and Charlie couldn't handle that at that time.
Charlie opened the door and found the room was empty. He hopped onto his bed and lay back just staring at the ceiling. Unable to hold it any longer, the tears fell once again. He thought about Grandpa George, always taking for granted that he would be there. Never expecting that somehow his family would fall apart. Thinking about it, he wondered why he was so shocked. Grandpa George was old after all and his kidneys had always caused him problems, but never as serious as this. It was just to hard for Charlie to imagine, coming home and him not being there. The truth was it scared him, facing the prospect of death in the family. He tried to calm himself down by the possibility that everything would be okay, that he would live as they said he would, but to no avail.
Mike walked in a few minutes later back from his workout at the gym. "Hey, you're back. How are you and how was your weekend?"
Charlie faced the wall so Mike wouldn't see him crying. It was the one time that looking at Mike wouldn't bring a smile to his face. "Nothing. I just have a bit of a cold that's all." He lied to cover up the sniffles.
Mike wasn't that naive. He knew Charlie was crying and that he obviously didn't want to talk about it, so Mike just went to the laptop and played some games, continually looking over at Charlie with concern in his eyes. Mike hoped to let Charlie know if he needed someone he would be there but if Charlie wasn't going to talk, he wasn't going to ask.
Charlie, unable to handle Mike's constant staring left the room, making an excuse that he wanted something to eat. As he shut the door, he felt the enormous temptation to go back in and curl up in Mike's arms, explain everything and just confess all his fears. Instead, he just walked away, unaware that Mike was watching him leave from their doorway.
-----
Finally, Tuesday night had arrived and Mike was preparing to sneak out to see Burning Desire. Hehopped out of bed, dressing quickly. Timing it perfectly so he could sneak out with the smallest possibility of getting caught. Obviously he wasn't aware of how much noise he was making, because when he turned around and looked at Charlie, he saw that he was staring right back.
"Where are you going?" Charlie asked, barely above a whisper.
"Out to the movies." Mike told him, then seeing opportunity he smiled. "You can come if you want to."
Charlie turned away. "No, that's okay. I'm not really in the mood."
Mike stared at the back of Charlie's head for awhile. He heard Charlie sniffle softly. Mike walked a little closer to him. "Are you going to tell me what's wrong or do I have to guess?"
"It doesn't matter. Just go to your movie. Don't worry about me I'll be okay." Charlie was trying to convince himself more than he was trying to convince Mike as more tears fell down his face.
Mike tried to leave. He figured it would just be easier to walk out the door and leave. Though his legs wouldn't move and a part of him knew he could never enjoy the movie if Charlie was even more upset than before. Grabbing a chair he sat down by his room mates bedside. Placing a compassionate hand on Charlie's shoulder he wanted to say what was on his mind, but instead kept it to himself.
Charlie turned around to face Mike. "I don't know what to do. They said they could save him. Why?" He looked up into Mike's eyes. "I just found out today. Grandpa George died after they promised me he'd be alright."
Mike's felt a pang of sympathy, more than he had felt before in his life. "No-one can promise stuff like that. I'm really sorry." Before he could stop himself, he gave Charlie's hand a squeeze. Then quickly pulled away, stammering. "You know I'm here if you need me."
"Thanks Mike." Charlie choked out through tears, though secretly happy at the thought. "Go on, you should go to the movie."
Mike leaned closer to Charlie. "I can't go to a movie when my only friend is like this. Though don't tell anyone, they'll think I'm a softy. Can't have the preppies thinking I'm a pushover."
"Thanks Mike. I really appreciate it and don't worry, your secret's safe with me." Charlie wiped a few tears away,smiling andblushing slightly. "Listen, there's something I have to tell you."
"What would that be?" Mike wondered if it was possible that Charlie was going to say that he felt the same way. It would certainly be what he needed in his situation. The seconds passed slowly as Mike waited for Charlie to speak, heart beating fast in anticipation.
Charlie knew he couldn't hold it in any longer. No-one had ever been so nice to him before. Particually not someone he had developed strong feelings for. Though a part of him was afraid Mike would agree out of pity, or that he would stop being so comforting. So after hesitating he backed out at the last minute. "This girl, Louise keeps asking me if you have anyone to go to the mid-term dance with. Maybe you should go talk to her."
Note: A little more development, but what will happen at the dance? What exactely is happening with Mike's situation?Chapter 4 will be up in a week or so with more on that.