A/N: Hello, my lovely readers! Here we are in the second chapter of Charlie's Christmas. After this, there will only be one more short chapter, the last introduction. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to PM me or review and tell me what you think. Now, on with the story!

WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE AND TRIGGERING IMAGERY. IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED BY THIS OR DO NOT ENJOY IT, DO NOT READ.


Chapter Two.


Jacob's POV:

All I felt was stress, stress, and more stress. I had to get good grades, be the best worker, and be the best son and caregiver to my dad. He was in a wheelchair and couldn't get around easily by himself, and after my sisters booked it I was left to pick up the pieces.

They act like they were the only ones that missed our mom, that they're the only ones that knew pain. I missed her every day, my heart never felt full because of the space where she was missing.

I felt like everything was weighing me down, and someday soon I was going to snap.

But for everyone else I had to grin and bear it; be the sunny Jacob everyone loved.

Someday soon, though, it was going to happen. I was going to go off the deep end. And hopefully, it wouldn't be around someone I care about.


"What's the answer to question forty-four?"

"Eighty-six?

"Very good, Embry! Now, Jacob, what is the answer to question forty-six?"

"Ninety-nine," I answered with a smile, only to see a shake of her head. It felt like I had been slapped.

"I'm sorry, but that is incorrect. Jimmy, do you know the answer?"

"Ninety-seven."

"Perfect!" The bell rang, signaling for everyone to get their things together to go home. "Okay, class, that's it for today! Remember, you have a test on Monday over what we learned today!"

As they made it into the hallway, Quil clucked his tongue and sighed dejectedly. "Can you believe her? Making us suffer like this."

"She isn't that bad," Embry said as they exited the school. I stayed silent as they conversed back and forth, feeling the shame and guilt of not getting the answer right. I had studied all night, how had I gotten it wrong? Did I work the problem out wrong, or was I just not getting it?

I was so stupid sometimes.

"You guys want to come over today? My mom's making brownies for Hailey's birthday, and you know how good they are." Quil yelled over the loud wind, and it took my everything for me to decline.

"Sure, bro."

"Sorry, I have work." They both looked me with pity; all I wanted to do was punch it off their faces.

"Another time then?"

"Sure, sure."

Another day of declining, another day of working until nine, another night of staying up till one to finish homework.

If only things were different, I wouldn't have to do this shit. If dad could walk, maybe I wouldn't have to work all the time. Maybe if my sisters stayed, I wouldn't have to have all this weight on my shoulders. Maybe if mom was around, I could actually be happy.

I shook my head as I walked home, sneering at the ground.

There was no point in thinking about if shit were different, it wouldn't fix anything. Wouldn't make me happier.

But damn, if only, right?

I sighed as I stepped into the empty house, taking in the destitute surroundings.

Either way, I had work to do.