Chapter 4: Time flies when you are having fun……

Concentrating on the steaming liquid placed affront her Charlie repeatedly circled the spoon inside the contents. She had been sitting there well over an hour and felt a bit more at ease. Keith she had learned was Lucas' uncle. The brother of Dan, and since teen years friend and from what she predicted 'Lover' of Luke's mother Karen. He had a one of a kind heart. She thought wonders of him for sticking around and becoming a father figure for Lucas all these years. She praised him and only wished for a man like him in her own life. Keith hadn't asked many questions which surprised Charlie. He did comment briefly about the cuts and bruises present along her facial exterior but of course she found a way of brushing that topic under the rug. She was always good at that. Feeling a shiver come over her she pulled the fleece blanket Keith had provided her with tightly around her shoulders and brought the warm mug to her lips.

"Mmm… this really hits the spot. Thanks again for the tea. It's delicious."

"Not a problem. So technically you haven't really told me anything about yourself. We've been sitting here for a while now and we've only covered that I'm a bum mechanic who lives in this here town, Uncle to Luke, and once upon a lifetime had some excitement in his life." Pulling out a silver tin he poured a bit of what Charlie assumed to be whiskey and then smiled happily. "I hope you don't mind."

Releasing a soft laugh Charlie shook her head and spoke.

"Course not."

"So how come I haven't seen you around Luke more often. Pretty girl like yourself, I would think my knuckle head of a nephew would jump at the chance of spending his time with you."

"Your guess is as good as mine." Shrugging her shoulder she toyed with the lemon that rested inside her tea. "Lucas and I haven't really gotten a good chance to get to know one another. He's been pretty distracted with Brooke lately. And I've had…a lot of things on my own plate."

"Brooke's a nice girl."

Rolling her eyes she released a sigh before resting her head against one of her hands.

"So I've been hearing."

Keith raised his eyebrow questioning the tone in Charlie's voice. It wasn't jealously. It wasn't even as if she was annoyed. Was there hearing of let down maybe?

"You're not into Lucas are you?"

"No, no. Mr. Scott, Keith…not at all. It's not that. I know I might come off sounding a bit let down by the fact that he's just like every other male residing at Tree Hill. Sadly hypnotized with each rise and fall of Brooke Davis' chest. But in all honesty it's not really her that seems to be the problem. It's me. It's more of the fact that Lucas doesn't even bother to see what we could have. Sure he doesn't know much about me but it's almost as if he doesn't mind passing me up. I don't want a romantic relationship with your nephew. I just want his friendship. The guys at the river court have told me so much about him and I just know we could benefit from one another. Sometimes I think he might be the only one who could possibly understand." Looking away from Keith's stare for a moment she tightened her pony tail before stating. "You must think I'm crazy."

"Couldn't say that I do. I think you're a sweet young lady. Lucas' would only be so lucky to have a friend in you." Charlie was surprised in herself when she didn't flinch with his touch. His hand coming over hers in a father like gesture that made her heart rejoice.

"I'm surprised Luke isn't home yet anyhow. It's already quarter till twelve. I can't imagine where he would be this late."

Her mouth suddenly dried. Her heart pounded inside her chest as her head began to heat with a fire. Jumping up from her seat and startling Keith in the process she reached for her jacket frantically.

"Shit! How could it be so late already? Oh my gosh I need to get home. I need to go! Sorry I…I…" Feeling the tears once again she didn't even let herself think about the pain as she made a dash for the door. "Thanks for everything but I…Oh my god."

"Charlie wait! I can give you a ride."

Looking back towards Keith moving figure she nodded agreeing to his offer. It was the only way to beat time. Sure she was already late. She knew for certain he was already home plotting just what kind of punishment she would receive. She cursed herself over and over for losing track of time. How could she be so stupid? What was she thinking? After all he had done the previous days. After the horrible wounds she carried on her this very moment. She cringed knowing they would all be worse. Knowing that tomorrow she may need to seek medical help. Jumping into Keith's pick up truck she tried calming her rapid beating heart. She never felt so scared in her life. Not looking to his figure she spoke in a monotone voice pointing out which was quickest to her house. His voice was muffled and sounded off in the distance. All her thoughts were focused on what was to happen in the next several minutes. That maybe even this could be her last time sitting in an upright position. Playing with her hands in her lap she prayed once again. Asking this time that she may breathe for just another day. That he wouldn't go so far as to take her life. She knew deep inside he wouldn't. Not because he loved her or anything but it would be far too easy. An easy way out of the torture he provided. Passing the river front she placed a hand to the window and looked across the dark land in which she referred to as her safety. The guys were present no doubt and even though it was hard to make out their figures she sensed each and every one of them there. Closing her eyes she pictured skillz smiling face, Fergies' distinctive scent, mouths corky laughter, and junks crazy stories. She held on to them tightly as the car slowed in front of her house. She held tightly to them as she reached over and hugged Keith lovingly. And she held tightly as she was met with her father's cold hard stare the moment she walked through the door.