Rachel had raced to the school, needing to just get a glimpse of her son before their day started. Even if he told her hated her again, all that mattered was her seeing him. She had just turned the corner to her office when her eyes met her friends. Rachel knew they knew something. "Have you seen Charlie, Kim?" She asked as she put her bag down, hoping he was waiting for her in her office.
"I did, he was waiting for me when I got in. We talked. He was very upset. Then when I stepped out to call you he took off. Some kids said he and Ryan took off on their bikes so Chris went after them."
"Okay, I should be out there looking for him too."
"Actually let's leave that to Chris. We need to talk, Rachel. It's not good."
Feeling her stomach drop, Rachel could only nod as she followed Kim into her office. "You said he was upset. Did he talk to you?" Rachel asked, knowing she had to find out what Charlie had said. She hated that she had become this, mum worried about her stupid husband and keeping the peace in their house.
"Well yes, he did. He showed me and Chris his arms. Rach, he's been hurting himself, cutting himself. He was adamant that he wasn't trying to kill himself. He said it just helps with the pain. Only today, well last night, he said it didn't take away the pain of finding out his dog was sent away. He also mentioned in front of Chris that Adam told him last night that he wasn't his dad. I would ask if everything is okay at home, but I think I have the answer to that."
Rachel, who had been listening to her friend speak, covered her face as a few tears fell. She had failed her baby boy in so many ways. "Things are tough at home, they have been for a while. Couples fight, and sometimes get divorced. Adam got it in his head a few years ago that Charlie wasn't his. I haven't been able to get him to drop it. He treats Charlie differently. They aren't as close as he and our youngest Addie. Then last night he handed him a bloody test showing him their DNA … doesn't matter. The weird thing is it seems Charlie wasn't even that upset about that. He was upset because Adam decided Charlie hadn't been respecting him in the way he feels he should so he gave Charlie's dog away. He's had Sadie since he was like four. Bolton gave him to Charlie. I didn't know he had been struggling so much. Kim, I don't know how to even say this. But I fucked up."
"Do you know who Charlie's father is?" Kim asked her friend softly.
Biting her bottom lip Rachel nodded. "I do, and so do you. It's Chris. I … the times were a bit fuzzy. I really thought he was Adam's. Until I saw those eyes. Charlie has his eyes. I don't even know how I can fix this. I can't get Sadie. When Adam decides something that's it. He's also against therapy. Charlie was going before we moved. He had some behavioral issues and it was requested by his old school. However, after a few sessions, Adam said no more and Charlie refused to go. I was between a rock and a hard place. I am so happy he even came to you. I just need time to talk Adam around about Sadie and things will be okay." Rachel said without giving it a second thought. Making excuses and playing down Adam's behavior had become second nature to her at this point.
Kim, however, was looking at only a fraction of the hell they lived with fresh eyes. "Rach, this is more than Adam not being okay. You can't fix this all today or alone. Let's focus on today and today Charlie needs you. Once Chris finds him and brings him back we will talk to him. He asked me for help Rachel and I am not going to let my friend's son down. I'm here for both of you."
"Thank you, Kim. It's really good to know I'm not all alone. That's one thing I hated about being over there. I was alone. I know the school needs me here, but I wish I could be out there looking for him myself."
"I know, but Chris is very capable. He has good instincts and he learned from the best. Plus it will be good for Charlie to have someone not so involved to maybe talk to if he wants."
"I know my actions may not support my next statement but there is no one I'd trust more to help one of my kids than you and Chris."
"I am here for you Rachel, you're not alone, and before you even think it. I am not here to judge you. Now come on, let's start the day and I am sure Chris and Charlie will be back here before we know it."
Nodding, Rachel swallowed her emotions and wiped her eyes, poor abused Rachel being replaced with headmistress Rachel. She knew Chris and she knew Kim was right. He wouldn't stop until he found her son.
Near the center of town, Ryan led Charlie into the small shelter parking lot. As they parked their bikes he turned to his friend. "Don't freak out, but my gran's ex is meeting us. I needed someone to, you know, adopt Sadie back. Plus my gran does anything she asks … I figure if Gran ends up saying no, Ann will so take her."
"Sounds like a solid plan, better than us trying to adopt her ourselves with nowhere to keep her." Charlie agreed as they walked around the building.
Ryan smiled when he saw a woman waiting by the door.
"You know how early it is? I just got off a night shift, Ryan. You are lucky I love ya."
"I know, but I really needed help. It's me friend Charlie."
"That's me. You see, my dad is, well, kinda a dick. And he got mad and sent my dog here. She's gonna be scared 'cause we moved from New Orleans and I haven't seen her. She's been in quarantine…"
"Wait, he just sent your dog away? Why?"
"He got mad at me for being disrespectful. He was being right nasty to my mom and I stupidly defended her. But please, you can't tell anyone that. I just have to save Sadie. I've had her since she was a pup. My uncle Bolton got her for me. Before Dad made him stay away … just like my cousin Phil. I lose everyone. I can't lose her. Even if she lives with Ryan, least I know she'll be safe. I have money. Ryan does too, we can pay.."
Ann, hearing Charlie's story, sighed inwardly. God, it was times like this she remembered just how lucky she was to have the dad she did growing up. He may have been a bit of a hard ass sometimes, but he always loved her and had her back. She didn't know why but there was something about this kid. She knew she was gonna help him. "Well, I guess it's a good thing I like dogs because you and I both know it's gonna be a hard sell to Catherine, even if she's gone soft in her old age." Ann joked as she put her arm across both boy's backs, leading them into the shelter.
It took a while, but about an hour later Ann followed the boys outside, a big German Shepherd leading the way. The trio had just gotten to Ann's car when a black car parked right next to them, Chris hopping right out.
"There you two are! I have been driving all over. You know you have Miss Campbell worried! I bet both your mum and your gran are too. Why did you just take off like that?"
Charlie, hating being yelled out, refused to look up from hugging Sadie. While he knew his teacher wouldn't hurt him, not like his dad did, raised voices still caused him to totally shut down.
Ann, who had been watching the exchange, noticed Charlie's reaction. "Babe ... just chill with the yelling. The boys had a reason, a pretty good one. Ryan did call Catherine, and myself. Making sure his dog is safe seems like a pretty good reason."
Hearing her tone he followed her gaze down to Charlie. Realizing his misstep he took a different approach. Instead of yelling he sat down on the curb next to Charlie and his dog. "I know you're new and probably don't know who you can trust. I am so proud of you for coming to Kim this morning. And I understand Sadie is your family and you had to save her. Next time you think you need to leave school I need you to promise me that you will come and see me."
Charlie hugged Sadie a bit tighter before he looked up to meet Chris's gaze. "Yes sir, I promise. I didn't mean to scare anyone. I just had to save my dog. She's my best friend sir."
"I understand that, I do. And now she is safe so you two, back to school. We will sort out the rest back at school."
Nodding, both boys got up, Charlie turning to Ann. "Thank you so much. Sadie is the best dog ever."
"You're welcome and I am sure soon she will be home with you. If your mum needs my number just tell her to get it from Catherine. And you, sir, good job calling me and not trying to figure this out on your own."
"Yeah, I am trying to do better. See ya later Ann." Ryan said before he grabbed his bike, following Charlie over to Chris's car. Once Chris thought they were alone he leaned in, kissing Ann. He stopped as quickly as he started when he heard the chorus of ewws coming from the other side of his car. "Remind me why I love being a teacher again?"
"Because you are one of those amazing men who actually like forming little dick head's minds. Or you're insane, I am not too sure. Anyways, I am exhausted after working all night, so Sadie and I are heading home to crash, I will see you later tonight. Love you."
"Love you too," Chris said before heading over to his trunk so they could get the bikes inside. "You two, inside. We are going back to school and after a long talk with Mrs. Fleet it's off to the cooler for the pair of you."
They both rolled their eyes as Charlie got in the front while Ryan got in the back.
"So sir, how long have you been dating Ann?"
Looking back at Ryan Chris sighed. It was a dangerous line when deciding how personal to get with a student. He had learned that the hard way. This was different though. Ann was practically family so he knew Ryan was asking out of true curiosity, not just trying to wind him up.
"A few weeks. It's still new."
"That's cool, I guess. I liked it better when her and my Gran were together."
"I get that mate. They were together for a while."
"Eh, nothing good lasts does it?" Charlie cut in quietly.
"Nope, it doesn't" Ryan replied before the teens both fell back into silence. Neither spoke another word the rest of the way back to school, Charlie trying to prepare himself for when he had to face his mum. While, yes, Sadie was safe, he had told Miss Campbell one of his biggest secrets and he had a hunch she wasn't going to just drop it.
Once Chris parked again he told the teens to lock up their bikes and then told Ryan to head up to the office while Charlie hung back. Ryan being Ryan walked just out of sight before he stopped to eavesdrop. Not noticing Ryan, Chris tried to talk to Charlie. Even though he didn't know the full story he knew enough to figure out this kid was in pain. He couldn't even explain it, he hadn't gotten close to a student since Scout. He found a line between caring and caring too much. Before Rachel Mason's son came walking into his life that is.
"Look mate, I know you have no reason to trust me, but I just wanted you to know you can talk to me."
Hearing that Charlie laughed. "No I can't, but thanks sir. I only talked to Miss Campbell because it was all too much. I am fine."
"What do you mean you can't talk to me?"
"I tried talking to my teacher before. Back home. Well, my old home. Just made everything worse. So thanks, but no, I won't talk to you."
"Look, I don't know what happened at your old school, this school is different. I am different. You can trust me."
"Yeah, like I'm that dumb. You are my mom's friend so anything I tell you, you tell her. Can we just go inside, sir? I want to get in trouble and move on with my day."
"Is everything okay at home Charlie?" Chris asked instead of arguing the point that he was Rachel's friend, as arguing with a teenager got you nowhere a lot of the time. Charlie just looked Chris straight in the face before Ryan popped out from behind the wall.
"Come on Charlie, let's go. I see my gran's car."
"Yeah okay," Charlie said before he ran into the school along with his friend, leaving Chris to just watch his worry growing. Something was going on, he just needed to get Charlie to trust him. And as clammed up as that teen was he knew it wasn't going to be easy to get him to trust him.
As the teens rounded the corner to the office, Ryan stopped Charlie. "Since you already told Miss Campbell about your cutting if it gets too much or whatever and they're questioning things like Mr. Mead was, I will just tell them about your cutting to distract them okay? I mean, it should work.."
"Yeah sounds good. You think your gran is gonna ask about my homelife too?"
"I don't know but if Mr. Mead is asking, chances are someone else may too. Better to go in there with a plan."
"Yeah okay. You can show them my tool or whatever.."
"Yeah okay, deal. Come on, let's go face the music." Ryan finished before the teens headed to the office, heads down as they walked inside.
"Well look who it is. So happy you could grace us with your presence." Rachel said as she motioned for the teens to take a seat on the couch across from Kim and Catherine.
Sighing both took a quick seat.
"Well, what do you have to say for yourself?" Rachel continued.
"Did you know Ann is dating that tool, Mr. Mead? She left us for him!" Ryan offered up, causing Charlie to smirk.
"I did know, we were going to tell you, Ryan." Catherine cut in, trying to calm her grandson down.
"Yeah, but you didn't and you wonder why we don't tell you guys nothing"
"I understand and we can talk about that later tonight. Right now I want to know why you're taking off from school."
"I told Ann so it wasn't even like we was sneaking away Granny. Charlie's dad was a dick and gave away his dog. You know they never have room at that shelter and put dogs down! I called Ann and she met us and got her out. I don't even know what I did wrong. I told an adult."
"While yes you told Ann you didn't tell any of us, Ryan." Chris chimed in as he joined them in Rachel's office.
"Yeah well, why would I tell you shit? I don't like you," Ryan mumbled, causing Charlie to snicker before he caught his mum's eyes
"I'm sorry. It's my fault. I didn't want my dog to die so I asked Ryan to help. If you should punish anyone it's me." Charlie said, his eyes still trained on the ground.
"I am so sorry Charlie that Dad did that. And I am glad you guys had an adult to help but you guys can't leave the school premises without telling me or a teacher. So we've discussed it. You two will spend some time in the cooler then you have dinner time detention for a week."
"Fine, whatever. Can we go?" Charlie snapped as he finally looked up at his mum.
"Yes, for now, but Miss Campbell and I will be talking to you later, okay?"
Not saying a word he just glared at his mum before taking off out of the room.
Ryan, who was still sitting, looked between the adults before he reached into Charlie's bag. "Uh, he hurts himself. Like, on purpose, just thought you should know. He was freaking out and he's me friend. I wasn't going to not help him. Detention or not I'd do it again." He said as he slid the blade onto Rachel's desk.
"Thank you Ryan. Now to the cooler. I will come get you later," Kim said as she watched her friend try and not break.
Catherine, clocking Rachel's discomfort, stood up. "You know you can talk to me anytime and I speak from experience, kids keep us on our toes. I gotta get to work for the morning briefing but call me. We can talk later. I figure if Ann or I keep his dog on top of the fact our lads are quick friends we'll be seeing a lot of each other Rachel."
"You're not gonna demand I keep them apart?" Rachel asked a bit shocked.
"No, Charlie is great. He's going through something but he's been good for Ryan. They talk on that games thing a lot and yeah he's going through something. Ryan did himself last year. That doesn't mean we should ban them from hanging out. What good would it do taking away Charlie's only friend? Plus Ryan for all his fumbles made two very good choices today. He called Ann when he needed help and made sure to get his friend the help he knows he needs. Seems like a win to me. Anyways, I gotta go so call me later yeah?"
"Yeah, I will thanks," Rachel said. On her way out of the office, Catherine turned towards Chris.
"Tell Ann I'll be by after my shift to talk about the dog."
"Will do, see you then."
"Ta." Catherine replied as she left.
Once they were alone Kim was the first to speak. "Chris I think too many people will make Charlie feel cornered so Rachel and I will talk to him about the self-harm okay?"
"Yeah, that's fine. I tried to talk to him outside and he has no interest in talking to me. Pushing him now would just do more harm than good. So I will go to the cooler then I have a class to teach. Come find me if you need me."
"Will do, thanks Chris," Rachel called out before she sunk back into her chair, her face in her hands. "How did I make such a mess of things Kim?"
"Charlie hurting himself isn't down to you, Rachel something is bothering him and we will figure it out. I just don't think it's the dad thing."
"Yeah, me either. He doesn't seem to care much. Though lately he keeps so much bottled up that I don't know what's bothering him if anything is at all. Kim, I know this is going to sound weird but can you let me handle this with him at home? He is going to clam up. I think this needs to be a conversation between the two of us at first then we can continue it tomorrow. I just don't want him to feel ambushed, you know?"
"I do and I think that is a good plan. We will meet tomorrow with him so he knows he has support. Give me some time to find some support I can offer him here. Think you'll be able to bring Adam around on the no counseling stand?"
"I think so. While his actions last night may not show it, our kids and their well-being are our first priority. I will speak to him to hopefully get us all on the same page."
"That's great. Well, I have a class so I'll see you," Kim said before she left Rachel alone.
Once she was alone Rachel let out a sob before she took the blade locking it in her top drawer. Her family was suffering and she wasn't sure she knew how to fix it. She knew they needed to get away from Adam for starters but she had tried that once and she almost lost her world because of it. She couldn't risk it, not again. She wasn't sure how but she'd talk Charlie around and everything would be okay. It had to be.
Later that night Chris let Catherine in, offering her a drink as she joined him, Ann, and Kim at the table.
"So we are all here to talk about Rachel right?" Catherine asked as she looked around the table.
"Yeah, we all know something is going on. But without proof where do we even start?" Kim asked.
"Well, I heard back from Charlie's old school. He is a smart kid when he applies himself. He has outbursts but really what teen doesn't at times? That's all I got."
"I tried to talk to Charlie outside of school today. He's shut down. I thought he was gonna say something when I asked if everything was okay at home. But then Ryan came around and put an end to the conversation. Do you think he knows anything, Catherine?"
"I do but he's not talking to me about it. I tried to talk to him before I came over. He only told me he knew about Charlie's self-harming 'cause he went to scare him in the loo and, well, caught him."
"So we suspect things aren't good at home. You guys say Rachel is different. Ryan hasn't gone over there since they've been friends. And Charlie self-harms and his lovely dad got rid of his dog. The one he's grown up with. We need more Catherine. We can't go in on something this potentially dangerous on just a hunch Catherine." Ann said, a bit frustrated.
" I know and I did a background check. Adam's squeaky clean on our end. I just have a hunch and from what I hear it's a mutual hunch. You know there's something there."
"Yeah but what do we do if we can't get Rachel or Charlie to talk to us?" As the adults tried to think of something to do there was a knock on the door which set Sadie off barking.
As Ann put her out back Chris walked over to the door, shocked at who he saw standing there. Two of his old pupils.
"Michaela, Phil what are you doing here? Come in.." He said as he ushered the two out of the cold rain.
The two young adults shook off a bit before Michaela nudged Phil to start speaking.
"Well I am really sorry to just bother you like this, but I got a letter the other day and I don't know what to do about it."
"What kind of letter?" Kim asked. As Michaela sighed before snatching it from Phil.
"Look, it was from Rachel and we just got it. We've been traveling down to see his cow of a mother. Anyways, we got back to this. Come on Phil, tell them."
"You know my mums not ... No, not important. I would go to my mum but she and Rach haven't talked since she got pregnant and all that mess with Eddie. I thought about telling him but I think that could make this worse if that's possible. Fuck. Okay, Aunt Rachel sent me a letter with a bunch of legal paperwork about custody and the kids. Basically, it said if something happens to her it was her husband Adam and that I should tell Charlie's real dad. Cause apparently that's not Adam. I wanted to go right over but he doesn't like me much or Michaela. We haven't been able to see the kids in years."
"Wait, so Rachel said she's in danger basically? And that you were to contact Charlie's real dad. Wait, why are you here?" Chris asked not quite connecting the dots.
"Well cause you're his dad according to this," Phil said as he handed over the letter and the folder of legal papers.
"You weren't supposed to tell him, dummy." Michaela snapped rolling her eyes.
Chris, who had been reading the letter, froze. "So I am Charlie's dad and Rachel never said…"
"I don't know if she knew right away. I'm sorry we just dumped it on you." Michaela replied as Ann looked over the paperwork.
"Catherine, what if we are looking in the wrong place? Of course, there would be no friggin' record here, they've lived their life over in the States the last decade or so. We need to be looking over there in New Orleans. I don't have those kinds of connections though."
"I may," Catherine said as she pulled out her mobile dialing a number. After a few rings someone picked up.
"Hey Bolton, you said your ex and your son live in the States right?"
"Yes, she's stationed there until later this year why Sarge?"
"Well, I need a favor. Can you ask her if she can run a check on two people for me?"
"Yeah Sarge I sure can ask. I mean anything to pay you back for saving me."
"Great the names are Adam Fleet, Rachel Fleet, and try Rachel Mason."
Hearing the last name Bolting froze. "Is Miss Mason ... I mean Rachel in trouble?"
"We think she might be, so can you call your ex as soon as possible?"
"Yeah, I will call Kenzie tonight. Maybe she can find something out before Friday. That's when her and Mason will be here for a visit."
"Great. I don't need to tell you to keep this discreet do I ?"
"No Sarge you don't. I will get right on it."
"Great get back to me as soon as you hear anything," Catherine said before she hung up and looked back at the shell-shocked science teacher.
"I know you are probably feeling all kinds of things. But remember the focus is getting them out of a potentially bad situation. You can feel all your feelings after they're safe."
"She's right Chris. Adam knows Charlie's not his. That can't end well for the lad."
"No, it can't, and yeah I am feeling a lot but the important part is helping Rachel and the kids. We are going to figure this out Phil, I promise."
"Yeah I thought about going to the police, but Michaela said it would be better to come here than tip Adam off when all we have is a letter."
"Yeah, right now all we have is a letter, a hunch, and a child screaming out for help. Let's hope Bolton's ex can find the missing parts so we have a full picture of what we're looking at. Rachel won't be another Joanna. I am going to save her."
"Yes, we're gonna save her together, but we're gonna do it right." Ann agreed. Little did they know how bad the truth really was.
