Chapter 14:

The Bots and the Bees

It's been a while, but I have free time to post this month. So I'll probably post a couple of chapters from my stories.

We were looking all over the house for a quarter to use at the Arcade. We were obsessed with the fighting game there. Whoever found the quarter, it was their turn to play. I was looking under our beds. My cot had nothing and I was under Malcolm and Dewey's. I made a face, crawling out. "Ew! It's so gross under here!" I got up and looked at Reese's before shaking my head quickly. "No way!"

After looking all over the room, Dewey called. "Charlie! We got the money!" I ran out the room.

I asked with an excited grin. "You do?!"

I raced with them to the Arcade and watched as Malcolm lost with us crowding him. I said. "Quick, back to the house."

We ran home and continued to look for another quarter. I grinned when I saw one under the T.V stand. I locked eyes with Reese and we both lunged for it. He jumped on my back as I grabbed it. I cried out as his weight made it hard to breathe. He called. "Gimmie it!"

I bucked up, trying to get him off of me. "No! I got it first!"

His elbow was pressing into my ribs. He reached for my fingers and tried to pry them them open. I groaned from the pain in my ribs and fingers and tried to roll away from him. He snapped. "If you don't give it to me, I'll beat you up!"

Malcolm called. "Hey, stop that! You're gonna get us grounded!"

I kicked behind me and heard Reese let out a yelp of pain. "Ow! You jerk!"

He was pulled off and I kept my fist tightly around the coin. It was Malcolm. He was nervously looking at Mom and Dad's door. "C'mon, let's go."

I was coming out of the room, setting my suitcase down by the front door. It was early and Mom was taking me to see Francis at his military school in Alabama. He was sick, something about an appendix removal. I begged Mom to let me go. I knew Malcolm was going to be hanging out with his nerd friends. Reese and Dewey were going to be doing their own thing and I missed Francis. I remembered the finally getting her to agree to let me come.

It was late at night and we were all sitting down for dinner. Malcolm and Reese were nudging each other, Mom's glares making them stop for a bit before they started again. I was eating. Dewey was being weird under the table. I was ignoring him. He was a weirdo. Dad was looking at Mom and then went back to eating. My eating was slowing down as they looked at each other a couple more times. That usually meant they were hiding something. I nervously squirmed in my seat. Did she find my hidden stash of candy? Or Dewey's new toy that I broke by throwing it at Malcolm for making fun of me? Or maybe it's something Malcolm or Reese did? Maybe Francis did something in military school. Was it cool?

Dad cleared his throat. "Hey, kids. Your Mom wants to talk to you about something."

Reese said. "It was Charlie, I saw her do it!"

I gaped. "I did not. I bet whatever it is-it was Malcolm's fault!"

Malcolm punched my shoulder. "No way! You definitely did it, you jerk!"

I smacked him back with a glare. "I did not! And don't hit me!"

"Kids! Knock it off, now! Nobody's in trouble." She looked us over. "Should you be in trouble for something?"

Me, Malcolm and Reese said at the same time. "No. We didn't do anything."

Mom said after staring us down and us moving nervously in our chairs. "Now, Francis is sick-"

Malcolm blurted out. "What? Is he okay?"

Dewey gasped. "Is he dying?"

My eyes widened in shock and horror. "What?! Francis is dying?!" I jumped from my chair.

"Charlie, sit down!" I did, looking at her. I felt the rest of my brothers do the same. Mom took a deep breath and said. "Francis is going to be okay. He had a minor surgery, but I'm going to check up on him. Dad is going to watch you four."

We all calmed down once we heard our older brother was going to be fine. Malcolm nodded. "What about my friends? They were going to come over tomorrow."

Mom hesitated. "I don't know, Malcolm..."

Dad grinned, waving a hand. "It's fine, Lois. I can handle a couple of extra kids."

Reese snickered. "That's because they are lame nerds."

I snickered too. "Yeah, the worst that will happen is if they trip."

Malcolm snapped. "Hey, shut up! At least they're not stupid!"

Me and Reese protested. "Hey-"

"Kids, enough! If Dad says its fine, then it's okay Malcolm." Malcolm grinned. We quickly finished dinner. I knew this was going to be boring with the nerds here. I followed Mom when she was cleaning up. My brothers were inside, Dewey watching the T.V and Malcolm and Reese in the room.

"What is it, Charlie?"

"Can I come with you?"

She turned with a sigh. "What? Why?"

"It's going to be boring and I want to see Francis."

"Now Charlie..."

I pleaded. "C'mon, Mom. I want to see Francis. I'll be good. Shelly isn't here and I'm bored! Please! Plus, it will be easier on Dad." I gave her my best pleading expression. I knew she was worried about Dad dealing with all of us at one time.

She stopped cleaning the counter and faced me with crossed arms. "Really?"

I nodded quickly. "Yeah, I want to go with you."

She said. "You know Francis won't be able to play with you."

I felt my face go red and I groaned. "Mom, I'm 12! I don't need to play anymore!"

She smiled a bit. "Of course not." She looked to be thinking about it. "Alright, fine." I cheered, grinning back at her. I'll get to see Francis and who knows what fun stuff I can find at a military school. She pointed at me sharply and I stiffened. "You must be on your best behavior. I have to look after your brother. I swear if you cause any trouble..."

I shook my head quickly. "I won't, I won't! I promise!" Well, I won't get caught.

She ruffled my hair. "Alright, go to bed. We have a long drive tomorrow."

"Sweet! Thanks, Mom."

I ran into the room. "Hey, guys."

Malcolm looked over. He was getting ready for bed. "I'm going with Mom to see Francis."

Reese called over from his drawer. "Ah, that's awesome."

Malcolm said. "You do realize you'll be in the car with Mom for hours, right?"

I made a face, but shrugged. "I can handle it."

Reese jumped on his bed. "Yeah, but Dad's here. Do you know how much trouble we can get away with."

I shrugged. "Yeah, but I don't want to stuck with the Kreboyne's. Mom will be to busy with Francis and his weird sickness to watch me." I sat on my bed, getting a fist bump from Reese.

Reese grinned at me. "Awesome, dude. You gotta tell me about it."

I nodded back. "Of course."

Malcolm said. "All you have to do is survive Mom's car ride."

I shivered. "I'll just be good."

Reese asked. "How do you do that?"

I shrugged. "I dunno. Shelly was good at keeping me out of trouble. I'll figure it out."

Dewey came in and we finished getting ready for bed.

After Mom woke me up, I tiredly got dressed in jeans, a blue t-shirt and an old plaid shirt of Reese's. I knew it was Reese's because of the holes at the bottom of the sleeves. He weirdly liked to pick at them. Mom already packed my suitcase to come with her, which was at the front door. As I sat at the table and ate some cereal, Dad came out and ruffled my hair. "Be good for your mom, okay?"

I yawned. "Yeah, okay."

Dad blinked a bit. "And for your safety."

I laughed, knowing he was right. "Yeah, got it."

Mom was already by the door. "Charlie!? Are you ready?!"

I got up quickly. "Coming, Mom!"

The drive couldn't be that bad.

The drive was that bad.

Mom was getting impatient because she was worried about Francis, but I was bored out of my mind. It did not make a good mix. She yelled at me about 50 times. This trip took forever, but Mom said it was only over a day long. I was happy to finally see "Marlin Academy" in front of me. Before I can open up the door, Mom stopped me by grabbing my wrist. "Now, Charlotte, listen up."

I turned to look at her. The full name was serious. She went on. "I don't want to hear about any shenanigans from you. No messing around the school, stealing, breaking any rules, going where you're not supposed to go, breaking anything-"

I rolled my eyes. "I get it! I swear! Can we go inside, now!"

Mom pointed at me. "I mean it, Charlie!"

"Okay, okay. I get it, really, I do!"

Me and Mom went into the large building. I looked around in shock. Everything was so big. And I could get into so much trouble here. It was awesome. She would be too busy with Francis to bother with me. And I could mess with Francis when she wasn't looking and he couldn't do a thing to stop me since he just got out of surgery. I wouldn't hurt him or anything, but I was going to annoy him the best I could when he couldn't do anything back. It was awesome.

Mom rushed forward when they finally let us go to the infirmary, which was where Francis was. Mom called when we got close enough. "Francis!" It was weird hearing her shout that when he wasn't in trouble. Mom went in and I came in behind her. Mom said. "Hi, Honey. You look terrible." She came in and kissed him on the forehead. I made a face, that's embarrassing. I forgot Mom was extra clingy when we got really hurt. After I broke my arm, Mom scolded me and then smothered me for weeks.

Francis groaned. "You think that's going to appease your guilt?"

I frowned, confused. Francis was always weird.

Mom pulled back. "What guilt?" Mom moved around. "Boy, it's stuffy in here. That can't be good for you. You look pasty. Have you had a bowel movement?"

I wrinkled my nose. "Mom..."

Mom rolled her eyes. "Don't be immature, Charlie. It's a simple question."

Francis squints at me. "What's the Dork doing here?"

Mom glanced over from where she was opening up the shades. "She was worried about you. She begged me to come."

I felt my face flushing red. "Mom!"

Francis gave a tired smirk. "Were you, Dork?"

I felt my face get hotter. "No! You idiot!"

Mom's voice was sharp. "Charlotte, don't be rude to your brother! He's sick!"

I heard someone say. "Hello."

I jumped and turned to see an older guy with an eye patch. He was wearing a neat military uniform. "Woah, who's the pirate?"

The guy frowned deeply. "Excuse me?"

I heard a couple of laughs and Mom said. "Charlotte! That's rude. But, who are you?" I grimaced and moved so I was by Francis. That guy was scary.

The guy straightened up. "Edwin Spangler. I am the Commandant of Marlin Academy."

Mom said. "Good for you." She took a drink of water. "Where's your eye?" I made a face. Why can she ask and not me? That's not fair.

The guy looked like he swallowed a lemon. "Pardon?"

Mom leaned closer and talked louder. "Do your ears work? Do you have some business with my son? He needs to rest?"

I suddenly understood. Mom was really on overprotective mode. She didn't want me to be rude, but that wasn't going to stop her.

Spangler looked awkward. "Well, I stopped by to pick up your boy's homework."

I looked around and saw the guys looking around in awe at Mom. I moved back to watch the show. It was cool to see Mom on a roll when it wasn't aimed at me. Mom scoffed loudly. "Homework?! You're not giving him homework! My son nearly lost his life-something that wouldn't have happened if you take proper care of him in the first place!"

The guy actually stuttered. "Well, I assure you, Ma'am, if it hadn't been Francis' long history of crying wolf-"

My grin widened as Mom walked over to him, getting angry and in his face. "Crying wolf? You listen to me, you idiot. My child is sick. He does not need you marching in here, puffing up your little chest and making his llfe more miserable than it already is. Why don't you just go play army man somewhere else?"

The guy face was as pale as Francis'. He turned and walked away. Some guy with black hair said. "Dude, your mom rocks."

I said under my breath. "Yeah, until she's mad at you." I looked at Francis and he nodded at me in agreement. Being on the other end of that was bad.

I was annoyed that Mom was keeping a tight leash on me. I couldn't get away all day. She was tugging me after her. I remember all the cool stories Francis told me about this place and I couldn't check any of them out if I was stuck with her. It was late and we were staying in Francis' room. Mom and Francis had beds and they gave me a cot to sleep on, which was less comfortable than the one at home. That Spangler guy seemed amazed with Mom, which was weird since she was yelling at him. Me, Dad and my brothers would stay away if we got that riot act.

Speaking of him, he came by Francis' open door. "I apologize for these barbaric accommodations. You deserve so much more." I think he was talking to Mom and not me.

Mom waved him off as she was stuffing a pillow. "Oh no, this is fine. Right, Charlie?"

I shrugged. "Yeah, it's cool." I mean my cot was between Francis and Mom's beds. I was used to this in our bedroom at home.

Mom asked. "Why are all the hotel rooms booked?"

Spangler came in. "The All-Alabama Gay rodeo is in town again. Homosexuals riding horses and such. It does wonders for the local economy, but you have to fight the crowds for everything. If your interested, I have some passes."

I was staring at this guy, shocked. Ew, old people flirting. I was looking at Francis, who looked as shocked and disgusted as I felt.

Mom shot him down. "No thanks."

The guy made a weird face. "Another time then."

Mom made a weird face back. It was awkward for a moment and I was looking between the both of them. Spangler said. "Bonsoir." And he left. I shared another grossed out look with Francis. He was laying down and reading a book. Which was very weird for him.

Mom looked around his room. "This room isn't so bad. The way you whined about it, I thought it was going to be a couple of cots and a drain in the floor." She had a bucket and was squeezing out a rag. Francis eyed her. "What are you doing?"

Mom said. "You're stinky. I'm going to give you a sponge bath."

Francis said. "You're not giving me a sponge bath!"

"Arms up!"

I made a face. This was the perfect opportunity. "Hey, Mom. Can I walk around while you do that?"

She looked between me and Francis. "Oh alright, but don't go to far and don't get in trouble."

I nodded quickly and I noticed Francis grin at me when Mom went back to the bucket. I knew that look. That was his mischief look. "I got it, Mom." I quickly left before she could call me back. I wondered around the halls for a bit, making sure Spangler didn't see me. I need a person of authority when I saw them. I watched as the numbers grew higher as I passed them, getting to the 230s, since Francis' door was 204. Nobody was out, since it was late.

It wasn't like I was looking for trouble, but I wanted to have some fun. I wandered around for a bit and found a close room with a glass door. I pressed my face close to the glass and grinned. "Cool!" It was a pool table and one the tables with the soccer guys on it with the handle. I looked around and opened the door, closing it behind me. Because it was so late, no one was in here. I grabbed a pool stick after making the balls in a triangle using the triangle thing. I stopped for a second. I asked myself. "Do I really want to risk getting in trouble here?"

I thought about it for a second more. I shrugged. "Meh, who cares?" I just wanted to have fun. I muttered to myself as I leaned over the table in a position I've seen people do on t.v. "Okay...just like this..."

I pulled the stick back and hit them, the colored balls scattering in many different directions. I grinned. "Cool." There was no Dewey, Malcolm or Reese trying to take over or Francis showing off. It was just me and having fun.

I played for a while, but nobody came by, even with the noise that the game was making. I grinned to myself. "Huh. I guess I can stay out of trouble."

I saw a striped back that I wanted to get into the hole with the white ball. It was too far, but I leaned on the table and pulled back with the stick. I stared as the white ball skipped on the table and slammed into the door behind me, shattering and breaking the glass. I gaped in shock, the pool stick slipping out of my hand and hitting my foot. I could barely feel it as I stared at the glass on the floor. "H-how?!" I heard noise down the hall. I gulped, imagining Mom's reaction when Francis is sick, knowing she is all "Mama Bear" on him. "I'm so dead. Only one thing to do."

I ran out of there and down the hall. I was hiding behind the wall and I heard. "What happened here?!" It was that Spangler guy.

I ducked out of the hall and went somewhere else.

I was sneaking around and dodging around running students, who were going in one direction. Probably because of the door I broke. I was yawning because I was so tired. It had to be really late and I was lost. I didn't even know where the bedrooms were. I think I was by the kitchen or something. I grabbed a muffin and was walking around, eating and looking for Francis' bedroom. Maybe with Mom busy with Francis, she won't know about the door. It's not like Francis could do it in his condition.

I was turning another corner when I heard a soft, but threatening voice. "I should have known it was you."

I turned quickly to see Spanger, with a deep scowl and an angry look. I nervously raised my hands and stepped back. "Woah, now. Let's just calm down. I was an accident..." I gave a nervous smile.

Something in my smile must of made him angry because his scowl got bigger. "I have no doubts. You are Francis' sister. Same attitude and behavior."

I grinned, feeling proud of that. When Francis wasn't being lame, he was the coolest. "Really?"

He snapped, grabbing me by the shirt collar and pulling me with him. "That is not a compliment, young lady. But, just you wait, as amazing as your mother is, I'm sure she would want to know about he broken door."

I felt my face pale. "Y-you don't have to do that!"

"Oh, yes. I most certainly do."

I gulped. I was so dead. I guess I can't stay out of trouble.

He was dragging me toward the doors and I noticed we were in the low 200s again. I tried everything to get away from him. I dragged my feet, tried to drop to the ground, running off and even elbowing him. I did get him in the stomach, but after grunting from the hit, he kept dragging me, faster that time. He spent the whole time lecturing me about breaking stuff that didn't belong to me. I just rolled my eyes. I heard that a million times. He also was grumbling to himself about how much like Francis I was, I took it as a compliment.

Finally to my doom, we stopped in front of Francis door. I could feel the dread. I wasn't getting out of my room until summertime.

Spangler knocked on the door. "Excuse me, Ma'am?"

"Yeah? Come in." I gulped again as I heard my Mom's voice. He opened the door slowly. "Oh, Charlie, there-" It was quiet for a moment and I glanced up to see my mother stared at me. It made me worry because I couldn't see what she was feeling. I looked over at Francis to see him grinning widely. I almost wanted to smack him where he had surgery. I knew that smug look.

I gave an awkward wave. "Hey, Mom. Francis."

That made her explode. I saw her face twist in anger. I gulped for a third time. The whole school was going to hear this.

She yelled. "CHARLOTTE WILKERSON! What did you do?! I told you to behave yourself!" I winced, shrinking in Spangler's hold. She turned to him. "What did she do?"

Spangler was standing taller. "She has broke the glass wall to the leisure room, ma'am."

I made a face. Mom's face looked to changing so fast, I didn't know what she was thinking. I was quickly yanked from Spangler's hold and yelled at. "I cannot believe you! We are here because your brother is sick and I told you to behave! You are so grounded! I don't want to hear anything from you!"

I said quickly. "But, it was a accident-"

"What did I say!?"

"I'm sorry! Honest!"

She glanced at Spangler. "Sorry for the trouble Charlotte has caused." She sighed. "Just send us the bill."

Spangler said. "It's quite alright, ma'am."

Mom shook me. "I seriously can't believe you! You bet you'll be grounded when you get home. Your brother has had surgery and he doesn't need you causing trouble. I swear, I can't take you kids anywhere! If its not you or Francis, it's Malcolm and Reese." I slumped, getting a little embarrassed that Spangler was watching the whole thing. Francis, I didn't care about. We've all seen each other get yelled at daily. I glanced at Francis. He was giving me a sympathetic grin, shrugging. He's been here a million times.

Mom said. "Thanks for bringing her here." Spangler eventually got the hint and left. It was quiet for a moment before Mom said. "Charlie, you know the drill. Face the wall in the normal position." I groaned, but followed what she said. I knelt, facing the wall with my hands clasped behind my head. "Me and Francis are going to the gaming room. You will stay here." I didn't even try to argue. As they passed me, Francis ruffled my hair with a laugh. "Tough luck, Dork."

When the door shut, I slumped out of that position and sat down. I was so dead.

They got back later on and I scrambled to face the wall like before. Mom looked annoyed and mad. "Charlie. Get to bed. We're leaving in the morning." I nodded and went to do what she said. As I was laying in the cot, I noticed Francis came in, looking mad too. I made a face. Mom and Francis arguments were pretty bad. Neither of them could admit they were wrong. Instead of hours, they could last days.

I went to bed.

When I woke up, Francis and Mom were talking. I pretended I was still sleeping. I didn't want to get in between them. I heard struggling and then Francis let out a sigh. "I thought you weren't leaving until 11?"

Mom said. "We were."

Francis said after a moment. "Then you have some extra time. You want to...do something?" I smirked a little. If I wasn't in so much trouble, I would of made fun of Francis for being so awkward. He must of did something to make her mad last night.

Mom said. "We're in the middle of Alabama. What is there to do?"

Francis said. "Gay rodeo's in town. That could be interesting."

Mom gave out that sign I knew too well. Yeah, he messed up. She said. "Well, if that's what you want to do."

Francis said. "Look, it's not what I really want to do. I'm trying to be pleasant-"

Mom said. "We'll go." It was quiet for a moment. "Charlie, I know you're awake."

I sat up with a yawn. "Hey, Mom, Francis. I guess I'm staying here." I would've have liked to hang out Francis, but I was grounded.

Mom must of saw me glance at Francis because she said. "That's right. If we get back early enough, you can spend time with your brother before we leave...if you behave!" She pointed at me sternly. I nodded quickly, sending her a grin.

Before Mom and Francis left, she got me a plate of breakfast from their kitchen and I waited for them to get back.

I was bored, but I didn't want to run into Spangler. About 10 o'clock, Mom got back with Francis. Mom said. "Okay, you two. I'm getting ready to leave in thirty minutes. Then we're leaving. We have a long car ride home, Charlie."

I nodded. "Yeah, got it Mom." Riding with her while she was mad at me was going to be a nightmare. She left the room to get everything ready and Francis threw himself down on his bed. "So, Dork, what happened?"

I grinned at him, explaining what happened with the pool table. He laughed, throwing a arm over my shoulders. "Huh. That's the ole Wilkerson luck for you."

"Yeah, the pirate guy kept on comparing me to you."

He smirked. "It's pretty awesome to get compared to me."

I shook my head, lying. "Nah, you're pretty lame."

He looked at me, raising an eyebrow. "Lame?"

I nodded, leaning on my hands. "Well, yeah. You were being a baby this whole time." I snickered.

He sounded offended. "I just had surgery!"

I shrugged again. "Still complained a lot." I knew he was injured, so I was smug about teasing him. He made a face as he went to grab me, but his side still hurt. I laughed, moving away from him with a wider smirk. Older brother or not, I loved messing with him. Especially when he couldn't do anything back.

He glared. "You little..." I yelped as he fell backward, letting his body weight crush me. "What about that, Dork?" I could hear the smugness. I squirmed from under him, but he just made himself heavier.

I complained, shoving at his back. "Get off!"

"Naw, I don't wanna."

"Francis!"

The door opened. "Francis! You're supposed to be resting. Get off your sister." He let out another laugh, getting off me. He pushed my shoulder. We turned and grinned at each other. I knew he loved messing with us and we loved messing with him, even if he got payback on us. Sometimes it was worth it.

I sat up. Mom said. "C'mon Charlie, we have a long ride back."

I nodded, getting my suitcase from under my cot. "Okay, Mom."

Mom hugged him goodbye. "Watch out for your wound, Francis."

"Got it, Mom."

Francis waved me over. "Come here, Dork."

I went over, Francis punching my shoulder lightly, probably because Mom was there and hugging my shoulders. "See ya around, kid."

Since it was only Mom here, I carefully hugged him around his middle. "See ya. Glad you're okay."

I felt him chuckle and he messed up my hair. "Yeah, thanks."

Me and Mom left with our suitcases. We didn't run into Spangler, which is good because he was weird.

Mom sighed. "Well, it was good to see Francis again."

I said as we got to the car and put our stuff in the trunk. "We could always have him come home."

Mom sighed. "He's not ready, Charlie."

I gaped. "No fair!"

"Listen, me and your father know what's best for him."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Okay, whatever."

It was quiet as we drove away. "Charlie?"

I said, staring out the window. "You're still grounded."

I complained. "Aw man!"

"For two months!"

"NO WAY!"

"You broke a door!"

"But, two months?!"

"Do you want it to be more?!"

I slumped. "No."