Four Page Letters (TeacherxStudent)

Chapter 7

                                                               Charlotte

I woke up to the sound of cabinets banging. I checked my phone for the time, seeing I had only ten minutes before my alarm was set to awake me. But I also noticed I had an unread text message from Mrs. Dandridge I apparently had gotten two hours ago. My heart began to beat rapidly as I fought myself internally. Scared to even open the damn message. Finally, I clicked on the text..

< Rosalynn; Good Morning, Charlotte. See you at school today! >

I read those word repeatedly. Why did she send me a good morning message? Was she thinking of me? I was startled out of my thoughts by my alarm going off and more noises coming from downstairs. Before getting the chance to respond, I decided to go downstairs where I was sure I would find Laura awaiting.

The house was a complete mess. Things were thrown all over the living room, as well as the kitchen drawers that were pulled out. As I rounded the corner I was met with the back of Laura who was currently destroying the home office. "What are you doing?" I asked her while picking up papers that were scattered across the floor. "What does it look like?" She barked over her shoulder. "Had I known, I wouldnt have asked." She then turned to me, and I could feel the daggers she was throwing with her eyes. "Dont get fucking smart with me. Where the hell is the checkbook?" I rolled my eyes, "Dont know." I began to walk away when she grabbed my wrist. "Stop! Let me go!" I yelled. Her grip on my wrist tightened, "You're fucking lying. Where the fuck is it?!" "Why? So you can write another check to feed your drug habit?"

As soon as those words left my mouth I knew what was coming next. And at this very moment I wished I could take those words back. Of course I had the checkbook. MY checkbook! Even though she technically is over the finances but was only supposed to keep the bills paid with it. Lately I've noticed she had been writing a lot more checks, with nothing in the house to show for it. And at the rate she's going, I wouldn't have a single cent to my name when I turned eighteen. She brought her hand to my face, and I fell to the ground. "Who the hell do you think youre talking to?" She raised her hand again, landing her fist just below my eye.

                                      ***

It took me forever to make it to school. I had missed my first two periods and there were only about fifteen minutes left to Mrs. Dandridges class. It had taken me over an hour and a half to try and cover the marks Laura left on my face. Half the time I spent contemplating even going to school. It wasnt as bad as it looked, but I bruise very easily. So, I just put on a little makeup and a pair of sun glasses and left, and that would just have to do. My eye was swollen because I took a few more lashes from her before I gave in and told her where it was. At this point I dont even care. She can have every dime in that stupid account. I just hope she'll leave me alone now.

I had to stop and get a tardy slip from the office before heading to class for the final minutes. The woman at the front desk told me I would have to take my sun glasses off, and I just nodded and walked out. I made my way to my AP English class. I softly knocked on the door and waited for permission to enter. The door opened slowly and there she was. "Charlotte, where ha— "Sorry I'm late." I cut her off and handed her the tardy slip and quickly brushed past her. I took a seat and looked to the clock. Less than ten more minutes until lunch. "Charlotte?" I heard her say, "You can't wear the sunglasses in here." A few kids turned around to look at me as I kept my eyes on her. Praying she could somehow see through these shades and into my pleading eyes, begging her to let me keep them on. But she couldnt.

Slowly, I removed them and saw her expression change. It wasn't just the frown that caught my attention, it was the fiery look in her eyes. They held an emotion I couldnt quite decipher, maybe.. rage? Kids started whispering and between that and her eyes searching my face, I couldn't take it. I grabbed my bag off the floor and ran out the door. Tears began falling and I felt so embarrassed. I already didnt have friends, and now everyone is going to think I'm one of those kids who gets abused. I was halfway to the bathroom when I heard the running of heels behind me.

"Charlotte wait!" She grabbed my wrist and I snatched it away, causing her to jump back a bit. I hadnt meant to, but it was the same wrist Laura had a grip on so it was a little sore. I dropped my head as I began to rub my wrist. She grabbed my chin, slowly and softly bringing my face to meet her questioning eyes that flickered from my wrist to my face. And back again. "Charlotte, honey, what the hell happened to your face?" I stood there frozen. I mean, not only did I not want to answer that question, but my mind was currently trying to wrap around the pet name she had called me. Sighing, she spoke again. "Charlotte please talk to me." I didnt say a word. She checked her watch, "Sweetie, there's literally five minutes left until lunch and I have to get back to the class. Just please come back with me so we can talk. Just you and I, and I promise I wont say a word to anyone about what we discuss. You can stay with me through lunch just... please?" Knowing the bell would ring any minute now, I didn't have much time to think about her request. I slowly nodded yes and she exhaled a shaky breath I didn't even know she was holding. Carefully, she reached for my hand, taking it in hers as she led me back down the hall.