Four Page Letters (TeacherxStudent)

Chapter 10

Charlotte

The door bell rang for what had to have been the thousandth time. Followed by endless knocking. I slowly sat up, careful not to hurt myself anymore as the pain from my ribs shot through my body as soon as I moved. Groaning, I checked around for my phone which was lying on the floor. I picked it up and tried to turn it on but the battery was dead. Searching for my charger, I found it on my dresser and went to plug it in. Meanwhile the knocking on my front door has yet to cease. God! Who the hell is that? I ran my hands through my hair, and slowly made my way down the stairs. I glanced over at the clock in the living room, seeing it was already after 4pm. I slept damn near the entire day. My body was in so much pain after last night, I knew there was no way I was going to school this morning.

The doorbell rang again snapping me out of my thoughts. I made it over to the door and opened it wide, ready to curse out whoever was banging on the door! When I opened it however, I was met with a pair of inquisitive hazel eyes that were widened in shock as she looked over my body. I looked down at myself, realizing I was only wearing a bra and a pair of sweatpants. The big bruise over my ribs on display for her to see. I quickly shut the door and took a few steps back. Running my hands through my hair, I began to panic. She is the last person I want to see me like this. Why is she even here?

The knocking began again, "Charlotte, please open the door." I looked around checking for something to put on and luckily I found a hoodie laying around the living room. I winced in pain as I brought the hoodie over my head. Walking back towards the door, I took in a deep breath before slowly opening the door, but only cracking it a little. I couldn't bring myself to look at her, so I kept my eyes lowered to the ground. "Wh-What are you doing here?" I asked her. "Charlotte can I come in?" I softly shook my head no. "Im not really in the mood for company." I heard her sigh, "Charlotte I just wanted to check on you because you weren't at school today. I even tried calling but kept getting your voicemail."

I finally brought my eyes to meet hers and she looked so sad. But why? She just looks so worried, its killing me. "Yeah, I umm I overslept and didn't have my phone on the charger so its been dead." We stood there in silence as she searched my face. "Charlotte what happened? I cant just pretend like I didnt see your stomach a minute ago. Please talk to me." I felt my eyes begin to sting with tears. Its all too much. "Mrs. Dandridge I — "Miss." She corrected me. "What?" What's that supposed to mean? I gave her a confused look and she just offered a sly smile. Shaking my head I continued, "I gotta go. Have a good night." I began to shut the door when she placed her hand on it, stopping me. "Charlie please let me in. I just want to talk." My heart smiled when she called me Charlie. As much as I would love to simply fall into her arms and cry my eyes out and reveal all that is hurting me.. I just.. cant.

Sighing I took one last look at her, "Im okay. Good night." I managed to shut the door before she was able to respond. I held both hands against the door as I tried to steady my breathing. "Charlie, I know you're still there." I heard her yell from the other side of the door. "And Im not leaving until you talk to me." I smiled at how adamant she was being. It made me feel like she genuinely cared about me, but I didnt want her involved in my mess of a life. Sighing, I yelled back "Go home Mrs. Dandridge. Have a nice weekend." And with that I turned and walked up the stairs.

I decided I was going to take a bath and try to eat something before going back to sleep. I turned on the hot water, letting it get nice and hot. Filling the tub I added a little bubble bath to the water. Once it was filled I turned off the water and stripped myself down. Slowly stepping into the tub, I let my body submerge under the water as I closed my eyes and soon enough images of last night appeared in my mind.

When Mrs. Dandridge pulled into my driveway and I saw the living room light on, I knew Laura was inside. I always make sure I turn everything off before leaving for school. I was hesitant to go in the house because I didnt know what type of mood she was going to be in and honestly, I was scared. Mrs. Dandridge took notice of my hesitation also, but I didnt want her to worry. I said goodbye and went to face whatever was behind that door. When I came in, she was sitting on the couch in the living room. Cigarette smoke filled the air. I tried to make a run for the stairs to avoid any confrontation but it was no use. She called out my name, and I stopped. Turning to walk into the living room where she sat looking completely high out of her mind. To make a long story short, she came to finish off the job. Apparently she was still pissed about earlier. Only now she was even more pissed I went to school with my face looking the way it was. As if she wasnt the cause of it all.