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"MAY I SPEAK with my daughter, please?" Carol Lockwood asked Liz, standing at the doorway of the Forbes' house. She had heard from Tyler that Charlie was staying there. She had a duffel bag over one shoulder, which was very unusual for the woman because she usually had people carry her luggage, and her luggage was usually very fancy suitcases, not an old duffel bag with holes in it.
The sheriff nodded, "Yeah, come in." She opened the door wider so that the mayor's wife could step inside. She then called to the girls. "Charlie, you have a guest. Caroline, can you come help me with something?"
"Yeah, sure," the blonde girl called back, glancing questioningly at Charlie who just shrugged. Caroline left and Carol walked into the room.
Charlie stood up quickly. "Mom, hi," she greeted.
"Hello, Lottie. I brought you some more of your clothes and things like your toothbrush and hairbrush," the woman smiled, but the smile faltered when she saw the mattress on the floor and the belongings strewn across the floor. She sighed, "Please come home, Charlotte. I can talk to your father-"
"Mom, I'm not coming home. Da—Richard made his choice. He said what he needed to say, and I'm supporting his wishes. Liz said I could stay here until I found somewhere more permanent, and then, when I turn sixteen, I can get myself a place," the teenager explained. She felt weird calling him 'dad,' so she just stuck to his name.
Carol sighed, giving up reluctantly, "Well, here are your things." She handed over the duffel bag, and Charlie took it. They both stood there awkwardly before Carol cleared her throat. "I should be going. We're hosting a tea party in a few hours. I have to get my hair done."
Charlie nodded silently. Carol turned to leave, but her daughter stopped him before he could. "Mom." The woman turned around to look at her. "I love you."
Carol seemed taken aback by the words, for she could not remember the last time that anyone at all had said, 'I love you' to her. After a moment of hesitation, she replied. "I love you too, sweetie."
