𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 | 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧

𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎

I was walking back home, my body shivering in the cold. Dalton offered to walk me, but of course, I declined. He needed to get back before they were found out.

I was always told to walk home with someone because it was a dangerous world that took for granted. I will admit it, I did take it for granted.

A car slowed to stop by me, and I looked over to see my dad. He must've been out looking for me. Why? Didn't he trust me? I felt anger rising in me, and I only stared as he rolled down his window. "Get in the car. Now."

I did as he said silently. I went into the back seat, not daring to sit next to him. Though, I could feel his eyes on me from the rear view mirror. "Did you lie to your mother?"

I shook my head, not saying a word. I could feel my anger switch to sadness. I knew the end. I knew it well. Farewell Meeks, Neil, Pitts, Todd, Cameron, Knox.... Charlie.

"Really? Because she called Carla's mother asking what time you'd be home. She didn't know what your mother was talking about. You made a fool out of us."

Again, I didn't respond because if I would, I knew I would make it worse.

"Were you with those Welton boys?" He asked, and I stayed silent. "Dammit y/n. Answer the question."

"Yes, sir." I responded in a quiet tone, holding back my tears. I prayed that he wouldn't contact the school about it. It wasn't their fault! It was mine.

I heard my father grumble something under his breath. After that, he was silent the whole way home, which was far worse than anything else.

When I got home, my mother was already asleep. I made a beeline to my room and shut my door, hoping my father wouldn't want to have an intervention right away. What was I supposed to do now? I couldn't leave the boys after everything! Especially after tonight when both Meeks and Dalton asked me to stay longer. If only I had... maybe then I wouldn't have gotten caught.

The next day came, and for the first time, I wished it was a school day. I woke up early on purpose so that I could sneak out of the house and go to Welton. My parents were onto me, though.

As I walked into the kitchen, I saw both of my parents in a deep conversation. Well, my mom kept nodding along. I tried to sneak past, but they heard me. "Sit down." My dad said, and I didn't. "Y/n. Sit down." I sat down across the table from him. "What on earth were you thinking last night? Running off with a group of boys! Are you careless! Are you insane?"

I hung my head, but my mother told me to look at my father when I talked to him. "Don't contact the school." I said, trying my best not to cry.

"Don't you think that Dalton boy deserves to be expelled for playing with your head?" My mother asked.

"He's not playing with my head." I contested. "I won't talk to him ever again if you don't contact his school. I swear. I swear to God, mom. Please don't contact Welton." I couldn't help myself, and a few tears ran down my face. My father let out a sigh, blaming this whole thing on Dalton. "Please, father."

"Fine." He finally said, having enough of my hysterics as he liked to call it. My emotions were never valid in this family. If I cried, it was always over spilled milk. Nothing serious. "We won't contact the school."

A smile grew on my face, and I wiped the tears from my eyes. "Thank you."

"Now, you. You're still in trouble, miss." My father said once he saw my smile. "You are never ever going back to that school. Do you understand me?" I nodded, and he brought out a paper, sliding it over to me. "I want that in writing."

God, what a psycho. I nodded, though, signing my name and writing that I understood the consequences of my actions. I knew I wasn't going to abide by this. Once this school year was done, I was out. I could see Charlie again. I would just have to wait. I was never known to be patient, however.

On Monday, I told Carla everything... even about my father and how he made me sign a paper. She was shocked, but not that shocked. A lot of parents were strict on their children around here. It was disgusting.

"I'll tell Pitts to tell Charlie to come here after his class gets out. We could wait for them." Carla said, trying to cheer me up. "If your parents ask, just say we were at the book club after school."

I wasn't so sure. "Well, my dad went looking for me Friday night." I paused. "What if he does the same."

"He doesn't know which classroom the club is being held in, silly." Carla responded. "Besides, isn't it worth the risk. I know you like Charlie."

"What!" My face turned red, and she laughed at me. "I like him as a friend."

"Mhm, that's why you're willing to put everything on the line. Uh huh. Okay."

"Listen, I'm loyal." I replied, and she wasn't buying it. There was nothing to convince her that I wasn't in love with Charlie Dalton.

"I'm seeing Pitts after school today. I'll tell him. I'll talk to Charlie even, make sure he knows for sure."