Sugar - Charlie Dalton

4

Clara awoke at five, just as she planned, trudging out of bed.

She never was a morning person.

Luckily, she had showered the night before, so her hair and body felt clean and shiny.

Picking up the uniform Mr. Nolan had given her yesterday, she quickly changed before scurrying to the private bathroom.

A perk of being the only girl at Welton, a communal bathroom for one!

Although the uniform wasn't hideous, it did need a little bling. Clara picked up her matching gold earrings and necklace, draping them on.

Makeup today?

Why not, after all it was the first day of school.

"A little blush and lipstick will do." The girl smiled, grabbing her brush.

Looking at the clock, Clara realized it was already five twenty. Rushing to brush her teeth and spray her vanilla perfume, she ran down to Neil's dorm room before knocking on the door.

"You can come." She heard Todd almost whisper.

The girl had almost forgotten he was in there. She quickly smoothed her skirt before opening the door.

Making her way in, Neil was nowhere to be found.

Almost like he was reading her thoughts, Todd looked over his shoulder to the girl. "He's in the showers, he'll be back soon."

Clara smiled backed, silence filling the air. "So, will you come to the study group tonight?"

Clara seemed to have a soft spot for the boy, almost like a brother. She felt for him, feeling awkward in new places.

The girl saw his shoulders tense, before answering. "I'm...not sure. I don't know anyone here."

"I know what you mean," Clara giggled, "but, carpe diem right?"

"Huh?"

"Oh, it means seize the day. In Latin. We're only young once. Might as well take as many risks now before we're too old to remember it."

Clara couldn't tell what was going through the boys head as she looked at his back.

"Thanks, Clara."

"Anytime."

€€€

Arriving in the lunchroom with Neil, Clara quickly snagged a plate filling it up with eggs and a piece of toast with strawberry jam. She couldn't help but admire the well done designs on each wall of the room.

"If I had known you got such a beautiful building, I would've come a long time ago." Clara laughed, seating herself across from Neil.

"Wish you would've." Charlie smirked, sitting down next to Clara with Meeks on her other side.

"I'm here now aren't I, Dalton?" She grinned, facing the boy.

Clara caught Neil rolling her eyes at the two.

"I think I like her more than you, Neil." Charlie joked, taking a bite of bacon.

He had no idea how much that made the girl smile.

As Clara eyes scanned the room, she spotted a boy looking for a place to sit.

"I'll be right back." the girl touched Charlie's shoulder, quickly getting up.

Hesitantly, Clara tapped Todd, causing him to jump around.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to scare you. "But I was wondering, would you want to sit with us so you're not alone?"

Todd's eyes followed to where Clara was pointing.

"Okay." His voice at a hushed tone.

"Great." The girl smiled, turning around.

"So lady and gents, we ready for the start of another horrible year?" Charlie asked as Clara sat back. All he got was groans back.

"What about you Clare?" Neil questioned. "Are you ready?"

The table turned to look at her, as she shifted in her seat.

"Yes?" Clara hesitantly said, before quickly nodding. "Yes. I'm always up for a challenge."

"That's my baby sister."

"Two minutes, Neil."

"All the older!" The boy teased his sister, ruffling her hair.

Clara grumbled and patted down her hair as Charlie smiled at her.

"What?" The younger twin asked.

"Nothing. Your hair just looks good like that, Sugar."

Again, she couldn't stop herself from giggling and looking away.

Charlie laughed himself, seeing how quickly nervous the girl got.

The bell rang, signaling that the real school day was starting.

Emptying her plate, Clara began her self pep-talk. "Alright, remember, get a chip on your shoulder. Don't let anything push you down."

"What was that, Sugar?" Charlie smirked, walking next to her.

"Nothing that involves you, Dalton." She sneered back. "Nice try with the nickname, not happening though.

"We'll see."

The two walked up the staircase together, entering Latin class.

"Clara! Charlie!" Meeks called out to them. "Saved you guys a seat."

"Thanks Meeks." Clara smiled, taking the seat next to the red haired boy.

The three shared conversation until a middle aged man came walking in, with a stern look in his face.

"No funny games in my class. Let's get to work."

Charlie looked over, seeing Clara's shoulders tense up.

"If you think he's scary, wait until you see the history teacher."

"Thanks, Dalton." Clara rolled her eyes, playing with her pencil.