Nothing's Fine

• 64: Hung Up •

Besides me pondering my almost slip-up and reflecting on the chaotic week that had passed previously, things felt calmer for the next week. At school, Tiffany had been out for her suspension, and even when the rest of her friend group was no longer suspended, they kept to themselves. Our lunch times were much more laid back without the worry of another video filled with slander or Phoebe being rude for no reason.

Outside of school, I hung out with Mason and Emery when I wasn't catching up on homework or with the Wilsons.

The next Monday after school however, things shifted.

"Charlie!" Linda called as I stepped into the house. "There's a call for you!"

I walked into the kitchen and took the phone from her hand, then put it to my ear. "Hello?" I answered, sitting down at the table.

"Charlotte."

Immediately, I hung up.

"Charlie? Why'd you do that?" Linda asked. Her eyebrows knitted together in confusion. I shook my head and leaned against the counter.

"It was Irene," I said as if she should know what that means.

"Charlie? Why'd you do that?" Linda asked. Her eyebrows knitted together in confusion. I shook my head and leaned against the counter.

"It was Irene," I said as if she should know what that meant.

"I know that! Why would you hang up? You should call her back," Linda suggested, reaching for the phone.

"No, I just can't deal with her right now," I sighed.

"What do you mean?" Linda asked. I then realized I hadn't told her what happened with Irene at the coffee shop.

"I mean she apologized... but she also told me I have a sister," I said.

"What?"As Linda looked at me in shock, more words began tumbling out of my mouth.

"Imagine that. I have a little sister who was being raised and tucked in at night while I was without a family, hiding in the streets because an orphanage was that bad. I don't know how to wrap my mind around that, or even speak to her." I could feel my hands shaking as the stress of the previous week seemed to hit me and I was speaking faster than I could think. "How fair is that? She gets to ask forgiveness between telling me harsh realities of my past over a cup of coffee. She gets to feel better because at least she said sorry, but I still have nightmares about watching my dad die in front of me and feeling like it was my fault. She doesn't even see how much she's deeply messed me up, Linda! I mean, I don't think I know how to love someone properly anymore. Everyday I wake up terrified that I might do something that makes you guys kick me out. Everyday I'm scared that someone I really care about is going to leave me or get hurt. That's why everyone is always at arms length! And it sucks because eventually people do grow tired of being kept at distance and leave anyway."

"Oh, honey," Linda whispered as she pulled me into her arms. I didn't even realize I'd started crying until I felt my tears against her shirt. She hugged me for a moment, letting me steady my breath. She then pulled back but kept her arms on my shoulders and she looked at me. "Listen to me Charlie. You are a part of this family no matter what happens. If you were to decide to move across the world, or even down the street you'd still be a part of this family. I love you so much and not a day goes by where I'm not grateful that I bumped into the little firecracker running down the streets of Vancouver." I gave her a teary smile. "I know it all must be confusing and scary to deal with this, but I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. You take the time you need to heal and to process. And then if you want, call her. Maybe something good can still come of all this." I nodded.

"Thank you Linda," I whispered, hugging her again. "For everything."

Author's Note: Happy Tuesday! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I loved writing this lil Charlie-Linda moment! <3 New chapter coming next week!