To Long and Belong

Chapter 7

A sick feeling swelled in the pit of Seth's stomach. At first he assumed it was carsickness, but he never got carsick—even on the longest of drives. If Willy and Lana had accompanied him, they'd be vomiting by now. He cracked a smile at the thought of his siblings. And what about the librarian? She'd probably let it go out of sympathy. She knew his father had died recently—in fact, she was sort of friends with Seth's mother. She'd probably been the first to know after it happened.

Seth gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. He'd forgotten about Charlotte in the midst of the drama with the librarian.

As he ventured up his driveway, the sound of screaming emanated once more. He could hear his mother's voice, which had become a certainty, but Willy and Lana were silent. Or so he thought. "Please, Mum," he heard Willy say calmly. "What have I got to do with this?" Lana was screaming. "You're a selfish bitch! An asshole mother!"

"Go to your room!" Kylie yelled.

"I'm not a child anymore. Fifteen year olds can't be commanded to their bedrooms."

Seth interjected at that point, opening the door quickly. Lana's arms were crossed over her chest, and she stood unwaveringly in front of Kylie. Willy stood behind her, as if hoping to be protected. Kylie reached into the drawer, pulling out a plate. Seth threw himself in front of his sister. The plate connected with his hand. A drop of blood poured from his hand, followed by another, and another. Kylie stepped back, looking horrified.

"Seth!" Lana cried, rushing to her brother's aide. His hand bled, and the floor was soon dotted by droplets of blood. Willy cowered away. He'd always been squeamish.

"What were you thinking?" Lana screamed at her mother. Kylie had a hand over her mouth. "Seth, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hit—"

"Shut up!" Seth yelled. "I don't care if it wasn't meant for me! You were about to hurt my little sister!"

Lana scurried out of the room, returning with a length of white bandage. She wrapped it tenderly around Seth's hand, embracing him with her other arm.

"I have to go," Seth said, his voice wobbling. He rushed outside, pulling his phone out of his pocket with his spare hand. His fingers moved frantically as the letters to press came to mind.

Charlotte, can I see you now?

Moments later, his phone beeped with the familiar sound of a reply.

Sure! Is something wrong?

He took a breath, trying to figure out what to say. He didn't want to spoil it by telling Charlotte of his personal troubles, but she'd have questions when he showed up with a bandaged hand. Then again, she didn't really need to know at this very moment. His mother had no influence in Charlotte's life, anyhow. He decided on not telling her.

No. I just really miss you.

Charlotte replied within seconds.

Meet me at the place you work. See you there.

It was a done deal. He found her in the car park of the restaurant, wearing a bright blue sequined dress and a whole lot of confidence.

"Oh my god. What happened to your hand?" Charlotte cried, putting her hands over her mouth in horror.

"My mother...smashed a plate over it."

"That's horrible! You poor baby. Come with me," Charlotte beckoned, grabbing Seth gently by his injured hand and leading him to her car. He had a feeling she was taking him to her house.