Never Alone

Chapter 3

Charlotte's P.O.V

I hated going to the grocery store because my sister looks at things I know she wishes that she could have but mother won't allow. I grabbed her hand and quickly got the stuff that we needed. I asked the cashier what time it was and when she told me that it was three o'clock I was happy. I don't have a phone which is why I had to ask her. Since I have to be in the house all the time and I'm only allowed out of the house when she tells sends me on her errands, mother found that there was no need to give me one. With my sisters hand still in my own I guided her to the park, lucky for us it was only five minutes away.

"We can't stay here long sweet pea, so please when I call come right away." She nodded her head vigorously and dashed away. I laughed at the sight, it was nice to see her so free. I sat on a bench and read a book for school the magical course, looking up once in a while to make sure Ania is okay. As I continued to read I felt someone sit down next to me, I didn't bother looking up since I don't want to start a conversation and I don't care who it is.

"Hi Charlotte. I wanted to thank you for picking up my paper." I finally looked to see who had sat down next to me. I was greeted by the blonde hair boy from English. I gave him a nod and glanced back at Ania. For the first time I saw her talking to someone. It was a little boy. She was very timid and I contemplated for a moment if I should go get her. It was just a little boy, what harm could he possibly bring? Golden boy next to me followed my gaze to see what had captured my attention.

"That's my brother Michael. I bring him here everyday after school." I focused my attention back to him and gave him a questioning look.

"My name is Luke. I promise I'm not a stalker or anything. I live five minutes away from her." I raised my eyebrows and rolled my lips inwards to stop myself from laughing. I guess he thought about what he said because he shut his eyes tight and shook his head.

"I don't know why I said the second part. I'm not very good at talking to people. I guess I added that so you wouldn't think I was weird or anything. I don't know. Please ignore me." He looked away and watched his brother run around with Ania. I never looked away from him, I opened my mouth wanting to say something but closed it again. I didn't want him to think we were gonna be friends but at the same time I was curious. But me being me I let curiosity take over.

"How do you know my name?" My voice must have been lower than I thought because he looked at me with eyebrows scrunched. So I repeated the question a little louder.

"Oh. Umm well you see, the thing is sometimes...at school...people talk about you." Luke rubbed the back of his neck and gave me a sympathetic look as he said this. I couldn't say I was surprised though. Of course people are going to talk about the weird kid who doesn't speak.

"I see."

"But if it makes any difference I don't listen to what they say." I turn to him and give him a small smile and said, "it's okay if you do. They are probably right."

When he was about to reply I remembered I had to be home by four. I asked him what time it was and when he said five I knew I was in a lot of trouble. I quickly said goodbye, rushing to throw the things in my bag. I called out for Ania and as soon as she saw how frantic I looked she quickly grabbed her stuff, shouting goodbye to Michael as she grabbed my hand and we ran home. It was a ten minute walk so running should take us only five minutes...I hope. We ran up the stairs, threw open the front door in hopes that she wouldn't be home yet but I was wrong. There in the hallway was our mother with her arms crossed and she did not look pleased.

"I told you to be home by four. What time is it now?" I glanced at the clock behind her that's hanging in the kitchen.

"It's five ten." I responded.

"That's right. Now the last time I checked five ten isn't four. Ania go do your homework. I need to talk with your sister." Ania looked at me with hesitation, she was afraid to leave me here alone. I nodded my head and watched her go upstairs and into her room. I made a mental note to go check on her later because I knew that she would blame herself for this. I focused back on my mother who was waiting for me to pay attention to her.

"Listen here, I expect you to follow the rules. You live under my roof and eat food that I pay for. I send you to school which I also pay for. Everything that you have is because of me and I can easily take it away. You're not going to school for the next couple of days. School is a privilege and if you want me to continue to pay for it you will abide by my rules. Understand?" I nodded my head and waited for her to turn around and walk away. I don't know why she makes such a big deal that she pays for my school, it's only one hundred dollars a year. It's for agendas, clubs, shit like that. But I am grateful that she pays for it, since I don't have any source of income. As I walk up the stairs by wrist began to itch, the craving to be in control and to make more scars was persistent. But I couldn't give in, not this time.

What are you waiting for Charlotte?
It will help you.

I stood in front of my sisters door and pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind. I knew that they were gonna get what they wanted later, but right now I needed to focus on my sister. As soon as I opened the door I was attacked by the little one.

"I'm sorry Lottie. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to get you in trouble." I could feel her tears socking the bottom of my shirt. I bent down so my eyes met hers.

"Shhh sweet pea, it's alright. I'm not in too much trouble. As long as you had fun, that's all that matters. Now tell me about that boy I saw you talking to." She wiped her tears with the back of hand and said a small okay. We sat on the floor and she told me all about her new acquaintance.

"His name is Michael. He's one year younger than me. He goes to the same school as me. He likes dinosaurs..." That's how we spent the rest of the night.

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