Hidden Talents

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Charlotte's POV

Leaving the rink I felt a sense of accomplishment. That skate felt good. After so long, it felt right. I'm making my way through the courtyard heading towards the cafeteria where hopefully Matt still is. I have more of a bounce to my step. As I make my way to the cafeteria my mind starts to go back to the conversation I have with Ben. I feel really bad about hitting him with the door, I wasn't lying when I said that I've been there and it hurts like a bitch. There was something about him that kind of captured my attention. I can't quite place it, it's like I have seen him before, but I don't know where. Before I can ponder on the thought anymore I enter the cafeteria and am greeted by an overwhelming aroma of different foods and a loud unfamiliar screech, "CHARLOTTTTTTEEE!!!!!"

I look around and see Matt and his friends sitting at a table and Jack is standing there waving his arms over his head and keeps chanting my name. I walk over to their table, looking very cautiously at them. Prepared to be attacked or something. When I reach the table Tom pulls up a chair next to him for me, "Have a seat Charlie," he looks at me expecting me to react to the nickname.

"One, don't call me Charlie. Two, what's up with your neon sign of a friend?" I ask looking at Jack.

"We gave him food. He's back to normal now."

"Interesting. Well, I skated. I hope you're happy. Hopefully no one will get hurt ass hat."I turned and looked around at the table and it was really quiet. Everyone was looking at me and then Brent slowly asks, "You're not a serial killer right?"

Then Fitz says, "Of course she's not a serial killer. Don't be ridiculous."

"She's too small to be a serial killer. I mean look at her, she like a twig," Matt interjects.

"Then why is worried about people getting? Maybe her weapon of choice is her skate!" Brent continues on.

"Hey guys I'm not..." I start to say, but I am cut off again by Jack.

"She doesn't have that crazed look in her eye that all the serial killers I know have," he says like it's no big deal.

That shut everybody up and I took my opportunity to speak, "First off, I am not a serial killer. Second, what are you talking about?!" Aiming the second question at Jack.

"I don't really know any serial killers, but that was the only way you were going to get these idiots to shut up," he replied with a shrug.

"You are such an arse," Fitz spat.

"I still think she's a serial killer," Brent mumbled.

"Brent, shut up. Charlotte that's awesome that you actually got on the ice! Why don't I walk you back to your room and we can talk about it," Matt prompted. "Okay well, let me go grab something to eat to bring back to my room. I am absolutely starving!"

I walk up to the Jimmy John's station and order a ham and turkey sandwich, a pickle, and a chocolate chip cookie. As I am waiting I turn and rest up against the counter and look around. There aren't that many people in the cafeteria, but that is probably because people aren't supposed to show up until tomorrow. I keep scanning until I reach the windows that show the other courtyard. I like to people watch, so naturally I start to observe the people out in the courtyard. There are only a few people playing Frisbee, even though it is getting pretty dark. Then I see him, Ben. He is walking with 3 other guys and following behind some stuffy looking man. By the looks on their faces, you would think that they were being led to some kind of lecture that no one wants to be at. I kind of chuckle. "Here's your food, miss," the cashier hands me my food and she looks at me with slight recognition and looks like she is about to ask me something. So, I quickly mumble a thanks and turn to head back towards Tom.

"Ready?" I ask him. "Yeah, let's blow this taco stand!" Matt jumps up and starts heading towards the doors without even looking to see if I am following. I turn to the other guys and wave goodbye, then turn back and follow behind Tom.

It's a warm night. "Sooo, you really went out there?" Matt asks.

"Yeah, I did. I saw all my stuff was brought over," I point out.

"Yeah, your parents had it sent over this morning so you wouldn't know about it," he replied, "so how was the skate really?"

"It wasn't bad. I threw the right types of jumps and spins, but it wasn't at the level that it should have been at. And at the end I looked for Brandon, but then remembered he wasn't there," my voice got softer with the last part. "I'll probably go tomorrow morning. If you want to come," I added, silently hoping he will say no.

"My kind of morning or yours?" He asked. I gave him a look that gave him his answer. "HELL. NO. I remember driving with you and Brandon to those early skates. Those were torture. No one should go through that," he exclaimed and I laughed.

"They weren't that bad! I just want to skate before everyone starts moving in and all the Welcome Weekend activities begin," I explain myself.

"Well that is a skate you will be doing solo, little Charlotte," he states just as we arrive at my door. I chuckle, pull out my keys and unlock my door. I start to enter and then I turn around and say, "Fine, I can do that. Now, since I am getting up early, that means I have to go to bed early so goodnight Matt," saying the last part very sing-songy. "Nighty night little Lottie." I scrunch my nose at the attempt at a nickname, he gives me a smirk and then turns to walk away.

I closed my door, grabbed my pajamas, face wash, and toothbrush and toothpaste then proceeded to the bathroom. Once I was through all of my nightly rituals, I climbed into my bed and set an alarm on my phone for 4 a.m. tomorrow morning. Once my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light.

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Sorry I have to get all this editing done before I add the new chapters!