Don't Change

Chapter 3

Felix stumbled off the bus, keeping his head down and clutching his textbooks to his chest.  This is why he hated riding the bus.  Everyone always teased him and there were spitballs constantly flying through the air, not to mention the trouble he always had going up and down those stupid stairs. 

He trudged across the large front lawn owned by his upper class parents and paused by the front door.  Felix cocked his head, listening for any noise coming from within. 

"Um, what are you doing, kid?"

Felix about jumped out of his socks.  He spun around, dropping his textbooks and falling backwards.  Charlie stood there, her backpack slung over one shoulder and a lunchbox was dragging from her right hand.

"W-what.... What are you doing h-here, C-charlie?"

Charlie just stared at him.  "Um, what do you think I'm doing, dumbass.  I'm coming home with you. That's what best friends do." She rolled her eyes and motioned for him to open the door. 

Under her breath she muttered, "God, you'd think he's never had a best friend before."

Felix snapped at that.  "Excuse me, I have had a best friend before, two if you must know.  I don't know why you think you can just assume things about me. I know I'm strange, I know I'm awkward but could you leave a guy alone for once?" Felix came down from his adrenaline ​high and felt his face turn red, for what must've been the hundredth time that day.  "I-i'm sorry, Charlie. I-i didn't mean that. I-i just d-don't want you assuming things."

Felix paused, waiting for Charlie to explode.  He may have just alienated his potentially only friend here. 

She completely surprised him by grinning ear to ear.  "Oh my gosh, Felix, I'm so proud of you! That's probably the most I've ever heard you talk!  Now that's great and all, but next time it needs to be to someone other than me, your best friend. Obviously we're not to that point yet, but we'll get there, don't worry boo."

Felix stared at her.  "Y-you're not mad at me?" He inquired of her skeptically.

She gave him a puzzled look.  "No, kid, why would I be mad at you? You were just kidding.  Plus, I've definitely heard worse." Under her breath she added, "and said worse too."

Felix shook his head, a small smile creeping over his face.

"Oh, look, King Dour smiles!" Charlie interrupted his thoughts for the umpteenth time.

Felix ignored her and carefully opening the door, praying that his parents weren't home.  He really wasn't ready to lose another friend so quickly.  The last two had been hard enough. 

He heard a gasp from behind him.  "Oh my gosh, Felix, my house is nice, but your house is nice.  Like, are your parents fucking millionaires or something?"

"Uh, no.  My mom's a therapist and my dad's a neurosurgeon.  I don't know if they're home right now.  Are you hungry?"

"Nah, I'll eat when I get home.  I got me some cheesecake waiting for me." She made a yummy sound and will keep at him.  He blushed and turned away, busying himself with making himself a sandwich.

"You eat a sandwich for a snack?" Charlie questioned incredulously. 

Felix gave her a look.  "You're gonna eat cheesecake.  I thought this was a no judging zone," he accused, referencing something she'd said to him earlier that day. 

Charlie raised her hands in surrender.  "Okay, okay, you got me.  I won't judge.... But it's still weird."

Felix stuck his tongue out at her and grabbed his sandwich, heading for the staircase.  "C'mon, Char, I'll show you my room." He grabbed her hand and pulled her along stumbling behind. 

He froze when he heard the front door open.  "Felix? Felix, honey, are you home?"

"Oh, is that your mom, Felix?" Charlie asked loudly.  "I would love to meet he-.  Hey!" Felix panicked and slapped a hand over her mouth.

"Shh," he whispered.  Charlie gave him an odd look but nodded, following his example in tiptoeing up the stairs. 

"Felix! I see you there! Why don't you come give your mother a kiss? I wanna know all about your first day here.  Oh honey, who is that with you? Did you make a friend? And on your first day? Well I guess there's a first for everything.  Bring her down here, I wanna meet her."

Felix shut his eyes and let out a deep breath.  He turned around and motioned for Charlie to follow him.

"Mom, this is Charlie.  Charlie, this is...my mom."