Charlie. (Larry Stylinson)

Carved.

Princeton Academy High

[Under the hollow-space tree]

Charlie sees it, his father and Niall's name carved into the tree; however, it's not in the sense that most people would do it for; it signifies their friendship; one that they knew would last for quite some time. Charlie knows Niall, knows that he's his godfather; knows that he stops by once a week to check up on them. Charlie never misses the way Niall tries to put up a facade, tries to smile and assure them that Harry truly loved them; and he knows that, at the end of the day, Niall cries himself to sleep in Zayn's arms. The teen has his father's journal upon his lap, a hand securely atop it, just in case anyone tries to antagonize him and take it away. He can't lose it. He'll lose everything if he does; however, he knows there's a possibility that someone will try to pry it from his hands. He's the outcast - born from the womb of a man. Louis reminds him that he's unique and no one will ever be able to take that away from him.

"When's Niall coming over, dad?" Charlie asks; and it's during dinner; the time when his dad speaks to him the most. It's always a reflective point in their day, whether they're talking about Charlie's day at school, Louis' day at work, or the past.

"I'm not sure, love. I haven't spoken to him in a few days." The conversation ends there; nothing but the clinking sound of their forks impacting the plates. Charlie has noticed, the way they don't really converse as much. It had always been his parents' thing - LouisandHarry, conversation and such. He retreats to his room not too longer after, opening the journal while wrapped within the warmth of his duvet and a single candle aside his bed.

August 30, 1988.

It's been two weeks since I've last written an entry. I've been busy with school and such - building a social life outside the walls of my home. Niall introduced me to his friend, Liam, on the third day of school. He's a bookworm, a few Moby Dicks and Stephen King novels under his belt. He wants to be an author and Niall is very encouraging when it comes to it. They've known each other since Niall moved to London, says Liam was his first friend; and it makes me think of how Niall is mine. School was just another normal day, course work and long lectures. I'm starting to get the hang of Geometry, though I can never really bring myself to actually love it - geometric shapes and such. It's as boring and complex as it sounds. Liam tutors Niall and I; says he wants us all to graduate together; and not a year behind.

Niall spoke about Zayn again. He said he received a letter and happily showed it to me. It was poetic and beautiful and I guess that was what love felt like. It made him blush and he keeps it in his back pocket everyday, like a good luck charm. It gives him hope that they'll see one another again. I wish I had something to look forward to. Instead, I return home to homework and a marathon of my favorite television show. I guess it's not too bad.

Oh, and I'm the paperboy.