Charlie. (Larry Stylinson)

Dainty.

Princeton Academy High.

[With a delightful treat and a boy]

Charlie finds himself under the tree with the hollow space again, and he's not quite sure why; but Daniel's there with him; and it's kind of comforting. He doesn't feel alone or out of place, despite not truly knowing Daniel's motives for wanting to be around him so much. And he's thinking he should be grateful rather than continuously question everything, should be delighted that someone has finally noticed him. He knows more about honey-blond boy now, knows that Daniel is in his junior year just as he is, knows that he has a thing for fruit flavored things, like candy and juice, always keeping a snack in his bag. And he's the only person that Charlie knows that keeps a packed lunch instead of eating the cafeteria food; however, he doesn't blame him. Cafeteria food isn't all that appealing, sometimes dry, not seasoned well enough, or it's just leftovers. He misses Harry's cooking, though Louis isn't a bad cook like he used to be. Today, Daniel brought him a slice of buttermilk, lemon cake - something the boy's mother whipped up in the kitchen. Charlie was reluctant to accept it; but being the persistent person he is, Daniel convinced him otherwise.

"I'm curious," Daniel speaks, taking another bite of his cake, "I've hung around you for a few weeks now and you have yet to report me for harassment," he humorously states. Charlie's taken aback, gazing at the boy because - wow, he is serious and yeah, he's as different as he seems. Charlie chuckles, and then the range of his laughter starts to pick up until he's unable to chew on his cake anymore; and perhaps he looks like a fool at that moment; but it's been a while since he's laughed that much. It sounds so genuine, so honest. He's happy. Daniel blushes; doesn't really know why he's being laughed at.

"How could I when you've brought me this delicious cake?" And yeah, Daniel just may bring him more.

Louis paces the hall, in front of Charlie's door. He wants to go in, wants them to interact even if it's just for a second; that feeling of feeling as though everything he loves is slipping from his fingers has grown to be overwhelming. He has taken all the advice he can from Niall and Zayn, but he knows that, at the end of the day, he's Charlie's dad and he has to go with his own conscience. He knocks twice; they're small knocks but loud enough to get Charlie to answer a few seconds later. The teen steps aside and allows his father in. Junky, like any other teen's room. So, Louis doesn't think much of anything as he's seated on the untidy bed with nothing but hope and a little bit of luck. "How was school?" It wasn't his initial question when he planned everything out in his mind, but it's a start.

"Good," Charlie states.

"Good?," Louis quizzes. That's different. Charlie usually hates school.

"Good," Charlie smiles, bottom lip caught between his teeth. He's blushing. Louis remembers what that's like.

October 24, 1988.

My costume has been purchased. I decided to be Spider-man. I'm a little reluctant to wear the tights though, if I'm being honest. The last thing I need is people looking at all the wrong parts. Gemma says I have the long legs for it, but I think she's just being modest. Liam settled with Batman, to no one's surprise. He admires the fictitious guy. Niall still hasn't said what his costume will be. He wants to surprise us. Tomorrow's the day I plan on asking Louis if he'll go with me. I figured the sooner I do it, the more time I'll have to get over the rejection by the time the party arrives. Doesn't sound too confident of me, but I've also learned that being realistic is one aspect of my personality. I can't help it.

Gemma's friend, Elizabeth, is moving at the beginning of November. I still haven't met her, but Gemma says she's coming over tomorrow to have dinner with us. Her [former] stepdad is still in jail, rightfully so. Gemma says there's too much evidence for him not to be guilty. All is well, I suppose.

Oh, and it's decided - it's not a little crush. I really, really like Louis Tomlinson.