Love?

Burden

A/n Hi all, I hope you have had a great day or are about to have one :) Enjoy the new Chapter

Charlotte POV

When I woke up this morning my body was aching really badly but I couldn't skip today it was only the second day. I did my usual morning routine being careful when changing and decided to wear a hoodie and jeans. I know my old style but it's comfortable in my current state. Being careful not to wake my father I went to the kitchen and cleaned up last night's mess. I was too sore to do it yesterday. At 7:30am I headed to school. Arriving at my usual time, grabbed my books from my locker and I went to the court yard. I tried not to limp as a walked and when I made it to the court yard and sat down it was a great relief to my body. I put my ear plugs in, hoodie up and took out my sketching pad. I was drawing without much thought and when the 1st bell rung I looked at my drawing and realised I had drawn those hazel eyes, Mr River's. Shocked by what I had just drawn I got up and walked to class. I was glad no one noticed me because at least twice in science I had grasped my stomach in pain. No one seemed to notice, not like they would anyways. When I came to Art I took my sketch book without thinking but when I looked at the eyes I decided they could belong to anyone so I just kept drawing the portrait but changed a few features so it wouldn't look like him.

 After break I had English followed by music. When I opened my locker to get my journal I found it wasn't there. 'No,no.nnnoo' I couldn't of forgot it. I heard footsteps round the corner I turned hoping it wasn't a teacher see as I was late to class but of course my bad luck doesn't run out. 'Hello Charlotte' It was Mr Rivers 'Hi', He gave me a confused look 'why are you not in class?' I felt really dumb now I had to tell him I left my book a home for his class being the reason I'm late to another. 'I can't find my music Journal Sir' his confused look changed to understanding then annoyed. 'You left the journal in my classroom yesterday and did I not tell you that I hate formalities' it was reaction when answering an authority. 'Sorry habit I guess' he chuckled, oh how I love that chuckle I ended up giggling with him but then I felt the sharp pain in my stomach. Clutching my stomach I stopped laughing, 'Charlotte are you okay?' he sounded worried I need to play this off. 'Yea, I just laughed too hard' I said with my best fake smile. I think he was convinced as he was off on his way and told me to get to class. I never went to English, the pain wouldn't settle so I sat outside in the courtyard until the bell for the end of third rang. 

Picking up my stuff, thankfully the pain had subsided and now was only an ache I made my way to music. Sitting in my usual spot I found my journal, I looked up to Mr Rivers desk he was smiling at me; I just mouthed thank you in his direction receiving a nod in return I got ready for class. It wasn't long before he stood before everyone and started the lesson 'Class I hope you have all thought about what you will be performing either today or tomorrow. I have picked a random order of performance so when I call your name, come forward introduce yourself and the talent you will be performing'. I sat there dumb founded I forgot about the performance thing. Thankfully he called out 'Fredrick'. Fredrick sung Amazing Grace, and Wow it was amazing the class applauded for him as he took his seat. More people got up and did their piece while I just hoped that we would run out of time so I could go tomorrow (Not that I want to go at all but you know). 'Lucky last for today Charlotte' Mr Rivers eyes scanned the class till he found me; I got up shaking slightly as my stage fright took over.

 I reached the front shaking so much as I stood at the front, all eyes were on me. 'Just take a deep breath Charlotte' I turned to see Mr Rivers giving me a comforting smile. I don't know how but somehow his words took effect immediately. After I took a few breaths I found I had stopped shaking. I found myself in my mind saying I can do this. I hope it goes well. 'Hi, my names Charlotte and I'll be singing take it easy By Stan Walker'.

Stronger days, Bitter nights,
Cold hands, Warm heart,
Walking round,
But you're staring at the ground,
Take hold, fall apart.

Little by little,
Someone blows the whistle,
It don't matter in the end,
So just slow it all down, slow it all down.

You gotta take it easy, easy,
Live your life,
Take on any kind of weather you and me together,
We'll be fine,
You gotta take it easy, easy
Take your time,
It's just you and me together any kind of weather,
We'll be fine,

Open road, broken down,
Bright lights, dark town,
Stand up then you fall again,
You will find a way in the end.

You gotta take it easy, easy,
Live your life,
Take on any kind of weather you and me together,
We'll be fine,
You gotta take it easy, easy,
Take your time,
It's just you and me together any kind of weather,
We'll be fine,

Little by little,
Someone blows the whistle,
It don't matter in the end,
So just slow it all down, slow it all down.

You gotta take it easy, easy,
Live your life,
Take on any kind of weather you and me together,
We'll be fine,
You gotta take it easy, easy
Take your time,
It's just you and me together any kind of weather,
We'll be fine

As I finished the last note my heart was pounding, what's everyone going to think. Staring at the ground, silence filled the room. Was I that bad, I look up and see my class shocked. Did something happen while I was singing? Please someone tell me. I turn to look at Mr Rivers for some guidance, he was smiling like there was no tomorrow. It felt like years but was only a few seconds when my class were on their feet clapping. I was crimson red. 'Thank you Charlotte for a remarkable cover of Take it easy' Mr Rivers said as he motioned for me to go back to my seat. 

Once the class settled down Mr Rivers let everyone go for lunch. As I made my way to the door a voice called out 'Ah Charlotte could you please see me for a moment' I knew who it was as I'm always last out, Mr Rivers. I made my way up to his desk being careful not to run into a desk; because of the way my body is right now that would hurt a lot. When I reached his desk he motioned for me to take a seat. 

Sitting down right in front of him I now realised how gorgeous this man was. His hair was slightly long but finger combed back, broad shoulders, well-built figure but the thing that attracted me the most was those hazel eyes. I made sure not to stare for too long as it was rude but you really could get lost in them. My eyes landed on the desk as I waited for him to speak. 'Charlotte that was incredible' he sounded speechless. 

'Thanks' I said in a quiet whisper just hoping he had heard he stood up out of his seat and sat on the corner of his desk.

 'There's no need to be shy, your voice is incredible. Was that the first time you've sung for an audience?' Nodding my head he continued. 'Charlotte these performances were not just to see what I was working with' Finally looking up because I was so confused on what he was talking about, noticing my confusion he continued 'I was asked to find someone to perform at the assembly on Friday', It was my turned to be shocked. 'Charlotte, will you sing on Friday?' 

Looking into his hopeful eyes made me feel guilty because I knew what my answer was and it isn't the one he's hoping for. 'Mr Rivers I'm sorry I can't perform on Friday' without looking at him I stood and left the room. I fled to my locker, grabbed my bag and made my way to the courtyard. Sitting down my emotions took over silent tears rolled down my face as I remember that hopeful face destroyed by my words.

Mr Rivers POV

'Mr Rivers I'm sorry I can't perform on Friday' these words repeating over and over in my mind. Before I could convince her she got up and left the room. What had I done? I knew she was shy but I still asked her to perform for the entire school the hurt in her eyes so clear. The guilt built up inside me, I made her feel bad by being Mr Hopeful. I just hope I can make it up to her tomorrow.

 After a few minutes I left the class, walking into the staff room I said hello to a few of my colleagues before sitting down by the window and staring out into the courtyard. After gazing towards the building I looked towards a big tree, a small figure could be seen. The figure had their hood up and they seem to be slightly shaking. 'Do you think their okay?' I asked Carrie (Mrs Jones) She glimpsed out the window and replied 'Yea she looks fine' No emotion or interest at all in her voice. Getting slightly mad I stood abruptly and left the staff room. When I walked into the court yard the figure seemed familiar but I couldn't remember exactly who. 'Are you okay' I asked lowering down to their level. They looked up, her face stained with tears.  

A/n So why did Charlotte get so upset? Who has Mr River's just found and how will he react when he does? Find out on the next Chapter of Unexpected Love. BYEEEE