traumatized minds, luke hemmings

miss charlie.

[ Charlie Abbot,
September 3rd, 8:18 PM. ]

"What?"

I kept staring at Luke, in hopes he'd just drop the subject, but his eyes widened significantly when I didn't say anything else.

"When was your last checkup?" He repeated himself, "When was your last dentist appointment?" My spine went cold.

"That is none of your business, Luke." I told him nervously, holding onto the bed sheets as tightly as I could.

"Yes, Charlie, it is my business. Do you want to know why?" He crossed his arms, "I am in charge of you whilst your uncle is in the hospital. Therefore, until he's out, it is my business. So tell me, Charlie, how often do your passing our episodes happen?"

"Hardly ever!" I narrowed my eyes .

"Don't lie to me, I've already gotten the truth, you don't need to lie." He admitted. "Listen, I'm only trying to help you."

I stood up and got closer to him. I pointed my finger at him angrily.

"Listen, Dr. Hemmings, I don't need your help, nor do I need your input on my medical history because I am fine and perfectly healthy. Stop fucking acting as if you care about what happens to me because you don't! Just leave me and medical suit alone."

Fuck, I need a cigarette. I thought.

"I do care for you, Charlie. I want you to be happy and healthy. Why won't you let me help you?" Luke frowned.

"I don't need your fucking help, Luke." I snapped, "You need to leave me alone."

Silence fell over us.

He bit his lip, turned on his heels, and left the room— slamming the door behind him.

I felt tears collect in my eyeline and my lips trembled. I turned to find my backpack, dropping to my knees to dig around in the bottom.

Seconds later, I found my cigarette pack and the lighter I'd stolen from my father months ago.

Slowly, I crawled out of the window and sat on the roof edge and put the cigarette in between my two fingers, lighting the end. I inhaled and felt the smoke invade my lungs

Just like that, my heavy breathing stopped and I felt okay again.

"Charlie?"

I got startled and jumped, accidentally dropping the cigarette onto the pavement below me. I cussed under my breath and turned my head to see Michael.

"You scared me, Michael." I laughed nervously.

"Sorry, my bad." He chuckled, leaning on the windowsill. "How are you? What are you doing out here? It's cold."

"I just like fresh air. It gives me calmness."

"Oh yeah? Does smoking give you that calmness too?"

I widened my eyes and watched him smirk deviously.

"What are you talking—"

"I can smell it." He hums, putting his hand out. "Come on in, and give me the lighter and cigarettes."

I reluctantly put the cigarettes in his hand, but not the lighter.

"Why do you smoke, Charlie?" Michael asked, "You're only sixteen."

"It's none of your business."

"Oh, but it is."

"Why does everyone in this house think my life is anyone's business," I asked, hopping down from the window and crossing my arms.

"Hm . . . maybe cause we're doctors? How the hell did you get your hands on cigarettes anyway?" He asked, genuinely confused.

I tapped my skin, "Well, hm, let's see." I tapped my foot on the carpet as well, "We live in Los Angeles. I go to public school. I've got a deadbeat dad, a dead mom, and a useless uncle. I can get whatever I want with a little of that."

Michael chuckled, "As much as I like you, I'm going to have to tell Luke about this."

"Why the hell would you do that?" I shouted.

Michael shook his head and chuckled. He turned on his heels and made his way down the hallway.

"Stupid old men," I said under my breath.

I ran after him and followed him down the stairs and through the hallway. I begged him quietly and told him that if he did this, I would never trust him again.

"Excuse me, Luke?" Michael said.

Luke turned around, flickering his eyes between me, and Michael. Before he could speak, Michael lifted the cigarettes.

"Michael, why the hell do you have cigarettes—" he paused for a moment. "Oh."

"I decided to pay Charlie a visit, see how she was doing, and she was up on the roof— smoking."