Becoming a DeMarlo

33: "That's how things are."

Chapter 33: "That's how things are."

When Charlie found out about Ms.Phillips being in the hospital, he immediately suggested we find another tutor.

"Come on, Charlie," I complained. "My marks have gotten better! Can't I take a break?"

"Not until your teacher recommends it," Charlie replied, dismissively. "I'll contact her and ask for suggestions for a new temporary tutor."

"I don't want to," I stubbornly protested, making him look up from his computer. 

Rick led me straight to Charlie's office after we got back from Ms. Phillips' house, which meant I didn't even get the chance to celebrate the possibility of never seeing that woman again.

Charlie was seated behind his big glass desk when I walked in, busy with work but immediately putting it all away once I came into his eyesight. 

While he greeted me with a warm smile, my stomach twisted when I noticed the same couch in his office that I had woken up on after the kidnapping. It felt like yesterday yet also like years ago. 

"You don't want to," Charlie repeated, with a great amount of amusement flickering in his eyes. "And that means I should listen to you?" 

"Yes," I adamantly answered. "I know my marks...wobbled for a bit, but I'm doing much better in all my classes now," I insisted.

Truthfully, it was Tyler who had distracted me from my studies, but I was not about to admit that to my brother.

Charlie seemed unconvinced. 

"I don't have a say in anything now, do I?" I huffed, leaning back in my chair and crossing my arms across my chest.

My brother now grew serious, the previously humorous look in his gaze disappearing. 

"This isn't about tutoring anymore, is it?" he quietly asked. Before I had a chance to answer, he continued, "We're looking out for you kid, that's all."

"That's not the point, Charlie! You guys don't let me decide anything," I argued.

"Really? I feel like that's a bit of a stretch," Charlie countered, leaning back in his chair as well as he watched me.

"No, it's true. The boyfriend issue, for example."

Now, he narrowed his eyes at me.

"You mean, the boyfriend issue we were right about? The Hastings boy who ended up breaking your heart?"

I opened my mouth to argue but closed it when I realized Charlie had somewhat of a point.

"That doesn't matter," I said. "It was still my choice. I should be allowed to decide who I want to date and when."Charlie shook his head.

"Not happening. Next issue." 

"Fine." The words came out before I could stop them. "There's a Halloween party next Friday, and I bet you won't let me go to that either."

Charlie immediately raised his eyebrows.

"Party?"

"See?" I stood up, rather dramatically. "You're going to say no. Again. Another decision I don't get to make." 

I turned to leave, in the hopes that he would stop me.

"Calm down, kid. I haven't said anything yet," Charlie sighed, making a tiny part of me happy and igniting an even smaller amount of hope in my chest. 

"What type of party?" he asked.

I sat back down.

"A normal, very appropriate, high school Halloween party," I innocently answered.