Wild (Cherik Book One)

Sad in the Summer: Part One

A/N: Before we begin I just wanted to put the proper warnings here. I know we have dealt with heavier themes throughout this chapter but these next few are going to be particularly rough. Domestic Violence, Depression and mild Suicidal thoughts. Please be careful moving forward if these trigger you in any way. I want everyone to enjoy the story but most of all I want everyone to be safe. Anygays, buckle up and enjoy Sad in the Summer Part One!! (This one is the longest chapter yet coming in at almost 5k words!)

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"And happiness is right there where you lost it."

__________CHARLIE__________

When something happens, something catastrophic, there's a moment where the world regards herself. She slows a minute down to last a little longer than what Father Time would usually allow. There's a silence, an awareness that captures the pulse of every living thing. A sort of regard that this is how life is now, and in a few moments it will change completely. A "no going back" sort of event that shapes an individual. And maybe if we had the power to know when that longer minute existed we could brace for impact. We could allow ourselves to prepare for whatever catastrophe awaits us. At least that's what Charles Xavier thinks. He wasn't exactly sure how his brain was even forming thoughts through the process of waving in and out of focus. Like a soft ocean breeze breathing through him slowly...slower...softly. Maybe this is one of those minutes. A sixty five second minute just before an explosion. Just before something changes forever.

Ten hours earlier

"Charlie?! Do you know where my orange top is?" Raven came bursting through the door in a mess of half finished makeup and pajamas. Her face scrunched up in frustration. She looked years younger with her speckled cheeks and frown. It reminded Charlie briefly of the face she used to make when she didn't get dessert.

Charlie chuckled softly and shook his head from the love seat. He was hours deep into reading a book of myths Hank had gifted him last Christmas. It eased his nerves to concentrate on something that was so concrete. Something so sure of itself.

"Can't say I do. Did you ask Lillian? She went to the dry cleaners yesterday," Charlie provided and Raven huffed.

"I'll ask...is that what you're wearing?" Raven gestured to Charlie's sweatpants and hoodie with slight confusion. He rolled his eyes and checked the watch on his wrist.

"Obviously not, but it's only one and the party isn't until eight. Not all of us require seven hours to prepare," Charlie shrugged.

"In case you've forgotten Marina and Angel have a performance tonight?" Raven threw her hands up and Charlie creased his eyebrows. A weight stacking in his chest. No, he's never forgotten a gig before. Even a stupid high school party. His brain struggled to find any memory of a Peaches gig tonight.

"What? Raven, I wasn't at the last meeting. You didn't tell me!" Charlie races up and into the bathroom to clean himself up. Being thankful the only visible injuries from Jack were fading well enough to be covered up by concealer. Charlie's heart raced painfully against his bruised ribs as he hurried along.

"Yes I di—crap," Raven mumbled at herself obviously remembering she hadn't given him the correct notes.

"It's fine! I'll just call Marina and get filled in. Find your top, we have to head out soon!" Charlie began styling his hair in a rush. Nothing fancy considering the time crunch but he managed to tame the growing waves out of his face.

"Can you do it? I mean...I'm so sorry," Raven stood behind him looking sheepish in her mistake.

"It's no problem. I've done more in less time. It's okay," Charlie assured her and Raven zipped away to get dressed.