Wild (Cherik Book One)

Sleep Next to You

"Back to the basics,

back to the simple life"

_________CHARLIE__________

Charles looked down to the murky water below and tried to recount how many times he'd braved the great jump off the Barren's cliff. Surely too many times to count. As summers came and went the Barrens only grew in its importance. But, some jumps stuck out further in his brain than others, particularly the very first summer where two rambunctious boys had asked the brave question for the first time.

"You think there's sharp rocks?" Charlie asked with a slight lisp as his front teeth failed to be fully grown in.

Ten year old Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr observed the drop from the tall clearing to the questionably deep water below. They were laying down, heads peaked over the edge as to make sure neither fell from some violent gust of wind or more likely pure clumsiness. Erik's cool eyes squinted in the summer sun as he seemed to calculate his surroundings. The sun was beaming today, bright rays accompanied by the occasional gust of wind. Summer was off to a great start and Erik was dying for some adventure. Charlie, it seemed, was itching as well as his protests were almost non-existent.

"No," Erik decided, rather sure of himself. He looked to Charlie who remained skeptical of the statement. His brows furrowed as he sighed in thought.

"I don't know, it would make sense. It can't all just be mud and algae,right? I mean, there's the landscape to consider," Charlie spoke in what he felt was a very adult voice. Structuring the sentence as his father would. He'd heard the enigmatic man speak seriously on the telephone and in meetings many times. He'd found that Mr. Xavier was always considering something. Considering the weather. Considering the cost. Considering the risks. It was all very secretive, considering the fact of those who might be listening in.

"It's just mud and fish and water. And it's like fifty feet deep anyways, if there were rocks we wouldn't even feel them." Erik shrugged and threw a pebble down with a splash. The ripple cut through the clear reflection of the sky and Charlie frowned. Remaining unconvinced, but all too eager to make sure Erik was happy, Charlie gave up considerations for the time being.

"I guess."

"So will you do it?" Erik inquired looking at the boy beside him. A sort of anxious gaiety overcame Erik as he widened his eyes expectantly.

"Not by myself! What if there are rocks? There's a lot I want to do with my life Erik. I can't go diving into rocks, if I'm not home by dinner Lily will kill me," Charlie protested and Erik chuckled with boyish innocence.

"You talk weird," Erik chuckled and it erupted into a fit of giggles that caused Charlie to shove him softly.

"I do not!"

"You got a funny accent and you talk like a teacher sometimes!"

"I think I talk normal." Charlie huffed.

"I never said it was a bad thing. I like your accent. Now will you jump or not? I'll jump with you!" Erik stood up and dusted off his shorts.

"Together? But what if we run into each other! I don't want to hurt you," Charlie stated in concern. He couldn't see why Erik was so absurdly adamant on taking this jump.

"Fine, I'll go by myself," Erik laughed to the sky before running back further into the clearing. His toes curling into the grass before letting out a bark of laughter.

"Erik, wait what if yo—Erik!" Charlie called as Erik raced to the edge and jumped. It took a few seconds for the splash to follow but when it did Charlie was on his feet. His eyes scanning down to the water below. Bubbles erupted up and white cut through the green and brown shades. But one thing missing was the spiky brunette.