CHAPTER 19: Heartbreaks and Horseriding
Charlie's POV:
"You broke up with the guy. You literally told him to fuck the hell off. You full on danced all over his heart. What are you going to do about that?" Mia looked through the clothes in the kids' section.
"I'll think about it when I get there," I tell her as I peek at the clothes.
"But what's more important is convincing Mom and Dad." I nodded to myself.
"Unless you're planning on running away tonight, you ain't going anywhere. Come to think of it, it's really romantic," She stopped as she began daydreaming.
"Giving up your life and running away for a boy is like throwing it away. I've got goals in life, big goals!!! I want to be someone I could be proud of. Not someone who gives up their lives for other people. Also, what happens when he leaves you? Huh? You'll end up on the streets with rats and thieves with no family, no friends and if that's your idea of romantic. Shoo.. Go," I reprimanded her.
"Wow, you do know that I was joking?" She looked at me with wide eyes," But I appreciate you living your life as your own." She said before frowning.
"We sound like Grandmas," I told her and she nodded her head.
"Let's talk about different ways in which we could waste our lives. There's so much!!! Boys, drugs, alcohol," She cheered and I laughed.
"Wait, where's Aron?" I asked as I looked around the area.
"You think you'd find a guy in the shopping section?" Mia huffed as she looked around. She was playing with her hair and her eyes wandered everywhere except for my eyes.
I squinted at her," That's very hypocritical of you."
"It's not hypocritical. What would a guy even do in the girls ..uh-uh... the kids section,"
Exaggerated emphasisation of words. Definitely bluff.
"Aron loves to help us shop. Shut up and spill the tea," I told her.
Aron says that knowing fashion trends is a big plus in a girlfriend's books. He's not wrong. Every girl would love a future boyfriend who could pick out clothes that are to her taste.
"I've fallen in love with you and I wanted to spend alone time with you so I could convince you not to go away to that jerk?" She raised her arms in a question as if asking me if I believed her.
"Aww. You've fallen in love with me? But then again, who wouldn't?"
"You believe that?," She looked at me, unbelieving.
"Yes, I mean, I am very likable. So...it wouldn't be a surprise that you decided to change your sexuality."
She gave out an exaggerated huff, "Just so you know, you aren't likable in the least right now with that attitude of yours."
"They why do you love me?" I looked at the ground coyly before giving her what I assumed to be a cute smile. I leaned to whisper in her ears but her eyes widened and she pushed me away.
"I don't!!!! Aron wanted me to cover up for him so that he could go on a date with Cassidy!!!" She spoke so fast that I nearly missed the words before she slapped her hand over her mouth.
"He went out with that bitch?" I couldn't believe that jerk.
"He went out with the girl who was stupid enough to bully me. And her reasoning? Because he asked me out in middle school!!! That bitch gave me a hard time because the guy she liked, liked me. Aron is such a bitch"
"I hate that bitch more than you but I've made my peace," Mia scoffed.
"Please bitch. I hate that bitch more than you hate that bitch.... I'm going to kill that bitch," I know I had my bitch face on.
"Wait, which bitch are we talking about again?" Mia scratched her head.
"Aron!!," I shrieked at her.
Wait, why are we in the kids' section? We're grown up now, about to be 15, we should be going through teens section or better yet, the adult's section," I huffed my chest before heading for the adult's section.
"Do you like the clothes there?" Mia pulled me back by my collar.
"No," I admitted before walking again.
"Do they fit you?" She held me tightly.
"No," I whispered and pouted at her. She let go of my collar and I straightened out my shirt.
"Then what's the point? Plus, these clothes are so much cuter." Mia pointed to a pair of shorts with a cute belt and frills at the bottom.
"Would you find that in the adult's section? The clothes there are so dull, they're like blah," She made a face.
"By the way, do you like my outfit? I twirled around in my white shirt and pale green shorts.
"You look like half an office worker who was puked at by her boss," She commented.
I blinked at her before pulling at her ponytail," I'm serious!!!"
"I think you look decent enough. Why?"
"I am trying to switch my wardrobe with new clothes. A signature style kind of thing? But, I'm not sure if it suits me."
"Your signature style is cute. Wait, are you changing your clothes because of him?" She gave me a stern look that could very easily compete with my mom's.
"No, I would never do something for a guy." I told her and it was almost true. Because I've been thinking of changing my wardrobe for a long time. It just gave me another reason.
"Ok, can we go home now?" I was itching to go back home to see if he sent a letter back.
"It's been only a day since you sent your letter. It takes 2-3 days at least before the receiver gets it." She looked proud to have remembered the fact that I drilled into her head by my constant nagging. If anything, she should be proud of me!!
"I still have to convince Mom and Dad. Mom will be okay but I know dad's going to look me in the house as soon as I tell him. I'll be like..... Rapunzel, trapped in an ivory tower."
"Well then I'm sure you don't mind if I do this," she tugged on my ponytail, hard before making a run for it.
••••••••••••
A head popped in front of me as I sat in the cafeteria.
"What's with your face?" Aron asked. I pushed his head back.
I don't want to talk. At least not to him.
"Seriously, what is that thing?" He waved his hands around my face.
"It's called Beauty."
"Looks Bitchy to me," His eyes roamed around my face.
"Aron, why didn't you come shop with us yesterday," I looked up at him.
"I was out, hanging out with one of my friends. Didn't Mia tell you?" He said as he moved to sit beside me. And I believed him for a second. It always astonished me how guys could lie with such ease.
I was going to give him the silent treatment until he figures why I'm angry with him. But the nerve of this bitch to lie to me. I held his ear tight and he shrieked.
"Ow, ow, what are you doing?"
"It's fine to do stuff without telling me but don't you dare to try to even think about lying to me," I didn't release his ear.
"I'll make you a deal. Oww. I'll help you convince your parents about you going to the rich ass academy," He held his ear as I tightened my grip on it.
"How?," I can not believe the guy who lied to my face.
"I've got a great idea. So if you'd just release my poor ear," I contemplated a little before letting it go.
"What's the plan?"
❣❣❣❣❣
"Mom, I got pregnant-," I said, looking straight into her eyes as we sat on the dinner table. Dad spits his food, cutting me off and mom swallowed the fish she was eating. They both started coughing and I offered them a glass of water.
"Pre-pre-," Dad semi fainted as mom eyed me with...what the heck is that look. I've never seen it before. It looked like a mix between a heart attack and constipation.
"It's a game. Would you rather I got pregnant or I got accepted into a prestigious academy, all expenses paid, far away from here" I asked them.
Dad looked like someone breathed life into him and Mom still had the constipation look.
Maybe I should get her some coffee.
"That was one hell of a whiplash! Good one" Mom started laughing as she continued eating.
"Honestly, the pregnant thing is way more believable than the acceptance thing," Dad laughed along with her.
"Hey! You got options. Choose wisely," I reprimanded.
"The prestigious academy thing would be a dream come true. But I doubt you're even going to get in a place like that, let alone on a complete scholarship," Dad patted my head.
"True," Mom raised her slim hand to high five dad.
Ahh. This is borderline offensive. How can you think that about your own daughter.
I fished out the acceptance letter from my pocket and shoved it in their faces.
Dad shifted back to get a better look.
"No," He shook his head. "I'd rather you got pregnant. You, young lady aren't going anywhere" He pointed a finger at me as he continued eating.
"Mommm!!! I studied really hard to pass that exam!! And it's all expenses covered. We don't even have to buy the flight tickets. They'll send it. Plus it'd be a great opportunity for me to grow up. Tell him!!!" I pointed to Dad who had his hands covering his ears.
"Isn't this the same school your writing pal goes to?" She raised her brows at me.
I
blinked at her.
She blinked back.
Damn, I can't lie this time.
"Yes," I told her.
"See, she's going there because of a guy. She doesn't care about studies," Dad whined to her.
"No, she's not going anywhere," Dad slammed his hands against the table and stood up before walking away.
❣❣❣❣❣
I held the front door open as dad walked out with my bags and mom behind him.
"A little help?," Dad wiped his forehead as he set the three bags down.
"Oh no, I'm fine. But if you insist," I kept my backpack on the suitcase he was carrying.
Dad muttered something about women being lazy and Mom pulled his ear and I knew very well what was to come.
"Who gave birth to you?" She raised her brow.
"A woman," Dad muttered.
"Who gave birth to your child?"
"A woman," He grumbled with his head down.
"Who should you respect?"
"All women," He scratched his neck and she released his ear.
Mom and I high fived.
I thought it was going to be hell trying to convince dad but the next day, dad came to my room, cried, told me I could go and cried some more.
I feel bad for him. It must be hard watching your children growing but then I see mom and that woman can't be more eager to kick me out.
She kept bugging me if I kept all the important stuff I'd need.
"I packed four bags, Mom! I packed my whole room in those bags. I don't think there's possibly the slightest chance that I forg... I don't think I packed my brush." I rushed back inside and came out with my brush and the paper wrapped box that I wanted to give John.
I smiled sheepishly at Mom who stood at the door with her arms crossed and her face set in the 'I'm your mom and I don't ever say anything wrong' look.
I wanted to roll my eyes but I couldn't, so I resorted to pouting. My eyes landed on the mailbox and there was an envelope in it.
My heartbeat skyrocketed as I ran and tore open the envelope. It was from him. My eyes skimmed over the words, my hands becoming sweaty, my pulse increasing rapidly, to the point I could physically feel it on my neck. My eyes widened and suddenly my heart stopped beating, altogether. I had butterflies in my stomach, except it didn't feel good.
One month later.....
There's a famous saying in Hindu Culture and it goes like this, 'Whatever happens, happens for the best.'
I guess it is true.
If I hadn't recieved the letter from him that day, I'd have died. In a twisted way, he saved me. But at the same time, he killed me.
I shudder and tears pool in my eyes as I think about it again. The letter,
Dear Jane,
I think....
My thoughts were interrupted by Elyotto's Sugar Crash ringing on my phone.
"Hello?" I answered my phone.
"Good morning. This is Gianna from Percipience Academy. Am I speaking to Ms. Charlotte Miller?"
"Yes. This is me...um her...er Charlie ," I awkwardly answer. I was shocked. And it didn't help with the fact that I'm the biggest goof when it comes to answering unknown phone calls. Why are these people calling me?
"This is to inform you that the late orientation for freshmen will be a week and a half from now and we need you to be here by the next week, in accordance with the rules of the school. You haven't yet responded to our acceptance letter. Can I ask why?"
"Umm... I-I didn't receive one," I lied. Because that's the only thing that came to my mind right now.
She paused for a second, typing something from the sound of it, "We're sorry. It might have been a technical mistake on our part.We selected quite a few applications from various students for the 'Encouraging Young Minds Program' and we're happy to inform you that you've been selected. Mr. Rodriguez was quite impressed with your application and interview and we'd be delighted to have you at Percipience Academy." I was stunned into silence. I knew I did good enough to get in with the geeks but the principal? The principal of an academy as big as this....actually read what I wrote.. .more so he liked what I wrote.
"Miss Charlotte, are you still there?"
"Yes," I said the words in a daze.
"We're sorry for the inconvenience but we need you to fly in by the end of the week. Can you do that?"
"I don't know?" I asked her.
"It's fine. You can consult your parents before giving an answer. However, we'd need your parent's or guardian's permission before emailing you the ticket within the week,"
"Okay,"
"Percipience Academy will be happy to see you."
"Thank you," I whispered.
What the hell? What did I just say?
I'm going to Percipience Academy? I don't know if I should be happy or not. It was my decision to not go because it felt...too much. Especially after what happened.
"Didn't you say you wanted to go?" Dad's voice startled me.
"Don't let anything or anyone stop you from what you really want to do." He patted my head.
"You should be happy. You didn't even want me go," I grumbled, pushing his hand away.
"Uh-uh, I don't want you to grow up," He corrected,"But that's happening anyway. So grow up strong and pretty, doing what you want. Think hard, think if this is really what you want."
He stood up and kissed my forehead before walking out.
Do I really want to go?
Yes.
Why?
If I'm being honest to myself, my first and foremost reason was to see him.
I flipped through the brochures and pamphlets.
But then it felt like a dream come true. I didn't think I could do this but now I know, I'm actually capable of doing this. This place is like magic. There's so much to do.
I picked up my phone.
"Hello?" Mia yawned into the phone.
"Make me a pros and cons list, so that I can know if I should or shouldn't attend this school," I told her.
"Pro- You get to live your dreams and you'd be stupid to let a guy hold you back.
Con- You have to face John which shouldn't be a problem cause you don't know his name or what he looks like."
"Eh, kind of a short list. Can you elaborate it?" I scratched my head.
"I can tell you how elaborately i'll kick your ass if you don't make your mind," She threatened.
She took a deep breath and said,"Look this is about what you want and if you want it, go for it."
She hung up.
•••••••••••
I always thought of high school as hell but if there is a place called heaven, this is it.
Oh my god.
I whipped my phone out of my pocket and took a picture. I sent it to Mia.
Oh, she's going to be so damn jealous.
This is like Emerald city from the Wizard of Oz come to life.
In front of me was one of those big ass fountains you see in movies, except bigger. I looked over to my right side to see a big green field.
I feel like a small town girl gushing over luxuries.
I banged my head against another and lost my balance. I fell on my butt with a bang.
So much for entering a new school with a bang.
"Oh, can this day get any better," I heard a feminine voice mutter.
I looked up to see blond hair against slightly tanned skin and I felt my heart skip a beat as my eyes met green ones.
It should be a crime to look that good. She was beautiful to the point that I didn't know if I want to be her or if I want her.
She offered a slim hand with a diamond bracelet dangling casually on the wrist and I took it.
Her eyes flew down to my neck and I looked down to see my necklace with the ring. I quickly put it back to its place so that it wasn't visible.
How stupid do I have to be to still wear it when I dont want him to find me. I'll take it off later.
"I'm sorry," I told her.
"You think I care?" She spat back.
"Wait, you think I said sorry? I meant screw you." I smacked my lips for an extra bitchy effect.
She looked at me for a second, stunned.
I half expected her to say something along the lines of 'Do you who you are talking to'.
"I'm Olivia." She told me and stuck her hand out for a shake.
"You think I care?" I sassed.
"We're definitely going to be best friends!!," She gave me a megawatt smile as she pulled me alongside her.
I should add 'Psycho' to my definition of rich people.
"You're the second girl who's been bitchy to me. I hated the first one but I really like you."
I contemplated whether I should introduce myself or not but then it'd be rude if I didn't, "I'm Charlie."
"So Charlie, what do want to do. Do you wanna take a tour? Wait, that's boring. Should we go to the cafeteria? Hmm, what should we do?"
"Where were you going before?"
"Oh, I was going to the arena to see my frenemies. We can go get some food in the cafeteria first if you want."
Frenemies?
"Arena? Like for horseback riding? I'd love to go."
"You know how to ride a horse?" She asked me, genuinely surprised.
I though horseback riding was the #1 pass timer for the rich and the fabulous.
"Just so you know I'm very good at it," I bragged with a smile.
To be honest, I only knew the basics from my time spent at my Grandpa's house in tennessee during Christmas break.
Now that I think about it, I don't remember that much about riding a horse.
See, this is exactly why you shouldn't brag!
I scolded myself mentally throughout the way as we made our way to the arena.
I waited outside the stable as Olivia walked out with a beautiful white horse. It looked ivory. So pure. So pretty. I whipped out my phone to snap another picture.
"His name's Romeo. You sure you can do this?," Olivia asked.
"Yup," I said as I started climbing but my phone buzzed in my pocket and I checked to see the caller id, "Just a minute." I held one finger up at Olivia as I moved to a slightly secluded place.
"Bitch, you've gotta be kidding me. This is fucking Metropolis!!!" Mia shouted in my ear.
I didn't even bother to pull it away. I was so damn excited. I almost wanted to shout it out loud but I have some dignity left. So, I opted for jumping up and down.
"Wait, did you wear the clothes I told you to?," I looked down to see my clothes and then my wandered to Olivia's clothes. Not much different from my regular clothes.
"Yes," I nodded.
In the distance, I could hear a few guys shouting a d a girl screaming. I didn't pay it any mind.
"Did you pack the type of clothes I told you to? Please don't tell me you packed your bunny sneakers."
"Yes, I packed all of my grandma's clothes. And leave my bunny sneakers out of this."
I had to borrow my grandma's clothes because those are the only ones that fit Mia's description.
"Baby, you gotta fake it till you make it. And remember rich people talk british english."
Oh yeah. Mia and I were up all night, learning about how rich people behave. It's not that hard.
Wear your grandma's clothes, talk funny and walk like you knocked down a flight of stairs and have a cramp in your back.
Basically, act like a high, mighty and uptight bitch.
That's about it.
"Yeah, yeah, I remember it all. Now, if you'll excuse me, my new best friend is waiting." I hung up with a speed greater than light.
Oh, she's gonna be soooo jealous.
I climbed up on the horse, it was so pretty I was almost scared to ride it. I petted it. Damn, that fur is silkier than my hair.
My eyes came across a pair of blue ones.
Intoxicatingly innocent. Absolutely captivating.
Before I knew what was happening, he fell down and the riders behind him were moving towards him at full speed.
Shit.
I kicked and Romeo galloped towards him. I dont know how I got the strength to lift a guy who's surely twice my size but I did. He held me and I felt my mouth go dry.
I pulled back the rein and whipped my neck to see him. He opened his eyes to reveal deep toxicating blues. My mouth worked before my brain could and I shouted at him.
"Are you numpty??!!!"
********
So, this is it.
The moment y'all been waiting for. I hope you liked it. And if you did, just wait for the next chapter.
Let me know your thoughts about Ace and Charlie's first meet in the comment section.
Charlie didn't survive the crash because she wasn't on the flight.
Also, I hope this isn't boring, is it? I'd love some criticism. I crave it at this point.
Also, do you want me to do those preview thingies?
About my update schedule, (it really doesn't deserve to be called a schedule), it's irregular as all of you know and now, I've learnt my lesson and I'm not going to make any promises. Just so y'all know, I'm really busy as this is my final year of high school and i've got 9-10 hour classes, six days a week. (I said certified geek, six days a week...okay, i'll stop)
But what I can promise is that I'll try my best to update frequently. So, please don't give up.
Long story short, I roughly update 2 to 3 times a month. So, I think that's acceptable.
That's all.
Good day/ night.