Charlotte wiped the sweat from her forehead as she worked tirelessly at her mother's food store. She had been on her feet all day, serving customers and managing the stall, but the output was not encouraging.
The usual bustle of customers was noticeably absent, and the few who did come by seemed hesitant to make a purchase.
Charlotte's mind wandered to her mother's condition, and the weight of responsibility settled heavily on her shoulders. She had always helped out at the store, but now it felt like the entire burden rested on her.
As the day drew to a close, Charlotte tallied up the sales, her heart sinking at the meager total. She knew they needed to do better, especially with her mother's surgery bills pending.
Just then, a familiar face appeared at the stall. It was Mrs. Thompson, a regular customer .
"Hey, Charlotte, how's your mom?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity seeing only Charlotte.
Charlotte forced a smile, trying to hide her worries. "She's...okay , I asked to help her out with the stall, thanks for asking."
Mrs. Thompson nodded with interest.
"That's so thoughtful of you dear , she seems exhausted yester night".
"Pack the normal usual for me".. Mrs Thompson requested.
Charlotte appreciated the offer , she needed customers, and they needed sales.
As Mrs. Thompson left with a small purchase, Charlotte packed up and left for the hospitals since it was already evening
Charlotte packed up the remaining items and closed the stall, It had been a long and tiring day, and she was eager to see her mother and update her on the day's sales.
She made her way to the hospital, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of her mother's condition and the struggling food store. When she arrived, she found her mother resting comfortably, but looking pale and weak.
"Hey, Mom," Charlotte said softly, trying not to disturb her. "How are you feeling?"
Her mother opened her eyes, a faint smile on her lips. "I'm okay, sweetie. Just tired."
Charlotte nodded, feeling a pang of worry. "I know, Mom. You need to rest."
She pulled up a chair and sat beside her mother's bed, taking her hand in hers. "I went to the store today, Mom. I tried my best, but it was tough. Not many customers came by."
Her mother's expression turned concerned. "Oh, Charlotte, I'm so sorry. I know how much work that is for you."
Charlotte shrugged, trying to reassure her. "It's okay, Mom. I can handle it. But I do need to figure how to arrange for the money , I guess I will take up a part time job to supplement with the stall. "
Her mother sighed, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Are you sure you can handle it , we can always get the surgery done some other time. ?"
Charlotte feigned a smile, using it mask her worry . " Don't worry , the earlier we get it done , the better for us . We'll get through this together", Charlotte assured her mom.
"Okay, sweetie. I trust you. You've always been responsible and resourceful."
Charlotte squeezed her mother's hand, feeling a sense of determination." I'll figure out a way to arrange the money "
Her mother smiled weakly. "I know you will, Just don't forget to take care of yourself too, okay?"
Charlotte nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I will, Mom. I promise."
As they sat there in silence, Charlotte's mind began to race with ideas and plans. She knew she had to act fast to pay for her mother's surgery.
She would take on a part-time job, and maybe even try to find ways to increase sales at the store. She would do whatever it took to ensure her mother received the best care possible.
With newfound determination, Charlotte stood up to leave. "Visiting hours are over ,I'll be back tomorrow, Mom. And I'll have a plan in place, okay?"
Her mother nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Okay, sweetie. I'm counting on you."
Charlotte walked into her house, exhausted from a long day at the store and hospital. She dropped her keys on the counter and made her way to her room, not noticing the figure seated in the living room until she heard his voice.
"Hey, Buttercups! How have you been?" Andrew asked, his voice eager and concerned.
Charlotte didn't spare him a glance, too tired to muster up a smile or a greeting.
"I've been fine, Andrew," she replied curtly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Andrew stood up and followed her into her room, his eyes filled with worry.
"How's aunt ? How's she doing?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.
Charlotte stopped in front of her bed and let out a deep sigh, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
"She's...okay, I guess. The surgery is scheduled for next week," she said, her voice firm.
Andrew nodded sympathetically, his eyes never leaving hers. "We'll figure it out, Buttercups. We'll find a way to make it work,"
Charlotte looked up at him, her eyes searching for comfort but she looked away almost immediately and collapsed into her bed.
"Switch off the lights as you leave",she told him and snored away .
Andrew smiled softly and nodded, though Charlotte wasn't looking at him anymore. He walked over to the bed and gently pulled the blanket over her, making sure she was comfortable.
He stood there for a moment, watching her sleep, before turning to leave. He switched off the lights as she had asked and closed the door behind him.
As he walked back to the living room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of determination. He would do whatever it took to help Charlotte and her mother, even if it meant finding a way to pay some of the surgery fee.
The next day Ethan prepared for school to the surprise of the household even Avery .
"Brother are you okay", Avery asked as the sat down in the car.
"Yeah sure , any problem ", Ethan asked crossing his leg.
"No .. nothing," Avery replied as the driver drive away .
Meanwhile, Andrew stood outside Charlotte's room, dressed in his uniform.
He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the day ahead. He knocked gently on the door, expecting to wake her up.
But to his surprise, Charlotte opened the door, already dressed and ready to go. However, she wasn't wearing her school uniform.
"Hey, Andrew, you should run along I'm not coming today" she said, her eyes determined.
"What do you mean? Why not? This was what you told me yesterday" Andrew asked, confused.
"I need to focus on raising funds for my mom's surgery and I need to get started," Charlotte replied,
Andrew nodded understandingly. "Okay, I'm with you. What's the plan?"
Charlotte frowned, " Andrew don't argue with me just go already"
"Buttercups...!!", Andrew called her name in frustration but Charlotte was already heading out.
He stomped his legs on the floor frustratedly and left for school
Ethan walked through the school hallways, his presence causing a stir among his classmates.
It was unusual for him to be in school two days straight, and his mates couldn't help but stare.
"Is that Ethan?" someone whispered in the corner of the room.
"I know, right? Its unusual for him to be in school two days straight," another student replied, equally surprised.
But no one dared approach him, unsure of what to say or how to react.
Claire gave Avery a questioning look , "Did Ethan fight your father again ?", Claire asked as they walked behind Ethan.
"Claire I'm equally surprised as you , I think he has something up his sleeves," Avery whispered.
Jessica arrived at school , Zoey and Samantha were already waiting to tell her that Ethan was in school.
Jess ..! , Tan is in school , Zoey screamed waving at Jessica immediately she stepped out of her Bentley car.
Jessica's eyes widened in surprise as she walked up to Zoey and Samantha.
"What? Ethan's actually in school? Two days in a row?" she asked, incredulous.
Zoey nodded. "I know, right? It's like he would be showing up a lot due to the science project"
Samantha snickered. "Or maybe he's just trying to prove to someone that he can be responsible."
Jessica raised an eyebrow. "Like who?"
Samantha shrugged. "I don't know, but ever since he asked about Charlotte, I have been worried."
Jessica's eyes dimmed ." I thought as much too, but after giving it much though, it seems he was looking for her in other to torture her."
Meanwhile, Ethan walked into his classroom, trying to ignore the stares and whispers. He took his seat and strained a gaze at Andrew who was sitting alone .
As the day went on, Ethan found himself wondering why Charlotte was absent again.
"Does she realize she has a science match against Jessica" ?, Ethan asked himself staring at the teacher.
He knew he had a reputation for being reckless and unapproachable , so he can't ask about her again .
Ethan's gaze lingered on Andrew, who seemed lost in thought. He wondered if Andrew knew why Charlotte was absent again.
As the teacher droned on, Ethan's mind wandered back to Charlotte. He couldn't shake off the feeling that she was going to loose the match between her and Jessica
Just then, Andrew looked up and caught Ethan's gaze. For a moment, they just stared at each other, a silent understanding passing between them.
Ethan looked away, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew he had a reputation for being cruel to everyone , so he removed his gaze so no one notices.
As the class ended, Andrew immediately left the classroom .
Ethan immediately followed him meeting him in the boys bathroom.
"Hey, do you know why Charlotte's absent again?" Ethan asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Andrew looked up at him drying his hand , his expression neutral.
"She's probably busy with her fund-raising plans."
Ethan nodded, feeling a twinge of admiration for Charlotte's spirit.
"How's her Mother, did she get any better ?", Ethan asked zipping his trousers.
Andrew raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Really? Yeah sure shes fine."
Ethan shrugged, unsure of what next to say , " Did you tell Claire and Avery about her Mother's update ?."
"No I didn't, I guess I should go tell them now", Andrew muttered and left the restroom.
Andrew found Claire and Avery in the school courtyard, chatting and laughing with Hazel and Julian . He walked up to them, looking serious.
"Hey, guys, can I talk to you for a minute?" Andrew asked, his voice low.
Claire and Avery immediately followed Andrew to a quiet corner of the courtyard.
"What's up?" Claire asked, her brow furrowed.
"It's about Buttercup's Mom," Andrew said, his expression somber. "She's still not getting better ,
She needs surgery, and Buttercup's is trying to raise funds for it."
Avery's eyes widened in concern. "Oh no, Avery ..!!, Let's go see her now."
Andrew hesitated, unsure if that was a good idea. "I don't know, guys. Charlotte might not want us to..."
But Claire and Avery were already packing up their bags, their minds made up.
"Come on, Andrew, take us to her," Claire said, her voice firm.
The three of them made their way to Claire's car , determined to offer their support and help in any way they could.
Ethan watched them from the classroom , they got into Claire's car and zoomed off.
With Claire and Avery going to her , everything will be okay , he assured himself.
Ethan watched as Claire's car disappeared into the distance, feeling a mix of emotions. He was glad that Claire & Avery will handle everything.
As he turned to head back to class, he saw Jessica walking towards him, a curious expression on her face.
"Hey, Tan, what's going on?" she asked, nodding towards Claire's car. "Where are they off to in such a hurry?"
Ethan shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I don't know, maybe they're just going to shop or something," he replied her walking away
Jessica raised an eyebrow, placing a hand on his wrist ,
Tan I think you should start getting used to me , because we will be spending atleast 8 hours together once I become your assistant.
"Jessica Russell win the competition first then we shall decide" he replied her bluntly
Jessica looked at him skeptically. "Save it, Tan. there is no how Charlotte would leave her mother to come compete."
Ethan sighed, "Excuse me" he muttered and walked away from her.
Jessica watched Ethan walk away, a determined look on her face. She knew that Ethan was trying to avoid her, but she was not going to give up.
She was going to win the science competition and become his assistant, no matter what.
As she walked back to her friends, Zoey and Samantha,
Zoey and Samantha exchanged a curious glance. "Jess. How did it go ?" Zoey asked, raising an eyebrow.
Jessica was going to make Ethan notice her in Claire's absence.
Jessica shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Nothing, just the usual. He's still trying to avoid me, but I'm not going to give up."
Samantha chuckled. "You're something else, Jess. I'm rooting for you."
Ethan was certain that Jessica was determined to win the science competition, and he knew that she was not going to give up easily.
Claire ,Avery and Andrew followed the nurse's directions to Charlotte's mother's ward, their hearts filled with concern. When they arrived, they saw Mrs. Grace lying in bed, looking pale and weak.
But what struck them as odd was that Charlotte was nowhere to be found. They had expected her to be by her mother's side, but the room was empty except for Mrs. Grace.
Claire's eyes welled up with tears as she approached the bed. Andrew introduced them .
Claire pulled a chair closer and gently took Mrs. Grace's hand in hers, rubbing it softly.
"Avery, look at her," Claire whispered, her voice trembling. "She looks so fragile."
Avery nodded, her eyes also brimming with tears.
They sat there in silence, holding Mrs. Grace's hand and trying to offer what little comfort they could,
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Note : Did Ethan just send Claire and Avery to Charlotte without them knowing