Short+story

Charlie

Charlie Harrison always knew what he wanted to be when he graduates high school. He wanted to go to college atCalifornia and major in filming so he can be a movie director. But that all change when his mother died of breast cancer two years ago. Now Charlie doesn’t know what he wants anymore. His father is now working double shift to help support his family, Now Charlie barely see’s his dad anymore. This means that the only person who can take care of his three younger siblings is him. He has to wake up at six a.m., take a 10 minute shower, get dress, make breakfast for his brother and sisters, make sure they’re ready for school, leave home, drop them off, and get to school by eight. Charlie has to get to class to do either class work or finish up homework. Make it all the way through lunch but can’t unfortunately afford outside lunch. His best pals Ryan, Donald, and Tim can afford outside lunch, but they still stay with Charlie in the lunch room also they usually pay for his lunch when Charlie goes with them for open lunch. After school he has to pick up Todd, Mary, and Grace from the after school program and get them home. Todd being 12 years old always argued with Charlie to drop him off at his best friend Sam’s house. Mary and Grace the 10 year old twins don’t fight with Charlie they understand what Charlie does for all 3 of them. But even if the three of them begins to fight Charlie he always calms them down by getting them ice cream after school. It’s the same thing their mom did before she got sick; she always took them for ice cream. After everything that had change in Charlie life this is the only thing he manage to keep the same, because he can’t afford to lose this part of his life. Lately Charlie has been thinking about something a lot recently. Something that could probably change his life once again. It’s a decision he has to make, but every time he thinks about it his thought go to his dad, brother, sisters, and then his mom. Charlie always feels guilt about it because it’s an opportunity for him, but a disappointment for his family. He was offer a chance to go toCalifornia and go to college through a academic scholarship. But he always feels guilty about leaving his family. Charlie decided to seek the ever great advice from his three friends. “You crazy, man!” Ryan practically screamed at him. He was always like to add a bit of slang into everything he says. It’s weird when he talks because he’s the tallest, skinniest, ginger hair person Charlie knows. “For once I think we can all agree that Ryan is right.” Donald said. Everything about Donald always shout rational guy of the group. Over the entire time they knew him he never once went by Don or Donnie. “Stop it guys this serious!” Tim yelled out. Tim as anyone can say could be counted as Charlie best friend. Charlie and Tim had known each other since they can both walk. “But do you think I should drop the scholarship?” Charlie asked. “You can’t waste this opportunity Charlie it’s the best chance you’ll ever have.” Donald replied. “I don’t know dawg, Charlie don’t seem like the kind of guy that go to college.” Ryan sigh. “Ryan shut up!” Tim and Donald both yelled. “Just trying to light up the mood dawgs.” “We know Ryan its just that we’re all having a hard time right now.” “Anytime c-man y’know I have all yalls back!” “But serious Charlie if you don’t except that scholarship it will be the dumbest thing you’ve ever done.” Tim said. “You can forget that one time when you thought you’ll go faster if you if put rockets on your skates.” “Then you decided you’ll go even faster if you go down a steep hill.” Donald said. “Man you had to have surgery on both your legs and our moms grounded us for four months!” Ryan laughs hysterically. All four of them laugh at the memory they had all shared. It only seem like yesterday to Tim, Donald, and Ryan when they were all 12 and thought the most important thing was playing all day and parting all night. But to Charlie that memory seem to happen a long time ago. Now all he thinks about is how his mother would be disappointed in him if he left his brother and sister. He was deep in thought when Tim shook him out of his dream like state. “Listen Charlie what ever you do it’s your decision, but you have to know that out of the four of us you and maybe Donald have a chance for a better life.” The way Tim said this had a major effect on Charlie. He thanks his mom once again for meeting Tim mom and making them best friends. “Tim…thanks for everything. For being the greatest friend a guy could ever have by his side.” “No problem Charlie, but listen if you really want advice you should talk about this with your old man. Believe it or not Charlie but your family also got a say in this.” “Yeah I will thank…again.” With that Charlie said his goodbye’s to the three friend and went home. Charlie went home knowing full well that his dad had the day off. He wonders how his father will would react to what he had to say about it. Will he be proud that he’s sticking with his family or disappointed for not taking a chance. Charlie’s dad, Phil Harrison, had worked as a security guard almost half his life. Lately he’s been pulling double shift to keep the bills from piling up and is thankful that his son Charlie is taking care of Todd, Mary, and Grace. He heard the door open and then slam shut he open his eyes to see Charlie. Phil Couldn’t have been more proud of his tall somewhat skinny son who helping out his family. He knew Charlie had change since his mother death, but Phil didn’t know how to talk to his son about it. “Dad, can we please talk?” Charlie asked his father. Charlie eyed his dad who sat lazily on that beat up old green couch that his family had owned as far as Charlie could remember. “Sure, what do you want to talk about?” Charlie sat down next to his father and told what has been on his mind lately. For once Phil felt he could finally understand what his son has been put with him lately. “Well Charlie I understand what your saying and I’m glad you came to me with this, but I also think it’s your choice to make and no one else’s.” “I now dad but I don- .” “Let me finish son. Because I also think if you give up on this you will regret this for the rest of your life.” “Dad do you think mom would be disappointed in me if I left you guy’s alone?” “Honestly Charlie I believe no I know that your mom would be disappointed if you didn’t left.” Phil said at his son hoping that he’ll accept the scholarship. “Just remember to come back every so often to say hi to Todd and the twins.” “Don’t worry about it dad. Besides I can’t let Todd going around thinking he the oldest now.” We laugh. So that was that Charlie continues to study in school and then eventually graduation comes around. The great four friends all received their diplomas. Donald is going to study chemistry inNew York City. Ryan to the shock of everyone was also accepted inNebraska, but he decided to take a year off and travel before he goes to college. Tim had no desire to further his education so he’s staying inSioux Falls to work in fathers’ auto shop. Charlie of course decided to go to college atCalifornia. The day to leaveSouth Dakota had finally come. Charlie looked around his family faces and his friends faces seeing only love, comfort, and happiness in each of them. He hugged his sisters and playfully threw punches and jabs at his brother. Charlie and Ryan shared an awkward hug with each other before deciding to just fist bump. Donald and Charlie shared a friendly yet firm handshake with each other. Tim and Charlie gave each other a bear hug. Phil and Charlie bear hugged each other as well except Phil lifted Charlie up a few time. Then Charlie got in his car and drove away seeing all of them waving getting tiny until they were gone. For once Charlie was looking ahead of him with great happiness.