Ch. 23 A Girl Named Charlotte

I was at school

waiting for Johnny

to finish soccer practice.

She sat down next to me

on the bleachers

and said something.

I didn't hear her at first

because I had my earphones in.

So she tapped on my shoulder

and repeated herself.

"Hi."

That's all she said to me.

Then she just smiled

and stared.

I had no idea

why she was there.

I didn't know what to say

so I just looked at her

for a very long time.

She used to scare me

because she was so loud,

and so energetic,

and so outgoing.

She looked a little scary too

before I convinced her

to tone down her look.

She had pink hair

before I convinced her to be a normal blonde.

She always wore bright, red lipstick

and a black, leather bomber jacket,

and aviators.

That day

she had on

spider web tights,

and a T-shirt with a band name I didn't recognize,

and big, clunk combat boots that laced

to her knees

up

way

the

all.

She didn't look

like those dumb wannabes

that walk around

with fake face piercings,

and dyed black hair,

and to much leather clothing.

Everything worked for Charlotte.

"You looked lonely,"

she said to me.

"Well,

I'm not,"

I said back.

I thought she'd leave

after that.

But she didn't.

She talked to me for a long time

even though I never responded.

I think she stayed

because she needed to rant

and I liked to listen.

She told me about her family.

Her mom,

who never approved.

Her dad,

who never even noticed her.

Her brother,

who outshone her in every way.

I could relate a lot

to the last one.

She told me about her music,

that she liked to listen to,

and write,

and sing,

and play.

She liked to complain

about her parents,

and the stuff they wouldn't let her do,

and how they bugged her

about her clothing,

and her hair,

and her many piercings.

When she finally stopped

to take a breath,

I asked her

what her name was,

quickly,

before I lost my chance.

She smiled at me

with her bright red lips.

"Charlotte,"

she said.

I told her my name

when she asked.

She was excited

because she never knew a Riley

before me.

She said she knew we were going to be

amazing friends,

that she could tell

right then and there.

I didn't say anything

but I don't think she minded.

She just kept on talking

and smiling at me

with those cherry red lips.

Author's Note

This is the first chapter with Charlotte in it as a living person. I hope this gives a little insight to what kind of a person she is. There will be a few more chapters with her in them so you can learn a little more about her relationship with Riley. Let me know what you think so far and point out any mistakes if you see them. Thanks for reading!
--theladygraceling