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Post by charleston keeni on Jun 10, 2012 14:22:16 GMT -7
The door ringed as Charlie entered the little shack that was Nom Nom Fish. The place was small and slightly worn down from the elements. Being right by the beach, Charlie believed that this place had the best fish, and most the locals would agree. He ate here at least once a week if not more. He especially enjoyed that they were open at all hours.
"Hey, Charlie. What can I get for you." Most of the employees knew Charlie by name. "Uh, just give me my usual. Thanks." His usual being the Volcano Blacked Mahi drizzled with mango passion aioli and pineapple salsa served on top of brown rice and a side of Caesar salad. His stomach growled just thinking of it.
Charlie sat at his usual seat in the back. It was already eleven at night and his mom was probably wondering where he was. Unlike with his sister, Noel, he wouldn't get in too much trouble. Ever since Bear left for jail and came back, things were a little weird with the family. He was happy to have his father back, but Charlie was the one taking care of the family and trying to keep Noel out of trouble when his father was away. Now he wasn't quite sure what his responsibilities were as a son. |
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Post by bear keeni on Jun 11, 2012 8:30:52 GMT -7
Having been in jail really turned me around, set me on the straight and narrow. I quickly learned my place among the other thugs and gangsters. Not only that, but it made me realize how stupid I had been in my teenager years. The police only nabbed me for theft and assault, but I was extremely lucky that they didn't get me for possession of a deadly weapon or even taking bites out of people during fights and swallowing the mouthful I got. I don't know if they can arrest you for that, but still, I consider myself lucky.
But now it feels like things have changed. I've been away for some time and just recently got back a month or so ago, but there's tension. Rebecca, Noel, and Charlie came to visit me often so it wasn't like I was completely cut off from my family, but still, only getting to see them during visiting hours and for them to see me labeled as a number - I feel like they're disappointed in me, even still. I've only managed to keep one job, my butcher shop one, simply because the owner there believes that I have a good work ethic despite my criminal records. Just for him, I've worked overtime for free, sort of as a thank you for keeping me.
Rebecca also told me about how Charlie seemed to take charge of the family during my absence. It's hard to imagine that, all those years ago when Rebecca first told me she was pregnant, I was terrified of my own son. I thought I had ruined her life with my carelessness, but now, as I'm heading toward Charlie's favorite restaurant to hopefully find him here, I honestly couldn't be more proud of him. And to be honest, I believe that he did a better job of taking care of our family than I ever did.
Walking into the restaurant, it doesn't take long for me to spot Charlie in the back, all by himself. It's hard to imagine that he used to be so small that I could just cradle him in my arm. I want to head directly over to him, but I hesitate. I've been preparing to tell him how much his actions mean to me, but I never could find the words to really portray my gratitude. And even if I find the right word placement, what will he think of me? There's a good chance he'll be mad at me, but it's a risk I want to take. I can't let these feelings go unsaid.
I weave around the tables to where he is, stopping by the unoccupied chair at the other side of the table. "Do you mind if I join you?"
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Post by charleston keeni on Jun 27, 2012 19:42:57 GMT -7
The familiar voice startled Charlie. He looked up to see his father's face. Bear had been back for a while now, but it was still weird seeing him walking around freely. Charlie would never admit it, but he was almost embarrassed to have his father around. He loved Bear, but the looks that people gave the two of them, like they were dangerous just drove him crazy.
"Yeah, of course." Charlie shifted in his seat uncomfortably. He was sure that his mother sent Bear to go find him. He realized he probably should have sent her a text just to check in but in that moment that he realized that he had left his phone in the art room of Richmond High. He made a mental note to pick it up in the morning.
The sever rounded the corner and placed his plate that seemed more like a platter in front of Charlie. He was a growing kid and food moved through him like water. He would probably be hungry later tonight and eat again. Charlie never gained a pound though simply from working out and his ridiculously fast metabolism. Ares genes treated him right. "Anything else I can get for you?" She looked over at Bear. |
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Post by bear keeni on Jun 28, 2012 16:22:56 GMT -7
The waitress brought over Charlie's food, and despite having not eaten dinner, I didn't want anything so I just shook my head and sat down across from Charlie.
For a long, silent moment, I just sat there, trying to figure out how to best put my feelings into words. How could I say this so he will see how sorry and distraught I am? I want to choose my words carefully but at the same time I don't want to seem like I'm stalling.
Anxiety begins to arise, mixed with regret so powerful that I feel the backs of my eyes stinging with the threat of tears. As I look across the table, I see how much Charlie looks like me: the same facial structure, same brown hair, and same body type. The resemblance makes me want to cry even more.
"It's just...." I begin, unsure of where I'm headed with this, but I want to tell him in any way possible. "When.... when your mother first told me that she was pregnant with you, I was scared. Really, really scared; but when I held you for the first time, everything changed. I made some terribly bad decisions back then, and look where it got me: time in prison. But during my time away, I watched you grow in a way that I never thought I'd see. You took care of your mother and Noel. And, frankly, you did a better job than I ever did." My vision goes blurry and it's only then that I realize I'm crying. "I failed you, Charlie. And Rebecca and Noel too. I did my time for my carelessness back then, but it cost me greatly. I may be older, but you're wiser, Charleston. You stepped up when you had to and you did a damn fine job, and it made me realize how I've never truly been a good father to you and Noel, and I'm sorry. So incredibly sorry. I know I can't make up for what I've done, but please.... please just forgive me..."
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