Generation 1 Chapter 3: Success Can Come From Failures

Ok, so you're probably wondering what I'm doing outside of Bridgeport. Well, after the incident with the camera, I was accepted into a University a few hours away! Luke and I were unsure what to do about our financial situation, so we decided to resell the camera. It didn't sell for as much as it had cost, but we both worked double shifts to pay it off. About two months later we were doing pretty well. We were no longer in debt, I got a raise at the bookstore I've been working at, and Luke was offered a job at the local elementary school. He had just recently graduated from college when I met him. His parents had hoped that teaching would be something he could fall back on, not what he wanted to do his entire life, which is why they were angry when he rejected the military. 

Anyway, I got a letter in the mail offering me a full scholarship. Apparently, the woman I spoke to at the art gallery showed my photographs to a colleague, who showed them to a colleague, etc., I was going to college to become an art major!

It's been nearly four years and I'm so close to having that degree in my hands. Four years ago, I never dreamed I'd get the opportunity to go to college. Now, I've grown accustomed to the long nights studying and doing homework, party-hard atmosphere, and nosey roommates. I knew I'd regret joining a sorority. Don't ask me what I was thinking. The only plus side is I was the first girl to arrive and claimed a room with a single, queen-sized bed. 

Packing up my things and heading off to school was very difficult at first. I didn't want to say goodbye to Luke because we had just started what I hoped to be a great relationship. Somehow we've made it work. We text, call, video-chat, and write actual letters to each other. I squeal every time I get one in the mail from him. My roommates probably think I'm insane. He comes up to visit every once in a while which makes things a lot easier. I always love seeing him and we go to a little café on campus that sells the best croissants I've ever had. I can't wait until graduation when I get to see him once again and don't have to say goodbye afterwards. 

So, now I'm sitting here trying to study for my final exams while one of my roommates is most likely having a little bit of fun in the next room. I never knew people could be so loud. Especially when........ nevermind. 

I got up to go to the bathroom when I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. It was a text from Luke.

Sleep well. I love you :)

I smiled and texted him back.

I love you, too. 

I returned to my seat at my desk and continued reading the article on art history I've read at least ten times. I glanced at the time. 11:47.

"Screw this." I said aloud. I shut the lid to my laptop, changed into sweatpants and a t-shirt, and climbed into bed. I still had another two days to worry about my exam. I had been studying for three weeks. I know, that sounds a bit excessive, but I'm determined to do well. I want to be at the top of my class and I am willing to stress myself out to get there. I want to make something out of myself. I've never been able to do anything useful before, but now that I'm in college, I know there's something I'm good at that can get me somewhere in life.

I closed my eyes and let sleep consume me. 

~*~

"Get up!" A man with pitch black hair and piercing green eyes violently shook me awake. "I swear, the government doesn't pay us enough. We should get paid more just for taking you in. You're late for school again. Are you too stupid to set your alarm?! No wonder your parents gave you up!" He screamed in my face. 

With tears in my eyes, I sniffled and jumped out of bed, hurriedly scrambling to get dressed. I tied my hair in a pony tail and ran out the door. I dare not ask for breakfast. I hopped onto the big, yellow school bus and sat down next to a girl with light blond hair, freckles, and deep, blue eyes. I dumped my backpack next to myself and stayed silent. 

"I'm Celeste!" She grinned. "What's your name?" 

"Charlie..." I answered in a barely audible whisper. 

"My brother's name is Charlie. Were your parents expecting a boy?" She asked.

"I- I don't know." 

"It's pretty anyways." She smiled. I couldn't help but let out a small smile of my own.

Celeste continued talking to me on our ride to school. She pulled out a picture of her golden retriever named Sunny and beamed when she stated that she had taught him how to roll over all by herself. I had always wanted a dog, but none of my foster families ever had one. There was one family that owned a cat, but it was very old and barely had any hair. It wasn't the friendliest of animals, either. 

The bus finally screeched to a halt and the dozens of kids began unloading. I grabbed my backpack and followed Celeste off. As we walked into the school, I commented on her charm bracelet. 

"It's really pretty." I stated. "I wish I had one like it."

"Thanks! My mom and dad bought it for me for my birthday. I only have three charms right now, but they said I can get another if I get straight A's!"

I opened my mouth to say something more when a group of three girls came over to us. 

"Celeste, what are you doing talking to that freak?" The obvious ring leader asked harshly. 

"I was just telling her where I got my bracelet, Hannah." Celeste responded. 

"Well get away from her. There's obviously something wrong with her. Didn't you hear? Even her parents didn't want her. Let's go." She grabbed Celeste by the arm and viciously turned to leave as the two other girls giggled at her remark.

"Bye, Charlie." Celeste waved with a frown. As the two others turned to follow, one of the girls pushed me onto the rough concrete. As I fell on my back, I cringed in pain and held back tears. My back still stung from what my foster father had done to me the night before...

~*~

My alarm went off at 7:45am and I stumbled out of bed and made my way to the bathroom half asleep.Today was my final day of class before finals and I was happy yet sad at the same time. Happy because it meant I was finally done with school and wouldn't have to worry about assignments anymore, but sad because I realized how much I would actually miss this school. Although I'm not much of a socializer, I went to a few parties, met some nice people, and overall had a pretty good experience. 

I hopped in the shower and let the hot beads of water hit my face and flow down my body. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and and yawned. I would be looking forward to getting to sleep in after graduation. 

I got out of the shower, dressed, and put my wet hair in a messy bun. It was my last day of class, I couldn't care less about my hair today. I stood in front of the bathroom mirror and brushed my teeth. 

"Charlotte! Get out of the bathroom! Other people besides yourself use it." One of my roommates shouted while pounding ferociously on the door. 

"Relax, Victoria. I've been in here for less than ten minutes. Like you just said, other people besides yourself use it. There's three other bathrooms. We're the only ones home right now. Go use another one." I shouted back. Out of all of my roommates, she annoyed me the most. I pity the girl who shares a room with her.

After I had left the bathroom I grabbed my car keys and stopped by that little café I love to quickly buy a coffee.

"Morning, Jimmy!" I greeted when I walked into the café.

"Hey, Charlie! How's your morning? Ready for your last class?" He replied.

"Going pretty well. I can't wait to get out of that insane sorority, but other than that, it's going great. I'm so ready for my last class. One more day, and I'm finally done with school. How's your day so far?"

"Great, sweetheart." He smile and handed me my coffee. "I'll miss you once you leave!"

Jimmy's really the only friend I've made while studying here. I know, that sounds really pathetic considering there are how many college kids here and I befriend the sixty something year old barista. But, he's been very kind and helpful and I'll truly miss him when I leave. 

I gratefully scooped up my coffee and headed back out to my car. 

"See you later, Jimmy!" I waved with a smile. 

~*~

I was done. Well, I would be done soon. I just had tomorrow's final exam, and then I'd be done. I was so close. I couldn't wait to see Luke in just a matter of days. I've missed him so much. It's been about two months since his last visit. Two months too long. 

I sat and reviewed the study guide I had made once more. I was going to ace this exam. I just knew it. I was so ready. There wasn't a single term or artist I didn't know. I had every bit of knowledge I needed packed into my brain ready to use to the best of my ability. I just had to wait until tomorrow.

The butterflies in my stomach didn't seem to want to go away. I had no reason to be nervous, right? I've been a great, no, amazing student! All of my professors have told me so. So, what's wrong with me? Why can't I just relax like a normal person? Ha, I don't even know what the word relax feels like. Who am I kidding? 

I felt my phone buzz in my pocket and looked at the luminous screen. Luke was calling.

"Hello?" 

"Hi, Charlie! How are you?" I heard him ask from the other end.

"I'm great! I'm just studying for my final exam and I'm about to head to bed. What's up?"

"I, I have some bad news..." He hesitated.

"What's wrong?" 

"Charlie, I won't be able to make it up for your graduation. I'm so SO sorry." He explained.

I didn't know what to say.

"Are you still there?" He asked.

I didn't answer.

"Charlie?"

"Yes, I'm still here... What happened?" 

"It was supposed to be a surprise. Well, it still can be, but I wasn't expecting it to take this long. I thought the process would be over with in time for your graduation, but I guess I was wrong. I promise, Charlie. It'll all be worth it. When you get back home we'll go out to dinner and I'll explain everything." 

I paused. "I-I was just really looking forward to seeing you..." 

"I know you were. I was, too. But, think about it. In less than a week, we'll be able to see each other. You'll get to see your surprise, and I know you'll love it. I'll make it up to you. I love you so much, Charlie."

"I love you, too. I can't wait to see you." 

"Me, too. Good luck on your finals. I know you'll do great. Sweet dreams, Charlie."

I hung up the phone and sighed. What could he possibly have to surprise me?

~*~

I hope you enjoyed chapter 3! Chapter four will be out soon! :) I already have some of it written! :D 

P.S Sorry for the spam you're about to see. I just love little Charlie so much! She is so cute! ^_^

Generation 1 Chapter 2: Picture Perfect

"We're insane. We are completely INSANE. Charlie, we don't have the money for this! I can't believe I let you convince me!" Luke panicked. We stood around the kitchen table looking at it. It was absolutely beautiful. To me, at least it was. It was so shiny I couldn't stop staring. 

"$3,000! $3,000!!!!!!" He continued.

"Luke, relax. I've got this all planned out." I explained calmly. My mind was going a mile a minute. I rationalized with him nonchalantly, but in my head I was freaking out. I was even second guessing what we just did.

I looked at it once more. I thought back to high school and tried to remember what it was like to have in my hands. Photography Club was the only reason I loved going to school. My teacher thought I had a real gift. Some of my best photographs are still hanging in Aurora Skies' art gallery. But, that was Aurora Skies. Would I be as successful in Bridgeport as I was in my small home town? I sure hoped so, because if I wasn't, we just spent $3,000 for nothing. We didn't have money to throw around. 

"It's going to be fine." I reassured again. "I'll take some pictures, have them developed, and take them to the art gallery. Then, if they accept them, I'll get some cash. If I save up enough, I could open my own gallery and have my own business which I've always dreamed of..."

"IF? IF, Charlie, IF? What IF they don't accept your photos? What IF you don't get paid? What IF, Charlie?! What IF?!" Luke ranted.

"I don't know, Luke! I don't know what I'm going to do if photography isn't successful for me!" I  returned.

"Charlie, you need to know." He fretted.

"Do you have a better idea?" I questioned.

"No..."

"Then just let me try as hard as I possibly can and pray that it pays off." I sighed. 

I looked back at him and met his eyes. His gorgeous, green eyes. 

No, Charlie. Don't even think about it. It's not going to happen. He's become your best friend. You'll just be setting yourself up for heart break and rejection. Remember what happened every time you put yourself out there? Pain. That's what happened. Awful pain. Do you want to go through that again?

He seemed content with my response for now, so I took off into the city to start taking pictures.

~2 Days Later~

"Do you think these are ok, Luke?" I asked tentatively. I handed him the binder full of photographs I had collected today.

 Back home in Aurora Skies most of my pictures were nature themed. In Bridgeport, there isn't much nature. It's mostly brights lights, big buildings, and loud sounds. I had difficulty at first finding decent shots, but then I focused on what Bridgeport is all about. It's all about the bright lights and big buildings. I decided to highlight those aspects. I did some research, and many of the buildings were built more than a century ago. They had some historical background, especially city hall.

"Charlie, these are great! I never knew you had such a talent!" He exclaimed.

I blushed a bit. "Thank you. Now, should I take them down to the gallery and see what they think of them? I could possibly get a bit of cash." I explained.

"Go for it!" Luke enthused.

I traveled down to the art gallery, a modern, complicated, and abstract building. The second I walked in the smell of professionalism struck my nose. My stomach started to ache, but I kept on walking. The men and women standing around the paintings and sculptures all looked so formal and opulent. What was I doing here in my skinny jeans, tank top, and hair done up in a messy bun? I bit my lip and walked up to the woman sitting at the front desk. She was slightly plump with pitch black hair and some freckles dotting her face. Her cheerful blue eyes calmed me a bit. 

"Um, hello. My name is Charlotte King and I was wondering if I could speak with the owner of this fine establishment." I stated. I gave a faint smile and tucked a bit of hair behind my ear.  

Fine establishment? Seriously, Charlie?

"Of course. Let me go fetch her." The woman replied. She got up from her desk and disappeared in a back room. About two minutes later she came out and gestured for me to follow.

Another woman, I'm guessing in her forties, was seated at a desk typing away at a laptop. When she noticed my presence, she shut the lid and smiled up at me.

"Good afternoon. Miss King is it?" She asked.

"Yes. Hello. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name." I responded.

"Katrina Pala. I'm in charge of managing this building. How may I help you?" She questioned.

"Well, I'm new to Bridgeport, and am looking for a full time job. I know that your gallery accepts some fine work, and I was wondering if you could display some of mine." 

Please. Please. Please. Please. 

"I'd love to see your art." She replied genuinely. 

I couldn't help but let a huge smile spread across my face. I handed her my binder full of photographs and patiently sat in the chair analyzing her facial features as she flipped through it. I held my breath waiting for a response.

About five minutes later she closed it and handed it back to me. 

"You have quite the talent Miss King." She stated.

"Thank you so much! That means a great deal to me coming from you." 

She smiled, but that smile quickly faded. "Your photographs are absolutely stunning, but I'm afraid there's just one problem..."

"You've got to be joking!" Luke shouted after I explained to him what the woman had said. "Why on Earth would they not accept photographs?! They're an art gallery for crying out loud!"

"I know. I know." I sighed. "I don't understand, either. She said that right now they're only displaying paintings, sculptures, and mosaics. She also said that the owner of the building doesn't consider photography an art."

"That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard!" He complained. I think he's taking the news worse than I am. 

I got up from the kitchen table and went into the living room. I felt absolutely horrible. I spent $3,000 for a plan I was sure would work, but didn't. What would we do now? 

I silently began to cry and a single tear rolled down my cheek. How could I have been so stupid? Did I really think a hobby of mine was going to make me rich? I wiped my face and sniffled. Luke must have sensed something was wrong and came over.

He sat down in front of me, a look of care on his face. I looked up to meet those gentle, green eyes of his. Those eyes. I just couldn't get over those eyes of his. After the two and a half months I've known him, I melt every time I look into those eyes. I pushed the thought aside. 

"Charlie, it's not your fault. I know you think it is, but it's not. You were just trying to help. Everyone makes mistakes. Don't dwell on it. It'll be ok." He soothed. 

"You don't understand, Luke." I began to cry again. I felt like a fool for losing it in front of him. "I make so many mistakes! Too many mistakes! Everything I DO is a mistake!"

"Certainly not all of your decisions are mistakes..." He looked hurt when he said this. It confused me.

"W-what?" I asked.

"Meeting me? Having lunch with me? Moving in with me? Spending all this time with me for the last two months?" 

"No, Luke, those aren't mistakes." I said quietly. "I just, you don't understand. You don't know me."

"Charlie, I practically know everything about you. I know every bit of your body is ticklish." He proceeded to tickle me and I fought to get away. "I know you play with your hair when you're nervous." He wiped away my tears with his finger and smiled. When he touched my face I felt my heart skip a beat. He had never gotten that close before. 

He continued. "I know that when you sleep you have to cocoon yourself in the blankets or you get uncomfortable. I know that when you do crossword puzzles, you refuse to look at the answers until you've finished no matter how stuck you get on one word. I know you hate when your food mixes together. I know you hate the sound of your laugh, but personally, I love it. I love the scent of your lavender shampoo that lingers in the bathroom for hours after you've showered. I love the way your nose scrunches up when I tease you. I love how your face lights up every time you look out the window and see snow, even though you grew up seeing it so often. I love how you smile when I wake you up in the morning. I love how you criticize romance films, but every time you watch one, you cry for hours afterwards about how beautiful it was.I love how you get excited over ice cream, just like a little kid.  I love how you keep me up until the wee hours of the morning just talking. I love those talks, Charlie."

I stared at him speechless. I felt my heart pounding in my chest and it felt like it was going to rip out any second. 

"You say everything you do is a mistake?" He questioned.

He pulled me up off the ground and took me close. I could feel his hot breath on my face. The tears were still flowing down my cheeks, but I ignored it. This felt surreal. All of it did. I placed my hand on his chest, not sure what he was getting at. I met his eyes once again and didn't break the gaze. That's when he caught me off guard and did something I never expected him to do. 

He picked me up and kissed me. Before I could let myself pull away, I melted into his arms and put my hand on his cheek. His lips were so soft and gentle and I didn't want him to stop. I had never actually been kissed before. Guys in my high school were never interested in me. This was a bliss I never thought I would have. 

When it was over, he set me back on the ground and looked into my eyes. 

"Was that a mistake, Charlie?" He asked with a hint of hope in his eyes.

"No." 

I kissed him again and I began to tremble. I have never felt this way before. I don't know what this feeling is, but whatever it may be, I don't want it to ever go away. 

~Luke's POV~

After the kiss, we laughed. WE. FREAKING. LAUGHED! I guess both of us never expected this. I liked it though. The thought of her being mine. That made me happy. I ordered a pizza and watched her frustration as the stringy cheese refused to stay on her slice. God, I can't even explain how much I love her. She popped in another one of her romance films, and like always, cried at the end. When she fell asleep in my arms, I carried her upstairs into her bedroom and gently placed her on her bed. I climbed on as well and laid there watching her sleep for a while. I pushed her light brown curls out of her face and listened to her cute little snores. 

"Don't worry, Charlie. I'm not going to leave you like everyone else did. I'm here. I'm always going to be here." 

I got out of bed and turned off the light. I entered my own room and changed into something to sleep in. I jumped into my bed and switched off the lamp on the nightstand. I laid there and stared at the ceiling in deep thought for a while. All I knew is I finally had something, no someone, in my life that meant the world to me and there was no way I was going to let that slip away. 

~*~

Thanks for reading everyone! I hope you enjoyed chapter 2! I'm so sorry it took so long to be posted. I've been so busy lately. 

Please leave a comment :) I love every one's feed back.

Thanks again! :)

Generation One Chapter One: Once Upon A Time

My name is Charlotte. Charlotte King, but I prefer to be called Charlie. At least, that's what everyone's been calling me since I can remember. I guess you could say I'm a tomboy. I've never really been the girly girl type. I've always loved sports and wouldn't be caught dead wearing a dress. So, yes. I'm the tomboyish type. 

I grew up in the beautiful Aurora Skies, but didn't exactly have a beautiful upbringing. I have no idea who my parents are or what happened to them. All I know is one moment I had a happy family, and the next I was put in the system. At least I like to think I had a happy family at one point.

I've never had someone to call "mom" or "dad". I've never had my own bedroom or my own toys. I've never had my own bike or even my own home to call mine. I was constantly bounced around and eventually learned to get used to it. I realized after a while not to get comfortable or make relationships in my foster homes. Each time I did, it ended the same way. I would grow attached, and they would move me to a new home without a second thought. I would get hopeful, and they would send me back. I learned to not trust anyone and that I was better off fending for myself. 

So, now, as I walk here in the snow, I don't have a clue what I'm going to do with my life. I can start fresh. I can start all over, but my past is preventing me from doing so. I'll admit it, I'm scared. Sure, I can try and forget about everything that has ever happened to me, but there are scars that will always be there to remind me. 

All I have are the clothes on my back. I don't have anything. I don't have money, a home, family, friends, nothing. What do they expect me to do? I can't afford to go to college to become successful. I couldn't even afford to call a taxi to take me to wherever I'm headed. I've been trudging down the snowy sidewalk for the past five hours trying to think of a plan. It's nearly eleven and I have no where to stay for the night. They could have at least given me some notice before throwing me out on the street. So, I'm eighteen now. That doesn't mean I've magically become an adult over night.

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday dear Charlie

Happy Birthday to me

Some birthday this turned out to be. I rubbed my hands together, desperate for some warmth. I continued to walk down the sidewalk when the blinding, yellow, headlights of a car appeared at the end of the snow covered street. I watched as the car got closer and closer until the window of the driver's seat opened. 

"Do you need a ride?" The driver asked. He was a young man in his early twenties with light blond hair and beautiful, green eyes. The glow from the streetlights made his eyes glimmer and shine. His smile was so caring and gentle that he could surely charm anyone.  He had certainly charmed me in the past few seconds. 

"Er, um. No, that's ok, but thanks. I don't really have anyplace in particular that I'm going." I explained with a shrug. I looked back down at me feet and began my travel down the sidewalk again, expecting him to accept my answer and drive off into the night.

"Neither am I." He answered. I stopped once more and met his eyes again. 

"Huh?' I replied, puzzled.

"You said you weren't going anyplace in particular. Well, neither am I. I plan on driving until I find somewhere that pleases me." He explained. His spontaneity amused me. Here was this young, attractive man, well boy in my opinion, offering me a free ride, and I was declining. One part of me said to get into the car. Another, probably rational, side of me warned that he could be a serial killer. 

YOLO. I crossed to the other side of the car and got inside. As I buckled myself in, I could feel his eyes staring at me. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, and slightly regretting my cursory decision, I began to undo my braids. The snow had began to make my hair wet. Plus, I played with my hair whenever I got nervous. He put his foot on the gas and we began our journey to wherever we may be going. After about two minutes, I think he realized the awkwardness beginning to set in, so he broke the silence. 

"My name's Luke Wright." He stated. 

"Charlie." I muttered in reply.

"Charlie? Is that short for something?" He questioned.

"Charlotte."

"Mmm." He responded. "So, what made you journey down the sidewalk at 11pm, huh? There has to be some reason." He asked.

"None of your business." I suddenly got a bit defensive. I guess I wasn't used to people caring.

"Oh."

"Well, Mr.Blondie, what about you then? Why are you driving around picking up random strangers?" I asked genuinely interested.

"None of your business." He replied with a smirk. I rolled my eyes and stared out the windshield. About ten minutes later he spoke again.

"What about Bridgeport? It's about another two hours away, but I heard it's beautiful. The gleaming city lighting up the night sky. What do you say? We could find a small hotel to spend the night and figure out what we'll do in the morning." He suggested. 

"Sounds good to me." 

I stayed awake for another half hour, but sleep eventually got the best of me. I dozed off  and snuggled into the passenger seat. It wasn't the most comfortable, but I really couldn't complain. At least I was warm. I dreamt of my childhood which made me toss and turn. I dreamt of the family that almost adopted me. I relived every bit of pain I went through when they declined at the last moment. I was so close... I had been so close to having a family...

~2 months later~

"Luke! Get out of the shower! I'm going to be late for work!!!" I banged on the bathroom door. He just pretended like he didn't hear me and went on singing.

"PARTAY ROCK IS IN THE HOUSEEEEE TONIGHTTTTTT. EVERYBODY JUST HAVE A GOOD TIMEEEEE. AND WE GONNA MAKE YOU LOSEEEEE YOUR MINDDDDD. EVERYBODY JUST HAVE A GOOD TIMEEEEE!!!"

"LUKE!!!" I banged harder. No answer. 

"WHERE THE DRANK? I GOTS TO KNOW, TIGHT JEANS, TATTOO 'CAUSE I'M ROCK AND ROLLLL!! HALF BLACK, HALF WHITE, DOMINO, GAME THE MONEY, OP-A-DOE!!!!"
"That's it." I said to myself. I went back into my room and got a bobby pin. I walked back to the bathroom and began to pick the lock. His rendition of Party Rockin' was going to come to a close. I heard a faint "click" and the door swung open. I rushed over to the toilet and flushed it. Within seconds I heard him react. 

"CHARLIE!!!" He shouted. His head popped out from behind the curtain. "What was that for?!" His face was red.

Trying not to giggle I explained I was late for work. 

"I'll be out in two minutes. Geez, you could have said something. You'd think a guy could get five minutes of alone time." He complained.

"Oh, shut up." I teased.

Ten minutes later I had showered, dressed, and was sitting at the kitchen table scarfing down a bowl of cereal. Luke was searching through the fridge for something that could pass as breakfast. 

"Do we have any-" He started.

"No." I cut him off. "Just like we didn't two minutes ago. You need to go grocery shopping." 

He scratched his head and closed the fridge door. "When's your next pay check due?" He asked.

"At the end of the week." I sighed. He ran his fingers through his thick, blond hair, a sure sign he was as stressed about money as I was.

"Do you think we'll make ends meet?" He questioned.

"I think we'll be fine. I hope so. I mean, we did make this arrangement knowing both of us would have to put in the effort and time." I responded. Two months ago we arrived in Bridgeport and stayed at a small, dingy hotel. The following morning we had no idea what to do or where to go, so we stopped at a small diner across the city. We talked, while we ate our cheeseburgers and fries, and he told me his life story. He grew up in a pretty well off family, no siblings, the son of a well-respected veteran father and successful businesswoman mother. He never had a worry in the world. Went to the most prestigious schools, had the best quality clothing, all the newest toys and gadgets, but he didn't care. That meant nothing to him. When he told his parents he wanted to become a school teacher, they were appalled. They expected him to go into the military like his father. It was a family tradition. They gave him an ultimatum: Enter the military, or they would cut off all further connection and his inheritance. He refused the military. The night he found me on the road was the night he packed his bags, jumped into his car, and left. 

After he finished his story, I told him mine. Not all of it of course. I just felt that I was obligated to fill him in on my basic story as he so selflessly did with his. I explained that I never knew my parents, grew up in foster care, and was just released. Literally, the night before. He seemed shocked, but accepting. The whole time I talked, he made eye contact and was genuinely listening. No one had ever done that before...

Anyway, we came to the conclusion that neither one of us would make it on our own. We made an agreement to get an apartment together and split the rent. When we were both financially stable and able to stand on our own two feet, we would go our separate ways. So, here we are, two months later, still struggling to pay the bills.

"Charlie, we really need to figure out how we're going to make this month's rent." Luke said with concern while sitting in the living room. I rushed over to the sink and rinsed out my bowl.

 "I need to be at the bookstore in 10 minutes. It takes me about 15 minutes to walk there. Unless you want to worry about me losing my job, then I suggest we discuss this when I get back." I grabbed my coat and rushed out the door.

As I was walking down the street, I got an idea. I had discovered a hidden talent of mine in high school that won me many awards. With that talent, could come extra cash. We would just need to spend some first to get some...

~*~

I really hope you guys enjoyed chapter one of Happily Ever After :D I worked so hard on this post and am really happy with how it turned out. I can't wait to post chapter 2! Please let me know what you think :) Your feedback is greatly appreciated! :D