Love Notes

Chapter 8-Charlie



Mornings are always rough here. Really Charlie? Actually every morning and evening is rough. Mornings consist of judging my choice of clothing, and evenings consist of watching my every damn move with a fork and a plate of food. This morning was no different.

As soon as I walk into the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee, because yes, I am a caffeine whore, I’m instantly confronted with the look. My dad’s sitting at the table with his coffee and paper, and even though I try to be invisible it doesn’t work.

The first thing out of his mouth is, “Charlie, only skinny girls can get away with wearing skinny jeans.” Yes, I’m wearing skinny jeans, but they actually look really good, and I have a tunic on long enough to cover my ass, so what the hell does it matter? Of course, I can never voice my opinion so I just act stupid. I mean, I am, aren’t I?

I can’t eat right, I can’t dress right. I can’t remember to do to the dishes. My parents have never in my whole life told me I’m pretty. Sure, my mom has called me cute, but cute is for kittens and puppies. They've never called me pretty. Doesn’t every girl want to be called pretty?

As quickly as I can, I say, “I don’t have time to change and I really need to go or I’m going to be late.” I can use the late card every now and then, because he’s the king of punctuality. He must be on time, at all times. I have to be careful though, if I use it too often he’d catch on.

The moment I climb in my Jeep and throw the iPod on, I feel at peace. Another favorite song of mine comes on, Try by Pink. How flipping appropriate, and it comes on at my favorite part. The words alone say so much. I close my eyes for just a moment and listen to the words.

A phrase of the song comes into my mind, “But just because it burns, doesn't mean you're gonna die. You've gotta get up and try, and try, and try.”

As soon as the song is over I open my eyes and mentally prepare myself for the day. Oddly enough, I’m looking forward to going to school. I have a friend and that somehow makes it just a little easier.