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CHARLIE SCURRIED THROUGH THE HOUSE, searching for her keys. Meanwhile, her mother lounged lazily on the sofa, observing her daughter without lifting a finger to help.
"Maybe you should take better care of your shit." Monique chuckled, exhaling a puff of smoke without considering her daughter's presence in the room.
Letting out a sigh, Charlie tossed items around in frustration as she continued her search. "Mom, I really don't need this right now. I'm already late."
"I don't get why you're stressing," Monique began, adjusting her position on the sofa to get a better view of her daughter. "I already told you I'd be here to let you in."
"Yeah, well, I can't exactly trust you," Charlie chuckled, though there was no humour in her tone; she just was taken back by how inconsiderate her mom was at times, "For all I know, you could switch up and decide to go out with one of your fancy boyfriends."
Monique abruptly sat up, her voice stern. "Hey! Don't you take that tone with me, young lady. I will not have it."
Charlie disregarded her mother's words, shaking her head when she wasn't looking.
"And besides, the men I choose to date are none of your concern," Monique took a drag of her cigarette before exhaling, allowing the smoke to continue her sentence. "They are decent people."
"Yeah, just like Tony who thought he had a say in my life and Mark, who punched holes in our wall, and all the other shitty people you bring into my life," Charlie began, not bothering to make eye contact with her mother. She missed the moment when Monique stood up.
Suddenly, she gripped Charlie's chin, forcing her daughter to meet her gaze. "Watch your mouth, young lady. It would be unfortunate if someone were to have to do something about it."
Charlie stared up at her mother, tears welling in her eyes from the tight grip. Eventually, Monique released her hold. "Your keys are in the second drawer."
The teenager scoffed as she retrieved her keys from the drawer before slamming the front door shut. Only after she left did the tears finally stream down her face.
And, of course, Johnny was leaving at the same time she did. It was both a blessing and a curse to live in such close proximity.
Initially, the blonde didn't notice Charlie, but as soon as he did, he ran over. "Charlie?"
She ignored him, quickly wiping away her tears and grabbing her bike from the rack. However, Johnny reached out, gripping her shoulder to stop her from moving. "Hey, hey. What's going on? Monique do something?"
"It's nothing, Johnny. I'm fine," Charlie exhaled, though the break in her voice betrayed her.
"If she's giving you a hard time, you're always welcome at my place," he offered, glancing back at the door he had just exited.
