Sincerely, Charli Day

Chapter 9

Somehow I always end up scrambling in the morning.

I could wake up at 5am, but I'd still be behind.

I let out a frustrated scoff as I stab myself for the tenth time with my earring. Either I've had too much caffeine, or too little.

My brows furrow at the buzzing of my phone in my back pocket, pulling it out to find seven new messages from the Caden James. Honestly, it doesn't even faze me anymore; they're an everyday occurrence now.

Do I always reply? Of course not.

Caden James: Library @ Lunch, Sugar

I shake my head, my fingers flying across the screen as I reply. After we called our 'truce', he did not send me a list of ideas. Instead, he sent a picture of a baby cat getting sheltered by a dog. Cute, but not useful.

Charli Day: I think you got the wrong person buddy, no sugar here

I set my phone down, grabbing my bandana to wear in that trendy new look. Am I trendy? No, of course not. Does it look good on me? Extremely questionable.

Caden James: I'm pretty sure I got the right one. You complimented that picture I sent you with the cat :)

Charli Day: Which was useless. I still need that list from you, James

Shaking my head, I quickly follow the message with another.

Charli Day: Plus, how could you be so sure?

Caden James: Because any other girl would have taken the Sugar and loved it

I snort at his bold assumption. His ego might be the biggest part of him.

Charli Day: Don't tell me what to do, Caden.

Glancing at my clock, I mutter a few good curse words as I shove my feet into my block heels. I grab my backpack, swinging it over my shoulder like some pro baseball player. I run down the hall, happy to see Leo grabbing his lunch and Dad's note on the counter.

"Has Mom come down yet?" I ask Leo, taking a huge bite of toast. I gag slightly as I try to breathe through the dry bread and lack of oxygen from running around in circles.

Leo shakes his head, placing his bowl in the dishwasher after rinsing it out. "I haven't seen her."

"Okay," I start heading back down the hall to her room. "Grab your stuff and get your ass in the car in five minutes. I'll meet you in the car stat."

He salutes me before turning back into his own bedroom. I knock on Mom's door, not really expecting a reply. I wouldn't be surprised if she had fallen back asleep.

"Come in." Her voice is muffled through the door.

I let myself into the room, slightly surprised that she's up this early since she's been sleeping in these past two weeks. I find her sitting up in bed already, with a home magazine in hand. She smiles up at me, setting her reading glasses on top of her head.

"Morning, Sweetpea." She greets.

"Morning Momma," I kiss her forehead. "Why you up so early today? You know not all the early birds catch the worm."

She shrugs, setting the magazine beside her on the bed. "Just felt like smelling the roses."

I shake my head, smiling. "Okay, well I trust you already took you meds." I glance at the pre-organized tray for confirmation.

"Check."

"And you already went to the bathroom?" I trail. She rolls her eyes, waving me off.

"Check, check, check all of the above. I'm not a baby, Charli. I'm your mother, not the other way around." I open my mouth to protest, but she sends me a pointed look. I snap my mouth shut. "And as your mother, I'm telling you to go to school before you're late. You still need to pick up Haisley."