What You're Hiding...(Charlotte)

"Em, go call Dad and Jason for dinner will you?" I call out at my sister, from the kitchen, setting the table.

"Why can't you do it?" Emma groans, eyes glued on the TV.

"We've had this conversation over a million times and you're still asking me this?" I roll my eyes, filling the jug with water. "You know the deal. I make dinner and you call them when i do."

"You've gotten bossier..." Emma mumbles, turning off the TV.

"I heard that!" I snap, glancing at the window.

The moon shone as bright as ever, reminding me of the lights in the cafe Dustin took me and Sara in.

I'm still having a hard time believing he got the job, I think with a grin, but I'm happy for him.

I gasp, remembering the book store the three of us ran into.

Maybe I'll take the job?

I sigh, falling on the couch, taking out my phone. The smile on my lips feels like it will never leave as i stare at the announcement gleaming on my phone.

Dustin really is the best friend anyone can ask for.

"I'll have to make it up to you." I promise myself, wondering what ice-cream flavor he prefers.

Just then, I frown to see that there was a small text below the announcement of the winners. A small text, as if they added it in the last minute. I zoom in, narrowing my eyes, as i read it.

The Winners of the National Writing Competition's Round Two.

What?! Round two!

Dustin never mentioned a round two!

My eyes widen further when i read out the topic for the next story!

I...I can't write this! I've never written something as different!

Without thinking, i quickly go though my contacts, wanting to rant at Dustin about this. But before i could, someone calls me. I thought it was Dustin but how would he know i was about to call him? Maybe he just read the text as well? My phone keeps on vibrating in my hands as i realize that its not Dustin calling. It's Mr. Tremblay. As i reflex, I sit up straighter on the couch, clearing my throat before picking up with hesitation.

"Hello?" I say.

"Ahh Miss Quin! I just wanted to give you a call after what i saw in the school website! Congratulations!" He beamed. "You were always such an amazing writer and student!"

I smiled, shy with the compliment as I reply, "Thank you sir, I really didn't expect it!"

Mr. Tremblay laughs, "Maybe you didn't but your friend, Dustin, did."

I smile, "Yes, he really did shock me but not as much as you did when i heard you helped him with it!"

"Well, sometimes, a teacher's gotta do what a teacher's gotta do." He says, sighing, "Even if it means working with Dustin once in a while."

"He really is a handful isn't he?" I ask, grinning.

"The most naïve yet entertaining student I've ever had, believe me."

There's a long pause, as I hear background voices from his side.

"How's Mrs. Tremblay?" I ask.

"Oh she's really excited as you can hear in here i bet." He explains, "Some guests of hers are coming so she's busy."

"Does that mean you won't be coming to school tomorrow since you're busy?" I say, half-meaning it.

"Oh no! I can't do that! I'll have to come tomorrow." He makes a small gasp sound as if he remembered something, "Which reminds me, did you look at the new topic of round two?"

I sigh, "Yes I did... but i don't think I'll be able to write anything since its not what i write really."

"Yes I know, Charlotte, that is why I'll be helping you come up with an idea, in class." He says, firmly.

"Thank you, sir! You really are amazing!" I take in a deep breath of relief, grateful.

"Anytime." He answers, meekly, "I'll see you and your friends tomorrow."

And with that, he hangs up the call.

Mr. Tremblay's house seemed busy, with all the distorted noises in the background.

But who cares? He'll help me figure out something to write about.

I give the topic one last glance, thinking who even came up with it,

"Write a story where the main protagonist is worse then the antagonist."

Now what the hell should i write about this ridiculous topic?

*****************************************

Dinner wasn't as silent. Actually it was much better then before. We're all sitting and eating, but it's noisier. Jason and Emma keep on talking about what they did and how much fun they had. Emma keeps on gleaming, bragging about the stuff she bought. Dad is quiet but every now and then, he passes a smile to himself. And I'm just sitting in the middle of this, the warmth of family in which i want to melt, but something keeps holding me back.

Is it the lack of my mother not here? I don't remember her, but i want to. I was only a few years old when she died, but isn't it enough to hold at least a few memories? Why can't I remember?

My head aches, at the thought, as i wince, staring at my food.

I should forget it. After all, I have something important to tell them.

"...and then we went to the ice cream shop, but since I couldn't choose between blueberry, mint, Oreo and Nutella, Jason let me have all them!" Emma smiles, brightly, fidgeting in her chair.

"And i regret it instantly, seeing how sugar rushed you are." Jason chuckles, trying to act exhausted.

"So you had fun?" I ask the two.

"Uh-huh!" Emma shouts. "I got myself so many stuff!"

"That's nice." Dad mumbles, not looking up from his plate.

"Anyway, Charlie, how was your day?" Jason inquires.

I shrug, "Nothing much. I went to the mall with my friends."

There's a long pause as i hold my breath.

Ok, I'm going to tell them!

I have to.

"Umm guys?"

"Yeah?" Emma stares at me.

"I uhh, you know how i like to write?" I start.

"Ok?" Jason gives a curious look.

I can see Dad is interested too.

"Well," Just let it all out, "My friend submitted one of my stories in a writing competition and i'm selected for the second round!"

Nothing. Nothing but silence.

And i would have regretted telling them at that moment if it wasn't for Emma, who started to squeal in excitement.

"Charlie WON!" She declared, the sugar really going in her head, "CHARLIE WON, SHE WON, SHE WON!"

"Calm down!" i laugh, "I didn't win, i just got selected!"

"Which is a big deal!" Jason grins, standing up enthusiastically, "You won in a competition! Something i thought one of us could do!"

"Well it happened!" I smile sheepishly.

"Well are you planning to write for the next round?" Jason goes serious.

I think of the topic.

The strange topic.

"Yes." I reply, confidently.

"No." Says a voice.

All the joy dies down as the three of us look at Dad.

"W-what?" My heart skips a beat.

He glares at us, before saying, "I said no."

And at that moment, i loose myself.

Why can't he appreciate me for once?

"Why?" I demand, heatedly.

"Because i said so!" He growls, but this only makes me more mad.

"That's not even a valid point!" I scoff, "I don't understand why i can't write."

"Charlie..." Jason warns me, which quietens me but only for a while.

Jason looks at Dad and says, calmly, "Dad, I know what you're thinking... I know who you're thinking about. But this has nothing to do with this."

"I don't care!" Dad yells, clearly mad, as i huff in my seat. "Charlotte will not write anything and that's the end of it!"

No one says anything for sometime, the silence only breaks when Emma squirms.

"No." I say.

"What?" Dad gives me a look.

"NO!" I yell, "If you don't give me a reason than I don't care either! I will write! And i will win!"

Dad bursts, "You know nothing, Charlotte!" He slams his hand on the table and leaves.

Leaving us all in confusion.

But I stood there still, blood rushing in my veins.

You won't stop me this time, Dad.

I don't care what you're hiding.