Mother-Daughter Moments

"Is it true?" A girly voice whispered.

Charlene's heart sank as she approached the hostel, hearing clearly each word that was being uttered by the students around the hallway.

"A freshman's getting expelled?" Another student chimed in.

"I heard she's from the humanities"

"She's possessed, she almost killed a sophomore"

Charlene's heart stung as tears clouded her vision, nevertheless she quickened her pace, her sneakers squeaking against the polished marble floor.

"Quiet guys, here she comes" A warning whisper sounded, suddenly followed by an awkward silence.

Charlene's gaze remained on the floor, her shoulders down in defeat as their words bore down on her.

She clutched tightly to her oversized colourful dress, preventing it from getting her legs stuck.

As Charlene pushed open her room door, the once beautiful room seemed to suddenly mock her, the colours no longer alluring.

"I heard what happened" Hazel muttered softly, interrupting Charlene's little reverie. "I'm sorry"

Charlene nodded slowly, with her gaze on the floor, keeping a reasonable amount of distance between them, she mouthed "thank you"

Hazel moved closer to her, almost covering the gap between them, intending to share a hug, but Charlene stepped back.

"Why?" Hazel raised a brow, with a slightly puzzled expression.

"I'm a monster...don't come any closer" She sniffed, wiping the slow tears skidding down her face with the back of her palm.

"I might hurt you."

"Don't say that Lene" Hazel cautioned "you're not a monster"

"So what then am I?" She scoffed "and the whole events since yesterday...any suitable explanation?"

"Charlene.." Hazel started and exhaled softly "you just possess powers that are not appreciated here"

Charlene stared shortly at Hazel before releasing a small smile, although it didn't interfere with her teary face, nor her thoughts.

She just felt excited that someone aside her mum understood her and exactly was she was passing through.

"I need to pack my stuff,mum's waiting" she whispered heading to the wardrobe, trying not to get too carried away.

"You... Were really expelled?" Hazel stuttered feigning ignorance and getting no response from Charlene,she sighed.

"You'll get through it, I promise you"

She whispered joining her to pack her bags.

****

The afternoon sunlight was beautiful, radiating joy and excitement as it streamed into the kitchen through the opened window blind, but right inside the kitchen relating against the counter Melanie Hughes didn't have any iota of excitement in her eyes.

Karina, her step-mum was at it again, using even the slightest opportunity she gets to make trouble.

Pissed of and unwilling to ignore the brooding tension anymore, Melanie spoke up angrily.

"You do realise I'm not a kid anymore right?" She asked trying to keep her voice cool.

Karina scoffed her lips curving Into a sneer. "So you can talk back huh! I thought you were a zombie"

She leaned against the counter opposition Melanie, her arms crossed under her breasts.

Melanie's left hand balled into a fist as she stared at Karina with so much anger "I never asked dad for a babysitter"

Karina's eyes flashed with disdain, mirroring Melanie's hatred fro her.

"You're so dumb Karina... I wonder why my dad married you" She spat, her voice dripping with malice.

"I see your mum failed in her primary duty" Karina snapped "oh, I just remember you don't have a mother, you've never"

Karina mocked her voice echoing.

despite the sweet scent of bacon that filled the air, the energy in the kitchen was still poisonous.

Melanie was suddenly filled with rage "do whatever you want, say whatever,but never insult my mum"

She said her voice firm but measured, her knuckles turning white.

Karina smirked triumphantly with satisfaction written clearly in her face "or what? You're going to call her from her grave?"

Melanie's eye narrowed, her jaws slightly clenched, she turned around and stormed out of the kitchen angrily, heading upstairs.

The door slammed shut behind her, the sound resonating through the silent house.

"Good radiance" Karina scoffed.

****

The drive out of Vintage College was silent, the only sound the soft hum of the engine and the occasional snap of leaves beneath the tires. Charlene's eyes remained fixed on the passing scenery, her mind reeling with thoughts of abandonment and rejection.

"Where are we going, Mommy?" Charlene asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as Mrs. Craig took a different route.

"Somewhere peaceful and quiet, princess. We need to talk," Mrs. Craig reassured her, offering a warm smile.

Charlene's gaze lingered on her mother's face, searching for signs of disappointment or disgust. Instead, she saw compassion and understanding.

An hour later, they arrived at a serene park, the sun casting a warm glow over the lush green grass. Children's laughter echoed through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

"Mom, you brought me to a park?" Charlene asked, her voice laced with skepticism.

Mrs. Craig guided her to a weathered wooden swing, the chains creaking softly as they sat.

"This is difficult for me too, princess," Mrs. Craig said, her voice soothing. "You can cry on my shoulder, and we'll face this together."

Charlene's emotions overflowed, tears streaming down her face as she recounted the events. Mrs. Craig listened attentively, her expression empathetic.

"Princess, talk to me. What really happened?" Mrs. Craig asked, her voice gentle.

"Mommy, does loyalty really exist? Are promises meant to be kept? Is friendship truly meant to be cherished?" Charlene asked, her voice cracking.

Mrs. Craig's eyes filled with tears as Charlene spoke, her heart aching for her daughter's pain.

"Of course, angel," Mrs. Craig replied. "But why all these questions? And what about Charlotte?"

Charlene's tears intensified, her body shaking with sobs. Mrs. Craig enveloped her in a warm hug, holding her close.

"I love you, princess. No matter what happens, I'll be there for you. Don't ever feel bad about yourself," Mrs. Craig whispered.

As they broke apart, Charlene noticed her mother's tears.

"Mommy, you're crying," Charlene said, her voice filled with concern.

Mrs. Craig smiled weakly. "I just can't help it, princess."

"we'll scale through" Mrs. Craig added engulfing her in a soothing hug.

Charlene's genuine smile faltered as she gazed out at the park's lush green grass. "Thank you, Mom. You're amazing," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Craig's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled, her voice filled with warmth. "I'm glad you're feeling better now. I'll register you at Lakeville College first thing tomorrow morning."

But Charlene's smile quickly faded, her brow furrowing in concern. The sweet scent of blooming flowers, chirping birds, and gentle rustle of leaves seemed to amplify her anxiety.

"What's the point, Mom? Why should I enroll when I'll just end up getting expelled again?" she snapped, her fingers digging into the wooden swing.

Mrs. Craig's smile dissolved, her eyes clouding with sadness. "No, princess. You can't give up so easily," she said, her voice laced with desperation.

Charlene's gaze dropped, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I can't help it, but I already have," she mumbled, her voice barely audible over the distant laughter of children.

The air seemed to thicken with unspoken emotions. Mrs. Craig's hands enveloped Charlene's, offering warmth and comfort.

"Princess, I..." Mrs. Craig began, but Charlene interrupted her, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"Can we not talk about this, please? Mom, it's not easy getting expelled the day after starting because of some mysterious events. I just glared at Jace, and he lost consciousness. My yell shattered the mirrors and chandelier. And now you want me to start at another college? What if something similar happens and someone gets hurt? Then I'll be expelled again?"

Charlene's voice cracked, her eyes welling up with tears. The sun cast long shadows across the park, emphasizing the emotional distance between them.

"You know what? Let's go. Let's go home," Charlene cried, her voice shaking.

Mrs. Craig's face fell, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Fine, let's go," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper...

To be continued...