she gets so sick of crying

[CHARLOTTE LOUISE TAYLOR]

Lunch was always a tough time for Charlotte Taylor. Socializing was never her strong point, and so sitting down and eating with an entire room full of strangers was torture. Life at Helenas was up and down, but Charlie was doing her best and trying to be strong. She didnt make a whole lot of friends yet, other than Dylan and one or two other people who had said hi or smiled in the hall ways once or twice. Charlotte got along well with her teachers though, and she did well in class despite the occasional "teachers pet" remarks she got after class was over. Her new music teacher especially loved her and had arranged for private piano and voice lessons. Charlie was ecstatic about this and they were the high light of her day. But unfortunately they were after normal school hours and NOW it was time for lunch. With a knot of dread in her stomach she enterred the cafeteria. Charlotte was one of those people that got cut a lot. People would push in front of her, knowing she wouldnt respond and they could get away with it. Today was no different. Charlie shifted uncomfortably as person after person cut in front of her but finally it was her turn to get food. Stomach grumbling, she searched for a place to sit down. She hadn't seen Dylan and felt bad following him around like a puppy all the time, so she asked quietly and politely if she could sit at the table with someone. There were some awkward "well, someones already sitting there..." excuses or "we were just finishing" but finally she found somewhere to sit.

Unfortunately for Charlie she hadn't learned about the social ladder at Helenas yet. She sat down at a table of the higher ups, who only agreed because they knew she had no idea what was about to hit her, and they wanted to have some fun. Before Charlotte had even taken a second bite, she was regretting her choice.

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[DYLAN MARSHALL TORRES]

The kids leered at her with bright, mischevious eyes. How could she be so stupid to sit here? They had just watched her painful attempts through the lunch lines and even finding a seat that would ever welcome her. 'Charlotte, right?' said one girl, making a nice smile. 'What're you here for? Kissing teacher's asses addiction?' Light hearted smirks flashed around the table. 'I don't get why you never talk, it's like... are you a mute or are you just dumb?' Flickering in the girl's eyes was an evil glint, ready to humiliate her further. 'Don't get up, sorry. We don't really mean it. It's just hard to understand... or maybe you're not understanding us.'

Dylan came walking by, tray in his hands when he noticed Charlotte with this crowd. Shit. He walked close to where she sat. "Hey Charlotte, want to come sit with me?" The girls made a delighted sound. 'Charlotte has a boyfriend to protect her. She made the right choice didn't she? Helpless girl needs a tough guy like Dylan, fresh out of juvie.' Dylan's jaws tensed as his eyes glared stoically her way. Usually, this was all that was needed to get people to fuck off. But they were riled up and surrounded by peers with a need to impress everyone. They smiled at the two of them. 'Wait, don't go. Stay, look, Dylan can even sit here if he wants to.' they teased. The most talkative one reached an arm and held her hand over Charlotte's tray. 'Stay.'

[CHARLOTTE LOUISE TAYLOR]

Immediately the stupidity of her actions hit her and Charlotte wished she could rewind her life, even three minutes. That was all she needed. She gazed silently at her tray, listening to their insults. Her mouth had openned to reply before the mute jokes started up again and she snapped her jaw shut, blinking hard to prevent the tears. She could hear her heart pounding steadily faster and she had to take deep breaths to keep calm.

Relief flooded through her when she heard Dylan and she had looked up, nodding and preparing to go with him but someone was making fun of him now too. What was their problem? EVERYONE there had issues, which was why they were sent there. So who were they to single herself and Dylan and all the others "lower" than them, out? It drove her crazy with fury. She didnt know about all this juvie stuff but it wasnt her business and it didnt really bother her that much. However it was clear that this was a touchy subject for her friend.

When Charlie attempted to stand, someone blocked her tray and her rear landed uncomfortably back in her chair. A lump was forming in her throat and she swallowed it back "No, i should go" she whispered, considering just leaving the food. She'd been in rough situations but never one exactly like this before. You learn something new every day.

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[DYLAN MARSHALL TORRES]

He could barely hear her whisper and doubted anyone could it hear her. Why couldn't she stand up for herself? Dylan had to do it practically everyday. What made her so cowardly? He was almost as desperate to know as these girls. At least it could help him understand her incredible shyness better. But he wanted to know for totally different reasons than them. These bitches and their boyfriends sitting with sneers stared at the two of them as if they were nothing more than specks, toys for their amusement. It made him furious but also made him pity her for she thought she was powerless to defend herself. Dylan felt determined to show her differently.

These kids were not your typical students, they were mostly here for eating disorders which they considered no problem. They were in their minds, superior and so shallow. They didn't have problems at all, they just knew about weight management which they needed to know for their appearantly glamorous life back home. The girl spoke 'What's that? What did she say? Do you know what she said Dylan?' they looked to him with innocent smiles Dylan's hardened eyes could see right through. It was times like these when he felt he was back in juvie, he was a new person, not the boy he once was that was lost. "Let her up." he said in warning, glaring at them.

They merely laughed. 'Dylan, don't act all tough... We all saw what happened with your brother a while back here. He had you begging. We all so what you really are.' She mouthed the word 'coward'. They turned their attention back to Charlie. 'So, hun... Why are you here really? You're so pretty... You know what, it doesn't matter. Tell Dylan to walk away and you're free to sit in our table whenever you like. You can even come shopping with us if you like.'

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[CHARLOTTE LOUISE TAYLOR]

(ooo,i vote when she leaves and he follows her, he asks her about why she doesnt stick up for herself)

Charlie stared at her tray of food that was suddenly looking quite unappetizing. Their words were bombarding her mind and she couldn't think straight. Her thoughts were racing as fast as her heart beat right now and all she wanted to do was leave. A nice long nap sounded great right about now, maybe she'd go see a nurse or something.

"No." Charlottes voice was a little louder than the whisper she had previously used but it was still quiet "No, I want to go" Charlie would not betray her only real friend and the other kids at the table realized this. With a few briefly exchanged glances and a slight nod of a head, the girl next to Charlie smiled and shrugged "Oh well, no biggie. See you." Charlotte thought that was the end of it but as she tried to stand up, the girl dumped her tray into her lap. "Whoops" She said innocently, with a sweet smile.

Charlies eyes burned and her fists clenched but she avoided looking at anyone. "Oh now youve made her angry" One of the boys taunted. Charlotte pushed the chair back from the table, almost tripping over it when it clattered loudly to the floor as she made her escape, walking quickly away, pieces of food falling off her blouse and jeans as she did so. Everyone in the cafeteria was staring and it was making it worse for Charlie. Someone else stuck their foot out and she did trip this time, unable to prevent the sob that burst from her chest, shaking her entire body. Tears blinded her and she finally took off at a run, in need of someplace safe and alone she could go.

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[DYLAN MARSHALL TORRES]

Dylan glared at all of them with a newfound hatred for mankind in general, but for them especially. They were all just alike, just like Stefano, just like him. Bullies, posers, fake. Before Dylan could say something, he heard Charlotte. He has grown used to her quiet voice and noted it's very quiet strength behind it. He knew she had it in her to push back at these girls and fight. But what does she do? She flees. And it was an awful sight and Dylan for a moment felt as if he wasn't even here. He was watching this from a screen, while not actually being in the scene himself.

His eyes looked to the boy who taunted her and Charlie looked ready to cry with food decorating her outfit now. Then she tripped, Dylan cringed and felt something in him loose it when she started running. He slammed down his tray on their table, loudly and things spilt out of it. He felt too repulsed to even look at food. The guy went 'Hey! Queer, what do you think you're doing?' Dylan shot him a glare. "Fuck you." he swore before going after Charlotte.

They were in the empty halls and Dylan ran, caught up with her and took her arm to stop her. "What the fuck Charlie? How can you let them treat you like that? How could you?" he cried, glaring at her. He was angry, angry that she would take that, angry that he was looking at food on her blouse, angry that he was even here, angry what they said to him. It all just made him want to shoot them.

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[CHARLOTTE LOUISE TAYLOR]

Great, now Dylan was yelling, and it just made Charlie all the more miserable. Especially because she knew what he was saying made sense. Why couldnt she stand up for herself? Why did she just stand there and take it? He had her trapped, holding onto her arm like that, but it was a different kind of trapped. Dylan, knowing it or not, was making her stop and face herself. And she didnt like that. "I dont know! I dont knowIdontknowidontknow!" Charlotte practically screamed, her words running together. It was a big change from her usual quiet tone, and she rarely ever raised her voice past normal speaking level, so this was a big deal for the poor girl. Charlie covered her face with her hands as tears streamed down her cheeks. Dylan's anger was practically radiating intensity off of him and she was absorbing it. She was angry too, and perhaps something inside her was snapping.

Charlotte pulled away from him, turning her body so her back was to him. She wiped her eyes and took several deep breaths, even attmpted to brush some of the food off her clothes. Somehow she couldn't bring herself to look at him just now.

"Its the truth." Charlie sniffled, her voice back to being quiet but still with that edge of bitterness. "Ive never had to before. I dont know how. It's always been just me." At her private preppy school, people knew her dad and knew better than to make fun of her, but she hadnt really had friends there either. People generally left her alone and she had been relatively content with that. When she was completely in control of the situation things went better, and that was best accomplished on her own. For once, she felt like letting someone have some insight on her. Maybe it was the heat of the moment, maybe she really wanted him to understand because she needed him as a friend. Either way, she was telling him. But she couldnt face him, so she pressed her back against the wall and slid quietly to the floor before she began.

"My mom died when I was born. And dad was always away because of his company, and no one bothered me at this school I went to 'cuz everyone knew my dad and knew we were rich but i didnt really have friends. so. it was just me.always." Charlotte sighed, not minding her unruly hair for once as it hid her face. Charlie didnt know how to interact with people well, she didnt trust them well either, but Dylan was important to her, because he was the only friend she'd ever had. So she wanted him to know, and wanted to put her trust in him and know that it wasnt a mistake.

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[DYLAN MARSHALL TORRES]

Dylan was growing more and more disappointed by her attitude, or lack thereof. The scream, it was weak and he wanted to shake the weakness of her til only her strength was left- maybe then she'd realize. He stared at her, a miserable mess practically crumbling to the ground. Then she finally told him her story that he had been curious to know about ever since he met her. The words felt to bounce off him without effect. He almost didn't care, but he wanted to care. He wanted to full sympathetic. He was too angry to feel bad for her, he figured he would later, when he was more dulled out of his mind with boredom adn school work.

He crouched down beside her, looked to her eyes. "So why the pills?" he asked, wishing momentarily she was his brother or even his mother back alive from the grave to answer questions. He smirked without any reason to. "You're normal, I don't get why you're even here." She was so normal, just shy. That's not a crime is it? She functioned and reacted like any normal being. She probably won't say anything. She may not even have an answer.

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[CHARLOTTE LOUISE TAYLOR]

Charlotte lifted her miserable gaze to meet his. She could also tell him now about how she'd been so depressed she'd been unable to get out of bed most days - her life had been like those anti depressant commercials. Being alone was hard work. She could tell him how she even almost gave up on life completely but not even he would get to know that yet.

"Im an insomniac... and I have night terrors. So i take sleep medication. I take anti depressants because... " it was easier than trying to solve her problems by finding genuine happiness? It was reliable? She'd wanted to kill herself once and was afraid she might try again? "Im depressed." she finished weakly.

"Im here..." Charlotte took a deep breath, her gaze falling back to her lap again. "Because I dont have anywhere else to go, and..." she shrugged, wishing she could share her secret with him but it felt locked up tight inside her and wouldnt come out. "...thats it i guess."

[DYLAN MARSHALL TORRES]

Sleep medication and anti depressants. Depression. He looked away, feeling lied to somehow. Feeling like a child all over again. But what did he know about her anyway? Just the succinct sentence here and there of her story. Maybe she didn't want pity like he didn't want pity. He wasn't ready to tell the world the truth, though he'd answer if asked and maybe she felt the same way. Still, it was lies, at least it felt like thin lies. He wouldn't lie again. He mumbled very quietly under his breath "You sound just like my mother." an edge was angry, the rest sounded defeated. Then he saw a figure coming out of the corner where they came from.

The guy was walking towards them with purpose and danger in his steps. It was that girl's boyfriend. He came to a pause when he reached them, waiting for confrontation Dylan would gladly hand over. He remembered all over again the anger he had just a moment ago. He wanted to use it. Dylan stood up and faced him, showing little concern. 'Who do you think you are Torres?' the guy said. Dylan merely stood his ground. 'You got a stain on my girlfriend's shirt.' "You got her tray on her blouse." Dylan retorted, glaring.

The guy got up closer at his face. Dylan didn't back away. 'So what are you going to do about it? Draw a picture for the gallery?' A smirk crept on Dylan's face, something cruel flashed in his eyes. "Yeah, how about I do a mock laxative ad? I'll have your girlfriend on the cover crapping sludge. Then I'll show an aromic waves to show that they smell like-" With that, the guy threw a punch to his face, making Dylan fall to the ground.

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[CHARLOTTE LOUISE TAYLOR]

Charlie was disappointed in the defeat she heard in his voice. Plus, who wanted to sound like someone's mother? She openned her mouth to say something but shut it again when she also saw the intimidating male approaching. This couldnt end well. And so far it wasnt starting well either. The girl scrambled to her feet when the boy threw a punch. Charlotte was panicking again. What should she do? She could leave and get help or do something right now to stop this. Neither idea sounded very appealing but she knew she couldnt leave, that would take too long.

With Dylan on the ground, the other boy clearly had an advantage. He could do whatever he wanted because in that moment he had the power. Charlotte didnt have time to analyze her situation or think of her options. She just got up and crossed her arms, blocking the boys way. Charlie was aware she probably wasnt very intimidating but she was praying that at least he would have enough of a conscience not to hit a girl. Charlotte never felt more angry or confident in her life and it was quite exhilarating. "Leave him alone." she said, her voice firm for once. She didnt know what she could possibly do if he ignored her, but she realized she didnt like it when someone attacked somebody she cared about.

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[DYLAN MARSHALL TORRES]

Dylan felt his knuckles, fist all pound on his cheek. Being a lightweight, he fell to the cold ground. He felt the pain throb on his face and back. He was going to crawl back up to his feet, fearing he wouldn't get up soon enough. This guy was large, ready to beat him given the chance. Hell, this guy could be ready to strangle him to death. Then suddenly, she was there standing up for him. It was a huge shock, a huge cinematic moment with no time to take in it's glory. The guy stood back, not stupid enough to hit her. Which Dylan would grin with pain to take advantage of the ceremonious moment.

He got up calmly, never taking his eyes of the two. Then nudge her shoulder gently to the side, fist clenched and he swung it at his nose. More pain burst in his knuckles but Dylan was still grinning, he heard his nose crack and the guy cry out. He doubled over, hand over his nose then pushed Dylan away. Dylan shoved him back. The stronger push forced the guy to the ground. That should've been enough, they could've left it at that. But Dylan wasn't satisfied. He began to kick his body on the ground, wishing to inflict enough damage for him to have his girlfriend want to wash over him that womanly instinct to heal.

Dylan for a moment allowed himself to breathe. He stared down at him, nose bleeding and in pain. He felt hurt but didn't feel bothered by it. 'What the hell man, you win!' Dylan crouched over his body, ready to punch his face when a teacher started walking over yelling. Dylan had managed a fist to his jaw by the time the teacher pulled him away, yelling and screaming for order. 'I said settle down damn it! All of you, to the principles now! Come on, right now! I can't believe this.' he began to lead them to the office.

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[CHARLOTTE LOUISE TAYLOR]

Charlotte hadn't been thrilled about Dylans overkill on his victory but before she even knew what was going on completely, she heard yelling. "Dylan," she said warningly, turning to see a teacher headed towards them, but Dylan was distracted with the other boy who had officially lost the fight. There wasnt anything else she had time to do because the teacher was already interfering.

The principals office? The threat sounded like one belonging to second graders but she hadnt even been the principal in second grade. She glanced at Dylan, a little taken aback by his bloody face, but said nothing. Even the other boy was silent in his embarassment, holding onto his bleeding nose. They were all definitely in trouble, and Charlotte had gotten herself involved. Not that she regretted it - if she hadnt stepped in Dylan would probably be in worse shape, but still, she was a little antsy. That goody two shoes side of her was growing nervous.

The teacher took them into the office and excitedly -thought angrily- explained what he had seen. The principal thanked him wearily and asked the three of them to sit down.

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[DYLAN MARSHALL TORRES]

Dylan felt something of a pitbull- an otherwise friendly dog that just snapped on someone. He turned into Stefano, scaring his shitless but empowering him nonetheless. Now he was Dylan again, taking in the raw almost burnt feeling on his knuckles, throbbing in his face and the very slight soreness when he stood straight. The teacher ratted them out and left the room. They all took a seat in front of the principle's desk. The man took three files out of a filing cabinet, one of each of them Dylan supposed. Then he sat down, sighed and took a silent look at them.

He could only guess what he could've been thinking. Charlie covered in food like it was some fashion statement. The boy bloody-nosed and looking quite upset. A moment ago that would've delighted Dylan but it was as if he was already over it. He could've cared less anymore. Whatever, let him hurt. And Dylan, probably looking just as bad and anxious acting for a cigarette he could die for right about now.

'Fighting, teasing, harassment... I don't know where to begin.' he said. The principle started looking through the files and cleared his throat. 'You all have had excellent behavior and even more excellent grades otherwise. I'm actually impressed... But these grades won't absolve you from your behavior today. It has left me incredibly disappointed. You have such a great opportunity being here. If you decide not to appreciate it, I can easily make another arrangement for you! Go to detention hall, a foster home, a group home if you feel like you'd be happier there. But if you want to stay here, then for the next month you'll be volunteering around here after school. Extra privileges are taken away and you're not to leave school grounds for any reason for a week. Miss Taylor,' he said, looking to her with more empathy in his expression 'I'm only letting you off with a warning... I'm also scheduling you three for appointments for our therapist here. Fighting is not to be tolerated, we're all here to get better. We should be helping each other, not fighting. Do I make myself clear?' he said, tone stern and harsh.

"Yes sir." Dylan said. The man nodded and gestured them out of the room. 'Now go clean yourselves up and head to the hospital wing if you need to. What a disgrace.' Dylan got up with the rest of them and walked out. He looked to Charlie in the hall and said quietly "That wasn't too bad. Honestly, I thought we'd get off worse..."

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[CHARLOTTE LOUISE TAYLOR]

Charlie didnt make eye contact with the principal until he said her name. In her mind, the thought of foster homes and group homes scared her. If she couldnt get along with people in this place, how was she supposed to survive in a less fortunate situation? She was a little surprised, but somewhat relieved when he let her off the hook. After all, she'd been trying to stop the fight, but details seemed unimportant now. The principal handled this quickly and with authority - no ifs, ands or buts about it. But Charlie still was tacked on to the end, that whole therapist deal. That wasn't even that bad, Charlotte was pretty sure she could use some therapy anyways.

Silently, she got up and left with the other two, only nodding that she understood. Despite the fact this wasnt really that big of a deal she still felt like something had happened, having to see the principal under any negative circumstances felt strange to her. Then Dylan spoke and the spell was kind of broken. She smiled a little and nodded in agreement. "Yeah me too," she admitted, but she knew if it happened again, no matter what the circumstances, theyd be in deeper trouble next time.

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