Chapter 106

• "Hi Charlie dear." My mother quickly covers her face again with her glasses when she sees Charlie in the room.
• "Hi, Christine! So good to see you!" Charlie's voice is pitched high and I wince at her too obvious attempt at seeming normal. My mother doesn't sense anything, her head is elsewhere as she goes to sit quietly at my desk, crossing her legs elegantly.
• Charlie gives us both a conflicted look, she doesn't know whether to give us privacy, or to stay back and protect me if the need arises. I give her a small shake of my head. I am terrified out of my mind, and confused at the same time, but I can handle myself.