Chapter 12

Darcie 

Dinner was awkward, suffocating silence and the atmosphere felt heavy with Arthur. I don't think I like him. He looked rude and had the same mindset as Mr Sterling. He can't even support Charles in his dream. He still moved in the same footsteps of his father which would make it norr difficult for Charles. I'm Charles only biggest supporter with maybe his fans at school. The clattering sound of plates and fork was the only sound in the middle of this awkward dinner. 

Charles literally played with his food. Arthur ate well. Eyes on his phone and laughing to some videos. 

Actually, this was my first time of having meal on the table with Charles. 

“What's wrong? You seem to be unhappy.” Arthur broke the silence. “Don't you like the food?”

“I do.” He says without raising his head up. 

“Anyways…” He chugged up his drink. “Get prepared tomorrow. You're traveling and starting your internship.”

Charles fork clattered against his plate. “Arthur, can we not?”

My eyes flicked between them. There's a brewing tension and I sensed it'll end up bad. Charles was already angry. I could feel it. Arthur smiled and leaned back to his chair. “Exactly what I was waiting for. I knew it. You don't want it. But you must do it. Because Dad's right. Sport is only a distraction. Politics is better. It's a great opportunity and it would make Dad really proud.”

Charles jaw tightened. “You know that's not what I want.”

“Oh, you don't know what you want. You're just a little boy controlled by his father and elder brother.” Arthur smiled dangerously, tapping his finger on the table. “Ain't that right, miss nanny?” He faced me.

I disagreed, boldly. “No. Charles just trying to pursue his dreams.”

Arthur cackled, clapping his hands. “Wow. Oh, you too. Nah. This is the part where you're crossing the line. You have no right to stick your nose in what he wants or doesn't. You're a pathetic nanny.”

“Enough!” Charles slammed his fist on the table, fuming. 

“Law's a great career. Get angry if you like. You're going tommorow.”

Charles pushed his table back and stood up. “I want to play football. I don't want to study law.”

He turned to leave but Arthur stopped him by the sound of his threatening voice. “Don't walk out on me, Charles. I am not your mate. You respect me and you acknowledge me in this house whether you like it or not.”

Charles turns around. “I am respecting you. I do. But you…you disrespect my decisions. You don't care about what makes me happy. All you and dad wants is politics, politics, politics, politics.” Charles mocked. “This is so unfair. Life…”

“What do you know about life. Please.” Arthur stood up, cleaning his mouth with a serviette. “So, final decision. You'll attend the internship, meet firm partners and start shadowing next week. It's done already. Arguing is inevitable.”

Charles seethed inwardly. Just a calm face. He didn't say anything or press the issue further. Arthur assumed his silence was an expression of satisfaction and pats his shoulder. 

“Good boy. The details would be sent to your email.”

He walked away. Charles shoulders slumped. He looked broken. I hesitated for a moment but pushed my chair to talk to him. “Hey, are you okay?”

He didn't look at me. Just standing like a statue. 

“Charles.” I called again. “I'm sorry about what happened. Are you okay?”

His eyes dropped and he moved. “Yeah.” he turned and head upstairs. I didn't stop him or pursue him. I should give him space instead. I watched him leave, concerned and slightly affected. Poor boy. He can't even make decisions himself. I started clearing up the dishes. Load the dishwasher and cleaned the table. I went upstairs to my room and a hot shower was all I need to clear my head from the tension. Wrapped in my towel, I checked for a comfy night wear and threw them on. Then packed my books to Charles room. I have to make sure he does his homework. Thankfully, Jax had sent a picture of the history home work. 

“Charles” I knocked on the door. It was half way opened. “Charles, can I come in?”

No response. 

I pushed the door opened further and closed it. Charles lay on the bed, tossing a ball to the ceiling and catching it back and nodding in entertainment to the headphones on his ears. He still didn't look up but he knew I was in. I dropped the book on his desk. I waved in front of him and he pulled the headphones off, placing the ball by his sides.

“What?” He blinked and sat upright. 

I sat besides him. “History assignment. That's why I'm here. I have to help you with it. Remember?”

“Ohh.” He tossed me his bag and I took his books out. “I really don't care about this. I could fail it anyways.”

“I'm not gonna let you wallow in sorrow.” I flipped the pages opened and yawned. Murmuring as I checked through a textbook for answers. 

“Scramble for Africa?” Charles scoffed. “1881-1914. European powers partioniong Africa. Berlin conference of 1884 finalized the grab. Germany, Italy, Britain, France and Belgium, they all wanted a piece.” 

I smiled. “Hold on, you know this?”

“You must take me for a dumb guy right? I study. I can solve math too. I just….the truth is, I let my academic fall on purpose. I failed things purposely.”

I tilt my head, asking with keen interest. “Why would you do that?” His statement was so absurd. 

“I thought Dad would see that if I'm a failure, he'll stop bugging me about going to study law and let me focus on football.”

My chest ached. “Fuck. Are you telling me the truth right now? Like, you did all that?”

“Yes.” He smiled sadly. 

I frowned, I felt his hurt and pain. 

“We can study together from now on. What do you think?”

“That would be great.”

“So, we're no more enemies?” I rubbed my neck nervously..

He laughed. “Let's make a truce. Let's put our anger and hatred aside. We should become study partners and I'll protect you from Sloane and every other bullies.”

I smiled, thinking about it before agreeing. “Fine. Deal.”

We both high fived and the door unexpectedly opened, making us startled. 

“Charles.”

Arthur stepped in.