Far Away Memories {Ruzes & Charlie flashbacks}

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

This is all to unreal. Any minute now Charlie's going to wake up far away from where she truly belongs again. Everything she's ever wanted coming true. It's difficult to keep her eyes from watering at the idea alone, luckily she has the excitement to distract her for now. This is now where she's going to live. Kyanite has to know! Her very best friend knows, and it's only right for her little best friend to hear this as well. It's sort of nice that she was carried off inside, because now they get to experience the joy all over again. As if there was no time to waist she rushes up the porch steps while dragging Jeran behind. All three of them are going to be together for this round of giving the wonderful information. A smile remaining incredibly wide the entire time without a single budge.

Immediately eyes fall on Kyanite as a giggle seeps through Charlie's lips our of pure anticipation. Sadly her vision has to fall on the Man of the house before she reaches the lovely little one. Only slightly does her grin fade down, unwilling to be removed completely. "Thank you, sir." The tiny Blonde gets out quite properly for her usual attitude. Not even him can get her mood down. And for once she wants to give a good impression to the ones now taking care of her. She wants to stay here for as long as possible, and that's going to require some work. Anything to stay here she'll do. Follow rules, share a room with the one she's always wanted to call sister. That's very much worth it for this shelter and home. Focus turning to Jeran as he's questioned if he's alright with switching rooms. To no surprise he's also completely willing to agree to it all at this point.

Sister. That sounds like music coming from Jeran. Plenty of times Charlie has had foster-siblings, as every foster house came with at least a handful, but coming from him is completely different. She's not there foster-sister even if that's the legal term. Since she met them four years ago that's never been her title. And finally she's where she belongs. The length of the smile Mr. Ruze had taken quickly returns with Jeran's words. Soon enough to grow extreme once again as the entire family is now within one room, their living room. This is wonderful. For some reason Kyanite feels the need to ask her Father for permission to speak. Even stranger it seems a nice bone has finally struck his body.

That warm greeting arrives and with a gentle & firm touch all mixed into one Charlie happily gives the hug back. The fantastic news has certainly reached the little Brunette, though she doesn't fully comprehend the extent just as the Blonde didn't at first. Even better to tell. "I'm not leaving." She shares with great delight after Jeran gives away the big surprise. The embrace is finally loosened & released, and just as Ky express all the amazing things they can now do, Charlie imagines them. Sure enough they occur as well. Of course it's not all a complete breeze as it's an adjustment for everyone, especially the one with instinct to do wrong. But with her best manners on board everything's not half bad.

The real struggle came from listening. Mainly when it came to Mr. Ruze and Charlie's already instilled dislike for him. Even when it came to Mrs. Ruze though she wasn't always the best at first. With time came growth and understanding, and in a matter of weeks she was practically a normal kid. Then the training came about, something Charlie could never get into and the one thing she absolutely refused. Getting on Mr. Ruze's good side wasn't worth it, and the hatred only grew. Concentrate on the good moments. Playing during all of their free time. That small chat with Kya before they drift off every night. Because all of that is worth it, even putting up with the bad.

[*]

Time seemed to just fly by. Those first few days, turned into weeks which then eventually turned into months and finally a little over a year had passed. Charlie was a wonderful addition to the household and even Mr. Ruze had grown to accept her, if only a little more than the day she arrived. The confidence levels in Jeran rose to an all time high and Kya couldn't function without Charlie being there at night to chase away the boogy monster that Jeran had instilled into her immature mind.

A shrill sound echoed through Jeran's bedroom. The clock beside his bed sounded with such a high pitched beeping noise that usually after six or seven, his eyes would open, but this morning, his eyes stayed closed, and the blankets pulled up over his head. A sniffle came out from below the covers as he slowly moved to the sound of the alarm, groaning as he did so. A hand appeared out from under the covers, aiming horribly for the shutoff button on the alarm clock only to knock it off the dresser beside his bed.

"Momma..." His pitiful voice came out as he let his feet touch the floor and reaching down for the clock, he found himself tumbling over, faceplanting to the ground and laying there for a moment as he felt of his nose and brought about a whimper of pain. Finally, his fingers turned the alarm off but he felt horrible enough to just lay there on the floor for a few more seconds before pulling himself to a sitting position and then climbing slowly back into bed for the remaining minutes of the morning. Any time, he knew that Charlie would be running in here to make sure he got up. As much of an early bird he was, it was like tradition to have that smiling face come in and pouncing on him to get him fully awake, but already, he hoped that she would skip this day. Again, his voice called out. "Momma... I don't feel good."

Slowly, he waited but no voice arose from the silence in the house except a giggle that came from down the hallway. That was the sound that his two sisters were awake and fixing to come in. Well, at least Charlie, meaning that Kya would be going to go get their mother up for the morning to start the breakfast plates and making their lunches. Another sniffle sounded as did a heavy cough that squeaked in the middle of it. Under the blankets, his sickly body began to tremble with a chill and he hugged the blankets closer to his body.

"Charlie...?" He whispered out as the door began to creek open and he soon saw her face as she held the door open half of the way and slipped in. He was glad she hadn't just barged in and jumped in his bed because he seemed to already look like falling over even laying down. A question came out to him as she neared his bed but another cough interrupted his reply as he tucked his head under the covers, only to emerge a few moments later looking worse. "No. I don't feel good. Charlie, will you get momma? please?" Manners even when the young Ruze is sick. A small groan as he turns himself to his side as he watches for Charlie's reaction. "Don't let Kya in here... I don't want her to get sick.... you either." He mumbles.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

For the first time in Charlie's young life she was completely fulfilled and happy. Far more then from those memories of being with the Ruze family on certain events. Every occasion now involves her, and the sense of belonging to a family was more then she could of ever hoped for. The times of miscommunication and frustration was still all worth it, and sooner then expected she was only causing the troubles any normal child would create. Surrounded by love it was difficult for her to give anything but her best manners. It's all very much worth it, and the smaller things even more so then the fun holidays. Being able to be there for Kyanite, experiencing every giggle with Jeran, the little stuff like that. Waking up to a joyful smile that only made her want to share it with the rest of the district.

"You're such a morning bird Kya!" She chuckles out with a yawn, tickling her wonderful morning alarm known as little Kyanite. She doesn't even need to open her eyes to get out the adorable squeak from the little six year old. Every time she doesn't fail on making the process of going to school a pleasant time, not that Charlie ever opposed to going there in the first place. Before it was the way to get out of her foster house and to her wonderful best friend, and still that acceptance of it sticks. "Alright, i'ma go wake up Jeran. You get your parents." As if that even needs to be said though since it's exactly what they do every single morning. Sometimes they do decide to barge into each room together, that is when Mr. Ruze is away on business. Not the case today though. After an instinctual morning hug they're off to disturb the rest of their family from slumber.

As fast as possible Charlie curves down the hall as Kyanite bursts into her parent's room without warning. Feet scurry down to a slow pace when an episode of coughs echo from the very room she was headed to. Uh oh, doesn't sound like Jeran's doing so good. The door creeks open and the sad vision of her sick friend comes into view. Not an entire day in school alone. Of course Kyanite's going to be there, but not in her class. Would of assumed all of this inseparable time together would have this as no big deal, but now she feels even more reliant on her best friend. "Are you okay?" She questions with a concerned voice as she quickly makes her way over to his side.

Just as it looks he's not doing too good. "Yeah, of course." Charlie whispers, almost hesitant to get Mrs. Ruze. That means she certainly has to go a whole day by herself. A hand goes up to Jeran's forehead just as she's always watched his mother do. Burning hot against her constantly cold hand. He warns to not allow Kya access into his room, and that she should even leave as well, in order to prevent the illness from spreading. "I'm superwoman, remember?" She claims, refusing to catch anything he has. "I'll go get your mommy." And like that she's off in a flash as if the speed will make a huge difference.

"Jeran's sick!" Charlie informs immediately as she leaves the room just as Kya & Mrs. Ruze are passing. "He feels real warm." She gives her diagnosis with an affirmative nod as if she knew exactly what was going on. With the influence of Mrs. Ruze it's not hard to learn and mimic. "Want me to start lunch?" She offers with an enormous grin despite the situation, she's capable of assisting now and that means the world to her. Of course it doesn't go beyond preparing sandwiches, but it's still something to show her gratitude for being here. With Kyanite's hand interlaced with hers they journey downstairs as the mother of the house goes to check on Jeran.

[*]

Red cheeks. Drooping eyes. A sickly frown. Physical assessments for anyone to see when they were to come in the room, but of all the people, it was good to see Charlie. The young boy who emerged from the blankets asking to have the older girl get his mother is definately needed at a time like this. When he felt much worse than he looked and could barely lift his head against the pillow. With answers given about how he feels, he waits to see if she'll go get the person he wanted, but instead of her just bounding out, she has to mention that she'll never get sick. Even being aware that anyone can get sick, Jeran gave her a grin and a small nod.

"Superwoman... yeah. Fly off and be my hero." He tells her when she steps back and gives in to the little boy's needs. He watches her take off quicker than lightning and waits with his eyes staying on the door to the room that she left open. He listens intently for his mother figure to pass through the open doors, but he closes his eyes slowly to rest until he could hear her footsteps coming in. Another round of violent coughs rack the sick child, eliciting a slight moan from him as he brought the blankets closer to his person. A light tremble coming right after and his eyes open to the touch of cold fingers and a hushed 'tisk-tisk' from his mother.

"Someone caught a bug, I presume. Jeran, you and your sister are always getting sick. How come? Do I have to put you into your own personal bubble to keep you from catching every little cold and bug? Poor baby..." Her hand goes from forehead to cheek, then flipping her hand backwards, she feels again. She doens't stop there, as she puts her hand just far enough into his shirt to feel of his chest and the heat that's rising along with the vibrations that seem to rattle when he took a breath. "You've really caught something good, didn't you? Guess you'll be out of school today. Maybe tomorrow."

"I can't. I have to go to school... Charlie needs me momma. The kids don't like to play with her. They say she's too rough and that she's not fair. She's the only one that I can play with on the kickball team cause she's good! She..." Coughs interrupt the boy's speech about his friend and with a hand going to his mouth, gently touching his lips, it meant for him to be quiet and he closed his mouth.

"You can tell me all about it later. Right now, you need to rest, okay?" His mother stood up from the bed and walked out into the hallway. With eyes that were heavy from fever, he barely even noticed how she returned with a cloth dipped in cold water to place on his forehead and an elixer that she let run down his throat. "There. That should help, Jeran. I'll be back to check on you after your sisters go off to school, okay?"

With a nod, Jeran took the nasty medicine with a frown and allowed his mother to place her hands against his cheek again before leaving his room and heading downstairs.

"Arlie? Can I make my own?" The little girl, Kyanite, asks as she giggles away with her older sibling. She reaches for the bread, taking the twist tie off and opening the plastic enough that she can pull out four peices of bread. "I got four peices out. One... two... three... four!"

Her innocence rings high with her voice as she opens up the refrigerator taking a jar of jam out and taking it to the counter. "I can put the jelly on for the sandwiches. They will be so yummy. Charlie... will you put, extra EXTRA peanut butter on mine? I like when it sticks to the roof of my mouth. It's fun, especially when you try to talk to someone. You're tongue gets all stuck and dry!" Kyanite explains and demonstrates by showing Charlie how her tongue gets glued to the roof of her mouth. A moment later, Mrs. Ruze comes down the stairs to check on the girls.

"You two ladies doing alright? How's your lunch coming alone? Kyanite? Charlie? Do you want some help?" Mrs. Ruze asks, but little Kya already has a terrible head shake to that question.

"Nope. This is mine and Charlie's special day. Hey, mommy, can me and Charlie go play at the playground after school?" With a gentle affirmation, Kyanite's squeaky voice manages out a high pitch sound with the tone for joy. Then she immediately jumps to the middle of the room, dancing around with no rhythm.

"Momma, where is Jeran? Isn't he coming down for school?" Kya's voice suddenly interrupts her dancing as her mother shakes her head.

"He's sick, baby girl. He won't be going. He's really not feeling well and his temperature is pretty hot."

"Make him some chicken noodle soup, mommy. Bet he'll get all better just by eating it. Okay?" Kyanite's voice comes out with a declairative statement.

"Will do, Doctor Kyanite. Orders will be followed. Miss Charlie. Would you mind walking with Kyanite to school today and when you come home?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

"Poor Jeran." Charlie mentions with a sunken face, which is quickly taken away from Kyanite's ability to always be a bundle of joy. More often then not that little one constantly manages to make the best out of every situation. Like today for instants, where the Blonde would certainly be faking an illness herself if it wasn't for this younger addition in her life. Having Jeran as her best friend came as a package, with another just as close friend. And given her inability to form a relationship with anyone else, it's a much needed plus. So despite having to go through school all by herself today, that common grin finds a way to her face. Won't be too bad since Ky will be there in between classes. She'll make it through.

With this confidence Charlie has no hesitation in preparing the food. It's the first time she's been given the task on her own, though it's not difficult in the least. Countless times she's offered her help in the kitchen, a way to make her presence here more valuable since they took her in just out of the kindness in their hearts. Her way of showing her gratitude. Which comes in handy now since she knows exactly where everything is. Laying two butter-knifes on the counter for eager Ky who wants to take on some responsibility as well. "Sure." She agreed with a large smile. Times like these always make her feel truly apart of this family, an amazing feeling she's been granted for nearly a year now. Once Ky's done counting her four pieces, Charlie takes out four as well to stick in the toaster. It's really the only sort of breakfast she can make unsupervised, and it makes it easy to multitask and help Ky with lunch as well.

The tiny Brunette takes hold of the jam from the fridge and begins coating half the pieces of bread, so Charlie decides on finishing the other half. Perfect team. Like a monkey she jumps on to the counter to reach the peanut-butter, jumping off like a cat as if she's done it a million times before...which she probably has. As requested she smothers one of the pieces with a ton of the sticky brownness, giggling as she listens to the youngster she's grown to love a ridiculous amount, a subtle shake of her head joining in. "You're silly." She informs as if Ky wasn't already fully aware. Nearly everyone in this household contains that personality quirk, except for Mr. Ruze of course. Just as always she scoops the remaining peanut-butter onto her finger, but instead of consuming it as usual, she sticks it onto the tip of Ky's nose with an even louder chuckle.

Sandwiches are completed and topped together as Mrs. Ruze comes in from checking on the sick one. To no surprise she offers her motherly support in cooking, but they're still at that age where doing these tasks is a load of fun. "We're good." She reassures, placing the sandwiches into little baggies before jumping off the long stool both the girls could easily stand on together. Her own little helper gets distracted by the approval of playing after school for a little, but luckily it's all practically done. Apples are retrieved along with two juice boxes, and it's all stuffed into two different paper-bags. Most certainly Charlie could see herself doing this more often, a small way of taking a bit of the load off of generous Mrs. Ruze. And tomorrow she'll hopefully be preparing this for the three of them.

Already Charlie understood the sad truth that Jeran wouldn't be joining them today, and hearing it just makes it worse. Luckily she easily distracts herself with the toast, covering three of the four pieces in even more peanut-butter. Usually they're spreading butter and jam on breakfast, but after Kyanite's comment Charlie assumed this might be a fun change. "Breakfast is done." She announces with another giggle because it was really no work at all. Nothing compared to the eggs, or pancakes that Mrs. Ruze constantly slaves over. Another job is given the little Blonde's way, one she already assumed she had, but as always it's nice to hear it just the same. "Of course!" She agrees as enthusiastic as she has with everything else.

"Here peanut-butter princess." Charlie hands over the piece with the most of the gooey stuff to Kyanite. "I wasn't sure what would be best to put on Jeran's, so I left his blank." She explains, grabbing one herself and leaving two behind. Adults and sick people have to eat to. "Guess we should head out." Her voice turns slightly unfortunate with the lack of one of the Ruze's. "Tell him we say bye and get better?" A small request is given as she hugs Mrs. Ruze like they do every morning. It's a routine she's happily gotten used to.