Far Away Memories {Ruzes & Charlie flashbacks}

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Being the new kid always sucked. Whether in high-school, elementary, or as young as preschool. They all share the general concept; it's scary. Well for most people. Not so much Charlie though. Even at the age of four it's nothing but annoying. The other kids always look at her weird, the old people never understand her. Come to think of it, it's that way everywhere. First days just always seem to be the roughest. This time will be more permanent though, least that's what Ms. Carl said. Whatever permanent means. Like the markers? Cause she always get in trouble for using those on wrong surfaces.

Quietly she's scurrying off past her foster mom, slipping through the door the old lady pointed out. For now she'll sneak in with the crowd of munchkins. Plenty of time to make herself known later, in a better way. Of course the teacher goes off to talk to Ms. Carl, but Charlie doesn't bother listening in. Her ears are only focused in on the jabbering going on around her. "Class this is Charlotte." The teacher introduces, gesturing over to the petite blonde. Heads turn yet she doesn't take notice, not for a couple of seconds.

"My name's Charlie." The rugrat corrects and the ones around her break out into giggles. "But that's a boy's name." One feels the need to point out as they continue with their laughter. Naive about it all Charlie simply laughs along until that comments made. "No it's not!" She nearly barks back in protest.

"Okay class that's enough. Welcome to our class Charlie." Wanting to avoid any further argument the teacher drops it at that and moves on to the lesson. Staying focused isn't one of Charlie's strong suits though. With the rules gone over first, the only thing sticking in her young mind is how stupid they are. And how she can get rid of them. Why have rules? They're so restricting, controlling. She hates them.

Wasn't difficult to catch the teacher distracted once outside. Constantly kids are running up to her with a minor scratch, or to tattle on someone. With a group huddled around her like puppies, Charlie takes her opportunity to sneak back inside. A marker's captured and her eyes are completely upon that stupid sign of rules.

[*]

A sweet looking woman, long dark hair that falls over her shoulder in small - loose curls, held the hand of a little boy. His dark, very short hair is the only thing about his that looks somewhat nearly perfect. His face showed signs of being scared and his clothes were wrinkled around the bottom with how he held on tightly, creasing the shirt, with his tense fingers. His shy eyes appeared out to all of the kids arriving and as the class was about to begin, that hand is released and kiss placed upon his forehead. "I love you, Jeran. Be a good boy. I'll be back later. Have a great day!"

"Bye momma, I love you."

With that solemn goodbye, he lets his eyes follow her out the door and she disappears. Only moments later, does he stand beside another little boy who is trying to tell him all about some toy he got. Some little device that breaks rocks, but when the teacher introduces a new student to the class, he perks up and flashes a small smile to the name. "Charlo..."

"My name's Charlie." She demands for them to call her something different. Along with the rest of the class, he joins in with the laughter until the little boy beside him dares to make a sly comment on her name.

"That's a boys name." Immediately, Jeran flashes him an evil glare and the boy keeps his mouth shut after Charlie makes a comeback and to add to it, Jeran gives the boy a little shove.

"No being mean to hurr, Hemmly. She's new." He says descretely. One thing he's found that he don't like is for people to make fun of others. By now, the boy only shrugs as the day takes off to flying colors and oddly enough, Jeran finds out that she'll have to have the seat next to him. A half smile appears, but quickly fades a moment later.

Recess hits and Jeran is outside in a flash, beating most of the kids outside. Completely occupied, the teacher doesn't even notice how Charlie slips back inside the room, with little Jeran following quickly behind. STanding in the doorway, he watches as she grabs the marker and her eyes befall upon the sign.

"I wooden do dat if I were you. Teachor is going to get mad at you if you do that." Jeran peeks outside the door and back inside and takes a few steps in. "Why do you go by Charlie? Char...lot is a pretty name."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

A voice breaks the concentration. Before Charlie's able to get no more then a line down those stupid words, someone's intruding. Immediately her eyes dart over to the little boy in the doorway. Keeping it ajar and causing suspicion for the teacher. Someone's not experienced in being bad. Least it's not an adult, or someone that's already shown to be a complete tattle tale. No, this one's quiet and to himself. Well maybe not as much as she thought, as he gives a warning to not scribble on the rules. Informing that the teacher's going to get mad as if she didn't know that already. As long as she's not caught, it doesn't really matter how the teacher reacts.

"So?" Charlie questions with a chuckle as she continues with her masterpiece. "Close the door." She urges with a gesture to come inside. This guy doesn't seem half bad, especially compared to the other brats. Perhaps there's some potential in him. The quiet ones always have a secret evil side.

Curiosity strikes the one consumed by shyness. After witnessing her disapproval for her full name, he has the nerve to comment that it's actually pretty. Questioning why she goes by Charlie instead. "Just like Charlie." She answers with a shrug. No one's ever asked her that sort of thing. Well lots of adults have, but they don't deserve a reply. They're always prodding her for useless information, just to jump her around from home to home. "What you go by?" Without proper parents her wording's not quite the best. It gets the point across though.

"You wanna marker?" Charlie offers, holding one out as her left hand continues to scribble. "If we get outside before the teacher sees, she'll never know it was us." She reassures with a grin of confidence. "And if we do get caught, I'll take the blame." An alternative is given for a just incase situation. Having a partner in crime is worth taking the fall for.

[*]

Watching the little girl with blonde hair, he has the nerve to ask her about her name. His voice is shy though. Completely, embarrassed just as soon as he said her name was pretty. Now, he swiftly looks to the ground, but he peers upward again. No smile is given now as he keeps his lips together. Charlie on the other hand tells him to shut the door after he takes a few steps on in. He looks to the rule board and looks to the line that's crossed out a few words already. Behind those words, it says the words good and nice, but to put the sentence together just isn't happening. His ability to read hasn't gone that far just yet.

"Just like Charlie." He accepts the answer from her with a shrug.

"Okay. If you say so." He turns to the door and closes it finally after having one small peek outside at the teacher who has walked over to the swing set to help a kid stop whose gone too far, too fast. The latch is clicked and Jeran turns to her again.

Just like two strangers meeting, he knows her name, but his name is still a mystery to her. She asks, with an uncommon way to ask. His eyes light up though. "Jer-en. Roooze." He elongates the last name like he would a taunt, but he turns his gaze away from Charlie. She doesn't waste no time at all with holding out a marker for him to use, verbalizing the offer as well. "I don't know. I dun wanna get in trouble. Momma will get mad at me if I get a note pinned to my shirt."

He says that with a matter of fact remark. After one more moment of looking at the pen in her hand. He finally makes a decision. "Can we be friends if I do?" He asks, as he lets his fingers grasp the colored marker in her hand and he uncaps the top of it. He turns his head to the door then back to Charlie. "Friends?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

This boy's turning out better and better. Instead of starting a debate over why she prefers her name shortened, he simply agrees. Just like that, with no further explanation needed. Most kids will press on with an obnoxious why, or several of them. Not him though. He's already good in Charlie's book. Potential friend perhaps, though that might be a stupid idea since she'll be transferring schools again in no time. Guess they'll just take it as it comes. Now to see if he's on the same page as her as well. There's a good chance he has a naughty side in him. First to exchange names though.

Since Charlie's name is already obvious, she asks for his. "Jeran." She repeats with a grin that provokes her dimples. With numerous foster siblings she's gotten good at remembering names. Have to say it a couple of times to make it stick. "Cool, cool." The work on crossing out the rules never halts. Complete opposite as she asks for assistance. Now for the real test of what Jeran has in him.

To no surprise he's concerned over what his mother will think if she's notified. Not about the teacher walking in, or the punishment that might result from this. Only of his mother's opinion. How cute. "You won't get in trouble." She reassures again with another set of giggles. Already there's a plan formed within her innocent mind.

A deal is offered, and such a sweet one at that. This is the first time Charlie's attempted to get someone to cause trouble with her, and a friendship is even going to form from it. Another first. No one ever wants to to be her friend, and she gladly takes it. "Friends." The biggest smile graces across her chubby cheeks. It's all so unreal, and somehow she maintains her excitement with going back to doodling.

In no time at all the door's swinging open for the class to come inside. Automatically Charlie snatches the marker from Jeran. "You can't tell me what to do! I don't wanna color on paper." She acts as if he was attempting to get her to stop. Given that this age aren't the best liars, let alone to protect someone else, the teacher falls for it instantly.

"Charlotte! What are you doing?" She scolds instantly as she rushes over and grabs ahold of all the markers. "Jeran's right, you only color on paper!" Her voice is very stern and disapproving. "Ms. Carl will not be happy with your report young lady. Now come on, lets get to lunch everyone." And they're quickly directed elsewhere.

[*]

The need for a friend overwhelms the dark haired boy. He's faced with a decision between good and bad, yet having a friend to tackle the task is what takes him further. "Friends?" He says the moment the cap is taken off and with a look at the little blonde haired girl, she makes the offer into a deal. Jeran's shyness starts to melt away the moment the colored marker, blue - his favorite color obvious by the amount of blue he's wearing, crosses out some words and there's a doodle of two happy faces right next to each other.

Making the two faces come together with a stick body, Jeran taps Charlie on the shouler and points to it. "Look. This one is me. That one is you." He says with a proud grin, finally showing off the crooked front teeth that he suddenly hides behind his closed lips. His head dips down the moment the door wings open, eliciting a gasp of horror to the teacher as the marker is snatched from his hand. Charlie then suddenly begins shouting out to him about not wanting to color on paper, and for a moment, he's wanting to accept the fate, but she had said that she would take the fall for him. His mouth drops open for the teacher to see then praise him.

"I... didn't want her to get into trouble." He states, his voice barely above a whisper. In truth, he wasn't lieing. His first intentions was to make sure she didn't get in trouble and as she's scolded, the teacher just dismisses them for lunch. As the line goes on, Jeran grabs a hold of her arm.

"Charolette... I mean.. Charlie. Umm. Do you want to meet my baby sister? She's next door? Hurr name is Kya. She's two. Follow me." He asks in a whisper and suddenly takes off running to the next door, opposite of where the little class just went. With a gentle push after turning the handle, Jeran slips inside and holds the door for Charlie to follow. Immediatly he hears her squeal and sneaks over to the closest corner of the room when the teacher is busy dealing with a dirty diaper. "Kya... this is charlie!"

"Arlie?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Friends? Is this real or is Charlie imagining things? She does that a lot, but it never feels this real. Yet it all feels so unreal at the same time. Probably because she never thought something like this could ever happen to her. Yeah, even at the young age of four. After all the moves, and rude kids that share a home with her, it just didn't seem plausible. But here she is now, causing mischief with a boy she's only just met. Hopefully Ms. Carl was right about this being permanent for a change, because for the first time Charlie's got herself a friend.

To make matters even more heartwarming stick figures of two kids side by side, hands drawn together, is created by Jeran. It's more then just being young and prone to smiles and giggles that has a smile glued to Charlie's face. Unable to fade a bit as he continues to bring reason for that grin. "It's perfect." She expresses her gratitude simply as she's been taught. Short hair is scribbled onto one, and then she gives the one he labeled as her longer hair so they won't forget. The precious moment's cut short as the class barges in, along with the teacher. Catching them at the worst time, though Charlie still has enough time to only frame herself.

A grin is given from Charlie, to the shy little boy that's retreated back into his shell. Getting into trouble is nothing for Charlie, and she's only happy her strategy worked. Luckily the lecturing will be delivered by Ms. Carl back at home. They're rushed off to lunch as this teacher obviously prefers avoiding anything conflict. Content with her amount of bad behavior, Charlie slips into line for lunch. Before food's able to be served a hand gently pulls her arm back. The sight of Jeran automatically brings a grin to her round face. And this time he's the one planning the trouble. She's really loving this friendship.

"Okay." Charlie agrees instantly as she scurries off to follow him. Meeting his baby sister isn't even really important to her, it's only about breaking some more rules. Little did she know she'd form just of big of a friendship with that adorable two year old to. Immediately a tiny Brunette comes running up to her big brother, and the resemblance is unmistakable. They all sneak off into an indoor playground, away from the sight of the teacher changing diapers.

"Hi Kya." The blonde greets and pats the rugrat on her head, unsure with how to act around younger ones. There's usually one or two in the foster house, and they're always nicer then the older ones. Primarily because they don't talk much. Still it makes them good in Charlie's book. Kya's attempt at her name is so adorable to. Good thing since it's a nickname that turns out sticking around. "She's real cute." She tells Jeran as her eyes stay upon the bundle of joy. Turns out even a baby orphan can make her own family.

[*]

"Momma. Momma. Charlie will be here soon. Hurry! Please, hurry!" An excited boy stands by the window of their two story home. His nose presses up against the glass of the front windows as his eyes move eagerly to see the figures of his friend from school appear. A play date, of sorts, is suppose to happen for the two. Almost a year has gone by since the two has first met, and at this point, they've become practically inseperable. The little boy though, holds in his hand a simple disc, a toy, as he can barely keep himself planted to the window.

"Jewan. Jewan! Pway wif me!" The boy turns his head to see the grinning face of his little sister, her brown hair perfects parted into two halves, and dangling down with curls on each side as her face is lite up with a grin. Jeran shakes his head.

"Not now Kya. I'm waiting on Charlie." He says as he dismisses the youngster. Her only reply is of excitement to the name though. Jeran rolls his eyes.

"Mom... get Kya before Charlie gets here." He says but a moment later, when a hand touches the back of his leg and pulls him, does he react. "Okay. okay, Kya. Two minutes. That's it." He says as he takes one more pleading look to the glass. His breath stains the window with fog that slowly disappears as he bends down to pick up Kya and put his arms under her leg and swinging her around. A gentle breeze is given off as a loud giggle comes from the child being flown in a circle, held comfortably in her brother's arms.

A moment later, they collapse and Kya instantly tackles Jeran with a hug, not letting up. "Kya. stop... please? Charlie is going to be here any minute."

"Arlie? Can Arlie play wif me?" She questions, giving off a hopeful face but a moment later, JEran's mom comes in to collect the toddler, whisking her away in her arms. Their mom holds tightly and placing kisses all over her face, eliciting laughter from the child.

"Alrighty, My Kyanite. My previous little stone. Nap time for you." A grumble is let loose from the child as both mother and daughter disappear to the stairs and a moment later, out of sight. Jeran pulls himself to the window yet again, an the moment he does, the figure is unmistakable.

"CHARLIE'S HERE! CHARLIE'S HERE!" He races to the door and opens it before she even gets there.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It wasn't a lie. For the first time in Charlie's small life she wasn't lied to when Ms. Carl promised this move was going to be more permanent. Something about Jeran had her purposely being more tolerable in order to not get sent away. Of course homes changes quite a bit, but she was never moved far. The same preschool remained, and the followup elementary school came next. Just as any other kid she even remained with the same class as well, with the same annoying classmates. All except for one of course, her best friend Jeran.

Keeping kids out of the foster home was always the easy route. One quick walk a couple of blocks got rid of the most troubled kid to. So Charlie was constantly escorted to Jeran's house, to be put off on his mother to deal with. For some reason Ms. Ruze never seemed to care though. Only gaining the kindness out of the young girl that no one got to see. Even though she was constantly going over to Jeran's house, Charlie got ready in an instant. Pestering her foster mom until she finally got around to taking her. There was nothing better in the world then visiting her only friend...well friends as even his little sister has maneuvered her way into the young stubborn heart.

Just as always that adorable face is peering through the window of their second story home. Immediately Charlie takes off in a sprint, and like clock work the door's opened and Jeran's greeted with an enormous hug. "Jay!" She acts as if she hasn't seen her friend in ages though it was only yesterday they were in class together. After a tight squeeze she lets him go. Have to appreciate the only ones that stick around. "Ya sis asleep?" Is the first question asked since she's used to seeing the adorable rugrat racing up to the door as fast as her brother. It's about the time that she's put down for a nap though, Charlie can put together that much.

As disappointing as it is to not have Kyanite around, just as much fun will be had. Probably just coming from putting the munchkin to bed, Momma Ruze strolls down the stairs. "Mrs. Ruze." Charlie greets with a wide grin. And there's the only adult that's ever shown kindness to the little blonde. "Uhh, thanks for having me over." She remembers what she's been worked in to say when someone's nice enough to invite her over. "Me and Jeran are gonna go play now." That's as far as her manners go, and she grabs her friend's hand and rushes outside to play. She knows the drill, gotta play outdoors when Kyanite's taking a nap.

[*]

Hearing the footsteps of his mother taking Kya upstairs and the sudden appearance of Charlie, Jeran is at the door as quick as lightning. The moment the outside air hits his face, something else hits his body. Charlie grips him in a tremendous hug and one that he's returning quickly back. Excitement seems to flood the boy as he rocks her back and forth in the hug.

"Charlie! Oh my goodness! I'm so excited. I got a new throwing disc! It's my favorite color!" He taunts as he holds the disc out in his hand for her to see the sapphire blue color. A simple toy, but new, nontheless. As the hug breaks, he waves over to Charlie's escort and yells out a 'thank you'. No return is given, but he woudln't have noticed anyways as he opens up his home to his best friend.

"Yeah. Kya just got put down for her nap. So, it's just you and me. She tried to tear my leg off to play with her. You're too slow. What took so long?" He asks her as the interruption of his mother appears. Instantly, Charlie is thanking his mom for what she's done to allow her to come over. Quite often, and sometimes for supper, she'll offer for Charlie to stay, but the words don't pass by her lips this time for some reason.

"It's a pleasure, Miss Charlie. It's great to see you! You doing alright? School going okay, dear?" The mother routine doesn't escape her lips as Jeran just becomes antsy waiting, but without an answer, the once shy little boy, now has a totally new appearance as he's dragged outside to go play. Mrs. Ruze only chuckles in spite of herself and goes off to do some form of housework.

As the door is pushed open and the sunlight hits his face, he takes a daring tackle towards Charlie, trying to pin her to the ground. "So, what are we playing today? Aliens? superheros? Squirrels?" He teases her and bops her on the head quickly, taking off toward the tree. "CAtch me if you can, Charolette-squirrel! Race you to the top!"

He taunts her, all in fun, running while she's getting up from where she was tackled. Jeran's little hands move quick to grab onto the shorter of the branches and uses his feet to bite into the bark as he scales the tree. Foot then hand movements start to take control. After a minute, he finds himself a good distance from the bottom and eggs Charlie on.

"Are you a squirrel or a toad?" Laughter erupts from the dark haired boy as he turns to go a little bit higher, but the laces of his shoe become snagged the moment he steps over the thick tree limb and finds himself falling forward over the branch. His fingers grasp the bark tightly, but his foot won't budge. A call for help comes out for the only know he knows will be there for him.

"CHARLIE! I'm stuck! I'm going to fall!" A frightened voice quivers as he clings to the branch.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Just as predicted Kyanite's asleep. Not the end of the world as Charlie's still dragged from her foster home. Some big kid play is needed anyways. Plus Mrs. Ruze never sends her home early, they'll be plenty of time to play with the toddler later. For now it's out of the house, which is even better as that makes it a lot easier to get into some trouble. Explore something they shouldn't, climb up too high, adventure too far, the possibilities are endless. And just as always Mrs. Ruze sees them off with a large grin and the usual kind words. Polite words of how Charlie's doing, how school is, so on and so on. Nothing that grabs the youngster's attention.

"Yep yep. Great to see you to!" It's always nice to see Mrs. Ruze, but the important thing is to go play. With that Charlie rushes out the door with her best friend in her grasp. Before they make it very far, Charlie's clonked to the ground. Giggles erupt like a volcano as she stares up at Jeran, who's questioning what game they'll be playing first as he pins her to the ground. "Squirrels." She picks the one that sounds most intriguing.

Suddenly Jeran's upon his feet and dashing off to the tallest tree they always climb. A taunt arrives as he brings out Charlie's full name and challenges her to a race to the top. Only Jeran's allowed to call her by that, and they along with everyone else knows it. Since the first day he called her full name pretty she's never minded. As long as no one else has the guts to use it. "And I'm still gonna beat you!" She returns the antagonizing ways right back. After all she is like a squirrel with how fast she can spiral up a tree.

Faster then she was brought down Charlie's back on her feet and running after Jeran. With countless energy laughter joins right in as she goes full speed. A pause is taken before taking hold of the tree. Just to see her competition and how far her friend's gotten. Another tease comes forth as he questions if she's a toad or a squirrel. "Only boy's can be toads!" Her young reasoning comes forth as she grasps a couple of branches and starts making her way up. "A princess kisses a toad and he turns into a prince, duhh." She explains the fairytale right as Jeran gets caught of a branch.

A cry for help has Charlie scaling the tree faster then her brain can work. It could be nothing for all she knows, but the sound of Jeran's voice is all that drives her. Once at his feet level the problem is revealed and she unknots his shoelaces and ties them so it doesn't happen again. Her fast beating heart begins to stabilize as the threat's resolved. "You're fine." She reassures as she's done a lot since meeting him. Getting further up is the only thing on her mind now.

In a matter of seconds she's past Jeran, probably due to that fright though. "Don't be a wuss." Daring Charlie taunts as she finds a thick sturdy branch to rest on. After all that he's in no need for further competition though. Doesn't stop her in the least as she balances herself to standup, leaning her back against the trunk. "Nothing to be scared of." She shows off as always, taking her back off the support. "Look what I can do." A step's taken, and then another. With arms extended she continues down the branch. One minor stump has her wobbling though, and soon enough she's off balance and stumbling towards the ground.

[*]

As always, Jeran taunts Charlie in order to get her going faster as well. There's always some form of competition between the two. Whether it's jumping from the highest branch or racing in their game of squirrels, it's always something fun to watch from the sidelines as his mother is often doing from the window. This time, as he gets stuck on the tree branch, his eyes flash to the upstairs window of Kya's room but no wandering eyes appear. He don't see nothing but the little fan in the window moving back and forth, but his concentration is put heavily on needing help. Even a few moments ago, they were going back and forth on who the toad will be, but Jeran holds his tongue for now.

"Hurry, Charlie! I'm slipping!" He bellows again, trying to keep his body from leaning anymore over to the side as he's tugging for his foot to be released of the hold that's forcing him to stay still. Within a matter of seconds, Charlie has scaled the tree to the branch that he happened to get stuck on and with a few good tugs and tieing his shoe lace again, she tells him that he'll be fine. With his shoe released, he instantly brings it closer to himself and straddles the tree branch and sits with his back against the trunk. HIs heart is beating wildly with the thoughts that he was going to end up falling and crashing to the ground, but with his best friend there, he has nothing else to fear.

"Thank you, Charlie!" He says with extreme appriciate. "I thought I was going to land on my face. Can you imagine momma's face if I walked in the house with a squished face?" He says and demonstrates with his hands as he pulls the skin of his cheeks back to reveal a funny, flat face. He chuckles and watches as Charlie stands on the branch that he was stuck on.

"Be careful, Charolette, okay?" He watches with caution as his friend is probably the bravest kid he's ever known. His eyes sparkle to watch her walk across the branch with ease. He shakes his head. "How do you do that?"

This boy is all about caution at points and as his vision drops down to the ground, his mouth drops open a little when he sees her slightly off balance just a little. "Look what I can do." Jeran shakes his head a little, putting his hands up to his eyes. Watching her seems to frighten the young boy, but he does it anyways. In an instant, he watches her wobble after hitting a small stump on the way and she careens off the branch.

"CHARLIE. NOO! MOM!" His shrill voice cracks as he watched his best friend just fall. Even though she tried to hang on, the bark was unforgiving and let her fall anyways. He reacts without fear. His body is climbing down the tree without an ounce of fear and the moment he's got a few feet to jump, he takes a bound and races over to a whining Charlie.

"Charlie, are you okay?" He asks as he looks to her arm that already shows the streaks of blood. His eyes grow huge. "MOMMA... CHARLIE'S HURT."

He doesn't leave his friend at all, but instead brings her into his arms to prop her head up. "You're crazy Charlie." He says, his face full of fear. His hand touches her arm to look at the scratches that decorate her forearm. "just be still Charlie. Momma will come."

On cue, the woman with the gentle face comes barreling out the door and lands beside the two kids. "What on earth were you two doing? Jeran Kent Ruze. You should be ashamed of yourself. I've told you not to climb this tree. Now, look what you've done. Charlie, dear, lets get you inside, okay?" With that Jeran's mouth closes with tears forming in his eyes as his mother picks Charlie up into her arms and takes her to the house. Jeran lingers outside for a few moments before following.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Since day one the two little ones just stuck together like glue. Polar opposites with a stronger bond then any others. Maybe because Jeran's the only person that's ever shown kindness to the little blonde, and she gives some adventure and excitement in return. Even trade, and an amazing combination. With the daring life comes responsibility though. From day one Charlie's sworn to protect her only best friend. If it's making sure she's the one blamed, or preventing him from falling out of trees, her main concern has become to have his back.

So before her brain even registers what's going on, her feet are instantly working their way up the tree. After countless of times climbing this very life Charlie knows exactly where to step, and in a matter of no time she's at her friend's rescue. "Hold on!" Her voice is mixed with a demanding and pleading tone. The last thing she wants is for Jeran to get harmed, and he's proclaiming his loosening grip. As fast as her tiny fingers can she unravel the lace from the branch it's somehow gotten a nice tangle on.

The shaken up little boy takes a secure seat on a thick, sturdy branch. Despite the fright he has it in him to pull out a joke as he shares what would of happened if he actually fell. A demonstration is even given as he pulls on his face to illustrate the damage that would of been done. Just one of the many reasons they're best friends. As always giggles explode from Charlie. To continue with the roleplaying game her mouth makes an O shape. "Jeran what happened?" She pretends to be mom, her voice going sweet and gentle. "My poor baby boy's face!" Petite hands clasp Jeran's cheeks as more laughter plays out.

Eager for more excitement Charlie decides to take a short walk down the very branch they're on. Each step's done with cation, though no hesitation, and hands go up as if she was on a balancing beam. Like always Jeran's pressing to be careful, and as always Charlie doesn't give it much consideration. In her eyes she's invincible. "One step in front of the other." She explains her talent for being so daring with more chuckles trailing along. If only that included being as coy as her words are, because one wrong bump has her off balance.

The only thing Charlie's able to concentrate on is the yell from Jeran. What he says exactly is beyond her, because in seconds she's upon the grass with a splat. Only whimpers escape from her tightly sealed lips. Don't cry, must be strong. Before she even knows it Jeran's by her side and asking if she's okay. Well her arms toke the grunt of the fall, but they don't feel broken. "Mhm." Is still all she's able to get out as she grits her teeth together. It's not good enough though because he calls out for his mom.

Instead of stepping back from the problem as Charlie always pressed him to do, Jeran plops down and scoops her upper body into his arms. The obvious is stated as he calls her crazy. That's what he signed up for when he asked to be her friend. Orders to stay still are given next, along with the reassurance that his mom's on her way. Great, now she's hurt and they'll get into trouble. Least they're not at the foster house, and Mrs. Ruze's a lot nicer when it comes to them being mischievous. With a sigh she accepts the fate she caused for herself.

What's worse then pain is hearing Jeran get into trouble. Occasionally Charlie's unable to put the blame solely on herself and an adult figures out she had an accomplish. The lectures and punishments are always worse when Jeran's involved. For some reason she's always felt as though he just doesn't deserve it. Even when he participates in the troublemaking just as much. An overwhelming sting still consumes her arms and prevents any excuses from spilling from her lips as they always do. Like the little girl she is, though she's constantly forgetting, Mrs. Ruze cradles her easily to bring them inside. With how extremely rare a connection like this is, instincts take over as Charlie sinks into the arms supporting her. The pain doesn't even matter anymore as she only wants to take in this feeling so she'll never forget.

[*]

Laughter is something that these two kids share between themselves. Sometimes, making sense just isn't needed because they seem to already know what the other one means. No misscommunication for them as they talk away and demonstrate different reactions. Carefree Jeran, at the moment, plays with the ideas he's creating of a squished and flat face from falling only moments before Charlie takes a tumble and falls to the ground below.

Something that Charlie seems to evoke from Jeran is this caring side. For unknown reasons, instead of being squimish to the sight of the blood coloring her arm, he's right there beside her and taking her into his arms to be some sort of suport for the hurting girl. His suggestions for her to stay still is just instinct for someone who is five, but he's wise for such a youngster. He doesn't want to express too much fear for her injuries, but his voice tells enough. With shaking fingers, he keeps her within his grasp as any friend would. An inseperable bond is what they've got.

As Jeran's mom makes her entrance to the situation and scolds the little boy holding his friend, she releives him of his duties and leaves him behind, taking the small child inside to treat her wounds. Jeran cautiously approaches the house, fearful of the backlash of punishment he's going to get from getting his friend hurt by getting himself stuck in the tree. His face becomes red on his cheeks and his eyes become glazed with tears.

He enters the house, hearing the voice of his mom in the bathroom with his friend. As he nears it, he peeks inside the door, watching as his mother sooth the child with calming words. Words that weren't nice to him just moments ago, showing true anger at him for once. He watches so dilegently as she places a cloth against the length of Charlies forearm. Her fingers working quickly to wrap it and placing her arm on the counter to hold it there. His eyes keep watching so closely as his mom begins to dab something on her scraped up knees and with soothing words, she reaches for some cloth to put over the injuries. A sniffle escapes the little boy as he peers in fully this time and gets his mom's attention.

"Mommy, are you mad at me?" He asks so innocently as her eyes fall upon him. When she looks at him, there is no anger at all. Just a heartbreaking glance at her son's quick assumption of her temper when she used his full name. "I didn't mean to make her fall. She tripped. She came to help me so I wouldn't fall. I'm sorry, momma. I'm sorry, Charlie." Tears begin to flood the young boys eyes as his mother pats the top part of Charlie's leg and walks over to JEran, wrapping him in a hug.

"Honey, I'm not mad at you. You scared me is all. I didn't know what had happened to you or Charlie. I'm sorry I yelled at you." Still the boy seems to be fearful for some reason as he takes a peek at his friend, whose wrapped up with bandages. His mother follows his gaze and brings her hand to rest under his chin so he'll look at her, yet he squeaks out a question.

"Is she going to be okay?"

With a nod, his mother declares the outcome for Charlie.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Quite a few times Charlie pestered about the fact she should just live with the Ruzes. Sure their father wasn't to fond of her, but the other three were. She was even over there house more often then her own cruddy foster home. And that's how -who'm ever was stuck listening to her rampage- would respond, that she should be grateful for that much. To her it made absolutely no seance. Why wouldn't they just put her where she fits in more? The topic never gets further then that though, as she keeps it only within these boundaries. No point in getting Jeran's hopes up, or pushing his mother when she's already so kind. Still it always plays in her mind as a what if.

Like today for instances, as Charlie's passed over from one set of caring hands to another. In no other place could she find someone to comfort her, let alone two. As much as she wants to defend her best friend, the warmth has her silent for a change. Plenty of time to clear his name later anyways. Have to enjoy a moment like this while she has it. Because soon enough she's set down on the counter, and the room's suddenly cold without Jeran's mom being close. The nurturing touch doesn't stop there though, as Mrs. Ruze gently goes over every scratch with soothing words joining in. Why more adults couldn't be like her, Charlie couldn't understand.

Despite the lingering sting a small grin comes across Charlie's face, covered with ruffled up blonde locks. Is now a good time to start explaining? She doesn't want to effect the mood so she strays from that topic for now. "Thank you." She lets out in a small whisper. All her cuts and scraps taken care of and bandaged away. Just in time that adorable little boy sneaks from around the corner. That very face that always manages to bring out a smile or laugh from Charlie, causing exactly that as her grin grows wider to reassure him that she's fine. It's not uncommon for her to be covered in bandaids, and even at this age she's decent at ignoring the pain.

It's not enough to avoid concern though, and immediately Jeran expresses his worry of his mother's disapproval. First day the two rugrats met all he could think about was what she'd think if he got in trouble. Same case even today. Before Charlie has a chance to give the excuse, he spills out the truth as well. An apology for both of them following right after. "It's not your fault." The little blonde feels the need to clarify. After all she was the one trying to show off. The guilt complex has always been in her best friend though.

Just as always Mrs. Ruze is unable to stay mad. A genuine hug is given to her son and she even apologies herself. Whenever in this house, or around these people, it seems like a smile is constantly returning to Charlie's face, or never leaving in the first place. The sight of their bond has her heart twisting in a way she's unable to comprehend. Good? Jealousy? She didn't know, nor cared. Attention is turned back over to her when Jeran questions if she'll be alright. A tiny nose squishes up as she gives a large grin. "I'll always be okay." She states as if it was obvious.