day dreamer

Beatrice smiled a bit before ducking behind the counter and pulling out a rather large tupperware dish. “Well, I have a few different flavors.” She said, pushing the dish towards him. “This one is an orange softbread with a chocolate coating, next to it is a red velvet macaron with a cream cheese frosting, and the last one is vanilla cookie with a strawberry filling. Have to admit, I was kind of going for a strawberries and cream theme with that one.” 

Charles felt his mouth watering at the mini display of treats his mother had revealed from the Tupperware. “I feel like I don’t even have to taste them to know these are a yes,” he chuckled, “But I still want to try them. For... science of course.”

Adam paused a moment before letting his shoulders shrug before responding. “Just curious mostly. I would hate to hear that you were getting into any, intense trouble.” He commented. “Don’t want you doing anything that could hurt you, whether it be physical, mental, or any other way.” 

“No I promise I’m doing my best to stay out of it,” Charles replied, trying not to think too much about the time he had gotten a black eye. Some of the bullies were a little reckless. “I appreciate that, Adam. I truly do. But I’m gonna be okay.”

“It was fun for a little while, but I missed the blonde.” Marie commented, drawing her fingers through her hair gently. “Plus blondes have the most fun, right?”

“As much as I like you with any hair color, you won’t find me complaining about the blonde,” Charles told her with a small smile on his lips.

“Yes, we are as bad as one another.” Isabelle moved to give Charles a hug. “Is there anything new happening for you then?”

“We’re the worst,” he shook his head with a laugh before hugging her back. “No, not much. What about yourself?”

“Shut up and eat your cookie,” Scarlett said with a teasing smile.

charles potts

“You can hype this up as much as you want, I’m still not doing it.” Marie commented, combing her fingers through her hair. “I’ve just had my hair and nails done and I’m not going going to be messing them up anytime soon.”

“Well that explains the lack of purple,” he replied. “Decided it wasn’t for you?”

“Taste testers don’t normally eat five or six a batch.”

“I suppose I can’t really say anything against that given I’m pretty much the same.” Her father was the reason she was still in this little town. That and the friends she had made too. They made it manageable.

“Perhaps it’s one of the reasons we get along so well,” Charles chuckled.

Beatrice just gave a nod of her head, focusing more on the next topic than the previous. “Sounds like a deal.” She commented. “For now, how about some tea and biscuits? I have a new recipe I tried out, figured who best to taste test than you?” 

“Taste testing? There’s nothing I love more,” he grinned. “Well maybe aside from you and Sultan,” Charles added with a chuckle.

Part of Adam might’ve believed that the professors had a right to make the comments they did, but the other part of him would’ve like to give them his own comments. “No problem, Charles.” He commented, pausing for a moment. “You haven’t been getting into too much trouble, have you?” 

“I definitely do my best to stay out of it,” he admitted. While that was mostly true, sometimes Charles agreed to things that had potential for trouble but it was never the reason he would agree to something. Sometimes it was simply a side effect. “Why?”

“You already have pretty unlimited access. I should really start charging you, it’s not like I run bakery or anything,” Scarlett teased and took a sip of the coffee she’d just poured herself.

“I do, Charles. You’re a very capable young man, and I’m not just saying that because I’m your mother.” She commented with a confident smile. “Well, I’m never going to turn down the chance to spend more time with you, but only if you’re sure. I don’t want you giving up any chance to go something fun just to help me out.” 

“Thanks mum,” he replied in a tone as if the term was tired, but the smile lingered on his lips. “Okay what if I promise to ask for hours off if I have something planned or something comes up socially?”

“Well, you know I’ll always give you the truth.” He replied, nodding his head a little bit. Charles was like a brother to him, so he was going to give complete honesty, even though he would give it to everyone. “What kind of comments have they made?” 

“I mean it’s not important,” Charles insisted, not wanting to worry Adam nor kick him into defensive mode. He appreciated the other looked out for him, but he didn’t want to take up his time or thoughts for too long. “But thank you, Adam. Truly.”

“They are. Though they sound more to be for other people than yourself. You’re allowed to be selfish with your own dreams, you know that don’t you?” And Isabelle knew she’d support him whatever he decided he wanted to do.

“I mean I know, but I’m happy when the people I care about are happy,” he replied with a shrug. “But I appreciate you reminding me to have my own dreams too.”

“You’re right. I’ll have to talk to her about that,” Scarlett agreed, “We could work together at events and stuff. It would be great,” She said, “I think you’re only suggesting it because you would benefit from it. More access to those cookies,” She teased.

Adam looked up from the paper in front of him, waiting a moment as Charles finished his question. “I don’t know if I’d say you’re completely irresponsible.” He commented, leaning back in his chair. “You do happen to get yourself into trouble and have your moments, but you could certainly be worse.” Adam answered honestly. “Why? What brings this up?” 

“I appreciate that,” he replied softly, pulling his lips into a gentle smile. Charles appreciated the honestly that came from the other. He didn’t like when people skipped over facts or details to spare his feelings. He wanted to know what he did wrong so he could do better. “A few of my professors have made some comments and I just... I wanna show them that I can be responsible.”