Far Away Memories {Ruzes & Charlie flashbacks}

Not a lot of people are desperate enough to become foster parents. And for a kind hearted person to be one is even rarer, if nonexistent. They don't even get paid enough to care for the kids properly, and the youngsters they get are all troubled and bad. Somehow at the age of six Charlie's able to comprehend all this. Doesn't mean she changes her attitude towards them. With so much angst and anger coming from both the couple of adults and army of children, it's impossible not to act the same. Especially when within the chaotic house and surrounded by it all.

Any day that there's no school Charlie's bugging to go over to Jeran's. By now it's like a routine, though Ms. Carl still always calls Mrs. Ruze first. It's pointless really, but the little one puts up with it since she has to. "Get out of my way twerp." One of the older girls shove past the six year old that's been leaning in the doorway for the past fifteen minutes; Crossed arms and an obnoxious glare as if it was going to make Mrs. Carl cook breakfast faster. Almost hit a new record if she wasn't pushed aside. Like the doorways super thin, or Charlie just takes up so much damn room.

"Ass wipe." She mutters to the rude teenager, who she probably learned those very words from.

"Charlotte!" Ms. Carl scolds immediately as she sets the load of food on large sized plates. "You're not going to go at all with that tongue!" The first warning's given, but bad language isn't enough to keep a kid here for a whole day. Quickly Charlie zips her lips though, because they'll just keep her in her room instead if she continues.

Toast is shoved into her mouth when she's told she has to eat breakfast first. "Kay, can we go now?" Old habits die hard as she's always pressing to be with Jeran though they're already always together. The nagging probably doesn't help but they get out the door sooner or later. Already a thick layer of snow has coated the ground. A shiver comes across Charlie as she bundles into her jacket that's thinner then the kids who have parents to buy them clothing. People never donate thick stuff, and if they do someone else snatches it before Charlie's even aware. Doesn't take long to adapt to the temperate though, just another trick she's learned.

The two little brunettes could be heard from half a black away, and as soon as they reach the petite blonde's ears she's off in a flash. Once close her pace slows down as her brain quickly forms a plan out of the blue. Bare hands, that were before protected by pockets, come into the brisk air to burry themselves in even colder snow. The perfect ball is formed and her feet become delicate as she sneaks up on her friends. Eyes come across the young boy's back and seconds later a snowball hits the very spot.

"Gotcha!" Charlie cheers as she reveals her arrival loudly. As if there's no time to spare she runs up to the little girl that's finally beginning to become more like one of them. Sturdier legs, better vocabulary, though that baby face never seems to fade. A warm welcome is given as the rugrat's lifted off of her feet a tad for an enormous hug. "Hi Kya." And she's put down so that Charlie can dash over to Jeran. With no need to be as gentle with him, she tackles him into a mound of snow for an even better hug. "It's snowing!" She states the obvious full of excitement.

Can't helpt but laugh as Jeran assumes that it was his little sister that nailed him in the back with a snowball. As if a four year old could get that good of a hit. Of course it's no other then Charlie to deliver such an entrance and loud giggles lets that known. Today has already become a great day with these two Ruzes around. To express her enthusiasm she gives tiny Kyanite a large greeting. Though every meeting seems to turn out this way. But that snow makes it extra special, and the excitement extends from that.

"Snow's awesome!" Charlie replies to Jeran's happiness over everything, capturing him in a hug. How could any of them not be thrilled? To prevent from getting too wet and cold already, she gets upon her feet and offers a hand to her friend as she always does. Far too much fun is to be had before they start shivering and forced inside. The light patter of snow hitting the frosted ground catches her attention and makes her head turn over to Kyanite. The little one attempted to hit them with snow herself, but to no surprise her aim's not as good.

Just like anything Ky's fail attack has a purpose as she tries to provoke Charlie to run after her. The adorable voice even bluntly states what she wants as she runs off with giggles. There's such an instinct to go after her immediately, but Jeran's voice holds her back for a second. He wants help preparing snowballs before chasing after his sister. As if it'll convince her white flakes are thrown onto of them to scatter about.

"Not fair to team up against your little sister." Charlie protests with hands on her hips and a giggle in her voice. Though Jeran's her best friend she has a very soft spot for Kyanite as well. They all met on the same day after all, and she's been just as sweet. "Us against you. You get ready while I go get her." To make things fair she gives him a head start. He has the opportunity anyways.

"Don't know." An answers still given as to how long she's able to stay, as she sprints off after the little four year old. Usually she's able to stay for as long as it keeps another kid out of the house, out of who'm ever's responsibility. Doesn't matter now as they're able to play. "Got you!" Charlie calls out as her bright eyes come across Kyanite. Immediately her smile turns as the rugrat's not seeming too good. "You okay?" Concern covers her quickly changing tone as she approaches, comfort consuming her actions.

Not many people get a spot within young Charlie's heart. Only three to be exact, all with the last name Ruze. Anyone else has just proven to be a bother, and now she's grown to trusting only the three. Not even allowing for the idea of anyone else. With that rare relationship comes an unconditional passion from the little one. Something the rest would claim she didn't have. When it came to the two little Brunettes she calls friends it's unmistakable. The protection for them, the compassion, was like no other compared to any other six year old. They're all she has, and she's determined to keep them no matter what the cost.

Turning the corner playfully, eyes don't fall on what they expect to see. A sick little girl curled up against the wall. Before Charlie's even able to respond her heart sinks into her stomach with sympathy. She'd rather not feel good herself then witness Kyanite go through it. The answer she didn't want is given as the shaken voice informs that she's not alright. A question that really didn't need to be given in the first place, receiving a heartbreaking response. What happens afterward is even worse though.

Despite the oder, Charlie rushes to the aid as she holds the dark locks back from getting soaked with the nasty substance. A back is even rubbed to coax the frightened Kyanite through it. "It's okay." Charlie's voice becomes soothing as she remembers how Mrs. Ruze would of handled it. Closest thing she has to a motherly sort of figure, and best role-model is an understatement. Even she knows that.

The sadness that fills Charlie isn't enough to stop her from what needs to be done. The little one wants, and needs, her mommy. "I know Kya." So that's exactly what she's gonna get. With no patients to wait for Jeran get Mrs. Ruze, Charlie takes Kyanite into her arms. "No need." She informs as she carries the four year old off, up the porch then into the house as if it was nothing. Assuming that Jeran would be following behind and getting the door of course. Only thing that needs to be done is getting Kyanite to her mommy, and that's exactly what they do.

"Shh." She urges to Kyanite as she tries to apologize for something she has no fault over. If anything Charlie feels grateful to have such a responsibility. The chance to show Mrs. Ruze she's been watching closely on how she's always acting. Though it only comes out rarely from the blonde, that sweet heart is still there. Even so she would automatically bring the sick little one within the house, but once again it's probably due to the influence Momma Ruze has had. Knowing the Jeran has gone to retrieve the very woman, she settles Kya on the couch. Unsure with what to do next as that's as far as her knowledge goes.

"Just a second Kya." Charlie reassures as she sees that Kyanite's feeling nauseous again. Luckily Mrs. Ruze, along with Jeran and a bucket, arrive just in time for the disposal to be taken care of properly. Either way it has the blonde's heart melting for the one only a couple years younger then her. With the bond they formed, practically like sibling as her and Jeran are, it's difficult to see Ky in such a position. Anyone can relate that's been in that situation, at least she has a caring mother by her side.

Despite the distraction of the sick child, Mrs. Ruze finds the time to thank Charlie for all she's done. Automatically a smile spreads across her chubby cheeks in return, though she's unable to say anything before Jeran's soft voice escapes. He wants an acknowledgement as well, which he fully deserves in Charlie's perspective. After all they're best friends and anything they do is a joint effort. The part about actually being Ky's big brother does spark an ounce of jealousy within the blonde. That's not her part, she's not a Ruze as much as she wishes she was. To have the comfort of Mrs. Ruze all the time, and have siblings that'll always be by her side. Guess she has that to best of her abilities.

"She's going to be okay, right?" Charlie expressed her only concern, with no thought of the thank you she's been given. Nothing can happen to Kyanite. Something more extreme catches her guard as Mrs. Ruze asks if Ms. Carl should be called to pick her up. By the looks of it it's the flu, and that can be contagious. Then again Charlie would rather get sick then go back to the foster house. "No, no, no. You don't need to." She immediately protests. "I never get sick, I'll be fine." Well she has, but just as always she'll say anything to get from leaving. "And I wanna help." Something's added to keep her around. Plus it's genuinely what she feels the need to do. Gotta make sure Kyanite's alright.

Despite the plead and effort, Ms. Carl is still going to be called to come get Charlie. And to think that she only just arrived. With Mrs. Ruze being the only adult to gain respect from the youngster, there's no further protest. She's just so sweet, and has such a way with her words just as her son. Guess that's where he gets it from. Because the shift over to requesting for help has the other topic gone like that. Might as well enjoy the little bit of time they have left. And maybe if she shows how useful she can be, Mrs. Ruze will change her mind. "You got it." Charlie agrees instantly as she scurries from the couch to fulfill the order happily.

If only she never had to leave. A thought that constantly crosses Charlie, and does so again as she races up the steps. Already she spends most of her time here, why not all of it? It'd probably be that way if it wasn't for Mr. Ruze. Why he's lucky enough to be married to Jeran's mom is beyond her. That's just how it is though, and she's discovered how useless it is to even bother being sad over the fact. Have to just be grateful for what she does have. And what better way to show her appreciation then retrieving some pillows? Anything to bring comfort to ill little Kya.

Once in the pink toddler room, Charlie stuffs all the pillows from the petite bed into her grip. Last she saw Kyanite was still shivering even with the thick blanket covering her tiny frame. So with a careful balance she throws the comforter over her head, with no extra room between her arms. One way or another she'll get everything down in a single trip, even if she has to look like a colorful ghost. Cautiously she begins making her way back, just to run into Jeran before taking more then two steps down the stairs.

Unable to deny him just as much as Mrs. Ruze, Charlie reroutes back to Kyanite's room. "Kays." She agrees easily. Not bothering to put the stuff down but blindly makes her way down the hall. The edge of a wall's gently tapped as she attempts to get through the door, it only causes laughter though. "The door moved!" She exclaims as she finally gets through. This place is more known to her then that giant house she only sleeps in. "It's on her bed." Charlie informs since she remembers seeing the fish while grabbing the pillows it was leaning on. "You better not get sick to!" A demands given as she waits for Jeran to get the stuffed animal. She doesn't even want to imagine going through a whole day in school by herself.

"Rawr!" Charlie immediately replies with after she's referred to as the bed monster. Anything to cause those giggles from both of them. Feels good and sounds good. So even when she's bumping into the wall she has to let more jokes come forth. The laughter is as unstoppable as always, being little ones that crack up at nearly everything. Especially when it comes to being around each other. They just know exactly how to make the other break with a smile, even in the worst of times. Yet another reason why they form the best team.

The blanket's taken off of her load as Jeran offers help. Apparently they can't have her falling down the stairs. Hasn't she proven to be invincible yet? And even if she wasn't... "It's okay, I got plenty of padding." She mentions, referring to the stack of pillows she has. Certainly they'd make for an easy fall. Luckily she doesn't have to find out for sure though. The fish is grabbed and Jeran declares they should return back downstairs. Possibly they can get a little play in before Charlie gets picked up. First thing's first though and they have to retrieve these items to little Kyanite.

"Cause she's little." Charlie explains when Jeran expresses his sympathy for his baby sister, and questions why she had to get sick. "Don't worry, she'll get better." Reassurance has become a new recent trait of hers, thanks to him. And now Charlie's able to return the same support back that he's always given to her. Confident these items will be the very thing to bring Kya's health back quickly, they hurry back to the living-room.

On the way Jeran assures that he won't be getting sick or missing any school. As if all kids weren't aware, he comments on how unpleasant it is to be in that position. "I heard some kids like missing school." Charlie shares as they journey down the steps, slowly and cautiously this time with all the things they're carrying. It completely baffles her on why some kids would rather stay home where there's not as much fun to be had, or friends to be with. Probably the only way she's a decent kid, though class to her isn't about learning. Everything's about having fun at this age.

Down stairs things automatically go quiet. Even if Kyanite wasn't sleeping, it's simply known to be extra sensitive around someone that's not feeling good. The idea to bring another blanket comes in handy as it's spread over the little girl, and the shivering finally begins to settle down. As for a million pillows, not so much. But when Kya wakes up she might want some more to cuddle up with. Incase of that the rest are set at the end of the sofa, where her short legs don't reach in the least. "Welcome." Charlie whispers with a huge, proud grin. It's rare to get that sort of acknowledgment when it seems only lectures come from all other adults. So whenever around Mrs. Ruze, the tiny blonde takes it with a load of gratitude.

The best news is given with the announcement that Ms. Carl was unable to be reached. That means Charlie gets to stay longer, and her already wide smile somehow grows even bigger. There's such an urge to jump up for joy, but she keeps it in with the sleeping sick Kyanite right next to them. To prevent the illness from catching on to them, Mrs. Ruze urges them to continue their play outside. "Okay!" Charlie agrees with a soft, yet very excited, voice. With nothing left to help out with, she grabs ahold of her best friend's hand to rush out the door as if his mom was going to suddenly change her mind. Or Ms. Carl was going to call and being away will avoid that. Despite the sorrow for her little sleeping friend, all she can consider is the fact that she doesn't have to leave yet.

The idea of parents. Having someone to comfort you while sick, or kiss away the owies, protect you no matter what the cost. It's always been a far fetched fantasy for Charlie. Only the occasional events when Mrs. Ruze gave her the minor taste of what it's like. Something she's of course extremely grateful for, but also has her craving the real experience. Until today that is. There's never been more despising news then the congratulations of a miracle occurring, that Charlie might have her forever family. "They live two hours away." Ms. Carl explains with a lack of sympathy in her voice. Though another foster kid will soon be replacing her, at least the troublemaker will be out. "Pack your stuff, the trail starts tomorrow."

Everyone seems to be ecstatic over this information, all except for Charlie of course. With tears burning her eyes she rushes up the stairs, to one of the many bedrooms. This particular room contains her few belongings and the bed she's been allowed to claim as her own, till today. Of course it's not private as it comes along with three sets of bunks. Instead of retrieving her things to stuff messily into a duffle bag, her minds to worked up over the few things she's unable to live without, not just miss. The packing can wait until those stupid wannabe parents arrive to attempt to drag her away. Because she's determined to spend all of her remaining time with her best friend.

There's not even a bother to inform Ms. Carl as Charlie coyly slips out of the house. Her small feet quickly patter against the sidewalk as she runs to Jeran's house like the world was coming to an end. It might as well should. She'd rather that then be parted from the only people she's learned to love. An urgent knock comes to the door as her tiny fist tries to grab attention from anyone inside. "Is Jeran home?" An out of breath little girl asks as her gaze travels up to meet Mrs. Ruze for only a split second. There's no time to wait, and her manners end there as she barges up the stairs.

The door swings open with dire news. Only a worried face greets the boy within the room though. Collecting herself hasn't been a priority, and her hands rest on her knees as she finally has to. "They wanna take me away." Charlie gets around to saying as her heart begins to settle down, though still slams against her ribs with every slowing beat. Just like that the plan to stop all of this springs into her head. Knowing it's nothing for anyone else's ears she enters the room and closes the door behind her. "We have to runaway, Jeran." She begs as her eyes give off that very same plead. Nothing's allowed to separate them, nothing.