Charlie and I slept in on Saturday after our big moving day on Friday. I woke up at around midday to find Charlie in the process of waking up himself. I decided to take a shower first before helping Charlie out so that he would be fully awake by the time I got to him. Getting dressed in a pair of camouflage pink and navy green sweatpants and a matching long sleeved cropped top, I decided I looked presentable enough to face the day.

"Good morning Charlie."I greeted walking into his room.

"Morning Willow."He yawned rubbing his eyes.

"Ready to face the day?"I asked carrying him out of bed and onto his wheelchair before wheeling him to the bathroom.

"Yeah. Can we go to the arcade? You promised we would go."He requested before I shoved a toothbrush into his mouth.

I had no plans of going out especially after just moving in but Charlie rarely asked for anything so it was always hard to say no when he did. It would probably be good for me as I'd get to search for work and get some sight seeing done in the process.

"Sure why not but we need to get you showered first then have lunch as we already slept through breakfast."I answered.

Charlie cheered in celebration toothpaste flying out of his mouth and covering his chest. Good thing I was about to give him a shower. Charlie had already learnt the drill so he needed me less and less everyday. It made me sad because I thought he would always need me but I was also happy for he was growing more independent. I'd once trusted him to take a shower by himself after he insisted. He ended up slipping in the bathroom, hitting his head on the floor and passing out. He got a concussion and three stitches. It took me a while to forgive myself and Charlie has never showered alone after that no matter how much he begged.

After the shower I helped him changed into a pair of shorts and a white T-shirt before styling his hair just how he liked it.

I grabbed all the stuff I would need and put it in a small backpack so I didn't have to walk back to my room after lunch. The house was quiet which meant that my mom and Robert were away but there were a few maids around the house cleaning and going about other duties.

The kitchen was empty so I made my way to the fridge to find us something to eat. There was some left over spaghetti and mushrooms which I heated up in the oven then served it in two bowls for us to enjoy. A glass of apple juice each complimented the food perfectly.

"So bud do you want me to be packing you lunch like in your previous school or would you like to eat at the school cafeteria?"I asked during the meal.

"Packed please, I read a few of the students comments about their cafeteria food and it was nothing good."He replied.

"When did you have time to look the new school up and find its students?"I inquired amazed at how fast the kid worked.

"As soon as I heard I was going there."He replied making me smile.

"Is it wheelchair friendly?"I asked knowing how important that was to him.

"Yes there's two more kids in that school with disabilities but one uses clutches and the other one a smart wheelchair. They are both in higher grades than me though."He informed me.

Charlie could be quite resourceful when you put him in front of a screen.

"That's good but remember anytime a kid gives you a hard time, you tell me and I'll handle it okay?"I asked.

Kids could be mean and Charlie had been bullied before for his disability. I always stepped in though so there was a seven year old kid somewhere with a crooked nose and another with a broken pinkie toe. I didn't tolerate bullies.

"Yeah I know or I can just run them over with my wheelchair."He grinned.

"That works too but I prefer if you tell me. You can't outrun them."I argued.

He nodded seeing as I made much more sense. After lunch Charlie and I made our way outside ready for our afternoon of sight seeing and job seeking.

The last person I expected to see was also walking out of his house towards his car. I didn't want him to see me but with Charlie talking my ear off it was inevitable that he turned around and saw us. He grinned as soon as our eyes locked. I groaned when I noticed him change his trajectory and make his way towards us.

"Hey there pretty mama."He greeted eyeing me from head to toe.

"Not interested."I shut him down curtly as I unlocked the truck to help Charlie in.

He was getting heavier but I'd had years of practice carrying him so it was no burden lifting him up to the truck.

"Need help. He seems heavy."Unnamed jock asked.

"No thanks, I got it."I replied as I put Charlie in his seat, buckled him in before closing the door after him.

I reached for his wheelchair to fold it but Mr. Football Captain jock beat me to it.

"You're going to ruin it."I warned knowing few people knew how to fold a wheelchair properly and the arrogant jerk was definitely among those clueless people.

"No I won't. I know what I'm doing."He insisted.

He looked confused but determined so I let him make a fool out of himself for a few minutes. When he started cussing at the wheelchair I took it from him, my patience having worn out. I folded it in seconds and put it in the bed of the truck.

"Next time just listen before you embarrass yourself."I warned getting into the driver's side.

"I'll keep that in mind. Maybe you can teach me over a date. My name is Matthew by the way."He said with a hopeful grin holding his hand out for a shake.

I ignored his outstretched hand as I started the truck.

"Sorry I don't date white dudes especially egotistical jocks like you."I retorted turning him down.

His grin fell and I didn't give him the chance to recover as I drove away. He jumped away quick before I ran him over. It would have been one less jerk in the world if you asked me.

"Willow, who was that?"Charlie asked me.

"Someone you can never grow up to be. You hear me."I demanded.

"Yes."He nodded knowing I was serious.

I raised Charlie to be respectful, kind and polite. He knew that women were to be treated with the utmost respect. My mom was an exception though. Respect is given where its due and my mom didn't respect anyone. Charlie wasn't rude to her, he just ignored her like I advised him to. It pained me that he had to grow without a mother but I always hoped my presence helped fill that void.

The drive through town had a lot more people than the previous day. Probably because it was the last weekend before school started and everyone was trying to enjoy their last bit of freedom. I had no issues with school, I got good grades and it was a chance to escape from my mom. Charlie liked school too, mostly for the studying part, the little guy actually liked reading. It was either that or video games so he didn't give me trouble when it came to school stuff.

Luckily I remembered the way we had driven yesterday so it was easier to find the arcade. It was also the only rustic building on that part of town, looking like it was plucked out of the 1980's and planted there. It didn't have stairs when one was getting in so it was easily accessible for Charlie. After helping him back on his wheelchair, I pushed him into the building. It was called Azgard Arcade which was definitely a mystical name, hopefully the place would not disappoint.

My plan was to drop Charlie off before I went job searching. He would be okay for a few hours as long as his mind was occupied with the games. The first thing that I noticed when we walked in was that it was too quiet for a gaming arena. It was even quieter than a library which was weird. It was also clean and had that new book smell. I looked around thinking we had gotten the wrong place but there were both vintage and modern video games all around so we were definitely in the right place.

The reception and ticket counter was empty but there were a few kids by the comic book section sitting on the floor perusing through the pages, lost in the world of superheroes.

"Can I join them?"Charlie asked turning his neck to look up at me.

"Sure bud. I'll just pay up here."I replied leaning in to kiss his forehead.

I watched as he wheeled himself toward the other boys. One of them looked up from his reading and smiled at Charlie offering him one of the comics on his lap. Charlie smiled back taking the book. He was already making friends unlike me, good for him.

There was no way to call up whoever was in charge so I decided to have some fun myself. Growing up with a small brother who was obsessed with video games made me kind of a guru myself. I didn't play as much as he did but Charlie taught me the basics and I'd joined him on a few quests. I even had my own avatar name melanin_queen. Not so creative but it was unique to me so I didn't care much. I had a few coins in my bag so I started up the Mortal Kombat machine and the idea of job searching faded away. There was a high score to beat and soon enough I found myself actually beating it. Too bad for unseen_teen for he was about to be in for a shock when he played the next time around.

"Wow, did you just beat Henry's high score?"A voice asked behind me.

I turned around quick and came face to face with a big man whose protruding belly was obscuring my view. He had a bushy beard, long brown hair and green eyes.

"If Henry is unseen_teen then definitely yes."I with concurred with a grin.

"No one has ever been able to beat any of his high scores but you did it and you're a girl."He continued.

I narrowed my eyes at him crossing my arms over my chest.

"What's wrong with being a girl?"I asked my voice tight.

"Nothing at all. That came out wrong, I'm sorry. My name is Jack, the owner of this joint but most of the kids call me Thor."He introduced holding out a meaty hand for me to shake.

"Because this place is called Azgard and Thor is the king of Azgard?"I asked shaking his hand.

"Partly that and also because I look like him in the end game movie."He grinned patting his belly.

I could definitely see the resemblance now that I knew who I was comparing him to.

"My name is Willow and that is my brother Charlie. He's obsessed with video games and comic books thus why we are here."I introduced pointing at my brother.

"Nice to meet you. Are you new to town? I've never seen you around before?"He inquired.

"Yes we are, just moved in yesterday."I replied.

"Welcome to Crescent town. Hope you enjoy your stay here."He invited making me smile.

Looks like Jack or was it Thor was actually a nice even with his intimidating stature. I had yet to decide what to call him.

"Thank you, we will. So when do you close? I want to leave Charlie here for a few hours while I go job hunting."I requested.

"Quite the industrious one are you?"Jack asked in awe.

"I just hate being idle."I explained not wanting to give Jack my sob story.

"Well I close quite late so Charlie will be safe here. Just be back before eight pm."He replied.

"That's too late but thank you, I'll be here earlier than that. Ill cover his bill when I come back."I informed him him waving goodbye as I walked towards Charlie.

He turned his attention to me when I tapped his shoulder.

"Bud I've got to go for a few hours. Will you be okay here?"I asked hoping he would say yes.

He nodded making me a very happy sister.

"Okay, behave and call me in case of anything. I'll be here as fast as I can."I instructed him.

"I will."He agreed.

I kissed his cheek before leaving him behind as I walked out of the arcade. I decided to leave my truck behind as it would be easier to walk around. I also needed to get a lay of the land so I could find out the essential places like the bank, grocery store, cafes and the pharmacy for Charlie's meds and other stuff.

A few people gave me curious glances as I passed by but they didn't bother me. That was the problem with small towns, everyone knew everyone so it was hard to keep a low profile. I got a few wolf whistles from a few rowdy boys but I ignored them. I was a girl on a mission with no time for boys.

I had done a few odd jobs before so I knew the basics of waitressing and being a barista. I was willing to learn though so I was good with any job. I tried a few cafés, restaurants and coffee shops but I was unlucky as they weren't hiring. Looks like the new town didn't bring any luck after all.

I checked my watch and realized I had been gone for three hours so I decided to head back to the arcade and pick up Charlie. It was late so I passed by MacDonald's to get some food for me and Charlie. I got something for Jack too as a thank you for watching Charlie. After paying and picking up my order I walked back to the arcade.

It was even emptier than I'd first found it with just Jack and Charlie playing a board game.

"How do you keep beating me?"Jack exclaimed tossing the dice pieces on the board.

I should have warned him about playing with Charlie as he was the only one better at playing video games than I was.

"Hey guys, I'm back."I announced and they both turned to look at me.

"Good because I was just getting my ass kicked here."Jack exclaimed.

"Sorry not sorry."Charlie giggled.

"I'll certainly get you next time."Jack promised getting up.

"No you won't."Charlie laughed.

"No I won't but I'll try."Jack conceded.

"So Willow, any luck getting a job?"Jack asked and I shook my head.

"Sorry about that, maybe next time."He consoled.

"Hopefully."I replied with a sad smile.

"Anyway I got you a burger and fries from MacDonalds as a thank you for watching Charlie."I said holding out the bag for him.

"You didn't have to but thank you. It was a pleasure hanging out with Charlie."Jack smiled taking the bag from me.

"Anytime. Time to say goodbye bud. We'll come back another time."I informed Charlie.

He looked at me with sad eyes but didn't say anything as he knew I was right. He said his goodbyes to Jack before wheeling himself away.

"How much do I owe you?"I asked Jack remembering I hadn't paid.

"Nothing, we're even."He said holding up his MacDonalds bag.

I was not going to argue with a good trade off so I said my own goodbyes.

I ran into someone who was entering the Arcade making me drop my car keys. We both apologized and reached for the keys at the same time which led us to accidentally butting our heads together.

"Ow!"I exclaimed straightening up.

He picked up my keys looking up too and I got a good look at his face. I should have known it was him. It's like he was following me everywhere.

"Really? You again? You're like a fly I can't seem to swat off."I hissed my head buzzing from hitting it against his.

"What?"He asked looking at me confused.

"Don't act stupid. Just leave me alone okay. I'm not interested and never will be."I replied taking my keys from his hand.

"I think you've got the wrong...." He started but I was too far away to catch the rest of what he had said.

Matthew the stupid jock really needed to learn the meaning of the word no.

I joined Charlie outside and helped him into the car. Instead of going home directly I made a detour by the park I had seen earlier. Charlie and I had a mini picnic in the dark as he told me all about the kids he had met at the arcade and Jack. I was glad he was already acclimating unlike me who was still having a hard time.

It would all be okay though, I always found a way and Crescent would be no different.

When it got too cold, I took us both back home so Charlie could get some sleep. I also needed to rest too. I had a feeling Sunday would be full of drama. Two days without my mom messing with us only meant one thing, the third day would not be so quiet.