It’s been some time since I’ve come back to my home city in Pennsylvania. It’s been a decade since I last saw the sign ‘Hattiesburg’. The weather is still the same New England winter. Cold and wet as it was an hour away from Lake Erie, one of the great lakes.

I drive through the city. A lot has changed and a lot hasn’t changed. The stores mostly haven’t changed. The schools have changed a lot as they have expanded them. I grimace as I remember the bullying I endured during my school days.

“BEEP!” barks the car behind me. I snap out of my daze and start going the speed limit. I take a left into my old house’s driveway. The place hasn’t changed at all since I left it a decade ago. Shutting off the car and walking to the house, my mom came out giving me a bright smile.

“Hi, Brent!” Giving me a hug.

“Hi, mom” I hug her back.

“Come on inside. I’ll make you some tea.” She walks towards the door gesturing me to follow her

“Ok mom,” I follow her indoors, taking off my shoes, and plopping on the couch. I turn on the television and stared blankly at it as I waited for mom to set up the tea. A minute later, she walks into the living room and sits in a chair beside the couch.

“So, how are you?” Mom initiates the small talk.

“I’m going pretty good actually. I’ve become a multimillionaire since the last time you saw me.”

Mom's eyes went wide, “Really? That’s wonderful, Brent! How much money do you have?”

“Mom, I can’t tell you that as that would end badly for me and you. I’ll just tell you I have close to ten digits and I’m expecting to hit ten by the time I turn forty.”

“That’s incredible! How did you earn it?”

“Well, first I somehow won the lottery and then started using the money for investments in real estate, stock, etc. A bunch of Venture Capitalism. I’ve had a lot of luck with that.”

“Then why did you come back here instead of buying a mansion or something?”

“Because I was getting bored with making money. It’s cool and everything. Having a lot of money, but I had no one to share it with. That’s why I came back home. I’m hoping to settle down here.”

“Why here? I mean, the last time you came here. You weren’t exactly on good terms with anyone. Hell, if I was you, I would’ve never come back after what happened.”

“Well, even if I was bullied and dad was murdered. I didn’t hate this place. I just needed time.”

“I understand.”

The teapot squeals letting us know tea was ready. Mom left to get it. I get up and walk out the front door. I inhaled the New England winter air as I heard a boy scream, “FAGGOT!” I whip my head to the right to find five boys surrounding a small kid.

I walk swiftly towards them as I shout, “STOP! What you’re doing right now.”

The boys didn’t even hesitate as they disperse. The petite kid didn’t look too beat up, but from how dirty he is, I couldn’t tell. His clothes are ragged and have unmanaged, dirty, long chestnut hair that hid the majority of his face except for his left eye.

“Are you ok?” I ask him as I take a step forward. In response, he crawls back with a frightened look on his face. I crouch to make myself less threatening. “I’m not here to hurt you. I just want to help.” I hold my hand out, gesturing for him to grab it.

“GET OFF MY LAWN YOU FILTHY RAT!” An old man shrieks as he hobbles with a cane in his hand. I turn to him and then back to the kid. The kid was gone.

“Well, that was interesting. I wonder who was that kid.” I muse to myself walking back to the house. Mom was standing in the front door with both our cups of tea. She hands me one as we walk back into living room. “Thanks, mom.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie.”

“Who was that kid?”

“Which one?”

“The petite boy.”

“Oh him, I don’t know much more than that he’s homeless, but anyone can guess that just by looking at him.”

A kid all by himself? Isn’t that illegal? Why hasn’t anyone helped him yet? Is he invisible or something? I mean, I turn my head away from him for a second and he disappears. I let my thoughts drift about the kid as mom and I sat there in silence.

“Brent?” Mom calls snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Yeah?”

“You ok?”

“Yeah, I’m just thinking.”

“Alright, I need to do my evening workouts. You should unpack your stuff. You’ll find that your bed is the way it was when you left it.”

“Thanks, mom.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie.” I turn to go upstairs to be interrupted with, “And Brent?”

“Yeah, Mom?”

“Welcome back.” Mom walks away leaving me with a broad smile. It feels good to be back.

The next day, I decided to start doing a morning jog. I wasn’t unhealthy or anything, but I needed to do something besides what I did before I came here. It was a nice day for a run anyway.

I got in about five minutes of running before I heard a somewhat familiar voice call, “Brent Blue?” I turn around to have a somewhat familiar face and golden blonde hair walking towards me.

“Do I know you?” I inquire the woman.

“I’m Brandy.” Everything clicked.

“You’re Brandy Dixon.” Brandy was the one who I talked to sometimes. She was nice but really shy. “Look at you. You changed so much since the last time I saw you.”

“Yeah, and you did change a day.” Thanks for reminding me of my childish appearance. I was hoping as the years went by. I would look older than sixteen. People still sometimes think I have a fake license.

I smile, “Sometimes I think I’m immortal.”

She giggles and says, “So, how are you?”

“I’m good. I decided to come back after I had gotten bored of being alone. You?”

“I’m married with beautiful twins and one on the way.”

“That’s awesome! who’s the lucky man?”

“Woman actually,” She paused, “I learned I was into women in college”

I blink twice at that then say, “Good that you found herself. The last time I saw you. You were very shy. It’s nice to see someone come out of that shell.”

“Thanks, the family is going to go to a local restaurant tonight. Do you want to come by and get to know what has gone on with our lives since high school?”

Feel a bit nervous, I reply, “I don’t want to be a bother.”

“Nonsense! I really need an adult to talk to besides other parents.”

“Well, if you’re fine with me. I’ll come. Where are the place and what time?”

“We’ll be at Peter’s Pizza Pies around six o’clock. Want me to put my contact info on your smartphone?”

“Sure.” I quickly pull out my cell phone and pull up the ‘add new contact’ page. I give her my phone. A minute later, she gives me it back.

“It was nice seeing you, Brent.”

“You too.”

“I’ll see you tonight.” She walks away. Peter’s Pizza Pies? That’s a new one.

I make it to the restaurant right at six.

“Perfect timing.” I muse as I walk through the front entrance.

“Hello, welcome to Peter’s pies. How many?”

“A friend of mine invited me to eat with her and her family.”

“Alright, sir, have a nice night.”

“You too,” I say as I walk off to find Brandy.

“Brent!” I hear from behind me. I turn and see Brandy with a beautiful wife who is really pregnant sitting with her twins. They seem to be about middle school age.

“Hey Brandy!” She walks up and gives me a hug.

“Glad you could make it.”

“Glad to be here.” I sit down and so does Brandy.

“Let me introduce you.” She gestures to her wife. “This is Erika,” she gestures to the twins “This is Jessie and James.”

“Hello, I’m Brent Blue.”

A waiter came up and asks, “Sir, do you want something to drink?”

“A coke please,” I reply. “Jessie James. That’s pretty neat. How old are you two?” I ask the twins. The waiter gave me my drink. I give her a quick “thanks” and she walks off.

James shies away, but Jessie replies enthusiastically, “We just turned twelve.” James just nods in agreement.

“How cool? Are you in middle school”

“Boring as elementary school.” Jessie answers and James nods again in agreement. An idea came up to my mind.

“Do you two know of a petite boy with dirty brown hair with ragged clothes? He tends to cover his whole face, but his left eye with her hair”

The two looks at me thoughtfully, but Jessie answers “You mean Charlie Davis?”

“Am I correct? I never got his name.”

James softly says, “Yeah, he’s a friend of mine.”

“Can you tell me about him?

James smiles, “He’s a loner most of the time, but he works hard and helps people in a subtle way. I haven’t seen him at school much since his parents died a couple years ago. Why?”

“Because when I saw him he looked homeless.”

Tears formed in James’s eyes, “He was my only friend besides Jessie. I can’t stand to see him suffer.”

“It’ll be ok. I’ll work something out.”

Erika’s, Brandy’s, and Jessie’s jaws drop. They stared at me like I just grew five more arms.

“What?” I ask them.

“Nothing, it’s just…” Brandy pauses.

“Just that James doesn’t talk to anyone. Especially strangers and men.”

Huh, I wonder what’s different about me? “Huh,"

“Why are you so interested in him?” Erika asks curiously.

“Well, I was outside my house when I saw five boys gang up on him. I manage to make them retreat. When I turned away from him for a second. He disappeared before I could ask him if he wanted to come with me.”

“Huh, well, it’s not like you’re not going to see him again. Anyway, what have you been up to since we last saw each other.” Brandy asks.

“You did hear about my dad being murdered, right?”

“Yeah,” Brandy says solemnly.

“After that, I had enough of this town and let. Since then I won the lottery and started investing. When I had enough money, I decided that I needed to settle down, and so I came back.”

“How much is enough money.”

“Enough to keep me and my future family comfortable for the rest of our lives.”

“Come on tell me the amount.”

“I can’t do that. You know, people here and they’ll blackmail me or worse.”

“Can you at least tell me the digits?”

“10.”

“10!?’ everyone blurts.

“Yeah, ten. Well, close to ten. It should be ten by the time I’m forty.”

“Wow, I didn’t know we were sitting next to a multimillionaire on the verge of billionaire,” Erika whispers.

“So, what do you use that money for, mostly,” Jessie asks

“Anything I need and charities.”

“Don’t you splurge?”

“No why?”

“NO WHY!? Because I would expect anybody with that amount of money to splurge once in a while. If I was you. I would be buying a car for later, a new phone, and a bunch of other things.”

“Meh, money doesn’t buy the things I really want. It only keeps me comfortable.”

The waiter comes over and asks, “Are you ready to order?”

“Yes,” Brandy says, “I would like a pepperoni pizza for the twins and a supreme for me and her.” She gestures to her wife.

The waiter looks to me, “You, sir?”

“I’ll have what they’re having.” I gesture to the twins. The waiter walks off.

“You eat like a kid.” Brandy jokes.

“I never was fond of anything green and edible.”

“I thought he was a kid.” Jessie states.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I told her sarcastically.

“Any day.” Jessie and Brandy proudly reply then everyone bursts into giggles. Even James.

The rest of the dinner was fun, the pizza was amazing, and I made a friend out of Brandy. Good, because I don’t have very many friends as I was a recluse before coming here.

Two weeks flew by since I came back to Hattiesburg. It’s also been two weeks since I last saw Charlie. I can’t get him off my mind. He reminds me of me when I was his age. I really hope he isn’t like me, but it seems like he is. Getting bullied just because he’s smaller and weaker. Because he isn’t well off as other people. Just thinking about the little guy being beaten because of what he can’t control, makes me furious.

For two weeks, I’ve been spending a lot of time cleaning Brandy’s home along with taking care of the children as Brandy has to work and Erika doesn’t have the same ability anymore. James really warmed up to me. He talks to me about a lot of stuff. James is very imaginative. The more I talk to him, the more I learn just how imaginative he is. We mostly talk through doing chores. Jessie talks to me too, but she has a lot of friends she hangs out with instead. I also asked him more about Charlie. He just gave me what he told me two weeks ago.

Ten minutes into my morning jog and I see a poster. The poster says, ‘Help wanted: Not enough teachers at the local middle school due to an investigation on the former principal and faculty. Please see or call the school at (717)555-555’

“Jeez, how much could you possibly fuck up? Maybe I’ll go see what’s this about. I need something to kill time.” I muse. I tore off the poster and head back home.

When I get home, I took a shower and did other hygiene. Then made myself some tea and called the number.

The phone clicks and I hear an electronic, “Hello?”

“Hello? I’m Brent Blue, and I was hoping to ask if I could substitute.”

“Oh my god, you have saved me, Mr. Blue. I’m Mr. Philips, the current principal in charge of Hattiesburg middle. Only some people have answered this call. Come by the middle school, we’ll get you sorted.” The phone clicks before I could even answer. Not like I had anything to say, but it’s a bit rude not to say goodbye.

When I get to the middle school. I go into the entrance and to the office. There was a middle age secretary sitting there furiously doing paperwork.

“Um, hello?” I greet the secretary.

She looks up for a moment and says, “What are you doing here? Get back to the high school.”

I sigh, “I’m Mr. Blue.”

“Yeah right. You’re young enough to be my child. Where is your proof?”

I pull out my ID and show it to her. Her face went white.

I sigh again, “Where is Mr. Philips?”

She points to the hall behind her and squeaks, “Down that hall and the door on the left.”

I walk to that door and knock. I hear a “come in” and open the door. Mr. Philips sounds exactly like how he did on the phone. Black and wears a nice suit.

“I suppose you must be Mr. Blue. I don’t exactly like to employ kids.”

“Good thing I’m not a kid.” I sit down.

“How old are you?”

“Thirty this year. My birthday was 3 months ago, in November.”

“Wow, you look as young as sixteen.”

“I know, when I did real estate no one took me seriously until I showed them what I’m capable of. Now, I’m retired and looking to settle, so I came back home.”

“Retired at thirty? How?”

“Well, I’ll be frank. I’m a multimillionaire and my projected gross income will put me as a billionaire in ten years if everything goes smoothly. I came back here because I don’t have anything else to do. I also need to tell you that I’m not interested in money.”

“Back? Meaning this is your hometown? Thanks, we are really tight right now.”

“Yes, I left after my father was murdered. Remember Frank Blue?”

“Not personally, but I’ve heard about the murder. I’m sorry it ended that way.”

“It’s weird, I thought I hated this city, but a decade later I came right back. Homesick, I guess.”

“Well, let’s get this interview on the way. Being that you are a multimillionaire. You much know a lot about accounting and dealing with money in general.”

“Yeah, for the most part.”

“It’s too bad that all the math classes were taken. What about 6th-grade science? How much do you know about science?”

“Well, it was my highest grade in school when I was here.”

“Good, do you think you can do it?”

“No doubt.”

“You can start tomorrow as today is a Saturday.”

“Thank you, Mr. Philips.” I get up to shake his hand.

“No, thank you, Mr. Blue.” He shakes my hand firmly.

The next day, I was in my classroom. The classroom walls were devoid of life. They were just blank and bland. I’m definitely going to spend some money on this.

The students loudly walk in. Chatting and yelling at each other. James and Jessie come in my class and notices me.

They quickly run up to me and hug me. “What are you doing here?” They both ask me.

“Well the school needed help and I had nothing to do. I thought I would get my lazy bones off the couch and do something.” James and Jessie giggles at that. The students are all staring at me. “Take a seat, you two. The class is about to begin.” They both nod and walk to their seats. The bell finally rings and I walk in front of the class. “Good morning class, I’m Mr. Blue. I’ll be your substitute teacher starting today.”

A girl snarks, “You surely don’t look like a teacher.”

“Good, because I’m not. I’m the guy who’s going to help you learn rather than teach.”

“You look like you are in high school.” A boy points out.

“I know, sometimes I think I’m immortal.” The kids giggle at that. “I’ll start class after I take role.” I pick up a clipboard and start listening off the name. It wasn’t long until I called out, “Charlie Davis?” The classroom went silent. “Charlie Davis,” I call out again. “I guess he’s---“ I was interrupted by the door opening and Charlie shuffling through with his head in a downcast. He walks to an empty seat sits down and lays his head down. “Nice timing, Charlie. You came in when I was about to go to the next name.” Charlie says nothing. I sigh and continue my role call. When I was done, I ask the class enthusiastically, “Alright class, you ready to learn?”

“No.” groans the class.

“Well, today we aren’t learning about science. Today we are learning about each other.”

“Each other?” A girl says.

“Yes, each other. I’ve been gone for a long time, and I just came back to this city. I barely know anyone besides Jessie and James there” I point to both the twins. The class giggles. “We’ll go in alphabetic order. We have only an hour, so please be quick.” A few students later and it’s Charlie’s term. “So, Charlie, tell us about yourself.” I walk over to his desk

“Pass.” He softly says.

“Come on Charlie.” A girl says, “Everyone else is doing it.”

“Yeah Charlie.” A boy says. Charlie sits up and stares me right in the eyes. I didn’t notice before, but they were so, well green. A beautiful emerald that seems dull and dead. His face stays expressionless.

“I said, I pass.” His voice uses is monotoned.

“I can’t force you Charlie, but stay for break.”

“Oooooooo!” says the class collectively. We carry on with the class until the bell rings. The class dismissed. Jessie and James gave me hugs and continued. Everyone left, but Charlie. I close the door and pulled up a chair in front of his desk.

“So, Charlie, what’s your problem?”

“Nothing.”

“You sure it’s nothing?”

Charlie pauses and thinks for a second, “Why should you care about my life?”

I inhale and exhale then sigh, “Want me to tell you the truth?”

“Sure, knock yourself out.”

“I look at me when I look at you.”

“I’m not you though.”

“I know, but I was bullied and beaten. I know how it feels to lose a parent too. Especially as abruptly as you have.”

Charlie gets up and shouts, “WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT BEING BEATEN AND STARVED BY PEOPLE WHO IS SUPPOSE TO PROTECT YOU? HUH?” Charlie starts to walk fast, but I catch him and pull him into an embrace.

I look into Charlie’s beautiful emerald eyes and say, “Nothing, I just want to protect you.” Tears start rolling down Charlie’s face. “Ever since I met you, I couldn’t get you off my mind.” I pause, “I don’t know you very well, and you don’t know me, but I feel as if I’m connected to you in some way.”

“Why?” Charlie sobs.

“Because I care.” Charlie wails on my shoulder. I pick him up and walk to the principal’s office. If what he said is true, then I must get him out of whatever home he lives in.

As I walk through the hall, everyone is staring at me. Charlie fell asleep and is still in my arms. I get to the principal’s office and knock on the door.

“Please come in.” I open it and walk in and sit down. “Mr. Blue, why are you holding Mr. Davis and not teaching class?”

“Because I couldn’t just leave him in the classroom,” I told Mr. Philips all about what happened during the break. “So, what are you asking out of me?”

“First, I need you to call a social worker. Second, I need someone to keep an eye on Charlie. Finally, third, please help me. I don’t know why I care about Charlie this much, but I do, and I want to do everything to help him. I’ll do anything to help him.”

“Alright, alright. I get it. Leave him in the nurse’s office. She’s there all the time. We’ll handle everything after school.

“Thank you! I would give you a hug, but I don’t want to wake up Charlie.”

Classes went on as normal. Every chance I could get. I would go and check on Charlie. He’s so cute when he sleeps. Not like I would admit that to anyone, but it’s the truth. At the end of the day, a social worker was called along with the police.

I stand by Charlie who is finally waking up after sleeping through classes all day.

“Hi, Charlie.”

He smiles a little and softly says, “Hi Mr. Blue.”

“How was your sleep.”

“He rubs his eyes and yawns, “The best I’ve had in a while.”

“That’s great. We have police here and a social worker.” Charlie’s face goes white. “Don’t worry, they just need your statement.” He sighs with relief. “Do you have any scars are wounds?”

He mumbles a barely audible, “Yes.”

“Can you show me?” He lifts his shirt up slowly. On his body are scars. Tons of scars. Old and new. Some are cigarette burns, some are knife wounds, and some of them are blunt wounds. I gasp as I feel a fury storm inside me. How dare they hurt this child. How dare they even touch him. It’s on, I’m out for blood. I start shaking angrily. Charlie notices this and pulls his shirt down. I snap out of my enraged sight as I see Charlie’s face visibly afraid. “Sorry about that, whoever did this to you is going to pay.” Charlie nods and hugs me tight.

“Thank you.” He soft told me. I could feel a warm wetness where his eyes are. I return the hug and rug his back.

Someone coughs to get our attention. I turn still holding Charlie to find two men and a woman in suits. “We don’t mean to interrupt, but we need to get down to business.” Said the woman.

“Alright,” I look at Charlie. “Are you ready?” Charlie just nods. I look back at the woman “We’re ready.”

“follow us.” We follow them to a room in the school.

“I’m detective Halsy.” One of the men in suits says. He gestures to his partner, “This is detective Garrett. We are from the HPD” Halsey shakes my hand. Garrett does the same.

“I’m Janet Kwon. Social services.” She shakes my hand and crouches down to Charlie that is behind me trying to hide holding my arm. “I was told that your foster parents abuse you. Is that true?” Charlie nods as he holds my arm tighter. “Can you show me?” Charlie looks to me. I nod giving him approval. He lets go of my arm and pulls up his shirt. Everyone in the room gasps at the scares and damages.

“Mind if we take pictures?” Halsey says as Garret pulls out a camera. Charlie just nods.

The detective was taking pictures as Janet says, “How long have they been doing this to you?”

“Ever since I got there. At first, it was light, then it became rougher. They always hid them.”

“Sit down, I think we need the whole story.” She gestures to a chair. Charlie sits down and I stand behind him.

“We are going to record this if you don’t mind,” Halsey says.

“I don’t mind,” I say and Charlie just nods.

“Now tell us everything.” Janet softly says.

First, Charlie started talking about his physical abuse. What they used to give him all of those scars. Then, the emotional abuse. It was even worse than the physical. They don’t even call Charlie by his name anymore. When they do it, it’s only with the social services. Charlie had to stop a few times and cry. I was there to be a shoulder.

“Did they touch you anywhere?”

“What do you mean?” Charlie says softly.

“Did they touch your privates.” Charlie didn’t say a word. He just froze. Like time had stop for him.

“Charlie?” I call to him. I wave a hand over his face to get his attention. Nothing. I turn his seat around and look into his beautiful emerald eyes. “Charlie?”

Charlie takes a deep breath and moved his long hair out of his face showing both his beautiful emerald orbs and the rest of his face. “Charlie is not here right now. Please leave a message after the beep.” He giggles a little, “I’m Carmilla. Charlie’s counterpart.” Her voice is filled with confidence with a British accent.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, silly. I am her second personality when lil’Charlie goes catatonic.”

“So multiple personality syndromes?” I ask.

“Bingo, love.” Carmilla gives me a kiss on the cheek.

“What was that for.”

“For helping Charlie, of course. Lil’Charlie has been through a lot. I was made from her own trauma.”

“Wait, you used the pronoun ‘her’. What do you mean?”

Her tone turns serious, “That is to figure out later. For now, we have tasks that must be completed.” Carmilla turns her chair back to the three other people in the room. “I am Carmilla. The second personality of Charlie. Charlie could not handle the last question you gave him. It sent him catatonic bringing lovely me out.” She crosses her legs and arms femininely.

“Alright?” Janet confused.

“I know it is confusing, but I am here to help lil’Charlie out of that disgusting hole.” Janet composes herself and nods. The two cops are still baffled. “When I was created. He was ganged up by a group of men his foster father had over.”

Carmilla explained in detail what happens to Charlie. My fury began that began as a storm has become a full-on supercell. I was so furious of what happened that I felt like I could go on a murder spree. Who does this to kids? What monster uses a little kid as some sort of sex doll? I threw up in a trashcan from hearing what happened. The other adults in the room didn’t fare much better than me. Janet broke down crying in the middle and the two cops look like they were about to go on a mass killing spree. How did Charlie survive that? I can’t possibly imagine. I just know that. If I was out of blood before. I am now.

“That’s all of it, lovely,” Carmilla says.

“Anything else?” Janet replies.

“Nope,”

“I’m so very sorry what you went through. I would’ve killed myself by now. I don’t know how you do it.” Janet cries.

“Well, that’s why I was created. To harbor those memories away from Charlie. I personally can handle them.”

“Tell Charlie he doesn’t have to worry anymore. We’ll make sure that those monsters get in a prison cell they deserve.” Halsey promises.

“Thank you, Detective. I’ll be sure to tell him.”

Janet, “Do you mind having temporary guardianship of Miss… I mean Mister Davis.”

I shake my head as I said, “No, I was hoping you would say that.” I smile, “I would love for Charlie to live with me.”

“We’re done here. You can go. I do suggest you get a good therapist.”

“Will do!” Carmilla says as she gives Janet a salute. Then she turns to me and hugs tackles me.

“Ooomff.” I yelp getting a tight hug from the cute Carmilla.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for a while now.” She looks up at me giving me a broad grin. Then she gives me puppy eyes. “Can we go for ice cream?

I give her a smile, “Of course.”

As we walk to the nearest ice cream store, I ask, “So, why Carmilla?”

Carmilla looks at the sky thoughtfully, “Charlie read the book ‘Carmilla’ and thought she was an awesome character. Even if she’s a lesbian vampire.”

“That makes sense. Why are you a girl rather than a boy?”

“I cannot tell you that. You have to ask Charlie himself.”

“How long will you be here?”

“Until tomorrow. Charlie could not handle what happened to him. I don’t blame him. The only thing that keeps me sane is the fact that I have no negative emotions. Well, very little negative emotions.”

“Explains why you’re so confident. So, how do you feel about living with me?”

“I would like it no other way.”

“We’ll get some clothes tomorrow. For today, we can just relax.”

“Sounds wonderful.” Carmilla sings.

After some ice cream, we went back home and watch a movie. Charlie/Carmilla fell asleep on my shoulder. I carried them up to my bed and tucked them good night. Seeing them peacefully sleeping makes me feel warm inside. I went back downstairs and watched TV.

An hour later, mom came through the door.

“Who shoes are these?”

“Mom, remember that kid from two weeks ago when I first came here?”

She nods, “Yeah?”

“Turns out he was being abused. I was given temporary guardianship of him.”

“Can I see him?”

“Sure, he’s sleeping in my room.” We walk upstairs to my room to check on Charlie who was sleeping so peacefully.

“My, isn’t he just a little angel?” Mom whispers.

“I can agree to that.” We watch him for a bit and go back to the living room.

“Can you tell me what happened to him.”

“Sure, but just to warn you. It’s brutal.”

I tell her everything that Charlie and Carmilla told us at the school. Mom broke down crying a few times. Hell, I started crying with her.

When I finished, Mom declares, “We have to keep that child safe. We can’t let anything else happen to him.”

I nod, “Agreed.”

The next day

I hear a loud, screeching, “AAAAAAAAAAH” enough to make anyone jump up off the couch and see what’s going on. I turn and see Charlie, or at least I think it’s Charlie, on his butt at the bottom of the stairs. I run to him and crouch down.

“Are you alright, Charlie?”

He turns and stares at me wide-eyed, “So, what Carmilla was telling me was true. You did take me home.”

I smile at him, “Of course, how are you feeling?” He talks to his second self? Interesting.

“Alright, I don’t walk up and downstairs often. Maybe it would’ve been a better idea to turn on the lights.”

I chuckle and ruffle his hair, “Go take a shower. You can use what I have for now.” He looks around trying to find it. “It’s upstairs, right next to my bedroom. I’m going for my run. I’ll be back probably by the time you get done.” He nods and scampers off.

I go for my morning run. When I come back, I see a girl with her hair in one of those towel turbines and dress. I look closer and it was Charlie, this time not so dirty. He’s so cute. I shake my head to snap out of my trance.

“Oops, Charlie, I forgot clothes. They’re in the basement. I’ll go get them.” He nods and gets my old clothes. I turn around and Charlie was there. “Charlie, don’t be down here when it’s wet, you’ll catch a cold or worse.” He smiles broadly at that. I hand him the clothes. “Go get dress.” He scampers off to the downstairs bathroom and I take my shower.

When I come downstairs I see Charlie. I clean Charlie. His hair isn’t the dirty brown color, but a beautiful copper color.

I smile, “You look really cute cleaned up.”

He blushes and says softly, “Thank you.”

“Ready to get some breakfast?” he nods. I whip up some pancakes and we have breakfast.

Charlie takes a bite and his expression changes to satisfied making me smile. Each bite he takes, he savors. When he finishes, he looks disappointed. I quickly give him more and refill his juice.

“thank you.” He says softly.

“Anytime.”

After breakfast, we walked to school. Everyone was surprised that Charlie came to school and this time cleaned up. After school, we walk back home. We get in the car and drive off. The mall wasn’t too far away, but it was far enough to need to drive.

“Soooo, can you tell me about Carmilla. I already know she is your second personality, but I wanna know who she is to you.”

The car was quiet for several seconds, Charlie nervously says, “She protects me from my memories. She is also the reason why I haven’t killed myself yet.”

“What do you mean?”

“My best and closest friend. She knows things about me that I haven’t admitted to anyone. She also helps me put everything into perspective. Though, sometimes she likes to cause mischief.”

“She seems like a fun person to be around when I was with her.”

Charlie smiles, “She is. One time,” he giggles. The first time I’ve heard him giggle. It’s way too cute. “One time, when one of my bullies were picking on me. She told me to kiss him. I thought she was crazy, but when I did it. He blushed crazy hard and ran away calling me all sorts of names. She said that he was attracted to me and didn’t know how to express it.”

I giggle thinking about the shy Charlie kissing someone, “I didn’t know you were into boys.”

Charlie blushes a cute red, “I um I-“

“It’s ok, you know Jessie’s and James’s moms? They’re my friends.” Charlie sighs in relief. “In my opinion, it shouldn’t matter who you love are as long as you’re happy and it’s legal.”

“Thanks, Mr. Blue.”

“Please, call me Brent.” Charlie nods as we pull into a parking spot. We head into to the mall. “Alright, Charlie, you pick the stores and the stuff you want. Don’t worry about money, just pick what you want and as much as you want.”

“You sure, I don’t want to make you spend so much money on me.”

I chuckle, “Don’t worry, I’ll tell you a secret.” I get next to his ear and whisper, “I’ actually a multimillionaire. Can you keep that a secret?”

Charlie gasps as his eyes went wide and nod, “You can buy a lot of chocolate with that much money.”

I chuckle again, “You can buy a chocolate castle if you wanted. I’m guessing you like chocolate?”

“I love chocolate.” Charlie’s face down castes, “I never get to eat it anymore.”

An idea pops into my head, “Hold on Charlie, wait here.” I run and got a snickers bar. I run back, “I hope you like snickers.” I hold him out the bar.

He looks at the bar then at me. “You sure I can have it?”

“Of course! I can get you more for later if you want, but not too many. I don’t want you to get a stomach ache.”

Charlie grabs the bar and rips open the wrap. He takes a single bite and savors it. Tears roll down his cheek. He hugs me tightly, repeating “thank you”.

I crouch down to him, “It’s no big deal. All kids need to eat candy.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just… It’s just the next time I thought I would eat chocolate was going to be when I die.”

I cry, “Oh, Charlie,” giving him a hug then chuckling “I’ll buy you a hundred chocolate bars if you want.”

Charlie giggles, “I think I’ll stick to the one now. As Carmilla says, ‘A girl has to watch her weight.’” I move back and stare at him with my eyebrow arced. He stammers, “I mean, she says that to me anytime I eat too much candy. I mean, we do share the same body and all.” He gives me a sheepish smile. How could he eat too much candy if he was barely fed normal food?

“Alright, let’s go get clothes.”

“Ok.”

We walked into the first store and down the boy’s aisle. We stopped several times, but Charlie never picks any clothes.

I ask, “Decide on anything?”

“No, all the clothes are boring.”

“What clothes do you want?” Charlie walks to the girl’s aisle and I follow. He looks back at me, nervously shaking. He picks up a cute skirt and mumbles, “This.”

Oh, oh, oooooh. That’s what Carmilla meant. Why didn’t I realize it before? I look at Charlie and she is about to burst into tears. I crouch down to her and embrace her tightly.

“It’s ok. Be yourself, and if yourself is a girl. Then, by all means, be a girl. I’ll be right here for you.” Charlie bawls on my shoulder. I just hold her until she stops. “You should go to the bathroom and clean yourself up.” Charlie nods and heads to the bathroom in the store. “Oh, by the way Charlie,” Charlie stops and turns to me. “You make a beautiful girl.” She blushes and walks to the bathroom.

When she came back, shopping was a lot easier for Charlie. She practically was glowing when picking out everything. Her style seems to be skirts, stockings, tights/pantyhose, graphic tees, and cute hoodies or hooded jackets. She also picked some panties along with training bras from Victoria Secret. Yes, I went in there with her. What does it matter? It’s not like I’m some pervert. I’m just there to help Charlie. Her shoes were either flats or sneakers. When we were done, we had a whole wardrobe. We went back home to my mother who was cooking dinner. We got all the stuff and brought it in.

Mom comes to greet us, but when she sees the clothes, she asks, “What’s all this stuff?”

“My clothes!” Charlie practically bubbly and energetic from the shopping trip.

Mom looks to me, “Why are all of this stuff girl clothes?”

“Well, mom, Charlie here,” I grab Charlie and put my hand on her shoulder. “Isn’t a boy…”

“WAIT!” Charlie bubbly interrupts. She grabs an outfit and runs to the bathroom to change.

“Charlie changed so much in just a day. What caused him going from a quiet and solemn to bubbly and lighthearted?”

“Well, some chocolate and retail therapy. Also a few good cries.”

“Chocolate therapy?”

“She loves, and I mean LOVES Chocolate.”

“She?”

“I think you’ll see in a second.”

Right on cue, Charlie comes out of the bathroom bubbly and twirling in a graphic tee and a plaid skirt.

Mom claps and appraises, “Beautiful,” in response, Charlie does a curtsy. Mom turns to me, “I see what you mean, she isn’t a boy. I should’ve seen it sooner.”

“I was thinking the same.”

“Come on, Charlie. You can help me cook.”

Charlie bubbles, “Okey-dokey.” Giving her a left-handed salute. I just chuckle at her antics, she reminds me a lot of Sara. She skips into the kitchen with Mom.

I called the hospital and made an appointment. I need to make sure Charlie is healthy. I also looked up a therapist that also deals with gender for her. She already needed a therapist before, but now she needs a therapist even more.

The next day, I woke up earlier than usual. I did my morning run, did my hygiene and made breakfast just as a groggy Charlie came down rubbing her eyes.

I smile, “Good morning, princess.” Charlie doesn’t say anything, but gives me a tired smile and hugs me.

Charlie looks around and questions, “Where if Mrs. Blue?”

“Oh, Mom’s still asleep. She’s getting a little too old to wake up in the morning. Don’t tell her I said that.” Charlie giggles and we have breakfast.

Charlie gets ready and is calmly waiting on the couch. She’s sporting a plaid winter skirt with cat printed tights with Ugg boots, and a cat jacket that has cat ears on the hood.

I joke, “Don’t you look Purrfect?” Charlie faces palms and giggles. “Ready to go?” She nods and we head off. Charlie starts walking on the route to school and I put a hand on her shoulder, “We aren’t going to school today.”

“We aren’t?” Charlie says with confusion

“Oh, silly me, I forgot, we are going to the doctors to get you checked up. We need to make sure you’re healthy.” Charlie nods, we get into the car and head off.

A few minutes into the ride, Charlie asks, “Who was that woman in the picture frame on your desk?” I knew this was going to happen. I’ve been trying to avoid talking about Sara for a while now, but it seems like I can’t hide it anymore.

“She was my wife and the love of my life.”

“What happen?”

“Cancer.”

The car was silent for a few minutes then Charlie broke the silence with “I’m sorry I asked. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

I sigh and smile putting my hand in Charlie’s hand. “Don’t be sorry, she was the single greatest person I’ve ever known. I just wish it didn’t end so soon.” A tear falls down my face. I decide to pull over because I couldn’t deal with the traffic right them. “Sorry, I need a minute, it’s been a while since I thought about her let alone talked about her.”

Charlie meekly says, “Can you tell me about her?”

I look at me, “I would love to.” I take a deep breath and start, “It all started a month after my dad was murdered. I left here to hopefully never come back. I stubble into Georgia to a small town called Oak Creek. I was poor and homeless. Sara, who at that time was Steven, found me by collapsed on the side of a rode.” Charlie gasps at the mention of Sara being Steven but kept silent. “She brought me to her apartment and cleaned me up. When I awoke, I fell in love with her in an instant. Of course, at that time, I was stubborn and didn’t believe in superstition. We became fast friends. I got a job working at the Walmart to help with the rent. We slowly became more than friends. At that time, I didn’t know she was born male. It wasn’t until I accidentally walked in on her that I learned.”

“What did you do then?”

“Well, I was shocked and angry. I left and got my own place. I was angry that she lied to me. As time went on, I calmed down and figured out how stupid I was for being angry at her. I came back in the dorkiest way possible.”

“How?”

“I played ‘baby come back’ on a stereo player outside her apartment. I got some complaints, but she forgave me. A few months later, we got married and moved into a house together. We spent the next five years together. We were poor but were in love. It didn’t last long, she got sicker and sicker. Until one day she collapsed. We went to a doctor and found out it was cancer.” I pause letting a tear flow down my face, “She was given a few months and I stayed there almost every second of it. On her last day, the Powerball was scheduled to happen. She told me to buy a ticket with the number 91 25 52 45 19 07. I did as she commanded me to. We watched as the announcer called out numbers. When the announcer called 07...”

I break down bawling calling for Sara as Charlie hugs me tight, rubbing my back as I let all the emotions I dammed up for five years burst.

I stop bawling a few minutes later, “Thanks, Charlie, I needed that.”

Charlie kisses me on the cheek and says, “You helped me let out my emotions. It’s only fair if I do the same.”

“Still thank you.” I take a deep breathe, “Alright, let’s go to the doctor’s.”

We get to the doctors and signed in. It wasn’t long until we are called. They measure Charlie in height, weight, and blood pressure. They ask her if she has any allergies. She has a weird allergy to salmon oddly enough. Finally, we are sent to an examination room.

We sit in silence until Charlie breaks it with “I hate these rooms. The doctors always make you wait too long.”

“I know what you mean. They always like to make you nervous while you wait for them.”

“Do you think it’s an unspoken rule that you have to make your patients wait?”

“Certainly, feels like it.”

“Do you think….” Charlie and I talked about several different things until an old man with a long white coat comes in.

“You must be Charlie Davis. I was expecting a boy, but Charlie can be a girl’s name too. I’m Dr. Rodrigues.” Charlie smiles broadly at that. He walks up and extends his hand to her. Charlie freezes as if time stops for her.

I say, “Uh oh, this isn’t good. Charlie?” I wave a hand over her face. “Carmilla?”

Charlie/Carmilla turns to me and says sweetly in that British accent, “Yes, love?”

“What happened to Charlie?”

“She had a PTSD moment. She’ll be back tomorrow. Old men always have this effect on her.”

The doctor arched his eyebrow and asks, “What’s happening?”

Carmilla explains, “Sorry, Doctor, Charlie has multiple personality disorder and she normally switches when something triggers her PTSD.”

“And I triggered her PTSD?”

“Don’t take it personally, she can’t control it and you aren’t the first to do that.”

“So who am I’m talking to?”

“I, Carmilla, am Charlie’s dual self.”

“Can you continue the examination?”

“Yes.”

He looks to me, “Do you provide consent?”

“Yes. There is just one thing I tell you.”

“What is it?”

“Charlie/Carmilla is biologically male.” The doctor looks closer at Charlie who is now Carmilla.

“Well, I need to exam you either way. I’m a doctor, not a therapist.” I blow a sigh of relief. “I heard that you have scars from being abused. Can you show me all of them?” Carmilla didn’t hesitate. She pulled off all her clothes, showing Charlie’s battered and beaten body. The doctor gasps at the scars. “Lay down on the table for me, please.” Carmilla did what he told her. “How long was this going on?”

“Two years.”

He nods and goes to Charlie’s groin area and shakes his head. “Please flip over,” Carmilla flips and he continues to examine her. After a minute, he says, “You can put your clothes back on.” He walks out of the room.

I walk to Carmilla’s side and ask, “Are you ok?” She stops dressing and kisses me on the cheek and continues.

“I’m fine. As I said before, I have very little negative emotions.”

“I never did ask, but what negative emotions do you have?”

She stops and looks at the ground thoughtfully and says, “Anger.”

We went back to waiting for the doctor. It was just silent in the room. Maybe it was just me, but I felt like she was thinking about something she did. A few minutes later, the doctor came back into the room.

He announces, “I have good news and bad news.”

“Good news first,” I reply.

“Good news is Charlie’s body is perfectly healthy except…”

“Except what.”

“This is the bad news. Except for her genitals. Specifically, her testicles. She’ll never father children.” I look at Carmilla. She didn’t seem surprised. She looks more relieved than surprised.

“What happened to them?”

Carmilla interrupts, “I fell on them hard. I had to go to the hospital because of it. It’s the one time my foster family cared.”

The doctor just nods, “Besides that, Charlie is perfectly healthy. You are free to go.”

When we get into the car, we sit in it for several seconds.

“So, what is the true story?”

Carmilla is quiet for a second and says, “My foster father smashed them when he was drunk. Telling me that I did not deserve children.” She takes a deep breath and continues, “I did the same to him, but with a knife.”

“Charlie did or-“

“I did. Charlie would’ve never had done that.”

“Okay.” I start up the car and start driving to our next destination.

“Thank you for helping Charlie,” Carmilla mutters.

“It was an honor. It was amazing what a little retail and chocolate therapy did for her. I’ve never seen her so bubbly and happy.”

“I know! I have not seen her so happy since I was born.” Carmilla says as she goes back to her normally bubbly self. “So, where we going next? Therapy?”

“How did yo-“

“Charlie maybe oblivious to the world, but I’m not.” I simply nod at her as we pull in to the therapy.

We walk inside and go to the receptionist’s desk. She says, “Greetings fellow humans. What may I help you two with?” She had a funny way of talking almost like she’s an alien or something. Maybe she likes to do that for a joke. It must be bored sitting there all day.

“We have an appointment for Charlie Davis.”

“Yes, sir. Can you fill out this form while you’re waiting?”

“Sure.” She gives me the form, a pen, and a clipboard.

Time seemed to go fast as I fill out the form. Next thing I know I hear a woman say, “Charlie Davis?” We both stand up. The therapist looks at me then at Carmilla. “Which one is Charlie?”

Carmilla spoke up, “I am. Right now, it’s Carmilla. Charlie will be back tomorrow.”

“What do you mean?”

I explain, “Charlie had a PTSD attack when we were at the doctor’s. It causes her second personality, Carmilla, to come out.”

“Well, it seems I have my work cut out for me then. Please follow me.” We follow her to a homey room. It was very soothing to be in. We take our seats and the therapist says, “I’m Janet Wong. You can just call me Janet.” We both nod. “So, from what I heard,” She looks at Carmilla, “That you had been abused severely along with the gender issue and multiple personalities.”

“Correct.” Replies Carmilla going from her silly bubbly self to her serious mode.

“Do you have any scars?”

“I do.”

“Do you mind showing them?”

“I do not mind, just know that they are not pretty.” Carmilla shows the ones on her back.

Janet gasps, “Do you have any more?”

“I do, but those are the only ones I’m willing to show as this is hardly an appropriate place to show them.”

“You’re right, sorry. Can you tell me about them?”

“Sure,” Carmilla explains all the scars on her body in detail telling exactly how she got them. Janet’s poker face was fumbling, but she still holds it together.

“Have you suffered any more abuses?”

“Yes.”

“Can you tell me about them.”

“Alright, just to warn you, they are brutal,” Carmilla explains her sexual abuse in great detail. Hearing about it again makes me want to torture the people who did this. Just thinking about makes me want to puke. Janet was no different. She cried puke, and made a grim expression just like everyone else that heard the nightmare. Carmilla is as calm as she always is.

“God, how can you keep from breaking down? If I was you, I would’ve killed myself by now. Even though I’m a therapist.”

“I, Carmilla, do not have any negative emotions. I was created because of the trauma Charlie had to endure.”

Janet blows her nose and asks, “Let’s do talk about something happy or at least happier. We’ll delve into those memories later.”

“Alright.”

“Tell me about your gender issues?”

“Well, I cannot speak for Charlie, but I can speak for myself. I, Carmilla, am a girl.”

“What about Charlie?”

“I’m the happier version of Charlie. Charlie, from what I have seen, is a girl.”

“How did you come up with that conclusion?”

“Well, first, I am in his mind. Second, she shows the traits of a girl rather than a flamboyantly gay boy.”

“Thinking about gay. What if your sexual orientation? I mean, Carmilla is known to be a lesbian vampire.”

“I definitely like girls. Charlie, without a doubt, likes boys. I guess you can say us as a whole are bisexual.”

“Interesting. Are you always so articulate?”

“I am not one to judge myself, but Charlie is not like me. Even though she is me. She is normally too scared to be articulate.”

“Well, remember when I said I have my work cut out for me?”

“Yes?”

“I think I’m over my head. I can work on your gender issues, but I have never seen a DID case such as yours. Not only do you talk to your host while she’s awake, but you understand who you are and how you were created. I like to talk to your brother alone.”

“I’m not her brother.” I protest.

“Then who are you?”

“Her guardian.”

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry. You… You just look so young.”

I sigh, “I know. Carmilla can you wait outside for a bit. It won’t take long.” Carmilla nods and walks out.

“Well, Mr. Blue-”

“Brent, just call me Brent.”

“Brent. You have a highly intelligent little girl on your hands. How do you feel about her being transgender.”

I get Janet a smile, “My late wife… She was transgender. I see her in Charlie. Personally, I’m hoping to adopt her one day once her foster parents are thrown in jail.”

“That’s good to hear. That girl needs someone. I haven’t met Charlie yet, but from what I can tell. Charlie needs someone horribly bad.”

“I can agree with you.”

“I’m going to see her every day. I’ll do everything in my power to help her with her gender issues, but her other problems…. You’re going to have to find someone else. It’s not within my specialty.”

“I understand. She’s going back to school tomorrow. I would like her to attend school as a girl. I’m trying to keep it as a surprise for her.”

Janet smiles warmly, “I think that would be a wonderful idea for her. I can’t diagnose her with gender dysphoria just yet, but I can give you a note to let her go to school as a girl.”

“That’s great! Thank you, Janet.”

“You’re welcome, tell Carmilla that it’s her turn.”

“Will do.” I walk out and say, “It’s your turn.” Carmilla nods and walks in.

I didn’t wait very long until a bubbly Carmilla to run out, hug me, and give me kisses all over my face. She hugs me tighter and repeats, “Thank you, thank you, Thank you!”

“What’s this about?”

Janet gave me a sheepish grin admitting, “I accidentally told her that you are letting Charlie go to school as a girl.”

“Don’t worry, Brent, I shall keep it a secret. Charlie is going to be thrilled when she finds out.”

Janet gives me a few papers, “Here’s your doctor’s note and permission slip to allow Charlie to be herself at school.”

“Thank you.”

The rest of the night, Carmilla was clingy to me. Not like I minded, but I just wish she didn’t do it out in public. She didn’t let go until she passed out while we were watching TV.