Famiy Dinner

A/n: I haven't done my first POV in so long, so I wrote one for fun!• This one-shot is based on This Winter, but it takes place in the summer afterward & Charlie doesn't run off this time

TW: ED

Charlie's POV:

The spring household was crowded and full of family members catching up with each other, and my mum and dad were setting up the table for dinner.

It's tradition to come by during the summer holidays since they haven't been around since Christmas.

God, I'm hoping it goes better than Christmas dinner.

I don't get why it has to revolve around food each time family members come to visit. Yes, I know it's a special occasion, but can't we do something fun? Like mini golf or go to the movies and see each other that way?

I don't know; I might just be a dumb, mentally ill teenager.

The only way I will survive this dinner is thanks to my sister Tori. I haven't left her side this whole time, and she's been standing by me as we have been on greeting duty. I don't know what I would do without her.

I would have invited Nick too, don't get me wrong. He offered to come as well, but my grandparents are homophobic; I don't want to risk them to say anything to him.

"Dinner is ready!" Jane announced.

Everyone made their way to the table. I took a deep breath and sat beside Tori, Oliver on my other side.

Oliver is rambling to our youngest, 12-year-old cousin Rosanna, who's turning 13 next month. 20-year-old Clara was sitting across from us, and Esther, who is 16, Tori's age, sat next to Clara. I didn't mind our cousins, but Clara was the one I disliked the most.

She offended me a lot at Christmas dinner; I tried my best to avoid her—keyword: tried.

"So Charlie, are you still with Nick?" Clara hummed, raising an eyebrow.

I fiddled with my sleeves anxiously. I was wearing my favorite hoodie, which I had stolen from Nick for comfort during this family reunion, besides having Tori by my side.

"Yes, I am," I stated in annoyance.

I hate it when people like to gossip about other people's lives; it's bullshit, in my opinion.

"Oh my god, I just remembered Nick is off to university soon! Are you guys going to go a long distance? Most couples don't last." Clara interrogated.

I clenched my fists under the table, and this was the last thing I wanted to think about before I ate.

Tori glared at Clara, "Just Shut up, Clara." She scuffed.

"Jesus, I was just asking a question," Clara said defensively.

"Yeah and I just don't want to talk about it," I informed Clara.

Clara rolled her eyes as Julio began to serve everyone their food. "God You're so dramatic." She mumbled under her breath. "And you're such a Bitch." Tori mumbled back.

I snorted a bit in amusement, causing Tori to smile at me. I nudged her as a thank you since she finally got Clara to shut up.

"How are you guys doing over here?" Julio asked as he reached our lot of the table, aiming the question at me and patting me on the shoulder. I knew he was trying to be supportive but it makes me feel worse whenever they nag me about it in this setting. They just don't understand that.

"I'm doing fine," I sigh and sip on my soda. Tori looked at Dad, "We're good, Dad." She assured. Julio nodded and finished serving everybody else.

Dinner went okay, and I managed to finish half of my meal. Tori sent me a proud smile, which filled my chest with pride. Also, thank god for Oliver. He is the best distraction; everyone is focused on him, asking how school is going and what his grades are.

I leaned back in my chair, trying to relax. When our uncle Ant turned to me, I knew that any question he would ask me would most likely not be good. He's big on gossip, like Clara.

"So Charlie, how is your uh, eating recovery going? I see you ate half your food, so I'm guessing it's going good." He observed. Well, I was right.

I froze, and everyone turned towards me. Mum sighed, and Dad was about to speak up, but Tori beat him to it. Oliver had big, confused eyes as tension flooded the room. I rubbed his arm gently, assuring him that he was okay.

"Why do you think asking him that in this setting is okay?" Tori seethed.

Clara chuckled as Uncle Ant looked at her and then back at Tori, "I was just asking a question." Uncle Ant said in defense.

"Okay, enough." Julio shook his head. "This dinner is over. If this is how you will behave towards my son, I must ask you to leave." He stood up and pointed to the door, staring at Uncle Ant.

Embarrassment flooded my mind as I sank into my chair when everyone began to gather their belongings.

I felt so humiliated...

Why did I have to be so messed up?

Why can't I be normal like everybody else?

Tori looked at me, knowing I felt terrible, and pulled me into a hug, protective instincts kicking in. I clung to her and let myself sink into her arms with a sigh. "This is NOT your fault, Charlie," Tori said sternly.

I nodded and hid in her shoulder, needing to be held longer.

Mum was quiet as she cleaned up the dinner; I knew she was upset that another family dinner she hosted didn't go well...

Julio drew a sharp breath, "Oliver, why don't you go play Mario Kart with Tori and Charlie?" He hummed, trying to lift our spirits.

I loved Dad for that. At least he tried; Mum usually just ignored her feelings.

"Yes!" Oliver exclaimed in excitement. He got up, gripped my hand, and grabbed Tori's arm, leading us to the living room.

I smiled softly and sat on the couch with my siblings, feeling content for the first time all day. Like I said before, I don't know what I'd do without these two. They made life worth living.