Many people have that one person in their family they simply cannot stand. This type of person doesn’t even have to be cruel or extremely stupid, but there is just something about them that makes you roll your eyes uncontrollably every time you see them. For Charlotte, such a person was her brother-in-law: Joseph Harris.
Again, Joseph may not have been the nicest person, but he also wasn't someone who could be compared to evil stepmothers mistreating some orphans. (Which was a bit annoying, because since Charlotte had to be an orphan, she could at least be a tragic fictional character.)
But no, honestly speaking Joseph Harris was only slightly stupid and very annoying. And now he was talking to the headmaster, while Charlotte was anxiously waiting for him to leave the office and take her home, where she would probably be lectured about her behavior.
“Thank you, Mr. Phillips. And I am once again sorry for her behavior. No, no. Do not worry. My wife and I understand your decision perfectly. Maybe she will learn some good manners at home and the stupidity will disappear from her mind. Have a good day.” Charlotte tensed a bit when she heard Joseph's voice, and then she saw her brother-in-law leaving the office. At the same moment, Emma grabbed her arm, pulling her towards her, and Charlotte exactly knew what she wanted her to do. Both girls smiled, forming a unity against the men.
“Mr. Harris” Emma started. “Good to see you. Is that a new hat? Very lovely!”
The man frowned.
For some unknown reason, Joseph had a really strong opinion on modern hats – he always complained they did not suit his face and felt annoyed at every compliment about hats. Or maybe he just hated hats. Emma knew this very well, of course, but he had no idea about it.
“Yes, thank you” he sighed, clearly tired with this whole situation. “Charlotte, let's go. We have a train and I've already wasted enough time because of your ideas.”
Charlotte looked at Emma and hugged her tightly.
“Emma…” she started, but her friend stopped her.
“Don't say goodbye. We will see each other again. We will always be friends, right?”
“Always” agreed Charlotte, holding back tears. “I will write letters to you. I promise.”
Emma smiled, and hugged her one more time.
“Great. I have to go to class now. But I'll see you soon. And remember. I will always be there for you.”
“Youthful friendships are so silly,” said Joseph when Emma finally left. “In two years, you probably won't remember who she was, but now you're acting like the world is ending."
Charlotte rolled her eyes. Why on earth was he so annoying? Unfortunately he did not stop talking.
"Come on now. You already caused us too many problems. I don't want to miss the train because of you”
But Charlotte didn't feel like leaving. Was this really the end of her story here? It was too soon. She wanted to go to another class. Spend time with Emma and Bessie. Talk to a few other people. Ask Mrs. Thomson why she didn't say anything when she was accused of lying. Unfortunately, it was too late for that.
With tears in her eyes, Charlotte left the school.
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