THE WEIGHT OF DREAMS, Cole Walter ✓

13| I'M NOT SAYING IT

Alex's eyes widened in surprise, while Cole couldn't help but smile at Austin's action. He knew Charis's father well enough to recognize that it was all just a show, but he couldn't deny that if he had been in Alex's position, he would have been terrified. Charis understood her father's intentions and couldn't help but smirk a little at the priceless reactions of the Walter brothers. Katherine's piercing glares added to the intensity of the moment; she was known for being both bark and bite, despite what many assumed.

Austin and Katherine emerged from the office, their hands tucked in their pockets, their expressions stoic once more.

"Alex and Cole, you're both suspended for three days. The rest of you, suspended until tomorrow," Katherine announced calmly, her gaze fixed on her sons.

"Alex, do you have anything to say?" she asked, her tone piercing.

"Sorry, Charis," Alex muttered quietly, almost too softly to be heard. Isaac rolled his eyes.

"It's fine," Charis sighed, feeling the weight of the situation dissipate.

"No, it's not," Austin interjected. Katherine observed the exchange closely. Charis sighed, giving him a look.

"Watch it next time," Austin's voice sliced through the tension, directed at Alex but carrying weight for all the boys present. Alex nodded.

"So I guess it's time to go home. Now!" Katherine's command was firm, prompting everyone to rise and prepare to leave. Charis reached out, placing a hand on Cole's arm to stop him. Summoning her courage, she knew her father was watching her.

"Here, ice that cut. See you tomorrow," she said, handing him the bag of ice and brushing his hair away from his eyes. Cole smiled gratefully, wordlessly acknowledging her gesture before turning to follow his siblings.

"Take care, Cole," Austin said, leaning against the wall with crossed arms.

"Yes, Sir," Cole's heartbeat picked up pace as he replied. With his rigid posture, he headed out.

Austin waited until the Walter brothers had left before he enveloped his daughter in a warm hug, a laugh bubbling up inside him.

"Aren't you two just adorable?" he teased, gently shaking her shoulders.

"Shut up," Charis laughed, returning the hug, feeling the comfort of her father's embrace.

As they walked towards the car, Austin couldn't resist asking, "So, how did I do?"

"You scared them shitless. Well, everyone except me," Charis replied proudly.

"Good enough," Austin grinned mischievously, pleased with his small victory.

As they settled into the car, ready to head home, Charis recounted the day's events to her father, opting for the family-friendly version. She left out details like the note in the locker and the mouse trap, making the situation seem less chaotic than it truly was. Austin chuckled at the absurdity of teenage drama, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Promise me, no more of this drama," he said, half-serious, half-amused. He simply wished for his daughter's life to steer in the right direction: devoid of boys, drama, fights, misfortune, and poor grades. However, lately, challenges seemed to be flocking her path.

"I promise," Charis replied with a grin, knowing that it wasn't entirely up to her. Beneath his smile lay an unsettling reality, one that he hadn't fully grasped yet. Charis harbored the fear that any day now, he would receive a call from the school about her declining grades and truancy. Perhaps he would start to notice her unhealthy habits and might place blame on those around her. She hoped it wouldn't come to that because every action she took was solely a result of her own choices.