Flash Fiction Pt. 1

Hey ya'll, long time no read! Since moving into college, I've been super busy and I've haven't had time to post so I decided that I would post a flash fiction that I wrote a few years back.

Hope you enjoy! (BTW sorry the formatting is super goofy! It didn't transfer over great from google docs:/ )

“3...3...3..”. The numbers pounded through Charlie’s head as she drove in circles in front of the dance studio. ​It has to land on 3. Her eyes darted back and forth as her peers and friends continued to slide into their usual parking spots, smiling and giggling, and Charlie was still in the car. ​Finally . She wasted no time when the odometer landed on 3 and in an instant, she was in a parking spot and was bustling towards the door. With short breaths and tightened muscles, she pushed the door open and the smell of perfume and sweat poured out. Charlie’s feet cemented to the ground as she stared at the studio in front of her. These types of things have happened to her since she was 4 and her family never knew why but it never happened in public, especially in the studio full of snarky teenage girls. Charlie wandered into the studio, late and frazzled. “Ms. O’Ness, late today I see?” The words coming from Mrs. Jones sent a shiver down
her spine. “I’m very sorry, ma’am”. Snickers and glares wandered around the room, causing Charlie’s hands to clam up. “It was only 5 minutes. It won’t happen again” Charlie replied with a mutter. With a side glance, Mrs. Jones turned around and started commanding her students on what position to take. As Charlie slid on her pointe shoes, she felt a light tap on her shoulder that caused her to let out a small yelp that had the ability to catch the attention of Mrs. Jones’ sharp glare. “Where were you? You’re never late for Saturday rehearsals!” Kaylee buzzed in her ear as the scent of mint gum, which was never allowed in class, followed her words. “I just woke up late” Charlie claimed as she brought herself to her feet with the help of Kaylee.

“You seem a little tense” Paris snickered and she walked up behind Charlie as they left the studio, her minions following close behind. “Thanks for the concern Paris but i’m fine”.
“I’m just worried for you, Charlotte. You don’t seem all there. You’re a little OC”. Charlie held her breath, for she knew the words that would follow.
“Or should I say OCD. We need the lead to be here mentally”. With the flip of her hair,
Paris was gone but the words still staggered in Charlie’s mind. OCD has been brought up before but she never thought much of it until today. Without a thought, her legs controlled her as she turned back to the building and into the
bathroom, head down. Swinging open the paint chipped door, she thrust her bag towards the floor and stood in front of the mirror examining the sweat that appeared while talking to Paris.
“Not now. Oh god not now”. Words scrambled though Charlie’s head and she turned on the
water and pumped the soap dispenser 3 times followed by wiping her hands 3 times on a paper
towel. With 3 quick breaths, she left the bathroom.

The drive home on I-478 drug on longer than usual, causing Charlie’s thoughts to bury
themselves deeper in her brain. She never considered herself as someone who could have a
mental illness. Without a thought, the words “I have OCD” rolled off her tongue, leaving a gritty feeling in her
mouth but Charlie realized that she had to accept it whether or not this was going to be an obstacle in her life.