FALLING AROUND YOU ➵ DANIEL SEAVEY ➵ SEQUEL

11 ➵ Don't Let Us Fade Into a Memory

"Why do we both need each other so much more than needing anyone else? Yet we are never meant to be?"

—

There was a jagged edge on my heart, and as time went on, I realized I've gotten use to the feeling. It felt as if a piece of my soul was cut up, but I wasn't able to find it— and I still can't. Yet, suddenly all those little jagged edges seemed to straighten out. I didn't know it at the time, but my heart was changed forever after I had him.

My lungs felt like they were constantly being devoured by the lack of oxygen as my body was tensing up. The car suddenly stopped as I thanked Louis before heading into the large building. There was another meeting, another meeting talking about my future for my career. I knew nervous was a complete understatement as the palms of my hands started to become faintly more damp.

I felt my vision clog as I made it up to the elevator and down the hall of the familiar floor. I could only hope that Charlie was in the meeting– he could be the only familiar face that would calm me down.

I was soon met with the destruction of my creativity: the meeting room. Every time I step foot in there, I suddenly feel submissive and small compared to all these corporate adults. I'm incredibly young for the success that I have gotten, but it doesn't mean that they still treat me as equal. I feel like the others think of me as unexperienced and without wisdom. To some sense I am, but I've dealt with more that it seems to the sheer, naked eye.

"Ms. Martin, good you're here on time." Mr. Gray told as I looked around filing myself near a familiar someone.

"Hey! My dad didn't seem that harsh that time, right?" Charlie spoke.

"Probably because this is the first time I've been on time for a meeting," I brushed it off.

I put my notebook and laptop on the table ready for any criticism that Mr. Gray would push my way. The kiss was only a couple nights ago, but thoughts were still dancing in my mind as I felt Charlie's subtle stares in my direction. I ignored him feeling my cheeks turn scarlet as I shook my head. I heard his chuckle from next to me as the room started filling up. Voices were talking about the best ways to create more sales while the meeting went on, and I sat there nodding quickly taking notes.

"Now Ms. Martin, I've seen the drafts you've emailed me for the sequel, and I have to say I am actually very impressed. I sent them to my sister, and let's just say she loved the ideas you gave. We're thinking the book should come out early next year. Obviously, it will take a bit to edit and to induct everything—"

"Next year? I've barely even written the first chapter. It's going to take me months to finish that book." my chest burned with confused. It felt like little needles were poking at my spine one by one– the frustration of how slow the pain was devoured me.

Mr. Gray scoffed, "Well, before you interrupted me, I was going to tell you Natasha said she would help you sort out your ideas. We both know when you have the right motivation you could finish the book in an rapid amount of time."

"She's flying out here?" I finally relaxed trusting Natasha.

"No," he looked at me funny, "You're flying back to London."

"What?" those weren't my words, but Charlie's.

"Charles, she was suppose to fly out a long time ago. Besides, Natasha is really excited about the project, and she wants you there soon," Mr. Gray looked my way, but my vision could only be to the floor.