FALLING AROUND YOU ➵ DANIEL SEAVEY ➵ SEQUEL

19 ➵ One Last Chance

"I found the deepest love when I'm with you. It's the deepest pain and most addicting pleasure. So, I tell you this: break my heart if you'd like. Do it as many times as you want. It was only ever yours to break."

—

daniel seavey
we need to talk.

me
i know

daniel seavey
when are you free?

me
later today if it's okay with you

daniel seavey
ok. ill get you at 4.

—

My chest hurt. No, it didn't just hurt, but it burned. I could feel my stomach getting hot, the thin layer of sweat melting the top of my forehead, and my palms brushing against each other in hesitation to walk through those doors. It was the doors to my past; a past that wasn't so long ago, but it's already felt like a stranger's old life. I shifted my pencil skirt trying to pull it down a little more to look more presentable. My notebook steamed in my tight grip.

I felt as though I wasn't breathing.

The building was larger that I remember. It was sleek inside and out. Glass dances along the entire building as I could see myself in the reflection of the dark glass doors. I looked nervous, but I knew I was prepared. As I was about to grab the door handle, it shoved its way towards me revealing a face I'd seen far too soon into my trip.

"Charlie."

I didn't know my feelings when I first saw him again. The last time I faced him, my impulsions drove me to say I loved him. I did love him, but not in the way he wanted. He had a smile on his face; the same smile that would be forever locked in my memory. It was infectious, so distinctive. My time away was short, but I missed our simple friendship.

I missed what once was.

"You've been standing outside the building for almost ten minutes," he chuckled, "I just thought you forgot how to open a door."

"Ha, ha. Very funny," I said in a sarcastic tone.

Side to side, I realized that I never contacted Charlie when I was in New York. It's not like I have forgotten him, but its more like I needed to find out how I felt about him. I've always been a believer that true love could travel the distance, but I don't think our did. I don't think it was the kind of love we were hoping for because I didn't miss him like I missed Daniel. 

Suddenly, I pulled into a tight hug. I felt his warm skin under the thick fabric of his dress shirt. He smelled like cinnamon and hot chocolate; such a contrast to Daniel's scent of the ocean and fresh fruit. It was so easy to see that I was never in love with Charlie. I know I loved him in a different way, but I think I didn't want to believe it. 

I couldn't be in love with Charlie when I am constantly comparing him to Daniel. 

"I missed you, Char." I looked up to the soft boy. He was always there for me. He cares for me. He loves me. I just know I can't love him in that same way. "I love you, okay? I really do. I love you so much, but I'm not in love with you." 

I didn't know what reaction I was excepting for him, but I didn't except his soft smile. He didn't look hurt, but he didn't look realized; he just looked satisfied. I noticed his hair was a bit more polished today compared to his usual messy and shaggy locks. He looked much taller than I remembered him, more confident. I had to admit that he has a glow. The sweet boy pulled a strand behind my ear just staring at me.