↣chapter eleven; [CHAPTER TEN P.O.V OF GARETH]
7:00 p.m
I was already dressed, grabbed my keys and went outside. I got into my car, and drove thirty minutes in the opposite direction from where we were going, that night. I had entered my ex's compound, parked and rang the bell.
"I'm coming!" I heard her yell, coming downstairs.
She opened the front door, and I had almost forgotten about all the stuff she did to me. She looked pretty.
"I'm ready." she smiled, "You look amazing."
"Uh, thanks." I stated, "You look real nice."
"I knew you'd love it." she smiled, and approached me, putting her hands over my shoulder, "Maybe if the night goes well enough, we'll get to come back here and have our own little party?"
There was no way, I was going to come back here, to be with her for an even longer amount of time.
"We better get going," I said sharply, "We'll be late."
9:15 p.m
We had finally arrived, at the place, and I couldn't be any happier. Even though there was a big chance that Charlotte may not have come, I would still be able to ditch Linva, and go find Aaron if she became annoying.
We walked on the red carpet, as she held on to me tightly. Cameras came from every direction and flashed brightly. Paparazzis were shouting questions at us, asking whether we were together, whether we rekindled our 'love', and what not.
The second we entered, my eyes searched all over the place, trying to find Aaron or Charlotte. But mostly Charlotte. I was looking around, just hoping to see her. I then turned to my left, and I saw her. She looked so beautiful, I couldn't even put it into words. She was with someone, causing me to tense up as he whispered something into her ear. She instantly started to laugh, and I couldn't help but think that I could've been here with her. That could've been me. I continued to observe them but mostly stared at Charlotte.
I couldn't help it. Okay?
She saw me looking at her, and I panicked. I looked away, though she had already noticed me. I decided, to make my way over.
"Charlotte," I said softly, "Hi."
She smiled politely, "Gareth. Hello."
I couldn't help but stare and admire her. I started feeling like a fool, so I quickly introduced Linva.
"Oh, um..this is my date," I said quickly "Uh..."
"Hi, I'm Linva Kirovoka." she smiled.
"Nice to meet you Linva. I'm Charlotte Derrson, and this is.." she directed her hands to the male that stood beside her.
"Richie Pryo." he smiled.
I had seen him before. Never met him, but he seemed nice. I tried not to bash his head, feeling as though he stole my princess away from me.
"I know you! It's so great to meet you." Linva gushed, as I glanced at Charlotte.
"Thank you, nice to meet you too, Linva." Richie responded.
Richie then shook hands with me, as he said that it was nice meeting me.
"Come on babe let's find somewhere to sit down," Linva said to me purposely, "My cats are purring."
I knew that Linva had said that purposely so that Charlotte would hear her. She sometimes saw me looking at her, as much as I tried to hide it. I didn't catch Charlotte's facial expression, but couldn't imagine what was running through her mind at that moment. I strongly hoped that she wasn't assuming that we were together. I didn't know if I could really smooth things over with her now like Aaron said.
"Why don't we all sit together?" Richie suggested.
I screamed inside. I was both nervous, and happy.
"Sure," Linva replied turning around.
We all searched for a table, until we finally found one table, with two other couples, seated which we had mingled with earlier. While we were seated, the couples at the table were all chatted up except for Me and Linva. She had started a conversation with me, and things were actually alright. The Linva that I used to be with came out.
Linva whispered in my ear, telling me that she would be moving into her own condo. The one she was living in was her friend's condo. I smiled. I was happy for her. Happy that she would live farther away, which would stop me from showing up at her house. I was still in the process of letting go. She then kissed my cheek, and I felt my cheeks turn pink. Of embarrassment, and well..because she kissed me. Why was it that she did this to me? I had found someone else who I was greatly interested in, but I just couldn't let go. As much as I really wanted to. My heart and my brain just weren't agreeing, and that only made me more frustrated, and upset.
I looked up and saw Charlotte stand up, shortly being followed by Richie. Inside I was beyond angry. I was furious.
I told myself: Gareth How could you? How could you let that happen-How could you let her kiss you and allow yourself to blush when sitting right across from Charlotte?
I was angrier with myself, now than before.
"Really Linva?" I said angrily, "Why would you do that?"
"Because we were having a good time." she said innocently.
"I didn't ask for it." I fumed.
"Well sorry, I didn't think it would upset you this much." she shrugged.
"How did you not know? You hurt me and you know that."
She sat quietly and went on her phone as I sat there, staring at my cup, in anger. After a little some time passed, the anger had faded away from my face, and I stared at the cup blankly.
Moments after, Charlotte, and Richie returned to the table and took their seats. As they seated, I lifted my gaze off of my cup, to Charlotte, and she looked away. I could tell that she was avoiding my gaze, and all my glances.
After countless speeches, music had started to play, and most of our table got up to dance. All except for me and Charlotte, since well, we weren't really in the mood to dance. Just as I was about to say something to her, she received a phone call. I felt a little sad, because I had to wait until she was off the phone, but of course, just as she ended the call, someone approached her.
"Chris! Oh, Chris, boy am I happy to see you?" She yelled over the music squeezing his cheeks and pulling him into a hug.
"That's enough love there." the male smiled.
I couldn't help but stare, trying to figure who this guy was.
They continued to chat when suddenly, a girl ran over, and Charlotte embraced her in a tight hug. The girl then pecked the male who was previously talking to Charlotte on the lips. Charlotte cooed, and a wave of relief went over me. I was still somewhat curious and decided to go and meet them. Charlotte unwillingly introduced me to them, and soon afterwards she let the couple have a dance together. We both returned to our seats, as I saw a look of annoyance on her face. Obviously, because the universe hated me that much, just as I stood up from my seat to go around to talk to her, Richie appeared, grabbed her hand, and led her off to the floor filled with dancing bodies.
The song had ended, and another started, just as the two returned. I was now dancing with Linva, not too far from the table. Charlotte and Richie took photos together and laughed while chatting the night away. I couldn't help but look over ever so often. Linva wouldn't really catch me looking, but when she did, she would turn my head to face her, smile, and say 'Keep your eyes on me.'.
At some point that night, people moved to the room next door to other sets of tables, so that they could be served food. I told Linva that I would catch up to her later, as did Charlotte to Richie.
I had seen Charlotte enter the bathroom, so I waited at the end of the hallway, for her. She exited the bathroom and I automatically straightened upright.
"You look absolutely perfect." I spat out.
"I know, Richie told me only a million times today. Thanks anyways," she said harshly, "For the compliment of course."
"Day?" I raised my eyebrows.
"Yes, we bumped into each other during the day."
"Well, he wasn't lying..." I looked down, "You are absolutely stunning."
"I have somewhere to be so can you excuse me please?" she said, looking annoyed.
"I need to talk to you." I said solemnly, "I really need to talk to you."
"Not now Gareth please-"
"Please. Please?" I begged.
"Then say what you need to say."
"Are you and Richie..you know..together?" I said curiously.
"What are you a reporter?" she sighed.
"No, I'm just asking-"
"Well don't."
I stopped myself for a moment.
"Charlotte, okay, can we talk for a moment?"
"I told you, say what you need to say." she calmly said.
She took me by surprise. Saying that a moment ago, she had been annoyed, and lacked all patience.
We went to the nearest table, sat down, and I began speaking.
"You first off are stunning. Secondly, I'm really sorry about bailing on you."
"Okay first off, you told me already, secondly, I know. I have a wonderful date Gareth. I'm doing just fine. You concentrate on having a good time with your date."
I was quiet for a moment, choosing the right words to say. Then, I spoke up again.
"Remember that girl, that I told you....hurt me badly? And screwed me over?"
"Yeah? What about her?"
"She's here. My ex is here."
"Okay..." she trailed off.
I couldn't read her facial expression, and had no clue how that was supposed to be received.
"Well who is it?" she said quickly.
"It's Linva."
I couldn't believe myself. I couldn't believe that I had let the problem re-enter my life. I honestly thought I'd explode. I also knew very well, that Linva wanted to be with me again, and wanted to be in my life so suddenly but I don't know. I was still torn between taking her back and giving her another shot, and telling her that we're better off just as friends. There should've been no question. I should've turned her down.
"Okay...what do you want me to do now?" she answered.
"No..I just thought you should know."
"Okay, but I don't see how that was so necessary to tell me if there's nothing really to be done. That's your issue, you decided to bring her. Now I'm hungry, and I would like to go enjoy the rest of my night, and I trust that you will do the same. Sorry, please excuse me." she stood, and walked towards the other room.
How could I be so stupid?
12:00 p.m
I was so bored, and all I wanted to do was to leave with Charlotte. I just wanted to pour out everything right then and there to her. But I wasn't sure.
I ran what Aaron said to me through my mind over, and over, again:
'Go follow her. Or you'll regret it.'
I couldn't take it anymore, and I ran out of the room. I screamed Charlotte's name. Obviously, receiving no answer. I ran, outside and looked about, right when I saw Richie lean in and kiss her. My world crashed down, and my heart shattered. I couldn't do this. I couldn't take this anymore. Usually, I handled situations like this quite well, but this was my breaking point. I rushed off in the opposite direction, trying to find my car. I found it and slid down the side of it. I sat there. My face completely covered. Crying silently. Hoping that no one would hear me.
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Bonjour mes lovelies. Well this chap was a little depressing...especially the end. But, IT'S OKAY GARETH THE UNIVERSE DOESN'T HATE YOU.....bae, things should get better....hopefully. Normally they always do. And they will for you. I hope...Comment your thoughts loves!
You know the drill :)
Love you all dearly.
sincerely,
secrettown