"What's wrong, Char?"
"I never told you that Michael and I slept together."
"I kind of figured you two did."
"He was my first, Ash."
Ashley looked at me in shock. From the looks of it, it seemed like she knew something that I didn't.
"Why are you so shocked?"
"I just thought that Derrick was your first. I mean since you two were so in love..."
"That's the reason why we broke up. Well, that and the fact that he cheated on me with Theresa."
"Wow. So doesn't this break up with Michael seem a little more significant? Evidently Michael meant a lot to you if you shared yourself with him."
"Don't you think I know that? I've been miserable since Michael and I broke up. What we did to each other was wrong, and now I don't know if we can go back to the way things were."
"How will you know if you don't try? Char, give Michael some time to sort things out before you go off and be with Derrick."
I looked at Ashley and sighed. Maybe Ash was right. Maybe I should give Michael some time to let off some steam before I decide what I want with Derrick. I know Michael still loves me; he's just upset right now.
But as I was watching people walk by, I realized that I wasn't the only one responsible for our break up. Michael had as much a part of us ending as I did.
"Maybe you're right about letting Michael have some time, but what about the things he did to me? I'm not the only one who destroyed our relationship."
"I understand that, Char. Michael should have told you about Eva and about Brandy, but you have to realize that you weren't a part of his life at that time. You have no right to be upset for what Michael did."
"What do you mean I have no right! He lied to me after I asked him time and time again about Eva and him. And he failed to tell me about Brandy and the love child they shared. How am I supposed to embrace that? How am I supposed to trust him again?"
"Let me give you a bit of advice. When two people are in love, they can get through anything. No matter if it's a lie or if there is a child involved. When I saw you with Michael, I noticed a change in you. You seemed so happy and free. That's how I know the love that you shared with Michael was real. No matter what you two are going through, you will find your way back to each other."
"What if love is not enough?"
Ashley sighed and put an arm around me. "Come on girl, I have the perfect solution for the blues."
I looked at Ashley as she pulled me up from the bench and took me in the direction of the food court.
Michael
After a few minutes of enjoying the way things used to be with Danielle, I suddenly came to my senses and realized what I was doing. As I was walking in the mall with Danielle, my mind started to travel back to earlier when Danielle and I were making out on my couch...
"I missed this so much," Danielle said softly as I was giving short kisses on her neck.
"How much," I said silently.
"So much," she said as she started to kiss my chest.
As we were kissing, my mind wandered to Charlie and the time we were sitting on my couch, telling each other how much we loved each other. The way she made me feel as she kissed me on my chest. I missed that. I missed her.
"I can't do this," I said as jumped up from the couch, leaving Danielle in a pitiful state.
"What's wrong Mike?"
"This. This is all wrong."
"What is, us being together? Mike, this is perfect. This is how it should be."
"For who? You?"
"For the both of us. Mike, you can't deny that we were good together. We always have been and we always will be. "
"I can't do this right now, Danielle. "
Danielle came up to me and put her arms around me. I jerked myself away from her, causing her to finch.
"Don't do this Michael. I love you and I promise you that we can make this work."
"We probably can, but right now, I can't think about a relationship."
"Why? Because you not over Charlie? I hope you don't think you two are getting back together because you're not. Mike, Charlie moved on with her ex-boyfriend."
"Let's just drop this."
"No, I'm not. You need to face the truth. Charlie decided she wanted to be with her ex. She went on with her life, so why can't you?"
"Because I still love her!"
Danielle looked at me with tears in her eyes. I guess she knew that any chance for us to get back together was out the door. I realized at that moment that Charlie was the woman I wanted to be with. Even if Charlie was with Derrick, that's something I'd have to deal with, but right now, I couldn't get involved with anyone.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
"Don't bother. You made it loud and clear who you want to be with. And I respect that. But let me tell you one thing, Charlie doesn't deserve you. She will never be the woman you want her to be."
I nodded my head in agreement. "You're right, she's not the woman I want her to be, but she's close to it...."
"Mike. Hello Mike," Danielle said as she was waving her hand in my face.
I gave a weird look to Danielle as she gave me a little smile.
"I've been trying to get your attention for a minute. Where were you?"
I smiled as I looked around at all the prom dresses hanging on ranks and displayed at the front of the store. I suddenly realized that we were looking at prom dresses.
"Sorry. I guess I spaced out for a second."
"I see. Anyway, I wanted to get your opinion on this dress," Danielle said as she held up a pink strapless dress with silver beading around the neckline.
"It nice," I said.
"I was thinking about getting a dress made, but I think this dress is wonderful. Maybe I can still get my dress made, but I can use this one as a design."
I nodded my head in agreement, as I looked at Danielle.
"Why are we looking at prom dresses? I thought you said we were going to the mall to walk around."
"We are, but I also said I wanted to look at prom dresses."
She looked at me and shook her head.
"You don't remember do you?"
"Remember what?"
"You asked to me the prom Mike. You asked me earlier today at your place."
As I tried to think back to earlier today, I realized that I did asked Danielle to the prom.
While I was throwing back beer,
I thought.
"Listen, if you don't want us to go to the prom together...."
"I do. I guess I'm not myself right now."
"Well we need to change that. What do you want to do right now? We could go to your favorite store or go see a movie?"
"We don't have to do that. I don't mind looking at prom dresses."
Danielle laughed as she looked at a short black dress with a matching shawl.
"Please Michael. I know you don't want to be looking at me trying on dresses all day."
"What if I do? Besides, whatever dress you try on will look beautiful on you."
Danielle looked at me and smiled.
"Thank you."
I smiled as I watch Danielle's face light up with every dress she saw. As I looked at Danielle, I became excited at the thought of prom coming up and all the after parties everyone was going to be throwing. But as I looked around at the all the gorgeous dresses sitting in the store, I started to think about Charlie and how she would look in a beautiful ballroom gown. She would look stunning with her hair pulled up and a smile that would light up the room. But as I came back to reality, I realized that Charlie was probably going to the prom with Derrick.
And I was going with Danielle.
Charlie
"Did the smoothie make you feel better?" Ashley asked as she was sipping her pineapple and banana smoothie.
I looked at my strawberry smoothie and smiled.
"Sort of, but thanks anyway."
"No problem. I know it's rough, but things will get better."
I nodded my head and sighed. I knew Ashley was trying to help me feel better, but I didn't think anything would lift my spirits, especially not a strawberry smoothie.
"Have you talked to Eva since the party?" I asked as we stop to look at a window display.
"No. I can't talk to her after what she pulled. Why would you even mention her name? I thought you would be the last person to talk about her."
"I know, it's just that we have been friends for so long. I just hate that this had to tear us apart."
"She brought it on herself."
"I know, but what gives me the right to forgive Michael, but not forgive my friend? We've been through so much and we let a guy come between us."
"I know, but how you know Eva didn't have feelings for Michael?"
"I don't think she did. I think it was just a one- night stand, that's all."
"It's your decision to be friends with her, but in my opinion, Eva's not the same person anymore. She's completely changed, and I think it's best if you just let things be."
I looked at Ashley and then I turned my head away from the window display, to an image I didn't want to see. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me when I saw Danielle and Michael walking together as if they were the happiest couple on earth. Danielle had her head on Michael's shoulder, while Michael was pointing in the direction in front of him. I looked at the two wondering if they got back together or not. But from the looks of things, it seemed like they had. I see why people at Belmont named them best couple, because I had to admit, they looked good together.
Ashley looked at me with a confused look on her face.
"You haven't even been listening to me," she said as she turned to look at me.
"What's wrong Char?" she said as she started to look in the direction I was facing. Her expression changed as she saw Danielle and Michael on the other side of the mall looking at each other in a longing stare. Then the two started to laugh as if someone told a funny joke. Ashley looked at me and sighed.
"What are they doing together?"
I looked at the two with a sad look on my face. As I tried to blink back tears, I tortured myself some more as I watched Danielle put her hand on Michael's back. She looked over at me as she moved her hand up to Michael's neck. She put her face towards his and gave him a kiss so sensual; it even took him by surprise.
"Don't torture yourself like this Charlie. Let's go," Ashley said as she grabbed my hand.
I felt like my feet were glued to the floor as I tried to walk away. But I couldn't. For some strange reason, I wanted to watch Danielle and Michael be the happy couple. Maybe Michael deserves it after what I did to him.
As Ashley finally moved me away from my position, I looked over and saw Michael looking at me. He looked at me with the same sadness that I had on my face. The tears that I tried desperately to hold back came streaming down on my face like an erupted dam. As Ashley cradled me in her arms, I couldn't hold in my emotions any longer.
"I can't believe he moved on," I said in between tears.
Ashley sighed as she looked at Danielle and Michael.
"Maybe you're better off without him," she said silently.
Suddenly the sadness I felt for Michael was starting to dissolve. I couldn't believe Michael would do this to me, after all he said to me about loving me. I moved away from Ashley's embrace and before I knew it, I was walking over to Michael and Danielle.
"Charlie! Charlie, don't do this!" Ashley said as she started to run behind me.
I went up to the two with an angry look on my face.
"Should I give my congratulations to the happy couple?"
"If you shall," Danielle said smiling.
"Charlie, it's not what you think," Michael said.
"This is so funny, because you gave me this speech claiming that you loved me and me only. So why do I find you and Danielle hugged up like you two are long lost lovers."
"News flash Charlie, you and Michael are over. You moved on with Derrick, so why are you so upset about Michael and me?"
"I believe I was talking to Michael, not you. So stay the hell out of it."
"No, I'm not. Why don't you go find your boyfriend and leave us alone," Danielle said as she took Michael's hand.
Michael looked at me and sighed.
"Well Michael, is it true? Are you and Danielle back together?"
Michael gave me a remorseful look.
"Charlie, you're making a fool out of yourself. Why don't you walk away and leave us alone."
I look at Michael with tears in my eyes. Danielle looked at me and smiled.
"You heard my man. Go away."
Ashley looked at the two angrily as she grabbed my hand.
"Let's go, Char."
I turned around as Ashley took my hand. As we were walking out of the mall, all the thoughts of Michael and I working things out went out of my mind. As we went to my car, Ashley looked at me as if I was about to break into a thousand pieces.
"You sure you want to drive, sweetie?"
"Yeah, I'm fine Ash."
"You want me to follow you home?"
"No, you don't have to. Besides, there's something I have to do on my way home."
"Char, please don't do something that you might regret."
"What are you talking about? Relax Ashley, I'll be fine."
Ashley sighed as I got into the driver's seat and closed the door.
"Call me as soon as you get home."
I nodded my head as I started up the engine and put the car in reverse.
As I left Ashley standing by her car, I drove to the far side of the parking lot and put my car in park. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Derrick's number. After a few minutes, Derrick picked up with in a rush tone.
"Hey Char. What's up?"
"I was wondering what you were doing."
"Just finished working out. Why?"
"You mind some company for a little bit? I was in the neighborhood and I just wanted to stop by."
I could tell Derrick was smiling through the phone.
"Sure. Just give me some time to clean up."
"Okay. See you in a little bit," I said as I hung up.
I smiled. At first, I wasn't sure where my life was heading and which man I really wanted to be with. But after seeing Danielle and Michael together, I realized that Michael moved on with his life. And if he could do it, so can could I.