Pretty Boy [Completed and Revised Version]

Chapter 32

Caleb's POV

The crowd was huge and rather determined. I lost my grip on Charlie's hand and was looking for her frantically over the paps and crazy fangirls or whatever these creatures were. They were seriously scary. There were thousands of camera flashes blinding me and a mixture of disgusting body odours emanating from the paps. Proof that they've been camping in the area for goodness knows how long. While I was trying to push my way out without resorting to violence, I heard screaming and screechings like girls fighting. I frantically looked for Charlie and called her name. There was no answer.

Suddenly, there was a tussle. A few girls started fighting and some were hitting each other and pulling out hairs. I pushed and pleaded for the crowd to give way to me.

"Charlie!" I called when I succeeded in getting out of the mob. I pushed myself into thw crowd of girls surrounding Charlie and grabbed her arm. She was crouching against the pillar, covering her face as girls hit her, pulled her hair and scratched her. My heart broke into a million pieces when I saw her like that. I grabbed her and pulled her up. Thankfully, an airport guard took hold of her other arm and together we got out of the mob.

He got us a cab and promised to send our luggage to the hotel. Once in the cab, I looked at Charlie. She had bruises and scratches on her. Seeing her like that angered me. I held her tight against me. She seemed dazed and weak from the mayhem. I hated myself for not being able to protect her.

At the hotel, Charlie was quiet and deep in thought. I didn't like it one bit. I got into bed with her and held her.

"I'm so sorry, Charlie. It's all my fault." I said apologetically. She turned and looked at me, her face blank.

"I'm tired." She saud and closed her eyes. I sighed when she didn't say anything else.  I held her and closed my eyes,  hoping sleep will make everything better.
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I looked at the receipt in my hand.

"Why do you have this?" I looked at Charlie. Charlie sat beside me on the bed.

"Caleb, we need to talk." Charlie said in a soft voice. She then turned away. Fear gripped me. No, no, no...please no.

"Baby, please, let's just handle this ok. I'll get us bodyguards, alright? Good ones. And, and..you can come to Colorado with me. Find a job there for a while. And we'll be together." I said as normally as I could. When actually, I was pleading with her. Begging her to stay with me.

"I..I don't know if I can. This is all too much for me. Do you know, how long this had been going on? More than 6 months Caleb. I just think we need a break. From each other for a while." Charlie said softly.

"Baby, please...let's think about this. Just sleep on it ok. I don't want us to take a break. Even when I'm not in the same state as you, at least I can call you or skype with you. I don't want us not be able to do that..Please, baby." I pleaded with her, holding her, making her look at me. Charlie looked tired. And worn out. It's me. I did that to her.

"Alright Caleb. Let's sleep on it, but just so you know, I've made up my mind. It's the hardest thing I have ever had to do but I have to. You know that." Charlie said wearily. She lay down and I pulled her into my arms, holding her tight, knowing full well that what awaits me in the morning would be the most horrible thing to ever happen to me. But I know this is her way of protecting me and what I have to do to protect her from the bullies. It's gut-wrenching, but it's inevitable..I felt my chest became wet. I looked down and saw Charlie, crying although her eyes were closed. I kissed her forehead and let the tears flow.

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Charlie's POV