The One That Got Away

Chapter Two - Still owns my heart

Carson’s P.O.V

I sighed to myself as I watch Addie walk out of the bar with her friends. I can’t believe I ran into her of all people. I swear she is even more beautiful than I remember. Though the way she looked at me, the things she said to me broke my heart, but I don’t blame her, not after what I did. The biggest mistake of my life was walking away from her, but I never had a choice. Yes, looking back now I could probably have handled it all different, but at the time it seemed like my only option. I hope one day I can tell her truth if she ever speaks to me again.

It has been five years since I saw her, five years since I heard her voice and felt her kiss, but not a single day has gone by that I didn’t think about her. I have never managed to let myself fall for anyone else since her. She still owned my heart, without her even knowing.

“Carson, buddy you alright? Your mood had changed quickly,” My friend Connel asked.

“Yeah, I am alright,” I said, giving them my best smile.

I couldn’t exactly tell them what was wrong. No one knew about Addison and me; it was always a secret. It had to be since she was my student when we got together. I never thought I would have been the kind who would do that, but from the moment I first met Addison, we clicked. Yes, I tried my damn hardest to fight it! But failed! At the time it would have been frowned upon, I could have got into a lot of trouble, but I don’t regret the eight months I had with her. Only thing I regret is walking away from her. I have gone to try to contact her loads of times, but in the end, I couldn’t because I am a coward, just like Addie said I was. I wondered to myself if she is with someone else? If she is, I hope they treat her right.

“Come on, let’s hit the club.” Connel smiled.

I wasn’t in the mood; I will still go though, that way, questions will not be asked because I was up for it earlier.

“Sure thing,” I smiled.

The four of headed down to the club, it wasn’t only a few doors down from the bar. The cue was long, but it usually goes down quickly.

“You looking for a hookup tonight? I don’t think you have got laid since you got back into town six months ago,” My friend Carlos laughed.

“Not tonight. And I have been, thank you very much.” I chuckled.

I wasn’t one for random hookups but sometimes I will if I am lonely and have needs, but not my thing, I would rather be in a relationship, but that won’t work because I can’t let myself do that. I tried it once, after Addison, it never worked because it wasn’t Addison and it wasn’t fair on the person I was with.

“You are no fun,” He laughed.

I laughed it off, shaking my head at him. It only took about ten minutes until we got in. The place was buzzing and busy; it always was. It was one of the most popular clubs in town.

“You all go find seats; I will go grab the drinks,” I suggested.

They nodded, heading off, and I headed to the bar as I waited in the cue.

“We meet again, Mr Brooks,” I heard a giggle from next to me.

I knew it was Piper which meant Addison was probably here too unless she went home after running into me.

“Hey Piper, that we do.” I laughed, “And please, I haven’t been your teacher for five years, call me Carson.” I added.

“Sorry, Carson it is.” She smiled, “Are you still teaching?” She added.

“Yes, but as a College Professor rather than a high school teacher,” I said.

“Oh, that’s cool.” She smiled, “You and your friends should all come and say hi, or would that be weird because you used to teach us?” She added.

“We will maybe stop by.” I smiled.

“OK.” She said before saying goodbye and heading off.

I don’t think it is a good idea, not if Addison is still with them. I don’t want to ruin her night any more than I already probably have. The last person she would want to have a drink with would be me, that was for sure.

******

We had been at the club for a couple of hours, though hadn’t seen Addie and her friends. I think that was for the best. Suddenly, instinct took over that made me look up and just as I did I saw Addison stumbling towards the exit of the club, she was clearly wasted and alone. Where the hell are her friends?

“Excuse me,” I said quickly to my friends, going after her.

There were too many idiots around that would take advantage of the way she was. I rushed out of the club, looking for her and saw her disappearing into the alley next to the club. I was quick to go after her. What was she thinking? Anyone could be down there. By the time I got there, she had one hand had rested against the wall and was vomiting. s**t! She has had way too much to drink.

“Addie, are you OK?” I said, getting to her side and holding her hair back.

She couldn’t answer me because she was still sick. I used my free hand to rub her back, while the other held her hair. I sighed to myself, not like seeing her like this. After about ten minutes she stopped, turning to me.

“What the hell are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay away from me?” She snapped.

“There was no way in hell I was leaving you alone when you are like this,” I said.

“I can look after my damn self,” She said, staggering as she did.

I was quick to grab her in case she fell. Addison pulled away from me, heading back towards the club but she was the wasted the doorman wouldn’t let her back in.

“I need to get my damn bag; I need it to get home.” She slurred.

“I am sorry sweetie, but you have had enough, your boyfriend can go in and get you it.” The doorman said.

“He is not my f*****g boyfriend; he is an asshole!” Addison huffed, “But fine.” She added.

I asked the doorman to keep an eye on Addison as I headed in, searching for her friends. I finally found them.

“Where is Addison’s bag? She needs to go home.” I said, “Why would you let her go outside alone in the state she was in?” I added, slightly annoyed.

“She said she was going to the bathroom, we never knew,” Piper said.

“I am taking her home; she can barely stand and has been vomiting. Can I get her bag and address please?” I said.

It took some time, but I managed to convince them to give me what I wanted. I headed back, finding her crouching down against the wall, face in her hands. She needs to get home, get plenty of fluids and sleep. I hailed down a cab. I got one quickly and then helped Addison to her feet.

“Let’s get you home,” I said softly.

“I don’t want to go anywhere with you, Carson,” She said.

“Tuff, I need to make sure you get home safe,” I said.

She gave up trying to fight me on it and let me help her into the cab. I gave the driver her address. Addison rested her head against the window, soon falling asleep. We got to her apartment, and I paid for the taxi. I tried my best to wake her, but she was in a deep sleep. There was only one thing for it. I went around to her side, carefully opening the door since she was laying against it. I scooped her up in my arms, Addison snuggling into my chest.

I hated going through anyone’s things, but I had to go through her bag to get her keys. I finally found them, letting us into her apartment. I searched for her room, laying her down on the bed. I slipped her coat and shoes off, pulling the covers over her, I never wanted to get her changed; I think that would be over-stepping.

I sat next to her on the bed, stroking her hair.

“I am sorry I hurt you, beautiful. I was an i***t and not a day goes by when I don’t think about you, miss you.” I said, “I have never stopped loving you Addie,” I added, kissing the top of her head.

I found my way to her kitchen, getting her some water and pain killers. I headed back through, sitting them next to her bed. I never wanted to leave her alone; I would sleep on the chair in her room, just in case she wakes up and starts being sick again. I knew she would get pissed off when she woke up, but I would deal with that when it happens. All I cared about was making sure she was alright.

I got settled in the chair, finding a blanket. I watched her for a bit. She hasn’t changed much in five years, still as beautiful as ever, even more so. I wondered every day where Addison and I would be if I never left? I think we would still be together, engaged, married even, but I will never know will I because I am a complete f*****g i***t! I am hoping one day she will forgive me. I wouldn’t blame her if she never though.