Falling Again

12

*Present*

Charlotte smiled thinking about how she said yes to be his girlfriend when Jaxson asked her. She's terrified to make that decision then after seeing his confident eyes she can't help but give up her other thoughts.

Jaxson has been always confident about whatever he wants but she's the one who gave up that faith in their relationship which still saddens her and nowadays it's more to handle whenever she looks at Jaxson.

Then coming out of her thoughts, Charlotte continued her work. That time she got a call from the manager asking her to come to his cabin.

Charlotte went there, and he informed that there's a meeting in the evening and she has to be there compulsorily because she's going to overlook the party arrangements that are going to occur in this Sunday.

"Okay, sir, I will stay," she agreed and went to her place. But here lies the problem, she needs to pick up Noah in an hour from his school. She can bring him to her workplace but she wondered whether Jaxson will be free so that she can ask him to get Noah from his school, after all, he wants to spend time with his son.

She hesitantly took her phone and came out of the office area to the resting place where there's no one around.

It's going to be a week since they had that talk in the amusement park. She still hasn't said anything to him and he didn't ask her too. They were still the same, nothing much happened between them to grow closer.

Heaving a sigh, she called him and waited eagerly to hear his voice. Her heart throbbed just exactly how it throbbed seven years before.

He answered the call when it almost going to be a voicemail.

"Hey," he breathed.

"Jaxson, it's me Charlotte," she said still knowing that he's having her number. Noah has given it to him on the other day they returned from the amusement park and she got number from Jaxson who gave it himself.

"Yeah, I know," he told.

"Oh, actually can you go and pick up Noah from his school. Today suddenly they have planned a meeting which I think might take time for me to return."

"If you're busy then it is okay, I will go and get him," she said.

"No, no. I will go and I will look after him until you come back," Jaxson said and Charlotte smiled.

"Thanks," she told.

"No, problem just come home soon," he told and Charlotte gulped to hear that. He's talking like they are indeed together but she likes to hear it from him. It gives the feeling that there's someone for her and Noah.

"Okay, I will call you later," she told and hangs up the call.

She gritted her teeth blushing so hard and she patted her cheeks to get herself together. Calm down Charlotte, calm down, she huffed and walked back to her office and continued her work.

The meeting was scheduled at 5.30 pm. Before entering the meeting hall, she looked at her phone when she got a message from Jaxson telling that Noah is in his house along with the picture they took inside Jaxson's house.

It bought a smile to her face and headed inside the hall. She sat along with her colleagues and heard whatever they were gossiping it's a nice way to pass time. The meeting started very late since every staff has to attend it and some couldn't come on time so they waited for them and then the boring meeting started.

It's about the arrangements for the grand party for a multi-billionaire and business Michael who has been completed being the CEO of Aaron corporation for twenty-five years.

Charlotte really hates to work on weekends because that day only she can spend the entire day with Noah but this work is too demanding, even in her previous workplace she didn't feel the pressure but here the work is somewhat stressful along with that, her manager is flirting with her all the time.

Charlotte quietly observed their manager speaking, and Charlotte was appointed for seating arrangements head. Once they finished the final clarifications, she came out of the meeting hall in a hurry only to find that the rain is showering outside. 

She looked at her watch and it's 8.00 pm in the evening.

She got worried thinking about how she's going to drive in this rain. She took her phone out to call Jaxson to inform that she will be late.

But there’s already a message from him which surprised her. She quickly went into and it said, “Its raining outside, don’t drive in this weather. Come home when the rain stops.”

Reading that, Charlotte's face turned gloomy. It really hurts to know that she has hurt someone who still cares for her and it has become the first step for her to think about a reconciliation.

She walked to her place with these thoughts and picked up her things. She came to the resting area after getting a hot coffee from the cafeteria and waited there watching the rain.

It took back to the past. They have shared their first kiss on one rainy evening which she can never forget. That was the wonderful moment in her life and her heartaches to remember that because it gives nothing but resentments.

Coming out of it, Charlotte decides to leave since the shower has turned into drizzles. She went to her car her when she was about to get inside, her manager's voice startled her.

"Hey Charlotte, do you want a lift?" He asked.

"No thanks, sir. I can drive," she replied without looking at him.

"Please stop calling me sir, call me Robert," he said making the situation weird. He's trying so hard to get her attention but Charlotte utterly avoiding it in order to stay focused on her already miserable life.

"I prefer Sir. It's better," she answered.

"Okay, your wish. Good night," he told and Charlotte got inside her car without giving a reply.

She drove it watching the drizzling rain and playing a piece of nice piano music. She doesn't know why but today she got an unexplainable excitement to go home. Maybe because she's going to talk with Jaxson. Her heart raced to think about that.

She reached home and parked her car in front of her house. Before getting down from the car she looked herself in the mirror, her face looked fine instead of being dull. Taking her umbrella Charlotte walked to Jaxson's house.

Once she made her way through the gates she quietly gasped seeing the huge mansion. Jaxson has really become successful which made her so happy because all she ever wished for him is this and at the end, it has happened. There's nothing could have brought this happiness for Charlotte.

She pressed the calling bell and kept the umbrella aside. Suddenly Jaxson opened the door, Charlotte blinked her eyes looking at his half-naked body, he's only wearing his black sweatpants.

"Come in," he smirked.

Charlotte agape to see that, he's doing it on purpose, I know you, I know you very well Jaxson but I am not going to fall for this, Charlotte thought.

"Thanks," she gave a daring smile and entered inside.

She removed her shoes in the entry because it's wet and dirty.

The interior of the mansion is so rich compared to its beautiful exterior. The lights were dimmed and the television is on, at the corner. The couch is messy with Noah's things. Everything looked clean, glittering and exposing its richness.

"How was your day?" He asked getting her attention.

"Ah... Good," she nodded and gulped seeing his irresistible many aura and she couldn't look him in his eyes while saying that.

"I was thinking to come there if you haven't returned home before ten."

Charlotte was taken aback to hear that from him.

She looked at him and he stared her back intently.

"I was worried about you, Charlotte," he confessed and she melted in those words.

"Sorry, I didn't call you back after seeing your message," she replied and regret danced in her words.

"That's okay," he said after a brief moment. Charlotte mentally scolded her for being so stupid, she didn't think he must be worried about her.

"Where is Noah?" She asked to change the topic.

"He's sleeping in my room," he answered and walked inside.

"Did he ate anything?" She asked.

"Yes, we ordered his favourite pizza and he slept watching the television for some time. And before that he has done his homework," he said.

"Great," Charlotte smiled.

"Better let him sleep here, I will bring him in the morning," Jaxson said standing near the stairs.

"Okay," Charlotte agreed, she doesn't want to disturb her son's pretty sleep.

"Can I go and see him?" She asked because she never missed to kiss him good night and she thought it won't feel good if she leaves like this.

"Yes, of course, come with me," he said and guided her to his room. Charlotte maintained a decent gap between them but even that doesn't work out for Charlotte. Seeing his manly rough physique brought her all those steamy moments she shared with him.

When he was young, Jaxson got a lean yet muscular body but now he turned even hotter and matured for his age.

Jaxson opened his bedroom door and Charlotte entered inside. The room is quite big compared to what she has been seeing from her balcony. There's a big picture of Jaxson, which was taken when he was badly injured and fighting with that. Charlotte wondered why he has chosen this particular picture out of so many good pictures of him on the internet.

Then her gaze turned to her son, who's soundly sleeping on Jaxson's king-sized bed. Charlotte moved close to him and kneeled on the floor beside him to give him a good night kiss. Noah smiled in his sleep when Charlotte kissed him on his forehead and noticed that she smiled too.

She got up and turned only to find Jaxson standing so close to her, just a few inches away from her lips. Because of this unexpected proximity, Charlotte stepped back to hit her calf on the bed and loosed her balance.

Before she could fall on Noah, Jaxson encircled her waist at the perfect moment and pulled her against his hard chest. She hugged him tightly, skin to skin because at that moment there's no other option left for her and she gasped in the shock.

Her cheeks were on his chest, and she's too small compared to his huge hunky frame. Her nostrils were filled with the smell of his cologne and her hands were on his bare skin.

She wanted to get away from his grip but Jaxson didn't let her go even after she's standing safe. His warm breath tickled her left ear and Jaxson leaned on her shoulders inhaling her pleasant scent. He tightened his grip and his hands pressed her close against him.

Charlotte knows this isn't right but she couldn't stop it because somewhere in her heart she wants it too. She rested her hands on his back and closed her eyes sharing the contentment in that blissful moment.

Jaxson smiled when he didn't get any objection from her but then like disturbing their moment the thunder rumbled.

Charlotte pulled herself from him and looked down in embarrassment.

"I am sorry and thanks. I think I should leave," Charlotte told and walked past him.

Oh God! What I just did? I am turning crazy! She gritted while making her way towards the stairs.

"Charlotte, wait," Jaxson stopped her carrying his t-shirt in his hands.

She stopped and turned to look at him. He wore his t-shirt and came close to Charlotte.

"Have you had your dinner?" He asked.

"No," she nodded. "But I am not feeling hungry," she said.

"Oh, then shall we have a coffee?" he said.

"No, Jaxson, I think I should leave," she said.

"Why?" He asked. "Why can't you stay?"

"Do you have a boyfriend?" His question made her chuckle.

"Boyfriend? You know, I don't have time for that?" Charlotte replied. Truthfully, she couldn't accept anyone in that place after Jaxson.

"Then why not?" "I just want to talk with you, Charlotte. Stop running away from me," he said looking at her eyes.

Charlotte can understand his feelings and decided to stay. "Okay," she nodded her head and walked with him to the kitchen.

She sat down on the dining chair while Jaxson prepared hot coffee for both of them.

"What you will do at times like this? Where will you leave Noah?" He asked.

"Uh... I will take him to my workplace. In my previous workplace he is quite famous because he talks nicely to everyone," Charlotte said.

"I can see that," Jaxson smiled.

Charlotte got up and walked to the glass door for the lawn, beside the kitchen. She stood there watching the rain and Jaxson came with the coffee cups.

"Rain is beautiful right?" He said standing behind her.

"Yes," she lightly shook her head.

He gave the cup to her and while getting it she looked at his hand and saw the ring she gave it to him. He's still having it? Her heart almost stopped and she raised up her head to see his face.

"What?" He raised his eyebrows in confusion.

"This ring? You still have this?" She muttered in surprise.

"Yeah, I didn't remove it since the moment you put this on my hand. I don't know why but I couldn't find any valid reason to remove it, Charlotte."

Charlotte's eyes welled in tears and she gritted, not to cry in front of him.

"Why?" She asked.

"Because I know you loved me and I couldn't hate you," he answered.

Hearing that her tears glided down to her cheeks. But she immediately wiped it off.

"I think about you almost every day, you know," he smiled and gave the cup and she bought it in her hands.

"I don't know what else to say than sorry," Charlotte told and sipped the hot drink. "Thanks for not hating me," she told and Jaxson felt she's turning emotional.

"Leave it, I don't want this day to turn badly," he said and sipped the coffee.

"Do you have work tomorrow?" He asked.

"Day after tomorrow, I have to be there. There's a party going to be held in the hotel and I have to be there," she said.

"Oh, I will be there on that party," Jaxson said.

"Is it?" She asked in surprise.

"Yes, I was a brand ambassador for one of their product and his son Adrian was my good friend. He watches my match regularly." Jaxson answered.

"Oh, great," she smiled.

"So who will look after Noah," Jaxson questioned which made Charlotte think for a moment. Obviously, she has to look after him, but why he's bringing it all of a sudden.

"If you don't mind, can I take Noah with me?" He asked and Charlotte utterly dislikes that idea.

"No, Jaxson. If it is any other place, I would have said yes, but that's my workplace. If anyone came to know about us then it is really difficult for me to work there," she blurted out her worries.

"Why do you care about others? In one way or other people have to know about it," Jaxson told.

"But Noah's too young to attend parties and I don't know how he will take it," Charlotte said.

"Charlotte, stop worrying. I want to do this, please let me." He said firmly and Charlotte agreed.

He's right too, how long she can hide about her life. The world needs to know about Noah's father. She doesn't want to carry those assumptions that she got this child through a one night stand or by a casual teenage fling.

It happened out of pure love and emotions. Mainly she willingly gave herself to him.

"Okay. I agree with you," she answered.

"Thanks," "then tomorrow I have to take Noah for shopping to get new clothes for the party. You want to come with us," he asked.

Charlotte wanted to go but she has some work. "Actually, I have to work from home, I don't think I can come," Charlotte answered.

"Oh, it's okay," he agreed but inside he felt a little sad.

They finished off the coffee and Jaxson bought the cup from her hands and took them to the counter but Charlotte stood there and watched the beautiful, mesmerizing and evenly falling rain.

Looking at her Jaxson walked close to Charlotte. Out of nowhere, he encircled his hand around her waist and her eyes widened in shock.

"Do you remember?" he said in her ears, "the first time we kissed,"

Charlotte breath hitched in her throat. "Jaxson..." She whispered when she sensed his lips near her neck. He didn't think much and kissed her nape.

"What you're doing?" She whispered.

"I... Remember it every time when I see this rain. Why, Charlotte? What you did to me?" Jaxson asked and Charlotte unable to answer stood still.

"Why did you left me?" He asked and again planted a kiss on the crook of her neck. "When did you become so cruel to do that?"

She couldn't answer that too.

"Jaxson... Please," she whimpered.

"Why can't you answer me?" "You know how much I loved you then how could you do that to me?" He asked.

"You don't know I was a f*****g i***t who couldn't find a way to forget you," he gritted.

"Have you forgotten everything we shared?" he questioned.

Charlotte tears slipped to her cheeks. His questions were all so hard to answer but then she always wanted to ask this to him.

"Then why did you left me, when I said I wanted to break up with you?" She asked.

All of sudden, Jaxson turned her to face him.

"Because I thought I shouldn't be a hinder to your dreams which you have always talked about. You refused to come with me, Charlotte." He told.

This is the same reason why she also took the decision to leave him and also because of her mom's advice.

"I understand, the mistake is all mine and you can accuse me in every way. You have the right, Jaxson," she said nodding her head.

"But please don't ask for explanations,  I don't have anything to prove that I am innocent, I know I made all the wrong choices and I would have told you about Noah. But that time I was afraid to face you and I am afraid till now. You deserve someone better than me, Jaxson."

Tears welled in Charlotte's eyes while telling those things which she doesn't want to say. Yet she thought getting back to him will only lead to great heartbreak.

Jaxson watched her intently after hearing that stupid statement. He wanted her no one else. But he got angry thinking about why she couldn't understand that.

"You're a good person, Jaxson and I am not equal to you in any way. Maybe we have shared something meaningful in that hard time of our life. But I think it's an accident in our life. Now or then I never really perfect for you, Jaxson. That's the truth. So let's stop everything here," she couldn't tell those last words yet she tried because she wanted him to continue his better life and she doesn't want to feel guilty over their past when they reconcile.

And if they start on a relationship and then if it doesn't work out the way they imagined then it will hurt her more than anything so she decided to continue her life instead of messing up both of their life.

Jaxson left his grip on her and she stood looking down.

"If we get back together, every day will be like this. Good night, Jaxson," she said and walked.

When she reached the door, all of a sudden, Jaxson held her hand.

"You told what you want, but you never heard what I want. Now or then I always loved you and you're perfect for me, Charlotte. Isn't that enough? What I am having for you, it's not just love, you are... You can never understand what I feel for you, that's the problem."

"Jaxson, please understand me," she said in her worn-out tone.

"You understand me, Charlotte. I couldn't forget you, and I won't leave you," telling that he pulled her close to him and slammed his lips on hers.

Charlotte was taken aback and she pushed him and Jaxson left her when she started crying.

She didn't look at his face, she took her shoes and leaving her umbrella behind she walked to her house in the pouring rain. Jaxson didn't stop her and thought how he's going to convince her when she's this stubborn.