my salvation (chris evans)

chapter three - head above the water

Chris's POV
It's been almost a week since I arrived home. Meg and I Skype everyday. It's slowly starting to feel normal. As normal as it can. We talk for hours. But our long calls are soon made less regular when Meg returns to work. And they'll be even less regular once I start work.

There's a sudden knock on the front door. Ah, that'll be Tara — one of my closest friends. She text earlier to see if I'm free for a catch-up. I said yes. I know what's coming. Lots and lots of questions about Meg. I walk to the hallway and swing open the front door. Tara smiles and we share a hug, before we head into the kitchen. "Drink?"

"Just a coffee please." I nod and start preparing a coffee for us both, while Tara fusses Dodger.

"So how are ya?"

"Yeah, I'm good, I'm good." She answers, starting to smile. "How are you?" She asks, raising her eyebrows. I smile, shaking my head.

"I'm good."

"And Meg?" I take a deep breath, putting the first mug under the coffee machine dispenser.

"She's okay."

"Hmmm, that's it?" I let out a laugh, leaning against the counter and folding my arms. "Come on, you would not shut up about her for the entire time you were there together. You're not just leaving it at, 'I'm good, she's okay'." I smile and roll my eyes. "Talk to me, Chris. Are you really okay? How's the long distance going?"

"I am okay, Tara. Really. It's just... tough. But of course it's tough. I'd be an idiot if it wasn't tough. We're coping. We Skype everyday. Talk for hours. It's starting to feel more normal, I guess. But yeah, it's hard." She scoots onto one of the breakfast bar stools.

"But you're both okay?" I nod gently with a smile.

"Absolutely."

"Because when you got back—"

"I was missing her. And it was a shock to the system. But I'm adapting." She smiles softly and nods.

"Well, good. As long as you are okay and not just lying to me so I'll stop asking." She says, narrowing her eyes and pointing at me. I laugh.

"Would I ever lie to you?" I say innocently and she scoffs.

"To get me to shut up, yeah." I laugh harder. "But come on, tell me all about her!" She says eagerly, drumming her hands on the breakfast bar.

"But I thought I didn't shut up about her?" I point out with a smirk. She narrows her eyes at me again and I raise my hands in surrender. Once the first coffee is done, I hand it over to her and then do mine.

"Christopher, I haven't seen you so smitten over a girl in a long time. I wanna know everything."

"Everything, huh?" I tease with an arched eyebrow. "I'm not sure you want to know what went on in the bedroom." She laughs and rolls her eyes.

"You know what I mean!" I laugh hard, before sighing in a daze.

"She's so amazing, Tara. We really just click. I find it so easy with her. She's like, my best friend as well as my girlfriend. She's the best. You'll love her, I just know it. She's super sweet and so funny and adorable and kind. Just ask my family. I'm not exaggerating. She's fahcking incredible." She grins, letting me gush.

******

Meg's POV
It's been a little over a week since I arrived home, and just as Chris promised, we Skype everyday. I guess it starts feeling more normal, but it doesn't get any easier. Especially since I'm back at work now and he's filming for Defending Jacob. Finding the time to talk is the most challenging part of the day with the time difference. On top of this, I keep getting bombarded with quesitons from friends. I'm not really in the mindset to be 'bragging'. All I can think about is how far away Chris is, and how hard I'm finding it.

I'm slowly easing back into using the internet as much as I did before the holiday. Specifically, delving into social media. There's been a few pictures put up from the premiere, of Chris and I, and some comments. Comments that aren't for the light-hearted, to say the least. And I'm quite the light-hearted person. I know I need to get used to it if Chris and I are going to continue... whatever this is. But that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. People are mean, especially when they're protected, hiding behind a screen. There's a lot of speculations. People are wondering if I'm his new girlfriend, of course. A lot of those people don't seem to agree with his choice. I even start to see other photos of us from that month. It's crazy how I'm only just seeing them, but I guess I never really went on social media when we were spending time together.