Wedding in Neverland (Sequel to You're Gone and I've Gotta Stay High)

Chapter 11- Heartbreak and Ravens Jerseys

I'm officially a high school graduate and Alex has blue hair. So have two short chapters.

I closed the door and pressed my hands flat against it. I hung my head and tried to find some peace in my raging brain.

"Hey babe" Val's voice was soft, coming from behind me and it shook any confidence I may have had.

I sighed and turned around to see her, not expecting at all what my eyes were met with. The minute I saw the way she looked, I was ready to fall to my knees and weep.

Her damp hair was in a high ponytail, swinging back and forth as she walked into the living room. She was only wearing one of my Ravens jerseys, her gorgeous legs were shining, and I could smell the sweet aroma of her honeysuckle lotion.

"Hi honey" I greeted her, at first not realizing the irony. She cocked her head and furrowed her eyebrows.

"Since when did you call me honey?"

I laughed a little and walked over to her. I just wanted to hold her before I told her; before I broke her heart.

"Alex? Are you okay?" She asked in my ear. She was so short that to do so, she had to stand on her tip toes. I moved and rested my chin on the top of her head, thanking God that I couldn't see her face right now.

She was too beautiful. It distracted me from what I had to do.

"Alexander, you're worrying me."

I took a deep breath and held Val away from me at arms length. She looked at me with her eyes wide and curious. How green they were never failed to shock me. I could write an album just about her eyes. Then it's follow up would be about her lips. I stared at them and almost lost my train of thought. She looked so damn good.

I was caught in between wanting to kiss every inch of her and wanting to just look at her, thinking of better words to describe her than "damn good." She deserved better way than that from her song writing fiance.

Anything would be a better thing to do right now than what I had to do.

"Val, I have to tell you something. And when I do.... you can't ask me why."

Val pushed away my arms and waited for me to continue. I let my arms fall and frowned.

"Baby..." I whispered, reaching out to her. She gave me a small smile and stepped back towards me. Now or never.

"We have to postpone the wedding until further notice."

If I had cartoon sound effects play in the background of my life, I would literally hear Val's heart shatter. Her face fell and immediately she looked like she was going to cry. She grasped her chest and the fabric of my jersey bunched up in her fist.

"Wh-what?" Her voice broke off and she gasped. I slid my hand down my face and fought the ache in my torso.

"I'm sorry, baby. But we have to..."

Val turned her back to me and wrapped her arms around herself. "Alex, I need an explanation. I deserve one! It's my wedding! Is it money? Is it me?"

"No! I love you."

"Then what is it?!"

She turned back around and her face was red. Her eyes were puffy. Her bottom lip was sticking out in a pout and I swear I'd never seen a better looking heartbroken person.

I tore my eyes away and felt them water. "I'm sorry."

I could feel her staring at me in disbelief. "I guess I'm sorry too."

Then she bolted past me, wiping her eyes and trying not to completely lose it.

I stood still and clenched my fists. I am a secure man and I can admit it.

I started crying.

I sat down on the stairs and put my face in my hands.

When Val and I had gotten back together, I promised not only to her but to myself that I wouldn't hurt her again. I thought that proposing and starting a new life would help us move forward. But now a ghost from the past is hanging over us and I had to hurt her. Again.

But the worst part was; I was pretty sure the pain I just inflicted was 10 million times worse than when she saw me kiss Lisa.

I could hear Val crying in the silence of the house. Sebastian and Peyton came padding in and sat by my feet.

"Fellas, I broke my woman's heart. I need some lovin."

But my dogs stood back up and walked right by me and up the stairs. For the first time since Val moved back in, I felt absolutely alone.

"I just don't understand!" I heard Val scream desperately.

Fuck, Val. I am so sorry.