It's Always Been You

Twelve

Charlie didn't want to go back to reality. He wanted to stay wrapped up in the perfect bubble he and Nick had created.

He tried his best to focus on work, teaching music (specifically drums) at the all boys school was his passion. He loved to see the look on their faces when they finally got into a rhythm.

But all he could think about was Nick. Getting home to Nick. He wondered how he was getting on at work. Nick coached a rugby team for children aged six to eight. He mused over how cute it would be to see Nick teaching young children something he's so passionate about.

The school bell rang signalling the end of the day and time for Charlie to start packing up and heading home. He tidied up the music room and got all his things together before heading out of the school gates.

"Charlie..." He froze as a familiar woman's voice called his name. He span around to see Imogen walking towards him.
"What are you doing here?" He asked nervously.
"I just want to talk." She said softly.
"This isn't a good time." Charlie said, walking away.
"Charlie, please..."
"What is there to talk about?"
"Well... Really I want to talk to both of you..."

Charlie stopped. Against his better judgement he told Imogen to follow him in her car.

He nervously turned the keys in the door to his flat as Imogen stood behind him, he wasn't sure if Nick would be home already. His palms were sweating and his heart racing but he knew he had to at least try to make peace if he didn't want her making his and Nick's lives difficult.

"What's she doing here?" Nick asked as he stood in the doorway of the living room. The smile on his face quickly wiped off.
"I just want to talk." Imogen said quietly.
"You have five minutes." Nick's voice was calm but his face was angry.
"I'm not the one in the wrong here." Imogen said defensively.
"You attacked Charlie!" Nick's voice was becoming less calm.

Oh god what have I done?! Charlie thought to himself.

"He crashed our wedding!" Imogen shouted.
"Get out!" Nick demanded. Charlie moved quickly to stand behind Nick.
"I thought we could have an actual conversation about this!" Imogen snapped.
"Look, Imogen, I'm sorry I hurt you... That was never my intention..."
"Hurt me how? Emotionally or by throwing me across the room?!"
"You were attacking Charlie!"

Charlie cowered behind Nick, he had never seen him like this before, never heard him shout like this. The room began to spin and Charlie tried his best to control his breathing.

"You had sex on my bed!"
"You hurt Charlie!"
"He ruined our wedding!"
"He knew it was wrong for me to marry you!"
"He just couldn't deal with the fact that I had you and he didn't!"

Charlie was really struggling to control his breathing. In fact he felt like he couldn't breathe at all. The more Nick and Imogen shouted at each other the more frantic he began to feel.

"Get out!" Nick shouted loudly, Charlie barely recognised his voice.
"What are you gonna do? Throw me across the room again?!"
"I swear to god... Get. Out!"
"Nick..."Charlie whispered.
"Or what?!" Imogen shouted.
"Nick!" Charlie said more urgently. Nick turned quickly.
"Charlie? Are you okay?" Nick asked, concerned.

Charlie couldn't answer, the room spun and all he could hear was a ringing in his ears. His whole body becoming numb he clung onto Nick's arm for support.
"Char? It's okay... I've got you." Nick said softly, holding onto Charlie. "You see what you've done to him?!" Nick shouted at Imogen.
"Me?! You're the one who started being all hostile the second you saw me!"
"Get out before I call the police!"
"Fine! I'm going!" Imogen left, closing the door behind her.