Lost in Lies

Sound Advice

Scarlet entered the bar, and she noticed Abigale strait away. Her boss was in a very bright orange and silver dress. On anyone else, it would look too much, yet Abigale had a way with clothes. She could make anything look good. The right shoes and accessories made her shine.

"Scarlet!" Abigale called, noticing Scarlet.

After ordering a drink for the pair, Abi gave Scarlet a big hug.

"Now, my beautiful friend, what can I help you with?"

Scarlet tells Abi everything about Cam. Leaving nothing out.

"Oh baby. I knew he was too good to be true. No man would do all that for you without a reason, and guilt is a great reason."

"He said he fell for me to Abi. Everything he did for me after more than made up for it. he didn't make Clark sleep with that woman."

"That is true. Well, here is my input, take it as you will. Is he worth forgiving? Do you love him enough to let it go and try to move on from it? Do you want to forgive him and make a go of it, or is there someone else you want? Ask yourself these questions, then decide."

"I care about him, Abi. I really do. Maybe it is love, I don't know. It should hurt more than it does, but I can't seem to get angry. We were all manipulated by those women. Cam's part was small compared to them, and he didn't know me. is it bad that I am not that angry?"

"That I don't know. It was a while ago now, but it should sting. Maybe you should consider that you are not angry because he doesn't mean enough to you, or that you care too much and can see no wrong in him. Only you know that answer, babe."

Scarlet took a large gulp of the drink Abi got her. The strong liquid burning her throat.

"Abi, this is strong."

"Top shelve baby. I thought you might need it. Nothing like a good whiskey to sort you out."

After finishing her drink, Scarlet thought about what Abigail had said. She wanted Cam in her life, but she wasn't sure if it was for the wrong reasons. He was there for her when everything seemed lost. His presence always helped her. Cam was a good man in many ways, and he told her everything. Even if it was late.

Did she love him, though? was she being fair to him, keeping him around to not be alone. This is something that needs a lot of thought.

Clark then came to mind. Scarlet knew it was dangerous being around him, so having Cam made her less likely to give in to temptation. This was not a reason to stay with him.

"Abi, I need to really think about all this. My mind and heart are all over the place. distancing myself from Clark is also something I must do. He wants friendship, but that isn't something that can come easy. The attraction is still there, but there is no love anymore. Well, I don't think there is."

"Oh hunny, that man meant everything to you. Your feelings will never be the same for another. Maybe you shouldn't compare those feelings to what you feel for Cam?"

"That is why being away from them both and concentrating on me is what is needed. The shop can have all my attention then."

"I agree with all that, babe. Charlotte has offered to assist you. That girl has become very fond of you, and that handsome Anthony."

"The feeling is mutual. Charlotte has become a good friend."

The drinks were flowing then, and Abigale chatted with Scarlet throughout the night. Laughing and getting very merry.

Cam...

It was late when Cam decided that he needed to sleep and stop stressing. He had been watching his phone, hoping for a call from Scarlet. The thought that maybe she never wanted to see him again hurt. Cam loved her deeply, more so than he originally thought.

Just when he decided to sleep, his phone beeped.

Scarlet: Cam, I need some time to tink. You, we need times apart for bits. Some time may be weeks. Talk then. I care but need time.

"Tink?" Cam thought to himself. realising that she must be drunk.

Cam: Are you drunk?

Scarlet; Ma be. Just a lit. Abi fed me whiskey. Tis top stuff. But I made decision before got drunk. I care you much but need times.

Cam: Alright, babe. Make sure you drink some water before you sleep, ok? I love you, and I will be waiting. xxx

Scarlet; You do love me don you? I love ooo but confused. Speak soon ok? Bye bye x

Cam smiled to himself. Scarlet rarely drank, and a drunk Scarlet is a funny one. He just wished that he could be there with her. What she was asking is reasonable. If time is what Scarlet needed, then he would give it, even if it killed him not seeing her.

Sleep didn't come for Cam. His thoughts kept going to what he did back then, how he hurt Scarlet. If she couldn't forgive him, he would let her go.

Scarlet

Back at the bar, a very drunk, Scarlet was singing with a merry Abi. The pair thought they sounded amazing. The other customers were amused, just laughing and singing with them.

Charlotte then entered with Anthony and Clark. Abi had texted Charlotte to join in the fun.

Scarlet noticed them and went in for a group hug.

"I thought it would just be you." Abi addressed her daughter.

"Sorry, mum, but you sounded drunk, so I bought backup."

Clark noticed then how drunk Scarlet was.

"Where is Cam? Scarlet, shall I call him to get you?"

"Noooooo! We are on a break. I need no man tonight."

"I will get her home, Charlotte. You and Ant help your mum." Clark tells them.

"I want top shelf Clark, not home to my sad place."

"No more Scar, you have had enough, come on." He then lifts a reluctant Scarlet.

Saying bye to the others, he takes Scarlet to his car. Luckily, he drove his brother, and Charlotte met them there.

He gently put Scarlet into the passenger seat and had her seatbelt fastened. She then took his face in her hands and said something that tore Clark's heart out.

"Clark, why did you do it? I loved you with everything I had. You took my heart, and now I can't love. Please give me my heart back so I can love again. I need to love again."

Scarlet's hands dropped then as she fell asleep. Clark was looking at her with tears in his eyes.

"You already have mine, Scar, and I don't want it back. My heart will always belong to you. I will do anything to see you whole again. I promise."

Clark then took Scarlet home. He should be happy that Cam is out of the picture, but he couldn't help but feel bad for Scarlet. He didn't want her to feel anymore hurt. Looking at her, he couldn't help but touch her cheek. Her beauty took his breath away as always.

When he got Scarlet back home, he took out her keys and carried the inebriated women to bed, gently taking off her shoes and covering her up, putting a bottle of water on her side with some pain relief. Clark then found himself a cover and got comfortable on the sofa Scarlet had in her room. He didn't want to leave her, in case she got sick. He took one more glance before he tried to sleep.