Steps {Sequel to Patience} | Charlie Jones

0.5

I understand that Stereo Kicks have broken up, and I was literally crying on my bedroom floor. I understand that some readers are going to stop reading this fanfic, but I'd still like to carry on, if you guys still want me to? :L 
Thank You so much for all your support with this fanfic, it legit means a lot to me.

I'd like to say our breakfast went well together, but in reality, I was in shock, which led to silence. Charlie understood, but it wasn't his fault. Just because he told me he liked me, and other adorable things,  doesn't make it his fault, it was mine for having nothing to say back to it.

We walked back to college together, I was taking in my new surroundings, hoping I'd remember them, and not get myself lost, but apparently getting lost in America was difficult. Charlie was singing, like he usually does. He was singing 'Run' which had to be another one of my favourite songs. I'm not sure how he knows every single one of my favourite songs, but somehow he does, and he sings them so perfectly. 

"So what are you going to do when you get back?" Charlie asked, in attempt to make conversation. 

"I uh, um. P-probably check the time differences, and uh r-ring R-reece up." I stammered, wanting to hit myself continously for sounding like a complete idiot. Never have I had an issue with talking to Charlie, but ever since he announced his love for me, I was finding it overwhelming, and difficult to cope with. It was like the first time I met him all over again, when I couldn't look at him in the eyes, and struggled to even speak one word to him. But it was different, back then, Charlie was just a stranger, but now, well I don't know what you'd call us...lovers perhaps. 

"Cool." Is the only thing Charlie said back to me. 
When we stepped inside the college, Charlie looked around like a lost pup. He didn't know what to do with himself. I knew he was hoping that what he said back at the diner would blossom into a relationship, but it went the complete opposite direction. It's made an awkward sense between us both. He probably thinks I don't like him, when I do - I'm crazy in love with him. I'm just a socially awkward person, who doesn't know what to say to anything, and I guess Charlie should've known that by now, but part of me thinks he doesn't. Part of me also thinks, that Charlie thinks I'm perfect for him, and I'm not. I lack in absolutely everything he wants. I'm not confident, and I don't talk much. I thought I was getting better, but apparently not. Maybe this wasn't the best decision for me. I should be back in England, not over here. 

"I-I'm gonna go now." I mumbled, breaking the silence that had again collapsed on us. Charlie nodded, not saying a word. I nodded back.
I prized myself away for the awkwardness, and shuffled into my room, and threw myself on my unmade bed, and let out a heavy sigh reminiscing what just happened back then, and why it was so awkward. Once again, I was occupied in my thoughts, forgetting the world around me. It was like I was in my own little bubble at the moment, and I was struggling to get out. I didn't like focusing on the negative things, but then again, that's all I tend to do.

After a few minutes of thinking, I did what I came here to do and call Reece. I clutched onto my phone, my hands quivering. I scrolled through my contacts and clicked on Reece's name, my finger hovering over. I needed to talk to Reece, I needed him to guide me along and make me happier like he usually does. 
I held my finger to his name, and began to ring him. 

"Hello?" I groggy voice responded, and instantly I felt a whole lot happier. I missed the sound of his voice, so deep and northern, which makes a lovely change from all the American accents I'm continously hearing.

"Reece?" I questioned, just to make sure it was him.

"Oh hi Autumn, sorry Casey has been going through all my contacts and changing peoples names." He giggled, and I smiled. Without a doubt I missed them. I missed how loving Reece was, I missed the banter and stupidness of Casey, and I missed how caring and hilarious Jake was. It was amazing, having the chance to speak to them, no matter how far the distance. 

"What am I under?" I laughed nervously, wondering what Casey had done.

"Uh, I can't remember." Reece lied, but I knew he did, it was probably rude or embarrassing which he didn't want to repeat. I heard muffled sounds in the background and I could only guess it was the rest of the boys. Even when Charlie and I were back in the UK, I knew the boys all took in turns to hold a sleepover. It was like a weekly thing, and no I wasn't upset I wasn't invited. I was with the boys enough, I didn't want to be a burden to them, and feel like they had to invite me. I just came and intruded on their gang, they needed time together, and just be the typical teenage boys which they were. 

"So how are you? What have you been up too?" I asked. It had been 2 days, and I was curious to know what they'd been up to, even if it was nothing I didn't care. I wanted to talk to Reece, he was my get away. Without him I'd still be sat on my bed over thinking this situation which I was currently absorbed in, and I didn't want to go back to.

"I'm good. We haven't been up to much...well actually that's a lie. We've made some new friends, and formed an even bigger band." Reece responded. "Stereo Kicks now consists of eight members. Well depending if Charlie still wants to be a part of it?"

"That's amazing!" I smiled. "What are their names?" 

"Oh god, okay well there's Barclay, Chris, James and Tom. They are so lovely, you'd get along so well with them all, but yeah ask Charlie, because it'll be a shame if he were to drop out."

"Uh yeah..I will, but we're kind of in an awkward situation at the moment." I admitted, placing my teeth together, anxious at what Reece would say, I knew it would be nothing bad, but still I was anxious.

"What's happened?" He asked, rather shocked, but he sounded like he knew something like that was bound to happen. 

"He basically told me he loved me, and I didn't know how to respond." I said in the simplest way.

"Oh, well I'm sure he'll be fine tomorrow, just sleep to it, and everything will be back to normal tomorrow, just give me a ring if it's not and I'll try and sort something out." Reece replied, and I felt a whole lot better, actually talking to someone about it, instead of having it bottling up inside of me. "But most importantly, how are you settling in over there?" He asked.

"Yeah it's fine, my room mates are lovely, but I think Charlie is having trouble with his." I laughed. It didn't seem right me saying that, it's usually me that struggles with fitting in, being quiet and awkward and everything.

"Wait what, why?" Reece laughed, also sounding extremely confused. 

"He has to share a room with some football lads, who are apparently extremely vain and cocky." I laughed, and so did Reece. 

"I have to go now Autumn, it's like half eleven back here." Reece yawned.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." I replied, forgetting to check the times zones. 

"I miss you so much, but please stay in contact, I love talking to you." Reece replied, and I wanted to cry, I missed him so much, I wanted to hug him, I wanted to be in his arms.

"I miss you so much Reece, and I will. I promise I will. Bye." I welped before hanging up.

And there I was again, in silence, with no-one to talk to, but only my thoughts to drown in.