Take Me Back To The Start (Tony Perry, Mike Fuentes, other people?)

Things Don't Always Go As Planned

Charlotte’s POV - 1 year later: 

I woke up feeling empty, as usual. Mike had never called to check in, none of the guys did. The only contact that I had with Tony was via an attorney. I made a stupid mistake. I was in a bad place, I wasn’t taking my meds, I was drinking too much and everything was becoming distorted. I hate myself for what I’ve done to Tony. I hate myself in general. 

I pulled myself out of bed, I was flying to San Diego today. Our divorce attorney said we needed to finally come to an agreement on who gets what. But, we already know all of that. He’ll get the house in SD, I’ll get the house in New York and we’ll split money. I looked at my closet full of mostly new clothes. After Tony left I went crazy. I lost a ton of weight that I really couldn’t afford to lose. 

I picked out a simple dress that fit moderately well and a pair of cute heels. I was going straight from the airport to the attorney’s office. I walked to the bathroom and jumped in the shower quickly and jumped out almost as fast. I tasseled my long, newly died blonde, already curly, hair, I just couldn’t be bothered to dry it and did some simple make up because I couldn’t be bothered to do that either. I slipped my dress on and grabbed my heels, I slipped on my wedding and engagement rings that I still wore an headed downstairs. My bag was waiting by the door and my best friend, Nikki, was in the kitchen drinking her coffee.

“Ready,” she asked. I had been putting this off for months because I really can’t face Tony. 

I shot her the best smile I could, “As I’ll ever be.” 

She motioned her head to the door and handed my a to go cup of peppermint tea. I threw my bag in the trunk and hopped into the front seat. Nikki cranked the radio up and we rocked out like idiots to My Own Worst Enemy by the amazing Lit. It kind of became my theme song when Tony left. Traffic was light, which was surprising but don’t complain when things happen to go your way. 

It took no time at all for Nikki to pull up to the drop off at the airport. We both hopped out and looked at each other. Nikki knew everything about me. She knew all about Tony and Mike and about how none of the guys bothered to stay in contact. I really don’t want to face them. 

“You can do this,” she said firmly as if she was reading my mind.  

I sighed, “I know. I have to do this.” 

She pulled me in for a hug, “I’ll see you in 2 weeks.” 

“Of course,” I replied. 

I let go of her and grabbed my bag. I started towards the door and turned back for another glance at my best friend. I waved and proceeded to enter the busy airport. Check in and security were a breeze and I actually killed some time walking around the small shops. I got on the plane just after the final call was spoken. I didn’t even stay awake to hear about the safety bullshit.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up just before we landed and smiled at the fact it looked warm and sunny. I missed California. I walked to baggage claimed and saw my luggage waiting for me. I walked out to where long term cars are parked and pulled out the email that my brother sent me. He dropped my car off here the other day so I wouldn’t have to bum rides from my family. 

I found my bright yellow jeep without any problems. The doors were still off and I could smell the sea water from when we had surfboards piled on the top. I ripped the top off and started my baby up. This car would not have worked in New York so thank God Tony and I had a place here to keep her. 

I pulled out my old navi and plugged the address in. It wasn’t too far, only 15 minutes or so and I was there in no time. I parked in the garage and looked at the business card for the right floor number. I looked at the buttons, not very hard, top floor.