After 2

Chapter 21

Michelle's Pov

As me and Richelle arrive at the club, my heart begin to race in anticipation.
"I'm so happy you dragged me out here tonight" I shout over the music.
"Your welcome! Now let's get drunk" Richelle says as she grabs my hand and runs to the bar. We take a seat and as we try to decide what to order, two drinks are placed in front of us. We look at each other in confusion then at the bartender.
"On the house" he states with a smirk. I shrug and down the drink in one gulp.
"Another!" I shout. My mind already starts to go fuzzy. Damn this is strong.
"Do you think Eldon and Cie are having fun?" Richelle asks
"Not as much as we are! Now let's dance" I scull my last drink and drag Richelle on the dance floor. We start dancing and enjoying ourselves when I notice a familiar face. We make eye contact and I smile.
"Hey Michelle" Hunter says as he approaches us.
"Hunter!" I shout "my old friend" I sling an arm around his shoulder and giggle.
"How drunk are you?" He laughs.
"Not drunk enough. I'll be right back" I slur and stumble to the bar.
I sit down and drink this one slowly when someone takes a seat next to me.
"Ugh" I scoff as I take in James, "why are you here?"
He looks me up and down all judgmental like.
"Cause I can" he replies
"Cause I can" I mock. He scowls at me.
"Now that's not a pretty face James. How are you ever gonna get a girlfriend with that?"
"Good thing I've already got a girlfriend then isn't?" He says proudly. A twang of sadness hits me. So I finish my drink and try to stand up but instead I fall on James. He tries to help my but I push him away.
"I can help myself" I say stubbornly. I just want to get away from James. It's been almost 2 months and he moved on like we were nothing. It just confirms how he felt this whole time.
"Michelle, look at the state of you" he says following me outside.
"I just need some fresh air then I'll be fine" I say taking a seat on the curb. He sits down next to me.
"Go. Go inside and enjoy yourself. I'm fine" I say pushing him away from me.
"No, I need to make sure your safe"
Aww. My heart softens. Wait!
"Since when do you care about me?!" I shout standing up. "Your the one that gave up and already has a new girlfriend! Just leave me alone"
By now James is standing too. Suddenly I'm feeling slightly sober.
"Michelle I couldn't wait around forever. I had to move on with my life"
"And you think getting a new girlfriend is gonna help? I'm moved on and I'm single"
"That's you not me" he takes a step closer.
"Did you even wanna try again?" I ask with angry and all sorts of other emotions laced in my voice.
"Yes, I-"
"Did you even love me?" I ask, my voice breaking.
"I never stopped" he puts his hand on my cheek then leans in and kisses me softly. It's nice but I don't kiss back. My heart doesn't flutter like it used to. I push him away from me and stare at him.
"You- you have a girlfriend" I say while taking a step back. Tears prick the corners of my eyes and a lump grows in the back of my throat.
"I can't do this James I'm sorry"