Capturing Hearts

Chapter 2: He's back.

"Good morning Mike!"

"Hey sissy. What's with the free coffee and croissants? What do you want from me?"

"Haha. Nothing okay. I just want to give my big brother some breakfast."

"Sounds convicing. Anyways, I heard you made it to the top 5 most popular pastry shop in London. Congrats sissy!"

"Thank you big bro!" I hugged him tightly. My brother is my only family here in London. Our mother is in Arizona with her sister because she loves the weather there and I can't blame her.

"Lauren. Have you talked to Mrs. Price?"

"Why would I talk to her? Did she order something from us?"

"It's about Ethan. She called me yesterday saying Ethan came back from Canada. I thought she'd called you."

"Is this some kind of prank again?"

"It's true Lauren. I'm back"

That voice. It sounds so familiar and soothing to my ears. It's the voice that I've been longing to hear after all this years. I turned my back to see the guy I was supposed to be married with, Ethan Price. He's back. He's definitely back.

Tears rushed down to my face. I don't know if I should hug him or what. The pain that I felt before came back. I started to feel again the throbbing pain in my chest, the pain I first felt when he left me. Immediately, I slapped him. And I ran.

I hurried to my car. And drive away from the shop. I have to be far away. Far from him. I don't want to see him. I was already happy without him. Why does he have to be back in my life? Is here again to destroy it?

I found my self knocking in the door of my bestftriend, Liam Gray.

"Hey. Liam it's me."

He opened door. I was startled with what I saw. He's shirtless. Shit. My best friend is freaking damn hot and yet I'm not in love with him, good thing.

"For heaven's sake Liam put some shirt on! And what's this?" I pointed to all his mess in his living room. He's sure a messy guy.

"Hey! Don't touch that okay. I'll clean up. Just sit."

I watched him as he cleans up his mess. I still can't believe Ethan's back. And what was he doing in Canada? What made him think to leave me?

"Earth to Lauren!"

"Huh? What did you say?"

"Thank you! I have been talking here like a fool because you weren't listening! What happened?"

"I'm sorry Liam. I, I was just over thinking. " I don't know how to say it to Liam that Ethan is back.

After he knew that Ethan left. He became really mad. The three of us used to be bestfriends. And now it's only me and Liam left.

"Are you sure Lauren? Don't lie to me. I know you very well." Liam caressed my back.

"He's back." I softly said.

"Who's back?"

"Liam. Ethan Price is back. I saw him today in our shop. Mike said all those years he was in Canada."

"ETHAN?!? Where is he? I need to see

him! That bastard! He shows up like nothing happened before! After what he did to you! He has the nerve to come back here!"

"Liam. Please. Calm down."

"I, I'm sorry Lauren. I was just mad. I never thought he'd come back."

Yeah. That's what I thought. I mentally said. I don't want to say anything. I just want to cry. Liam grabbed me and placed my head on his shoulders.

After what felt like hours of crying, I stopped. My phone rang and I instantly knew it was my brother. He has been calling me since I left the shop.

"Hello."

"You crazy girl! Did you know how worried I was! I thought you committed suicide already!"

"Mike. I'm sorry okay. I just needed space. Don't worry. I'm at Liam's house. I'll be going back there soon."

"Okay. Just make sure you'd be careful. Take care Lauren. Love you."

"Love you too bro."

"Ouch! What was that for Liam?"

Liam literally slapped my arms. He didn't even considered that I was a woman.

"To wake you up from reality."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Ethan is back. I don't know why but he is here for a reason. Now it's up to you if you're going to let your emotions affect you because he's back. Remember, he left you Lauren. I just don't want your smile to fade away again. I can't bear the fact that you'll be in pain again. Okay? I'm always here for you Lauren, remember that." He hugged me. Liam hugs me so tight that I thought I'll pass out. That's why I love my best friend.

But he's right though. I shouldn't let my emotions affect me. I should stay strong no matter what it takes.

You left me Ethan Price, and that's never gonna change, ever.