Chasing Hearts

Chapter Two

The next morning, Char awoke to the warm glow of the sun creeping through her curtains. She slowly stretched out, yawning. Sitting up in bed, she wrapped the blanket around herself trying to find the motivation to actually get out of bed. Char was in no way a morning person.

She never felt like doing anything until her first cup of coffee. Dragging herself into her kitchen, she starts a pot of coffee.

She starts her shower and plans get outfit for the day. Deciding on a simple plain grey tshirt and black jean shorts she lays them on the end of the bed while she showers.

Stepping out of the warm stream of water she is hit with a cold breeze and jumps for her warm, fluffy towel. After drying her hair and getting dressed she rushes to the kitchen for her coffee. As the hot liquid runs down her throat she suddenly started getting excited.

She calls Sophie, wondering how she's supposed to start looking for her love.

"Hey, Char! What's up?"

"Not much, just need a favor!"

"Of course, anything."

"I want to start looking for him.. Could you help me? I have no idea where or how to look and I don't think I can wait much longer!"

"Calm down, I'll be right over!"

Hanging up the phone, Char looked around her apartment. She had moved into it just after turning 18. It was a small two bedroom apartment, but it had plenty of space since it's just her.

She walked into the living room, plopping onto the couch. She knew Sophie said she'd be right over but she also knows that Sophie's idea of right over is at least an hour. She thought about turning on the TV, but decided against it. Laying back she focused on him, again.

Over the years she's found herself paying more attention to his feelings than she would ever admit. She checked on him so often she doesn't think about it anymore. She just does it, as easily as blinking.

She felt that warmness spread over her and smiled, happy to know that he was still content. She sat there for a few minutes, basking in the connection. Slowly she came to the realization that Sophie was knocking on the door. Blinking a few times, she flashes to the door and opens it with a sheepish grin.

"About time! What were you doing?"

"I just got distracted.."

"You were searching him again, weren't you? I swear, I've never seen anyone care so deeply."

"It's not my fault! I worry, you know that! The sooner I find him, the sooner I can stop worrying so much! Now, help me! Where do I start? What do I do?"

"First, you need to breath. Relax. You will find him." Char takes a deep breath and looks expectantly at Sophie.

"So, now what?"

"Oh, hi, my names Sophie. I'm your best friend, remember me? The one you haven't even said hello to, asked how I've been, anything?"

"Sorry, Soph. I'm just too excited!"

"I know, I understand. Sit down, focus on him."

*****Changing POV to Layne*****

He couldn't believe he had forgotten what yesterday was. Her birthday. He felt her excitement rush through him like a tidal wave. It gave him such an adrenaline rush he couldn't stop the giddy feeling rising up and forming the cheesiest smile on his face.

He loved this girl. He had never met her, but he knew he loved her. And that love is why he's trying to stay away. He can't risk it. Can't risk losing her, hurting her. So he hides.