Wonderwall

Chapter 3

The weeks following Isabella's birthday were tiresome for Alexa as her heart battled her head over Carson. Isabella's birthday party had resurfaced some old feelings and uncertainty about everything she'd told herself over the past few years. Factor in her friends conflicting opinions on the matter and everything was a disaster.

Everly being the romantic stated that Alexa should give Carson a chance to redeem himself. She pointed out that he had grown up a lot, leaving his selfish 17 year old self in the past. For Everly it was simple; if Alexa wanted a happily ever after, it would always be with Carson as a family with Isabella. Dustin on the otherhand was deadly against his sisters idea. He knew how badly the original rejection had affected her and he didn't trust Carson enough to not repeat history. Obviously Alexa could see where both her friends were coming from but she didn't know which one to listen to. 

It took a conversation with her mom to figure it all out...

"Why is this so hard?", Alexa cried to her mom as they lay snuggled up in front of a rerun of Gilmore Girls.

"Affairs of the heart are always difficult honey, you just have to go with your gut feeling" her mom replied switching the television off just as Jess professed his love for Rory.

"But I don't know what my gut feeling is"

" Do you want Carson in your life?" her mom probed watching her daughter closely.

Alexa faltered. Did she want him in her life? For Isabella's sake, of course but what about for her own sake?

"Yes" she admitted quietly, "I want him in our lives"

"Then let him into your lives" her mom stated bluntly, "Be friends again to begin with. Start slowly!"

Alexa nodded thinking about her moms words. Maybe it was time to stop the arrangement with Everly and Daniel and come face to face with Carson properly.

**

It was this last thought that lead Alexa to Carson's university. Standing outside his dorm room she took a deep breath before hammering on the door with her fist in an attempt to be heard over the noise coming from the room. A couple of minutes passed before the door flew open to reveal an irritated Daniel. The scowl on his face melted into a look of worry when he realised who was at the door.

"Alexa?" he questioned quickly glancing over his shoulder into the noisy room, "What are you doing here?"

"I need to see Carson" she replied irritated, wondering why he was being so aloof, "Is he in?"

Daniel looked panicked, "Erm, he's in the shower at the moment. I'd invite you in buy some of the guys are over and I'm about to head to Kaydies for the weekend. How about I tell him you're here and get him to meet you in the cafe across the street?"

Alexa knew something was off  but nevertheless she agreed telling him to say hi to Kaydie for her, before leaving. As she made the short journey to the cafe her mind went into overdrive as the reality of what she was about to do sunk in. Finding a seat in the cafe she was reminded of the numerous hours she and Carson had spent in cafes throughout their hometown when they'd actually been friends. Settling into the chair Alexa gazed out into the street reminiscing about the past as she waited for Carson to arrive.

**

Carson even in his state could see the concern etched across Daniel's face as he re-entered their dorm room. He knew that whoever was at the door was concerning him.

"Who was at the door dude?" he yelled unnecessarily as he stumbled to his feet.

"Alexa" Daniel deadpanned as Carson flopped back down onto the sofa, unable to maintain his balance.

"Shit" he cursed swatting away the joint being offered to him, "What...."

"I sent her to the cafe across the road. I told her you were in the shower "

Carson nodded grabbing a joint, "Thanks man"

Daniel tutted, "Not 'thanks man', you need to clean up for Carson. Get in the shower and sober up. Do you think Alexa's gonna let you visit Isabella if she knows you're high on drugs? You need to grow up...and quickly!!"

Shocked by his bluntness Carson only responded by nodding meekly before unsteadily making his way into the bathroom. Stripping out of his clothes he switched the shower on and stepped under the warm water. As the water trickled down his face Carson felt himself losing his high and hitting rock bottom. He imagined an alternative situation were Alexa found out about his less than child friendly hobby and it scared him greatly. Isabella was his only reason t go on and he couldn't ruin that with silly mistakes. 

After his shower Carson was sure to spray himself sparingly with deodorant in an attempt to get rid of the smoke smell. His eyes were red-rimmed and there was nothing he could do about that so instead he threw on a pair of sunglasses and headed to the cafe where Daniel had sent Alexa. 

**

Alexa had been waiting almost an hour when Carson finally arrived at the cafe wearing a pair of sunglasses. She wouldn't have deemed this unusual only that it was far from a sunny day outside so sunglasses were unnecessary.

"This is a surprise" he smiled as he sat down opposite her watching her curiously.

"Alexa pursed her lips as her nerves resurfaced, "Yeah...I suppose it it"

"Is there something wrong with Isabella?" he asked worriedly but Alexa shook her head.

"I want to talk about us" she muttered lowering her eyes so she couldn't see his reaction.

"What about us?" she head him question.

Taking a deep breath she replied, "I want us to be friends for Isabella's sake, maybe for our own sakes too."

She heard him chuckle causing her to look at him in confusion and anger.

"Sorry...sorry!" he said sobering up, "It's just I thought you were going to say something bad. Something that was going to start a row"

"Oh" Alexa muttered overly aware that he hadn't actually mentioned what she'd suggested.

"But I agree with what you said. Isabella needs both us being civil to each other, even if it's just for her sake"

After this admission from Carson, they spent the next hour discussing their newly established friendship. They knew it wouldn't be easy to begin with but they'd get there. 

Alexa pushed away her feelings as Carson embraced her goodbye outside the cafe. Things would only get more complicated and she didn't need that. Neither did he.

"So I'll see you Tuesday?" e smiled pulling away from her.

Alexa nodded and waved as he started down the walkway towards his dorms. Suddenly she remembered something though.

"Hey Carson?" she shouted after him, a smirk on her face as he stopped and turned, "What's with the sunglasses?"

She saw him chuckle, "Football injury. It's ruining my good looks"

She nodded awkwardly as he smiled before turning again and walking away.

Somehow Alexa knew everything would be okay. Carson's infectious personality made things a hell of a lot easier, although it also reminded her why she'd liked him so much all those years ago. Isabella was her main concern though, and she would do anything - including pushing her feelings down - to ensure she had a happy family.

_________________

I know it's been waaaaaay too long since I updated and I'm truly sorry! For those readers who have stuck with me, I love you deeply!!

Long comments telling me what you think so far would be fab because I'm not feeling very inspired at the moment. Here's a few questions for you:

1. Who's your favourite character and why?

2. What would you like to see happen?

3. *Spoiler* There's going to be a concert featured in the story, which band/singer would you like to appear?

4. What can I do to make this story better?

Love you all dearly! Xx