Don't Ever Let Go (Chris Martin)

11

I don't really know why I agreed to go with Chris to pick up his kids from his ex's house. I mean, the whole situation's gonna be so awkward... she wouldn't know who I am, the kids won't either. I know that he talks with his kids on the phone everyday, but I'm not sure if he's told them about me. They'll just think I'm this crazy lady that's just hooked onto Chris! We're just friends... even though I wouldn't mind us being something else 😜... no, stop it Lucy! I don't want people getting the wrong impression.

But the other part of myself had urged me to go with him. That pleading look he gave me was enough to convince me to go. Those kind blue eyes boring into mine with that soft expression of his. But I could also detect some worry in them. The poor man had gone through so much heart break in the last year or so, and things were obviously still awkward between the both of them. I guess I didn't want to disappoint him so I agreed.

I glanced to my right to gaze at Chris, who had his eyes focused on the road in front of us. We had been in the car for about 30 mins already and he still hadn't said anything. It wasn't an awkward silence or anything, but I could tell that he was anxious. His eyebrows furrowed together and his knuckles had begun to turn white by how tight he was gripping the steering wheel. I decided to break the silence.

"Chris?" I turned in my seat to face him slightly.

"Yeah?" He flicked his gaze towards me for a few seconds before turning his attention back to the road.

"Have you told the kids about me before?" I ventured, choosing my words carefully.

"Yes I have.... we've talked about you quite a lot
actually " a said, a small smile stretching his lips. Wait... what? Suddenly I could feel the heat rushing to my cheeks.

"Really?! What did you tell them?" I asked, failing to keep my voice level. He let out a chuckle at my outburst.

"Nothing bad, I promise" he said softly. "Just that you've gotten out of a bad relationship and that you're a good friend of mine so that's why you're living with me for a while". I sighed in relief, at least they wouldn't stare at me like I was an alien. Although another question prompted my lips.

"What about Gwyneth ? Did you tell her?" I asked him, watching as he winced at the thought of her.

"Well... yeah I did. I mean, I told her your story and that you were staying with me for a while- you know , so she wouldn't get sarky because of the kids coming round. She's okay about it, but she wasn't really listening though. All she does is ramble on about herself..." he said, sighing heavily. My heart really did go out to him... he was trying to be civil with her but she wasn't making it easy for him. We sat in silence, deep in thought for a few minutes before I broke the silence.

"I'm glad you told her though... at least it won't be as awkward?" I questioned, and he nodded in response.

About 10 minutes later, we pulled up in the driveway of a modern looking mansion, that was quite modest- even for an A list actress. The garden was massive and was filled with kids' swing sets, a trampoline and even a swimming pool! We got out of the car and headed up the footpath towards the front door, falling into stride with Chris by my side.

"Wow... this place is so beautiful, I love it!"I uttered dreamily, taking in the scenery as I gazed at the clear view of London in the distance. He smiled genuinely.

"It should be, I searched hard to find it many moons ago" he chuckled, a hint of sadness in his eyes. Then it dawned on me how hard it must be for him to come here, in these circumstances... This was their family home and he had lived here for 10 + years, the place where his kids have grown up,made happy memories and precious milestones.