If heart ache was a physical pain, I could face it.

Part Twenty Three

Max’s POV

“Can we go out for a bit away from everyone and talk?” Charly asks me, while looking at me nervously. Why do girls always feel the need to talk? I sigh. She must know what’s going on she’s not stupid, and I feel bad for her, I really do, but that’s not going to stop me from doing it.

“Sure, I’ll just go and tell Nath we’ll meet them at the restaurant later.”  I stand up and make my way towards Nathan’s room, dreading the talk we’re about to have, and dreading the way I’m going to have to lie to Charly. How did everything go so wrong? She used to be my best friend who I loved so much, and never dreamed of hurting, and now I find myself constantly annoyed with her and disliking her; all because she’s not the girl I want to be with, and because she makes it so easy for me to use her.

Charly’s POV

We walk in silence towards the park as I try to build up my courage, so that I can voice my concerns. We enter the park and I walk over to one of the swings, and sit on it before beginning to swing gently while trying to gather my thoughts as Max takes the swing next to me without saying a word.

“You still like Anne don’t you?” I ask, my voice wavering, getting straight to the point because I know if I don’t I’ll chicken out.

“Don’t be silly.” He replies without looking at me. I can feel my stomach trying to tie it’s self in knots and his words do nothing to ease my worry.

“Then why won’t you look at me?” I say, sounding more and more desperate. With that Max swallows once before turning to face me.

“Charly, I love you.” He whispers while gently stroking my face before pressing his lips to mine. But the kiss feels urgent and as if he’s trying to convince me what he's saying is the truth, rather than one of the effortless and enjoyable kisses we used to have.  I pull away not convinced at all. “What can I do to convince you?” He asks slightly annoyed now, and I’m slowly starting to think that there’s nothing he can do, because I’m starting to believe more and more that I’m right, and he just doesn't love me.

Max’s POV

This is harder than I thought. I think angrily, trying my hardest to get her to believe me.

“Babe you know it’s you I want.” I sigh as she leaves my last question unanswered. But it’s no surprise she’s having a hard time believing me, when I’m finding it so hard to lie to her.  She was my best mate for God’s sake, we knew each other inside out, of course she can tell I’m lying. “What me and Anne had...” I pause to swallow as the pain of losing her, is still no easier to bear now that she’s back in my life again. “What we had was great, but what you and I have,” I say taking one of her hands in both of mine, “is great. Let’s not throw this away.” Please believe me, please just buy this, I beg to myself as the silence drags on.

“We have a restaurant to get to.” Charly replies, forcing a smile. And it’s right here, right now that I know she hasn’t brought a word of what I just said, but that she’s going to pretend, because sadly she’s still in love with me. And as far as she’s concerned having me while I want someone else is better than not having me at all.

Roxie’s POV

I suck in a breath and grab Siva’s hand under the table as I spot Max and Charly walking towards the table. Anne and Tom have their backs to them so neither couple have noticed the other yet. Not that it can stay that way for much longer.  Siva squeezes my hand as Tom and Anne turn at the sound of the others approaching, but to my surprise an no one says anything as Max and Charly take their seats, but it doesn’t take long for the silence to turn uncomfortably awkward.