clean slate | charlie swan

~ the one where she's shy

Alex lays wide awake, staring at the ceiling. It's only been a few days but she can't seem to get used to this room, or this bed. It isn't home to her... She sighs and hauls her ass out of bed, turning the closet light on to sift through the few boxes she has left - she'll tackle them eventually - to find her jogging stuff. She slips her leggings on, the tight long sleeved top and her trainers, before slipping her phone into the arm band and her big headphones on her head. She sees its raining - duh - but she doesn't mind.

After hiding the key under the rocks by the door, she takes off on a light jog, listening to the music. As she runs, her mind wanders. What's he up to right now? Who's he with... Not that it's her business, or that she cares. Oh who is she kidding? Of course she cares. She was married to him for 8 years! She wasn't the one who wanted the marriage to end - not at first.

When she met John Porter, she thought she'd hit the jackpot. He was this tall, handsome Brit with a charming smile. He was flirty and romantic. He knew his way around a kitchen. He knew what to say and when to say it - and how to say it. John was it for her. But evidently she wasn't it for him. A lot of things led him to cheat - apparently - but the biggest was her fertility issues. Alex hasn't always been bothered about kids, not with how she sees the rawest things about them with her godsons - Cammy definitely doesn't edit or filter her stories. But it was something she'd consider eventually. 4 years ago, however, she was shot on the job. It left her with a lot of internal scarring and a lot of other stuff that ultimately reduced her ability to have kids and if she did get pregnant, to carry it safely.

John, a cop himself, was beyond supportive at first. "We'll find a way. We'll get through this. It doesn't matter to me." All lies. It's confusing to Alex, really, because he'd never expressed such an urgent desire to have children. He was just a major jackass, she realises, and will use any excuse to make himself look better even in the slightest. He cheated because his wife couldn't give him an heir? Yeah, buddy, that story doesn't get as much sympathy as it would 200 years ago.

As she runs she can feel the tears prickling in her eyes. She looks around, unsure of where she is as she lost track in her thoughts. "Shit." She whispers, her eyes scanning road signs. There isn't much around, nothing too obvious, and the sun is only just beginning to rise so no one else is about.

She pulls her phone out and tries to pull maps up but of course there isn't great signal. She throws her head back with a heavy groan, stomping her foot. "Nice one Lex!" She snaps, huffing as she pulls her headphones off.

She hears someone laugh and spins round as her heart leaps out of her chest. Charlie Swan stands with his hands on his hips, an amused smirk on his face. "Good morning." He says.

Alex blushes furiously. "You shouldnt sneak up on a girl." She mutters, blushing more.

Charlie chuckles. "I didn't, I honked a few times at you and even flashed the lights and sirens. You must have your music loud."

She blushes more, crossing her arms as she looks anywhere but at him. "Maybe. What can I do for you?"

"I saw you looking a little lost, I stopped to offer you a ride." He says, his hands on his hips still; he's in his uniform. He nods to the waiting cruiser just behind him. "Was headed to work when I saw you. Stopped to see if you wanted a ride."

Alex shrugs small. "Just exploring... Maybe a little too recklessly, but I'm a big girl."

"Okay then... So I'll just leave you-"

"No no, no." She holds a hand up making Charlie smirk. "Let me finish. I'm a big girl, BUT who am I to refuse the chief of police?"

Charlie smirks. "Oh yeah, uh huh. So am I taking you home?"