Courage (Lams Soulmate Au) ✔

23

John POV

TW: Charles Lee

I got up before the sun rose the next morning in order to meet Alex at Café Rose, if he decided to come. I put on a casual T-shirt and jeans with a hoodie and get in my car to leave.

My hands were shaking as I drove. There was something about being out in the early morning air, with only the wind whistling through the trees and the cars rushing past you. It gave me the chills.

Oh, and loud music. I groaned as I remembered that there was a bar next to Café Rose. I hoped no drunk guys interrupted Alex and me.

I pulled up to Café Rose, seeing lights on, and knowing that it was open. I lightly kicked my door so that it swung out, and stepped into the chill.

As I shut the car door behind me, tucking my phone into my back pocket, the door to the bar was pushed open, and someone stumbled out.

I froze in my tracks. It felt like an arrow of ice had pierced my brain and heart. It couldn't be. No way.

Charles Lee.

I felt weak. I disappeared back into my car and tried to breathe slowly, but it felt like the air wouldn't come. I gripped the sides of my seat and shut my eyes.

Charles Lee.

I first met him at one of the parties in my freshman year of college. I was nervous and desperate to be accepted. All I could do was stand against the wall while Maria Lewis dazzled the room in her tight red dress.

I stood there all by myself, clutching my drink, until I saw a fairly good-looking guy walking over to me slowly. My heart started to beat faster. Could this be it?

"My name is Charles Lee."

"John Laurens. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Laurens?" He cocked his head inquisitively and I blushed.

"My dad's Henry Laurens."

A corner of his mouth turned up. "I know. Care to dance?"

The rest of that night was a blur, but I woke up the next morning in an unfamiliar room with a pounding headache.

This went on for months. And eventually I started to notice the difference.

No love in his kisses. Nothing but lust in his eyes.

One day, I cornered him and made him tell me the truth. He confessed that he wanted to make Sam Seabury jealous, so he hooked up with me.

I kneed him in his balls and ran off. I tried not to tell Laf and Herc. I didn't want them to know what a huge mistake I had made. But they found out eventually. Got the whole story out of me.

I never so much wanted to look at anyone romantically ever again.

I opened my eyes, anger coursing through me. He used me. He used me for my body and he knew we weren't meant to be.

I wasn't afraid anymore. I was furious.

I'll just walk right past him. I won't even give him a chance to catch my eye. Assuming he knows who I am.