Caleb's POV

The crowd was huge and rather determined. I lost my grip on Charlie's hand and was looking for her frantically over the paps and crazy fangirls or whatever these creatures were. They were seriously scary. There were thousands of camera flashes blinding me and a mixture of disgusting body odours emanating from the paps. Proof that they've been camping in the area for goodness knows how long. While I was trying to push my way out without resorting to violence, I heard screaming and screechings like girls fighting. I frantically looked for Charlie and called her name. There was no answer.

Suddenly, there was a tussle. A few girls started fighting and some were hitting each other and pulling out hairs. I pushed and pleaded for the crowd to give way to me.

"Charlie!" I called when I succeeded in getting out of the mob. I pushed myself into thw crowd of girls surrounding Charlie and grabbed her arm. She was crouching against the pillar, covering her face as girls hit her, pulled her hair and scratched her. My heart broke into a million pieces when I saw her like that. I grabbed her and pulled her up. Thankfully, an airport guard took hold of her other arm and together we got out of the mob.

He got us a cab and promised to send our luggage to the hotel. Once in the cab, I looked at Charlie. She had bruises and scratches on her. Seeing her like that angered me. I held her tight against me. She seemed dazed and weak from the mayhem. I hated myself for not being able to protect her.

At the hotel, Charlie was quiet and deep in thought. I didn't like it one bit. I got into bed with her and held her.

"I'm so sorry, Charlie. It's all my fault." I said apologetically. She sat up and looked at me, her face blank.

"Caleb, we need to talk." Charlie said in a soft voice. She then turned away. Fear gripped me. No, no, no...please no.

"Baby, please, let's just handle this ok. I'll get us bodyguards, alright? Good ones. And, and..you can come to Colorado with me. Find a job there for a while. And we'll be together." I said as normally as I could. When actually, I was pleading with her. Begging her to stay with me.

"I..I don't know if I can. This is all too much for me. Do you know, how long this had been going on? More than 6 months Caleb. I just think we need a break. From each other for a while." Charlie said softly.

"Baby, please...let's think about this. Just sleep on it ok. I don't want us to take a break. Even when I'm not in the same state as you, at least I can call you or skype with you. I don't want us not be able to do that..Please, baby." I pleaded with her, holding her, making her look at me. Charlie looked tired. And worn out. It's me. I did that to her.

"Alright Caleb. Let's sleep on it, but just so you know, I've made up my mind. It's the hardest thing I have ever had to do but I have to. You know that." Charlie said wearily. She lay down and I pulled her into my arms, holding her tight, knowing full well that what awaits me in the morning would be the most horrible thing to ever happen to me. But I know this is her way of protecting me and what I have to do to protect her from the bullies. It's gut-wrenching, but it's inevitable..I felt my chest became wet. I looked down and saw Charlie, crying although her eyes were closed. I kissed her forehead and let the tears flow.

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Charlie's POV

I finished putting on my shoes. I glanced at Caleb who was still sleeping on the bed, looking peaceful and totally oblivious at what I was about to do. I sighed and pulled my luggage with me. I stopped short and looked at Calleb again. I was so tempted to give him a last kiss, but I couldn't risk waking him up. He would surely stop me. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and walked out as quietly as I could. I walked quickly to the elevators, half-expecting Caleb to realize I was gone and run to the elevators to stop me. I smiled bitterly. Fat chance of that happening.

Once I was out of the hotel, I got a cab to the airport. I only had like 1 day to go home, pack and head out to my new job in Australia. Yeah, I got a job that requires me to live abroad. I think Australia is plenty far from the US. And I hope that finally I would be at peace. I know what I'm doing is for the best. Caleb's better off without me. He could find someone new. Someone more his league. Come on, even the reigning Miss World gave him her number. It's a sure sign he'll survive. Who knows, maybe in a few years he would forget about me and find someone better, get married and have kids. And I deserve that ,too. I know this is all for the best and Caleb and I are better off. So, how come I felt like I wanted to die. Like literally longing for life to get sucked out of me, just so I would be unconscious and not feel the sharp pain in my heart. Suddenly, a sob escaped my mouth. And then another one. And then another. Before long, I was full on bawling as it finally dawned on me that I just said goodbye to Caleb. There's no turning back. I've made my decision. I cried and cried, not caring about the cab driver who kept looking at me from his rear view mirror. I would never be able to touch him, kiss him, love him and talk to him. I've not only lost the person I love but also the best friend I 've ever had.The stabbing pain in my chest intensified as I sobbed and hyperventilated. I hit my chest repeatedly as I cried. I mourned my loss. No more Caleb... Everything..I've lost everything...Oh my God, could I really live with myself after this?!

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Caleb's POV

I blinked against the bright sunlight. I took a deep breath and stretched. I expected to touch Charlie's sleeping form beside me, but there was nothing. I sat up and saw that her side of the bed was empty. I scrambled out of my bed when realization hit me. But I didn't want to believe it. I looked around for her luggage, but it was not there. I ran all over the suite, calling Charlie's name, expecting her to just pop out yelling Boo! But she never did. I was slowly falling apart. No, no..she can't be gone. I thought she would reconsider after sleeping on it. Apparently she'd made her decision. Suddenly, my eyes fell on a piece of stationery on the vanity table. I scrambled to get it. I read the letter with trembling fingers.

Dear Caleb,

I'm sorry it has come to this. Believe me, I really didn't want to give you a Dear John letter. I really didn't want us to end. At all. But it has to happen. I'm your past Caleb. You have a great future ahead of you. I mean, you're about to represent the US in the Olympics! And you're not even 21 yet! We've outgrown each other. You're somebody now Caleb. You have so many great things happening to you. And I'm just in the way. I want us to be happy. And this is the only way to be truly happy. I love you Caleb and I'll always will. I just want you to be happy and to succeed in everything you do. Just remember that I'll always be rooting for you. And I'll never forget you. How could I...

Charlie

My hands trembled as I gripped the letter. Is this it?! Is she really gone?! I was sitting on the bed, my whole body feeling numb. Like it was rejecting everything that I was feeling right now. My heart was in total denial while my head knew this was really happening. Charlie's gone. Dara..I have to call Dara. Maybe she knows where Charlie would be.

I grabbed my phone and clicked her number, willing her to pick up. When she did, I started my assault.

"Dara, it's me! Did Charlie call you?" I asked blindly, not caring about anything.

"No. Why? Caleb..hello..hello..Caleb?!" Dara started to sound frantic when I didn't answer. I felt weak and just stared into space.

"Caleb?! Hello?! Did something happen?! Answer me, god damnit!" Dara screamed into the phone, jolting me from my dream... I put the phone to my ear mechanically, devoid of emotions.

"Dara, Charlie's gone. She's gone..." I muttered and I closed my eyes, a wave of sorrow engulfing me, making me sob and my shoulder shook, racked by the painful stab in my chest....

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A/N

So, not a very happy chapter this one. I know. But it'll get better...somewhat. So, do you think Charlie made the right choice? What would you do if you're Charlie? Vote and comment guys! Will update next chapter soon, k! Love you!!