A/N

Hey guys, thanx for waiting. Here's the next chapter. Hope you enjoy this! Took me a few days to write since I am swamped with work. Am stealing some time finishing this chapter for my darling readers. 

I looked at my watch and stiffled a yawn. It's almost 7 p.m. I gathered my stuff and got ready to leave. Just as I was about done with clearing my workspace, a familiar voice spoke up.

"Hey Char, you're going home now?" Bruce called from opposite my cubicle. I smiled at the dark-haired guy.

"Yeah, you?" I asked as I took my handbag, ready to leave. I was pretty hungry so I really wanted to leave and grab something to eat.

"Me, too. You want to go grab something to eat? I'm famished." Bruce said as he walked with me out of the office. He smiled kinda hopefully. I shrugged and said ok. He smiled wider and both of us took the elevator down to the lobby.

We walked out the office building towards a small Italian cafe nearby. All they had was putenesca, so we ordered that and beer.

I've been in Sydney for almost 8 months. So many things have been happening. And not once did I contact Caleb. He did try to get hold of me in the beginning, but I got a new phone and a new number. I made Dara and my family  promise not to give Caleb my number no matter how much he begs them to. And so far, they've complied.

I thought I could forget him when he couldn't contact me. But hell, he's everywhere. Even in Australia, he's in the magazines, on tv, online... everywhere. He's modeled for every high end brand you could think of. Right now he's with Lacoste and Evisu jeans. He even did a few ads for Banana Republic. And he looked crazy gorgeous. It stirred a lot memories for me.

Sometimes I would dream of him. There were days that I would just spontaneously break down in tears after I saw a picture of Caleb in the magazine. I know, pathetic as eff. But seriously, I loved him. Love him still actually. Which totally sucked. I know I'm running away, but it's too late to change my mind. He's moved on. With the hottest Hollywood actress at the moment, Natasha Warren. She's tall and gorgeous, her looks resembling Grace Kelly. Come on, I can never compete with that even if I want to. Not that I do. I've completely moved on. I totally have. Like, really..

Right now, I'm eating with Bruce, a co-worker. He's nice, good-looking and a pretty funny guy. And he likes me. He's always made it obvious. He kept asking me out. I kept saying no. So, instead of giving up, he's gotten smarter and trapped me into having dinner after work with him. And I usually say yes since I was hungry. But so far, he hadn't pushed me for something more. And I was grateful for that.

We talked about work and usual everyday things. Bruce is funny, witty and very obliging. But I could never bring myself to like him. He's better off as a friend. My heart has been sealed and shut for months. Nobody interests me at all.

So, after dinner, we went our separate ways. I went back to my nice apartment in the city. I was lucky my job at a leading pharmaceutical company paid me well enough to rent a great loft near the city.  I felt a little lonely when I got home and switched on te lights. Emptiness everywhere. In my heart, in my apartment, in my life. I dunno. Ever since news leaked that Caleb and I broke up, people have left me alone. No news about how people hated me on the Net and nobody attacked me. It was peaceful. But it's also lonely. So lonely. I sighed and went into my room to get cleaned up and just relax in front of the television. Big mistake.

As I was munching on an apple, I watched E!. I wasn't really paying attention. I was actually channel surfing when a news about Sia having a concert in Australia came on. Hmm, interesting. Maybe I should go. I've never been to a live concert before. Just then, the host mentioned the name that I dread, yet secretly yearn to hear. 

"Caleb Matthews is coming to Australia to compete in the Olympics preliminary before the real deal in 4 months time. The hunk of US American swimming scene is scheduled to arrive with other Olympic hopefuls next week and compete in Sydney......" The host said with a huge smile on her face. I stared, stock still. Some videos of Caleb and other US swim team members in action came onto the screen. I stared as I saw Caleb swimming, smiling and laughing with other swimmers. All in his trunks. Ho my...With my eyes unwillingly glued to the screen, my hand scrambled for the remote, blindly. Shit! Where the hell is the damn remote!? Once I had it in my hands, I grabbed it and quickly changed the channel. I was panting and in a panicky state. Like, the hell! I couldn't beleive he still affected me. Even halfway across the world, he affected me. Oh god, please make me forget! I need to move on.. Suddenly, I sat up, alert. He's coming here! To swim! Stupid, crazy coincidence. Oh God, what if we meet accidentally. And then, I just throw myself at him...urgh, that would totally suck.  Just then, a thought struck me and I chuckled. Oh, come on. What are the odds of us meeting anyway. He doesn't even know where I am.  Plus, he has Natasha. Why would he bother with me. 

Sighing, I switched off the tv and got off the couch. I got ready for bed and pushed all thoughts of Caleb. Tomorrow was another work day. I need to sleep.  I snuggled into my bed and closed my eyes. I welcomed the peaceful sleep....but it only lasted for a few moments. Slowly, images of Caleb crowded my subconcious. Crap..another dream about him..Shoot, I shouldn't have watched E!...stupid E!...

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Caleb's POV

"But Baby, I wanna come! My agent already okayed the idea and I promised I won't bring my assistant. I've never seen you swim live before! Please, Baby!" Natasha begged as she slid her long arms around my neck. It felt ticklish so I shrugged her off gently. I looked at her and sighed. Then, i turned away and took my jacket from the back of the chair, getting ready to leave. I took my keys and walked to the front door. I opened the front door. I was about to leave when Natasha pulled me back and kissed me, hungrily. I slowly extricate her octopus-like arms from around me and gave her a smile.  She looked at me, pouting. 

"Baby, you never stay over. I'm all alone..can't you just stay over? Just for tonight?..Please...?" Natasha begged. I sighed. I felt really bad for stringing her along when I have zero feelings for her. We've been together for amost 3 months. At first, it was not bad. I had to forget ...HER.. and I thought Natasha could help me with that. Little did I know, it made me miss HER more..Natasha was high-maintenance. She's a nice girl, but I couldn't give her the attention she needs. She deserves someone better than me. Ad God she's clingy.  Charlie was never clingy. She let me do what I had to. I closed my eyes for a second and shook my head, trying to forget her. I glanced at Natasha who looked ravishing in a nude teddy and her golden hair in long, loose waves. There's nothing wrong with her, but why can't I just love her? Why can't I give her a chance?

"Sorry babe, I got an early flight tomorrow. I gotta go. Goodnight." I said as I walked away, leaving Natasha frustrated. I hated hurting her, but I couldn't do something she wants just to make her happy when it killed me inside. 

When I reached my hotel room, I surveyed my packed luggage and felt strangely excited. I was excited to go overseas this time. Especially since I've never been to Australia. Could be fun. And propbably meet other swimmers there. Like Ian Thorpe. That would be so cool. 

I got ready for bed and just lay there in the dark. I took my phone out and went to the gallery. I looked for her photos. I smiled when I saw one where she was weaing a white camisole and french lace boy shorts..God, she looked so hot..I stared at her photo...I touched the screen and felt my heart ached. God, I miss her. I Understood why she did what she did, but I couldn't accept it. I tried hating her to make me forget her. I even tried dating many girls after she left, trying to avoid being alone, since being alone made me want her even more. I remember what a mess I was when she left.  Dara had to come to New York to get me and bring me back to Colorado Springs. I was too shocked and damaged at that time. I remember how I cried myself to sleep thinking about her abandoning me. It's like a huge chunk of my heart and my mind have been taken away. It was horrible. My swimming suffered for a while. I messed up my time and even almost got disqualified for fighting in the pool. Imagine that. I was never crazy aggressively competitive. I'm usually more laid back and I don't really compete with others by alienating them. Most of the swimmers from other countries are my friends. So, me fighting was so out of character that again the public blamed Charlie for leaving me, and making me miserable. 

I groaned and buried my face into the pillow. I needed to sleep if I want to make the flight to Sydney. I wished I could see Charlie, just one more time. If I could see her just once, I'd be very happy. I won't be asking for more, just to see her..even from afar. I started bargaining with God, just to catch a glimpse of Charlie. But I know it's futile. Oh God, what I would give to see Charlie..My gorgeous, sexy Charlie..

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Charlie's POV

I walked into my favourite bistro and ordered some bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon and a latte. I took my food outside and sat in one of those tiny chairs and tables. It was still early. I love Sundays. Saturdays, there is still crowds, but on Sunday, people are more lid-back and tend to wake up later. Which I like. I'm an early riser, so I really appreciate the almost deserted streets at 7:30 AM. There were only joggers along the coastal roads. I opened my book and started reading, enjoying the quiet. 

After I've finished my breakfast, I got up and decided to take a walk along the beach. The beach was not crowded since it has started to get a little colder lately. I put on my shades and just strolled along the walkway towards the beach.  It was nice and the sun was not too hot. I looked around the beach and let my mind wander. There were a few surfers and swimmers enjoying a cold early morning dip. I  watched the guys swimming in the surf. The air was crisp and nice that I decided to hang out there for a bit. i sat under one of those small gazebo thingies dotted along the beach.  I took out my nook and continued to read, taking off my shades..

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Caleb's POV

Whoa, going tp the beach this early was certainly a great idea. Nobody's around and those people who are here just couldn't be bothered by the likes of me. I surfed for a bit. I could surf, but I wasn't very good. After a few rounds, I walked back to the beach, dragging the board with me. I didn't want to tire myself out since I would be competing tomorrow. I looked around at people at the beach. Suddenly I saw a girl in a pair of sweats and hoodie. She was sitting in a tiny gazebo and reading. The hoodie looked familiar. I looked closer and my eyes bulged in disbelief. Charlie?!

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So, this is it for this chapter. What do you think will happen next? What would you do if you were Caleb? Who wants them back together, vote and comment! Hehehe..see ya next chapter ok guys..And I've changed Adelaide to Sydney since it has better Olympic-ready facilities, seeing that Sydney hosted the Olympics in the past.