I grab the latte and find a quiet table in the back of the shop. I'm at a complete loss. Nick and I still weren't talking and Charlie hasn't spoken to me, since that day she tried to speak to me at the studio. I've tried calling her, but it's either switched off or she doesn't answer.

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It was lunch time and I was already drooping. I was up late last night, yet again and I seemed to be barely functioning. I still had quite a bit of work to do before the day was done. I needed some time off, but I couldn’t even think about that, until this project was finished. Why did I agree to help Erica, when I already had enough to do? Ugh..I need caffeine… Getting up, I decided to walk over to the coffee shop on Bella Cruz and get a double espresso cappuccino. Hopefully, that should get me going. 10 minutes later, I was entering the shop with the sweet smell of fresh brewed coffee filling my lungs. It was like a little taste of heaven. After ordering my cappuccino, I walked over to a seat by the window and put down my purse. I began watching the people outside, as they walked past and the people and kids playing by the fountain. It was so relaxing that I breathed in a sigh a relief. It had been such a long time, since I had experienced any sense of peace. Just the thought that it wouldn't last long, was bad enough.

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I look up towards the window and I see Natalie sitting there. At first, I'm a little unsure about saying anything, but I decide to try and make amends.

"Hey, stranger. Fancy seeing you here"

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The voice surprised me and brought me out of my thoughts. Turning around I was shocked to see him.

"Brian..."

"How are you? Have a seat"

"Umm.. sure.. I can't stay too long though" I said as I at down opposite him, feeling a little awkward and uncomfortable.

"How have you been? Sorry, I would have called, but things have been difficult"

"Umm..it's been a rough road but I'm trying to get through it."

"Yeah, I can guess what you're going through. We really screwed up, didn't we?"

"Yeah, but that's kinda the story of my life... but anyways, I should never have gone over to your house. I should have just waited for Nick to come around. I'm sorry I came onto you and ruined everything for you.I wish I could take it back"

I sigh. "It wasn't just you, Natalie. There were two of us involved that night. I'm as much to blame as you are. I just can't believe this has happened, of all the times it could have come at. It's ok, you don't have to pretend, Charlie told me about being pregnant. I know why you never said anything because she trusted you"

"Omg" I whispered, then putting my head in my hands for a few moments.. I wanted to kick myself, hard. Things were more messed up than I thought. Suddenly, everything came into perspective. 'Oh my god, I'm a homewrecker! . I thought to myself. Slowly, lifting my head and raking my hair back out of my face, I look at him a little paler than before. "Brian.. I didn't know..."

"But, I thought you two were still talking and trying to sort things out? I wish she could try and forgive me as easily. It's killing me being apart from her. I don't even know if she's going to keep the baby. Nick knows more than I do and he's only her housemate. What does that say about what she thinks of me?"

I wince a little at the mention of his name, bringing back all the feelings. Did he just say housemate? My stomach did a flip. “Charlie and Nick are living together?”

"Yes, they are. He offered her a place to stay when she was considering going back home"

I found it rather odd how Nick suddenly cared so much about someone. I really didn't think something was going on between them but it crossed my mind, at least where he was concerned. 'Why would he really care if she went back to home to Cali or not?'

"Why would he really care if she went back to home to Cali or not?" not realizing I said it out loud

"Maybe, he was being sincere at the time. I don't know, but I swear I will not be responsible for my actions, if he even lays one finger on her"

"Oh, I didn't mean to say that out loud." I said, a little embarrassed. But, I don't think you will have to worry about that, anyway. I don't think Charlie is ready for any type of relationship, other than friendship. Plus, Nick has tons of other girls to choose from. " 'God, I can't believe I just said that.' I thought to myself. “Anyways, to answer your original question: she came over one day a while ago and we talked a little and she wanted to still be friends. Which, granted, I was grateful for. I was anticipating a big argument and so on. But since then, we haven’t talked to or seen each other.. But, I have been working so much lately and I am sure school is keeping her busy too. She never told me about the… you know. ” I sigh, as I can feel my stomach knotting and churning. I look down at my cup and stare at my thumb rolling over the emblem over and over. Looking back up at him, " I know, Brian. I wish it were all that easy. Maybe, in time, she will see how much she loves and needs you and accepts that she can't live without you and comes running back to you. That‘s what I hope for you. As for what I think she thinks of you? Well, I know deep down she loves you more than you think. She probably doesn’t want to tell you anything, because it hurts her to be close to you.

"I wish I could go and see her, but it's not easy when I'm not welcome there by Nick. Maybe, it would be better if I gave up the fight for her"

"No. Don't give up. At least by fighting for her, she will realize how much you really love her and want to be with her, despite the mistake. I think the fire is still there, you just have to find it. "

"I hope you're right"

"Me too", wishing that Nick had felt even half of what Brian does for Charlie, for me. "Well, I, uh.. have to get back to the office. It was nice seeing you again and I hope that things work out for you two." getting up from my seat

"Thanks, Natalie" I say, getting up and giving her an awkward hug. "I'm sure you and Charlie will be inseparable again in no time. You're a good friend to her"

Giving him a forced smile, "Yeah, right... I wish I felt that way. Oh well, maybe time will tell. Take care, ok?"

"Yeah, you too. Bye" and I walk out of the cafe

As she was walking away and down street, I just stood there contemplating as I watched her go. Our whole conversation replayed in my mind. Even as she first sat down opposite me, I could feel that she was nervous and hesitant. She was trying her hardest to be strong. Just by looking at her, I could tell that she was not doing as well as what she said. She looked miserable; like she was struggling to get through each day… She had dark circles under eyes and her face was pale and thin and exhaustion fill her eyes. As she had stood, you couldn’t help but notice that she had lost a lot of weight. It hurt to see her like that but I felt like there was nothing I could do. I didn’t want to make things any worse than they already were. I mean, really how much worse could they get? I didn’t want to see or find out. I guess, I should just take her advice and try to fight the battle to win what truly mattered to me: Charlie.