"Yea it's messed up, cause I'm thinking about you. It's your fault babe.I never wanted us to break up
No not this way."

She Ain't You, Chris Brown

Christopher Plovert had spent a good 15 years without Claire Lyons. They were nice, uneventful years and he enjoyed them. And after the pain and heartache she'd brought on for the last few months the genius boy thought that living without Claire would be great . He wouldn't have to think about her lying, and covering up what was really doing. His life would be relaxing. But it wasn't

It was those damn nightmares.

They'd start off with Claire getting hurt. Car accidents, falling down the stairs. For whatever reason, Plovert wouldn't be able to help. His feet glued to the floor. But who could save her , was Josh. He'd swoop in, getting her out the car, catching her fall. He was the hero. Claire's arms would wrap around him and they'd kiss, as if Plovert wasn't even there.

Chris would wake up in a hot sweat and it would take forever for him to fall asleep.

He regretted telling Claire how he really felt in a moment when her feelings were so raw, and conflicting. Plovert hated not being able to talk to Claire because his pride wouldn't let him. But he couldn't tell her that it was okay, he was willing to wait for her to make her mind up, or willing to accept her choice of Josh. When he was going to be with Claire, it would be on his terms. They'd be official.

"You need to get over it Plovert. If Claire really wanted to be with you, she'd be with you right now, she wouldn't need time. She and Josh had hooking up for months. Her feelings should be pretty solid." Massie ranted as they sat at a circular lunch table.

Plovert sighed as he poked around his chicken burrito. "I know."

"Seriously we need to find you someone new. So you can stop blaming yourself for your failed relationship with Claire and be with a girl who won't play with your feelings. What about Becca? Didn't she just breakup with that boy who goes to Lakeview?"

"Okay Massie we are not having this conversation." Plovert looked her as if she suggested he streak across the building.

"Yes we are."

"So are you looking for a new guy to replace Josh?"

"No offense Chris but I have been in other relationships. Josh isn't my first go around. Even though you and Claire weren't together officially, you were in love with her. You have never had to get over those feelings before." Massie didn't answer.

"I don't think rushing into another relationship will work for me. For either of us" Plovert warned as he got up to throw away his trash.

"Trust me, when I replace Josh it's because I'm ready for a relationship. Going out with Becca doesn't mean you want to be with her long term. You need to get your feet wet. " Massie said following him.

"But won't that look like I am interested in being in a relationship. Come on Massie we both know people our age don't date on a trial basis."

"Becca knows you've been hooked on Claire for the longest. She knows you don't have that strong of feelings for her."

Plovert glared a her. "You've been talking to her."

"No!" she lied. "But come on. You can stand for some fun Chris." Massie's eyes pleaded.

"Fine."

"Great, I'll hook it up. This is great."

Friday night Plovert was standing in line for a movie with Becca Wilder. Their date had been going pretty smooth. They went to the vegan restaurant she swore by, Plovert went along with it even though he had no interest in the restricting menu. Becca talked about school, and Plovert nodded along.

Plovert had just grown accustomed to conversations about the latest fashions, who was with who, and everything that had to do with the real world. Becca was bland. Becca was nice, but she was not Claire.

Who was the nights most interesting topic.

"I'm so sorry about you and Claire. That whole thing is icky. I always knew she was no good."

"It's a lot more to it." Plovert said seriously.

Becca shrugged as she ate more of the goop that was supposed to be pasta. "I just hope you know you can do much better."

Becca was clueless.

They had agreed on seeing some psychological thriller on the lines of Inception. Plovert was thankful she didn't opt for viewing an indie movie at Westchester Cinemas.

"Do you want popcorn? " Plovert asked as Becca's big green eyes stared at him. Plovert broke the stare as he looked at the other people in the surrounding lines. He froze momentarily when he saw a round face in front of a mass of platinum blonde hair, and Claire's signature Louis Vuitton bag.

"Sounds awesome!" she snapped him back to reality. Becca squeezed his arm. Plovert sighed when Becca walked away. The girl was gone , and there was no way she could be Claire. She'd never walk by without speaking or acknowledging his presence. Even at school she still bore her blue orbs into his ever action when he was around. She'd even wave and say hello, even though he'd ignore her.

That's how he knew she'd still cared.

Plovert order their popcorn and made his way to the theater. Becca waved her periwinkle covered arms, when he entered and he made his way up to their seats.

"I'm really having fun Chris." Becca whispered as she grasped his hand. Becca rested her head against his shoulders, and hummed. "My ex would've never taken me out like this. It means a lot."

Plovert didn't know what to say, so he nodded. "She's not your type." Claire's words floated around her head. She was right. Plovert always knew that similarities didn't mean people were compatible. That's how he knew he and Claire had a fighting chance.

Becca was great as a friend, but as a girlfriend, he wasn't too sure. It just wasn't right. She obviously was looking for a new boyfriend, but Plovert wasn't interested in that type of relationship. Especially not with Becca.

Only one girl was meant for him. And he was going to get her back.