Brady lay on his bed staring at his ceiling. His tears were threatening to fall. He heard a knock at his door. He was not in the mood for company. It had been over a week since Chloe and he had broken up. Although they never really were in a relationship but they had shared the intensity of one. Chloe had been his first love, his only love and she had broken his heart in one single action. He replayed the scene over and over in his mind. She understood him and he understood her. So why did she go back to Philip? He could not fathom life without her. However, he had no choice. Chloe did not want him. She wanted Philip.

"Go away!" He shouted.

"Brady, it's me" Said his younger sister Belle concerned.

"Belle, just please leave me alone"

"Brady, just tell me what's wrong"

"Nothing. Everything. I don't know Belle....fine come in" he said defeated.

He remained detached keeping his eyes forward.

"Brady, all you do is stay in your room. What happened this summer? Does this have anything to do with Chloe?"

"No. What makes you think that?"

"Well, she asked about you"

"What did she say?" Brady said a sudden glimmer of hope surfacing.

"She just asked if you were okay."

"Well you can tell her that I am just fine, now if you are finished here, I'm tired"

"Okay"

With that, she walked out the door. Knowing how hurt her brother was. Almost as an afterthought.

Belle said "I'm really sorry Brady."

"Thanks Belle"

Brady rolled over on his side, closed his eyes and went to sleep.

******

Philip and Chloe sat at Dot.com. They were holding hands. Philip was relaying one of his great sports stories to a very bored Chloe when Brady walked in. Chloe sat up immediately spotting him.

Chloe face flushed. Brady had not spoken to her since she had gotten back with Philip. She had not had a chance to explain, not that she deserved one. Chloe silently watched him ignoring Philip's babbling. His hair was cut short. It was messy but it looked good. He wore a sleeveless baby-blue shirt and black jeans. They fit him well. Not tight and not overly baggy, just right. His arms were tan and muscular. He had the slightest indication of sweat on his brow. He looked amazing to her. Young and solid. She thought back to the night they had spent together. She imagined him on top of her, his intense eyes burning into her soul. They way he had brushed the hair from her face and kissed her forehead during their lovemaking. He had been so sincere, so genuine. That night he let her into his life. She shuttered thinking how fast she had let go of him. As soon as Philip was back in town she did not even give Brady a second thought. Chloe was so frightened of their complete understanding of each other. She knew that if they were together sooner or later something would go wrong and she would lose him. Now it was probably too late. He had moved on, she feared.

Brady had his head down as he walked. He went straight to the music section and picked out a few Cd's. He went to the register, finally spotting Chloe and Philip hand in hand. He closed his eyes as he took his change. He walked toward the door trying not to be noticed by Philip.

It was too late Philip had seen him.

"Brady!"

"Oh hey Phil" Brady muttered not even looking in his direction to try to avoid Chloe's gaze.

"Sit down, stay a while"

"No I really can't" he said finally looking up and holding Chloe's stare.

She saw the pain as his eyes moved to her and Philip's clasped hands.

Brady wanted to run out of there but knew he could not. He was still drawn to her. As much as it hurt to see her with another guy, he wanted to be close to her. He could smell the kiwi-strawberry shampoo that drove him wild. He wanted to reach out to her. Gently brush his hand along her cheek but he resisted. It was obvious that Philip knew nothing of what had happened between the two that summer and he was not going to be the one to blow Chloe's cover. As unhappy he was about their ruined relationship, he still loved her. He could not risk hurting her.

"Alright man, catch ya later."

"Ya later."

Brady walked out not daring to look back. Chloe watched him walk away. Regrets surfaced. She wondered if she had made a big mistake. He still had such a powerful effect on her. She remembered the way his arms felt around her. So protective, so warm. She returned her attention back to Philip who was still rambling on about some sport.

To be continued.....