His & Her Rules- A Steroline Story.
Chapter 1- Come Home
'Hello world
Hope you're listening
Forgive me if I'm young
For speaking out of turn
There's someone I've been missing
I think that they could be
The better half of me
They're in the in the wrong place trying to make it right
But I'm tired of justifying
So I say to you'
"Ughhhh" Caroline groaned as she rolled over and hit the snooze button on her alarm. She had been dreading this day for months. All her hard work was about to pay off and she was about her get her first book published. She had accidentally stumbled into her current career as a restaurant reviewer and then became notorious for it. Every restaurant in the city wanted her to visit and try their food and somehow she was single, into her early 30's with an amazing career, but no family in sight. It's not like she hadn't tried to have both, her last boyfriend had been amazing and their relationship was filled with love, passion and friendship. Caroline was certain Tyler was the love of her life however when he came to her with a proposal and an ultimatum she couldn't leave her job and put their relationship first. It was something she regretted every day since and was really thankful they had kept in touch on friendly terms.
Caroline rose out of bed and began to straighten up the sheets when she was distracted by a distinct ringtone coming from her phone. "CAROLINE! Where have you been?"
"I'm sorry Bonnie, Caroline can't come to the phone right now, she hasn't had enough coffee to deal with whatever drama you are about to divulge' She giggled as she heard Bonnie sigh loudly down the phone. "Please tell me we are heading out for some delicious food, on the house of course, to celebrate the launch of your fabulous book!"
Caroline had met Bonnie several years ago whilst studying literature at college and had become best friends ever since. "Of course! I wouldn't expect anything less although I was hoping I would of heard from Tyler by now. As my book is now done I was hoping there would be a reconciliation on the cards."
"Have you called him? Maybe you should make the first move, guys are useless trust me"
"Maybe you're right, look I'll meet you at 12 at Chez Moi, I have a phone call to make!" She felt the butterflies inside her tummy and she knew she had to go for it. "Okay bitch, see you later! Good luck"
"Okay Caroline you can do this, just call him" She found his number through her phone book and pressed dial.
"Hello, Tyler speaking."
"Hi Tyler! It's Caroline" Caroline thought it was odd that he hadn't realised it was her who was calling, surely her name would of appeared on his phone. "Caroline I'm so glad you called, I've been wanting to speak to you for ages."
"Oh I'm so glad because I have really wanting to speak to you too, I've really missed you."
"I hear it's book launch day today, I know that is something you always dreamed off, you must be so thrilled."
"Yeah, but all the success doesn't fill the void and the loneliness you know" There was a long awkward pause. "Look Caroline, I really have been meaning to chat to you, I have some really good news and I wanted to share it with you."
"Oh...okay?" Caroline slowly lowered herself onto her bed and held her breath for what felt like hours. "I've met someone." There was a huge thump as Caroline fell straight onto the floor. "Caroline? Are you okay?"
"...Ye...yes I'm fine, just a little shocked is all, I had no idea you were seeing somebody. I spoke to you a month ago and you didn't say anything." Tears began to roll down her cheeks as she feigned excitement for her ex. "Yeah it's kind of sudden, but there is more. We are getting married." Caroline felt her heart thumping into her throat. "Caroline I know this is really fast but as soon as I met her I just knew she was the one for me."
"I am really happy for you Tyler, honest, tell me more! Who is she? When is the wedding?"
She rambled. "Her name is Elena, you will love her when you meet her. The wedding is in 3 weeks and I'm really hoping you can be there."
"Wow ummm you know I will have to check with work, it gets really busy after a book launch."
"Caroline, this is my wedding and although we didn't work out, we have been best friends ever since and I need you by my side when I do this."
" Are you asking me to be your best man...woman?" She laughed to keep from crying.
"You know it, so what do you say? Come for the wedding prep and keep me same throughout this whole extravaganza." He laughed, god she had missed his laugh. "How can I say no to that? Send me the details and I'm sure I can work something out."
"Perfect I will get Elena to email you everything, and you have a plus one also, I wasn't sure if there was anybody new in your life. Your book won't cuddle you at night you know"
Caroline rolled her eyes and the panic began to set in. She had to find a plus one and she had to ruin this wedding, steal the groom, run off into the sunset and have a happy ever after. "Yeah just send me everything, look I gotta go, busy bee and all. I'll see you soon." She quickly hung up the phone before he could answer her.
'Come home
Come home
'Cause I've been waiting for you
For so long
For so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all I see is you and me
The fight for you is all I've ever known
So come home
Oooh'
Caroline practically flew into the restaurant after spending the entire morning crying and redoing her make up. "Where have you been missy? Hours of phone sex with Tyler eh."
Bonnie smirked as she took a sip of her wine. Caroline clicked her fingers and signalled the waiter over to take her order. "I'll have a bourbon, no rocks, straight up and keep them coming."
"Woah, girlie it's a little early for that isn't it? What happened?"
"Oh just the end of my life as we know it, he's getting married Bonnie! I blew it and I've lost him." She downed her first drink that had arrived mid rant and handed the glass back to the waiter. "Babe, I'm so sorry." Bonnie said holding Caroline's hand sensing that a breakdown was coming. "It's all my fault Bon, If I just put my stupid career to the side this would not be happening. What am I going to do?"
"You're going to down a few more drinks, wipe away those tears, then we are gonna come up with a plan for operation steal Tyler." Caroline laughed. She couldn't be more thankful for her best friend at this point in her life.
After they had downed multiple drinks and eaten very little, the girls stumbled into Caroline's apartment. "Bon, this is serious, they gave me a plus one and I have no guys that are even close enough to consider taking." She pouted as she flung her shoes across the room. "I have a crazy idea, my flat mate Sheila was telling me about this service she used when she needed a date for some corporate event. Basically there are these guys that you can hire for however long you need and they act like your boyfriend, husband or whatever."
"Bonnie! You can not be serious, do you hear yourself? You're saying I should basically hire an escort for the weekend." She grabbed a nearby throw pillow and launched it directly at Bonnie's face. "Hey! I'm just saying, if you think about it, no complications or strings attached. C'mon let's just email and enquire." She pulls out her phone and starts compiling the email. "Help wanted, desperately seeking male companion to mend my broken heart at the love of my life's wedding..bla bla..requirements MUST BE HOT." Bonnie laughed until she began snorting. "You can't write that, oh my god Bonnie give me the phone."
"Oops too late, already sent. Now let's find you the sexiest outfit in this gigantic closet of yours."
'I can't believe you did that, they are going to think I'm some crazy person."
"Not crazy just outrageous and completely reckless, now put this on, it'll make your boobs look fantastic." Holding up a corset Caroline was certain was from halloween last year.
'I get lost in the beauty
Of everything I see
The world ain't as half as bad
As they paint it to be
If all the sons
If all the daughters
Stopped to take it in
Well hopefully the hate subsides and the love can begin
It might start now yeah
Well maybe I'm just dreaming out loud
Until then
Come home
Comeā¦'
