I never wanted to hurt you

Charlotte's pov

"Get up, Charlotte! We need to talk," Harry urgently pulled my hand. My mum and best friend Ava were sitting beside me, and it was the final day of the award ceremony.

"Harry, where are you taking me to? They're about to call your name on stage. Why don't you collect your award first? We can discuss whatever it is you want to talk about after we leave the hall," I replied.

"No, please. It'll be too late," he insisted, pulling me away from my seat and the crowd of students and parents. The only person who noticed us leaving was my mum, and she wasn't concerned because she knew who was taking me away. The rest of the people in the hall were engrossed in the activities happening on stage, with medals being awarded to the deserving recipients. Harry had been nominated as the best athlete of the year. That's why I had invited my mum specifically and convincing her to come wasn't easy. I wanted someone I loved to share in my joy, and I knew how much this award meant to Harry. My plan was simple: after the ceremony, we would take a group picture with me, Harry, Ava, my mum, and the award. I was so thrilled that it felt like I had won the award myself.

Harry led me towards a secluded restroom that was rarely used, but we could still hear the voice of the host announcing the names of the individuals receiving their awards. Each person they called took the opportunity to express their gratitude and dedicate the award to someone dear to their heart.

"Why did you bring me here?" I finally freed my hand from his grip. We both took a moment to catch our breath, and Harry struggled to find the right words as he gazed into my eyes. I had no clue what he wanted to say. This was supposed to be an exhilarating moment for me, and we should have been in the hall, ready to applaud when Harry's name was called.

"In life, we sometimes make mistakes," he began, and I couldn't help but wonder what kind of mistake he had made. I remained silent, looking at him intently as he paused for a moment and continued,

"I've made many mistakes in my past, big ones. I'm sorry, Charlotte. Please find it in your heart to forgive me. I wanted to say this earlier, but I lacked the courage."

"What are you talking about? Forgive you for what? Be honest with me. What have you done that requires my forgiveness?"

"I never wanted to hurt you. I've tried to resolve this issue within myself countless times, but I don't want to deceive myself any longer."

When he mentioned not wanting to hurt me, I immediately feared the worst for our relationship. I continued listening to see if he had lost his mind.

"I know you've put in your best to make this relationship work, but I don't think we should continue."

"Why? What have I done?" My expression changed, and I could feel sweat forming in my palms.

"Charlotte, you are the most brilliant person I've ever met, but our paths in life are heading in different directions..."

Before he could finish his statement, hot tears streamed down my cheeks. It felt as though my throat had tightened, rendering me speechless as I watched him speak.

"Your IQ, your intelligence surpasses mine. I feel like I'll hold you back in the future. I want a woman whom I can be smarter than, better than. Not someone who already knows what I'm trying to think. Please forgive me. You're my weakness, and I don't want it to continue after college. I just want to be honest with myself."

I didn't realize when my hands covered my face, and I uttered,

"Are you really breaking up with me?" At that very moment, we both heard the host announce,

"And now, for the best sportsman of the year, the award goes to Harry Anderson."

In that instant, Harry swiftly walked away from me, and I still struggled to fully grasp what he had just revealed. I wiped away my tears and returned to the hall. By then, Harry had already ascended the stage and was presented with a small golden trophy. Surprisingly, he also received a medal, which he wore around his neck. Before he had the chance to acknowledge those who supported him, I was back in my seat. At that moment, no one knew what had transpired between Harry and me, not even my best friend or my mum, as they were engrossed in the ceremony's atmosphere. Harry approached the microphone, and the hall fell silent as he began to speak.

"First and foremost, I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude for this incredible award. To my family, teammates, and friends, thank you for being there for me…"

As Harry spoke on stage, I struggled to hold back my tears while reflecting on what he had told me earlier. My mum wore a smile on her face, clearly admiring my boyfriend. From her expressions, it was evident that she was proud he was mine. I could see her looking at me and then at him, captivated by his height and handsomeness. Meanwhile, Ava tapped my right hand, excited to join me in celebrating Harry's moment of honor.

Despite the joyous atmosphere, I made a conscious effort not to look directly at Harry. I was already angry and planned to confront him once the ceremony concluded. Coincidentally, he was the last awardee, and the ceremony would be ending in a few minutes.

While Harry continued speaking, my mind wandered far from his words. But suddenly, my attention snapped back when he said,

"...this award is dedicated to." I quickly turned to face him, hoping he would finally mention my name. I believed that I had been there for him through thick and thin. However, he paused for a moment, and then he uttered the words that shattered my heart.

"To my dearest friend, someone who stood by me in all my challenges, who cheered me up before every game, and who continued to believe in me even when I didn't believe in myself. She is my everything, the love of my life, and the reason I find life so interesting. Her name is Tasha."

It finally dawned on me that Harry had broken up with me. A part of me had hoped that when he listed those attributes, he would eventually call my name. The floodgates of tears welled up in my eyes, and I lowered my face towards the floor. I noticed Tasha running and shouting towards the stage, eager to embrace him.

"Charlotte! Charlotte!!" Ava tapped me with deep concern, but the joy on her face vanished instantly.

"Isn't that your boyfriend?" she asked.

My heart had shut down, and I knew that if I responded, I would burst into loud sobs. I swiftly stood up and walked to the left side of the hall, partially covering my face with my fingers to shield my tears from the onlookers. Ava followed me. Instead of leaving the hall, I headed towards the women's restroom and quickly locked myself inside before Ava could reach me. I pressed my hands and head against the wall and began crying loudly, like a young child waking up in the middle of the night and not finding her parents. In that moment, I felt disoriented, and as Ava heard my cries and pounded on the door, it only intensified my confusion.

"Please, stop! Stop!" I shouted, desperately pleading for silence.

"Charlotte, please open the door," Ava responded, but I had no intention of letting anyone in. I wanted to retreat into a world where it was just me, alone with my thoughts. Yet, no matter how hard I tried to push the situation away, the name Tasha kept resurfacing in my mind.

Tasha and I were both cheerleaders for Harry's team. Although I couldn't always join them on their travels, we would perform before every game. It was during these performances that Harry's gaze would often linger on Tasha's curves. We would playfully tease her about her shapely behind, as she confidently strutted in front of everyone, including the team.

"Please open the door. Crying alone won't solve what has happened. This only shows that Harry wanted you around to help with his assignments and sit next to you during exams. You are worth so much more than what Harry could offer," Ava spoke aloud.

Unaware of my mother's search for me, I remained locked in the restroom. It was difficult for her to locate me because I had left my phone in my bag, which was still sitting on my seat.

"Charlotte, you will get through this. Please open the door. There will be someone who loves you for who you are, someone who deserves your love. Please open the door," my best friend pleaded and her voice filled with pain.

When Ava suddenly stopped hearing the sound of my sobbing, she grew anxious and hurried off to find my mother. A few minutes later, they returned together, my mother clearly worried when Ava said.

"Charlotte has locked herself inside, and I don't know what's happening with her right now."

"Charlotte! Charlotte!! My precious darling, please open the door," my mother's voice echoed with anxiety as she banged on the door.