Chapter 178 Panic Attack
"You didn't need to get that?" I ask, aware that we'd been sitting in the little booth for more than an hour.
Trent huffed. "It's just my dad. I promised I'd talk to him, but it can wait," he smiles. "I'm sure he just wants to make sure I've got everything settled and ready for the year."
I get the feeling he doesn't want to talk to his dad in front of me, and I don't mind. It's probably a private conversation anyway and I don't want to intrude.
"Well, I gotta go home and make lunch anyway," I blush, not really wanting to leave, but also giving him an out. I know we can't sit here forever; I've still got math in a few hours.
"Oh, okay. Do you live in the dorms?" He asks, stretching as he stands, then taking his now cold coffee and waiting for me to get up. "I can walk you," he offers with a sweet smile.
"No, actually, Rick got me my own apartment in town," I feel a little self-conscious saying it, but I don't want Trent to walk me to the dorms when I'm not even going to be there.
"Do you walk all the way from town?" He asks little shocked. I would be too if I actually had to walk that far.
I laugh. "No, I've got a car."
"Well, I can walk you to your car," he suggests. "If you don't mind, that is. I've had fun with you and I'm not quite ready for you to leave me yet."
"Sure," I blush. I didn't know Trent could be so sweet. But if this is how he was in high school, I can understand how he charmed all the girls. Including me, and he never even dated me.
I start leading him to the parking lot I left my car at. It's not a very far walk and it's pretty nice out, so I slow my pace, not in a huge hurry to leave him either.
"Are you busy Saturday?" He asked out of the blue.
"Not really, unless you count studying busy," I joke.
"I was wondering if you'd like to come hiking with me this Saturday morning? I'm bringing my roommate and a couple friends. There's a really great trail not far from here, if you're interested," he mentions casually.
"Actually, I'd really like that. I haven't been hiking in a long time," I smile. To be honest, it's been years. We used to hike as a family, but after my parents died... Well, there was no way in hell lazy-ass Beth or Uncle Jay would be going. And Ava wouldn't be caught dead in the woods... She might break a fucking nail.
"Great! You can bring some friends if you want to, too," he smiles.
"I don't really know anyone here yet. And I don't exactly have a roommate," I giggle. "Rick actually got me a two-room apartment. I think he might be expecting Liv to come visit sometime soon."
"Lucky you! Maybe I should come crash on your couch when my roommate turns into an asshole," he jokes with a wink.
A sudden buzzing shocks me and I grab my phone.
It's a text.
It's not long, but just enough to make me feel sick. My breath comes out in short, ragged pants. My forehead starts to prickle in sweat. I'm starting to see black spots in my vision.
I'm having a fucking panic attack right now! All because of a damn text!
Unknown: I know about the abortion.
I look around the parking lot, trying to see if someone magically pops out, but there is no one there. Only, I don't even know what I'd do if they revealed themselves! I'd probably faint!
I quickly delete the text. I can't let anyone find out about this!
"Charlie?" Trent asks cautiously. "Hey, you don't look very good. Are you okay?"
"No. I mean, yes. I mean, it was just a wrong number," I stumble, giving him a strained smile, praying he doesn't ask any more questions.
The look in his eyes tells me he's not buying it, but at least he's not pushing it.
"Do you need me to take you home?" he asks softly.
Actually, I really wish he could. I don't think I want to be alone right now, but I shake my head. "No, I'll be okay," I whimper.
I want to slap myself. That sounds the exact opposite of okay!
"Char? You know you could tell me if someone is bugging you, right?" He asks, taking careful steps closer to me. He strokes my hair from my face, and I almost lean into his touch. I haven't needed someone to touch me like this in a long time.
I'm momentarily startled. No one has ever called me Char before. But it's his soft words and gentle touch that actually calm the panic in my chest.
I blink my eyes, trying to push away the tears and give him a small smile. "Thanks Trent. That actually means a lot." I'm not just saying that. It really does.
"Sure thing. Where'd you park, Angel?" he asks. "You look like you need to sit down for a bit."
We make it back to my little Honda in no time at all.
"This is mine," I give a small smile. "Thanks for walking me to my car, Trent."
"Not a problem at all, Charlie," he whispers softly.
And then, he surprised me by wrapping me in his arms. I'm almost shocked I'm not panicking with his hard muscles caging close to his body.
Oh, God, he smells so good.
I slowly wrap my arms around him and just let him hold me for a second.
"I'm so glad you're here Charlie. If you need anything, just text me. I'll see you tomorrow, Angel," he murmurs in my ear before pulling away.
He doesn't leave until I'm safely in my car and pulling away toward my apartment.
My tummy does a funny little flip. Did he just call me Angel?