Chapter 185 Calming Down
The minute Professor Bruno dismissed us, Trent took my hand and we headed out of the science building. I didn't ask where we were going and he didn't say. But he seemed to have a destination in mind, and as long as it was somewhere quiet, I was all for getting away.
Stepping out into the fall air, I am finally able to breathe. The sun shining down on my face, and the crips autumn breeze teasing my hair grounds me. The more distance I put between me and the lesson, the better I feel.
Just how the hell am I supposed to get through his damn class if I can't even sit through the intro without have a crisis? He wasn't even saying anything I don't already know!
Maybe I should rethink my life plan... But I don't want to give up so easily. Not after all the years I've spend dreaming of becoming a pediatrician. All I have to do is get through this class... and a few others, and I'll be home free.
Trent doesn't ask me anything. He just holds my hand as we walk across campus. I can feel his soft gaze on me. I know he suspects something, but thankfully he's not going to make me give up my secrets right this moment.
I am pleasantly surprised when we end up in the library. I think it's the perfect place to hide while not actually hiding. It's quiet and most students aren't even in here right now. And the ones who are in here aren't paying any attention to us one way or the other.
I now officially think Trent is a genius! He is my new superhero. Apparently, he has the ability to read minds and save the damsel in distress at the same time!
He pulls me over to one of the tables in the very back, away from the studying students, and pulls out a chair for me. Placing his hand on my lower back, he guides me into the chair.
I collapse into the uncomfortable chair and lay my head down on the table. Never have I ever been so grateful for uncomfortable furniture in my life! I think I could just stay here for hours, getting my equilibrium back.
Trent takes a seat right next to mine, pulling it closer to me. Then he gently places his hand on my back, rubbing soothing circles. The touch is soft and soothing, meant to calm my nerves. And surprisingly, it does. I almost melt into his touch!
"Your fine, Angel. No one will see you if you fall apart here," he whispers. "I'm sure you are not the first one to be uncomfortable with the topic of anatomy. No one is going to judge you for having a panic attack. Least of all, me."
I blink my eyes up at him. I guess I didn't hide it as well as I was trying to. I have so many questions running through my head, but the first and foremost is, "H-how d-did you kn-know?"
Dammit! Why can't I just talk like a normal person? Why do I have to studder? I swear I got rid of that years ago... I really should look for a good therapist. Would Trent think I'm weird if I was seeing someone for a trauma I should have gotten over by now?
Trent gives me a soft smile. "You aren't the only one who has panic attacks, Char. I've had my fair share, especially the night before a big game. Sometimes I'd end up vomiting and pass out... don't tell anyone I said that," he says with a wink.
I look at him for the first time and wonder if his life has been more pressure than I expected. He was the star football player, yes, and one of the top students. Was he being put under pressure to do all of that, or was it him?
I don't have the heart to ask him right now. I don't know if I have the right. Maybe, if we keep spending more time with each other, I'll get him to open up to me. I tried to ask him questions yesterday, and he told me I already knew his life story. I don't believe that for a second. But I guess we all have our secrets, don't we?
He doesn't ask anything. He just stays with me for a whole hour before it's time for us to leave to our Bio-chem class. "Are you ready for class?" He asks, reaching for my hand and helping me up.
"Well, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Thanks for this Trent," I smile up at him.
"No problem, Angel. I have never been averse to running away with a gorgeous woman and keeping her all to myself," he says with a wink.
I'm pretty sure that's true, but the statement makes me blush and giggle like a little girl anyway. I don't think anyone has referred to me as gorgeous before, even as a joke.
The moment we take our seats, my stomach turns as an eerily familiar voice reaches my ears. Suddenly I have the urge to get up and run back to the safety of the library. Just how the hell did she even end up here?
"Trent! Baby! Long time no see!" Melissa giggles. "I've missed you! I know you missed me..."
I'm about to get up out of my seat and move, but Trent places his hand on my thigh, keeping me in place. He sends me a look that says to trust him. And as much as I do trust him, I've never been one for confrontations, and I'm sure this is what this will turn into. Or another session of bully Charlie... Either way, I'm not looking forward to it.