Unexpected Love

Chapter 6

Andrew: Emma, what's wrong?
Emma: Just stop the car, please!!
Andrew: Okay, okay, calm down.
Andrew saw a rest stop at the side of the road in front of the sea, so he pulled over. Emma couldn't get out until Julia got out of the car, but Julia was delayed because she dropped her phone due to the tension, which made Emma scream at her.
Emma: GET OUT!!!
Andrew: Come! Get out of the car from here, Emma!!
Andrew got out of the car to give Emma space to exit on his side. Emma managed to get out and accidentally hit him as she headed toward the sea to catch her breath. The another car pulled over to see what was wrong.

Olivia: What happened?
Julia: Emma had a panic attack!
Madlen: Why?
Julia: I don't know. It happened after a car cut us off. I think it's related to her accident.
Andrew went over to Emma, who was sitting on a big rock in front of the sea.
Andrew: Are you okay?
Emma didn't look at him but answered.
Emma: I'm fine!
Andrew: Come on, let's go into the café and have something to drink and relax.
Emma: I'm fine here. I want to stay in an open place for a bit, alone!
Andrew nodded and left her to join the others.
Madlen: What happened?
Andrew: She wants to be alone for a bit, so if you want to buy coffee or snacks, buy them now. We won't stop at any rest stops until we reach the airport.

All of them nodded. Mark went to the restroom, and the others went to the café to get some snacks. Andrew went to get coffee for himself and hot chocolate for Emma. He left the others inside and went to sit next to Emma. He handed her the hot chocolate. She smiled at him and took it.
Emma: Thank you.
Andrew: You're welcome!
Andrew became silent to avoid putting pressure on her until Emma spoke.
Emma: I'm sorry, I made you late! I just couldn't help myself to breathe from the window, so I had to get out of the car.
Andrew: It's okay, Emma! It's not your fault anyway. But I want to ask you something.
Emma looked at him and nodded.

Andrew: Does this panic always come to you, or just after the accident?
Emma: I have a phobia of closed and narrow places, but it didn't cause big problems because I avoided being in closed places like elevators too much. But since the accident, I've had this panic constantly, even when I was in the hospital. It's become related to cars and anything that reminds me of that day.
Andrew didn't know how to console her, but he hesitantly raised his hand and stroked her hair, which made her smile. They gazed at each other for a while until they heard the voices of the others.
Andrew (loudly): Did you get everything you need?
All: Yes!

Andrew turned to Emma and stood up while extending his hand to her.
Andrew: Let's go!
Emma smiled and held his hand to stand up too.
Andrew: Do you want to sit in the front seat? For your breathing and all?
Emma looked at Julia nervously.
Emma: No, thank you. I'm fine now.
Andrew nodded and Emma got in the car in the back seat. Then Julia and Andrew got in and started driving again. They reached the airport and went through security to board their plane. It wasn't the first time Emma had been on this plane, so she wasn't surprised or scared. They sat in couples and Emma sat alone next to the window. She looked at them all wryly.

Emma: Am I the only single one here?
Then she turned to adjust her seat again. After a while, she felt drowsy, so she extended her leg onto the empty chair next to her, and the seat was comfortable enough for her to sleep deeply.
After about six hours, the plane landed. Emma had already been awake for a while. They got off the plane and got into a car to take them to the resort they had booked. They went to the reception to get their room keys. Andrew took them, giving Peter and Madlen their key, then Julia hers, Olivia, Mark, and finally Emma. Emma searched for her room until she found it and saw Andrew opening the door next to her.

Emma: You're here!
Andrew: What a coincidence!
Emma: Where are the others' rooms, Julia and the others?
Andrew: They're upstairs.
Emma: Got it! I'll... go into my room then!
Andrew (laughing): Okay!
They spent that night resting after the long journey.
The next morning, they all woke up, took a shower, and put on their swimwear before heading down for breakfast. Emma was a little late, but she eventually joined the others at the table.
Madlen: Why are you late?
Emma: I couldn't find my sunblock.
Madlen: I have one. Why didn't you tell me?
Emma: I found it anyway. I was sure I brought it. Thanks, though.