To Catch A Star

Chapter Thirteen

The first week back after returning from their home visits was wonderful for the most part and Andi had loved getting back into the swing of things. The classes were unforgiving, and the adrenaline was starting to become something that she lived for. The only downside came on the Friday when her anxiety decided to rear its ugly head out of nowhere during CrossFit out of all things but luckily Liv handled her panic discretely and no attention was drawn to her, even if Colby was shooting concerned glances in their direction for the rest of class.

That afternoon at dinner, Andi ate much slower than usual. She felt embarrassed that Colby and Liv had to witness her meltdown and was putting off facing Colby for as long as possible. Colby had already left the canteen about half an hour ago and she considered hiding in her room for the remainder of the weekend... no such luck apparently. Andi was the last in the canteen and she was just putting her rubbish in the bin when Colby appeared in the doorway, an unreadable expression on his face, he just motioned to her to follow him. Once he was certain she actually wasn't going to bolt, he led the way to the gym they frequented. Andi wasn't sure what to expect, she decided that it wouldn't be good. Maybe he would end their friendship, let her down gently. What she wasn't expecting was to be led to the ring and find a bunch of pillows, blankets and a duvet on the mat. The unreadable expression Colby did have, turned into a shy grin as he looked at her while rubbing the back of his neck.

"Surprise? Thought this would be a good idea seeing as though we both slept better here before? After today especially, though it might do you good and..."

He was rambling, which was adorable, but Andi was just staring slack-jawed at the 'surprise'.

"Sush."

She said eventually, Colby's mouth snapped shut.

"It's perfect, thank you."

She turned to give him a quick hug before laying on top of the duvet, laughing.

"You're crazy, you know that right?"

"Hey now! No need for that! My idea's aren't crazy, they're genius!"

Colby exclaimed, putting on his best glare and pout combination before his expression became nervous as he got down next to her...

"I, uhm, got you some sleep stuff... I didn't pry through your stuff, just grabbed the tee and shorts off your bed!"

Andi considered messing with him but thought better of it, he really had made an effort and she wanted her friend to know that she appreciated it. She noticed her things in the corner of the ring and looked back to Colby, pulling him into another hug, smiling shyly at him.

"Thank you, Colby, it's a lovely surprise."

She heard him puff out a breath, relief maybe, before they both lay on their backs and looked up through the glass ceiling. The sky was dark enough that they could just about making out a few stars spattered across the sky and there were barely any clouds... for a few minutes they just lay in comfortable silence.

"Do you have attacks often?"

Colby asked quietly, the fingers of his right hand playing with the fingers of her left in a calming manner. She was so distracted by his fingers and calm because of the silence and looking at the sky that she answered without feeling nervous or silly.

"Depends. At home, if I'm in the house and it's just family, I don't really get them... If I'm somewhere outside that bubble it seems to happen regularly. I usually just hide though..."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I just find a safe space and ignore the world. Like if a situation happened at home, like it did today, I just get to somewhere no one can find me. Usually, people just leave me alone. Unless I really trust them, like my family... they can calm me before I need the meds."

"Does it hurt? The attacks?"

"Yes."

Colby turned onto his side looking concerned, she followed suit.

"Are you hurting now?"

"No, more of an ache. Liv managed to stop it before it got too far. I'm fine though, used to it I guess."

Colby carried on playing with her fingers as Andi rolled back onto her back, not able to keep her eyes locked with his without making a fool of herself. She could feel the flush in her cheeks already, felt her heart skip and felt herself becoming warm. Colby spoke again,

"I hope you can learn to trust me one day."

Andi smiled softly closing her eyes.

"Thank you."

"What for?"

"For trying. You're a good man, Colby."

They both settled back into comfortable silence, Andi comforted by the back-and-forth motion of Colby's fingers brushing against her own.

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Saturday was nerve wracking; the winning team was going to a restaurant, the prize for losing the most weight collectively. Ashley was stood behind Andi as she sat at the dresser in her 'room', curling her hair gently while talking about some programme she had watched the night previously, something called 'Married at First Sight'. Andi thought it sounded nonsense but appreciated the distraction as Ashley spoke her opinions on a certain couple.

Ashley, who was wearing a pretty red sweater-dress, straightened her own hair while Andi got dressed into a comfortable green over-sized jumper and leggings. Andi was thankful that there was no need to 'dress up' too much, she felt comfortable in what she was wearing which she wouldn't have if she had to wear a dress. Neither woman put on make-up either, which was a bonus to Andi.

They met the others in the lobby, a mini bus waiting for them up front. Andi caught a glimpse of Colby getting on the bus, he was wearing black jeans and a button down, he looked good – not that he didn't anyway, the man was always gorgeous. The ride was quick and before she knew it, Ashley was ushering her from the bus and linked her arm into the restaurant. Ashley sat Andi between herself and Tony, who greeted them both happily and began to talk about the food on the menu, joking that he could eat the lot.

Andi perused the menu nervously before looking up to distract herself from the nerves it gave her. That didn't work, however, as her eyes met Colby's who was sat directly opposite her. He raised his eyebrow and mouthed 'are you ok?', which she gave a small nod to. He frowned, knowing she wasn't being truthful. Andi looked back to the menu, she'd rather face ordering food than Colby's probing gaze. She decided on a salad with fresh salmon and a lemon water, Ashley opted for chicken and vegetables with a glass of white wine 'a one off' she exclaimed laughing and Tony opted for steak and vegetables also with lemon water.

The chatter carried on around her and she was a little shocked to see Colby joining in with the banter of American soccer versus English football with Tony and Ronan. Andi just listened and tried to relax into her seat, trying to not seem so rigid. The food arrived and the trainee's eyes widened at Colby's plate, steak, vegetables, chips and onion rings with a pint of beer!

"What?"

Colby said, smirk on his face.

"I'm having a night off, takes a lot of hard work to look this good."

That made Ashley, Ronan and Tony laugh but Carlos seemed to mumble something under his breath that everyone just ignored. Andi merely rolled her eyes at Colby's comment, used to the type of banter he gave. Andi took her time with her food, enjoying the dressing on the salad and taking time to relish in the tang of the lemon on the salmon. The meal was enjoyable, the night peaceful and cheerful. Andi was pleasantly surprised.