Loving The Wallflower

Chapter Nine : Comfort

Astra and Aiden found themselves got so much closer after the dinner on their first night at the camp.

The camp itself were such a new experience for Astra. She never really actively participated in club activities during secondary school. She only took part if Darian did and when she really needed extra curriculum points for uni.

Astra managed to get her first experiences in flying fox, hiking race, and treasure hunt. They were allowed to form their own teams as long as the team were made up of members from different faculties. Astra, Skye, and Aiden decided to be in the same team. The three of them were indeed from different courses and faculties.

Astra also could not help but feeling her insecurities creeping up her own body. They had to go through one obstacle during the treasure hunt where each team had to climb over a brick wall. The rule stated that no one was to be left behind. Astra could feel herself tensing up upon hearing the rules.

How am I gonna do this one? No one will be able to carry me up there, I'm heavy. Oh I'm gonna embarrass myself. Is there any way I can disappear during this obstacle?

Countless questions came into her mind and Astra really wanted to run away that instant. She began to step back slowly, making sure no one was looking at her direction.

A loud blow of whistle made her stop in her track and everyone's attention was on the camp president, who also happened to be a senior in the same batch as Jeremiah. His name was Vincent.

All eyes were on Vincent, but his were on her.

"You, in the purple shirt. Where are you going? No giving up, no one is left behind. Come on, it's your turn."

Aiden and Benz, the Thai boy from Cinematography course were in charge of carrying all teammates to the other side of the brick wall.

They both looked sturdy and strong enough to carry her. But Astra still could not bring herself to the front and she did not want to face the embarrassment of being too heavy for the activity.

Sweats were dripping down Astra's face and she felt like all the sound around her were muffled. She began to feel panic and her knees were about to give up, but Aiden's voice brought her back. He was shaking her arm softly.

"Hey, are you okay? You look pale, Astra."

Astra felt like her lips and throat were very dry, and she felt like no amount of swallowing her own saliva would help in that situation.

Everyone was now looking her.
She hated it. She hated that she's now the centre of the attention. She wished the ground would open up and swallow her right away.

"Astra? Can you hear me?" Aiden was still hoping he could help Astra. Her pale and sweaty face was concerning to witness.

Several students around them were already groaning. The team after them were throwing upset looks as well.

He needed to take her out of the situation. For her sake and for the other people around them.

"Vincent, I don't think she's well enough to continue this activity. May I excuse myself to take her to the emergency tent, and I'll come back later to help my team? "

Vincent was hesitant at first, but seeing how the whole situation was making everything go slow, he nodded and wave his hand, signalling Aiden to just take Astra and leave.

Before leaving, Aiden made sure to make Benz the new leader, and asked Skye to help Benz out.

"Let me know if she needs anything. I'll go visit her after this one. Thanks, Aiden." Skye gave Aiden a thankful smile before turning her full attention to the next activity. The faster they could finish, the faster she could go visit Astra.

Aiden nod and said "I will. She's my friend too. It's what friends do. Take care."

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The professor in charge of the emergency tent made sure to give Astra a huge glass of water and asked her to lie down.

"She's tired. I'll let her rest here. Might've  felt anxious with the new environment here too. Please look after her at least until she fell asleep, Mr Alexanders. I have to tend to another first year who sprained their ankle earlier."

Aiden nodded and took the liberty to soak a small towel in lukewarm water before pressing it onto Astra's forehead. She was no longer pale, but she was avoiding eye contact, and her hand was trembling.

"Are you feeling any better? Do you need anything else?"

Astra shook her head, and shut her eyes for a few seconds before opening them again. She felt like her lips were very dry, but she did not want to burden Aiden.

"I can do it myself. You don't have to be here, you'll miss out on all the fun out there ." She tried to take the wet towel from him, but Aiden caught on fast and took the towel further away.

"No, I choose to be here. You need me, and I need you to not feel any guilt. Let me take care of you. That's what friends are for, right? Beside, you heard the professor. I should stay here until you fall asleep. So you won't be kicking me out any time soon."

Astra could not find any more strength in her to argue back. Instead, she just rolled her eyes and sighed. "Fine. But don't blame me if you missed out on the activities later."

"I won't. Being here with you is fun too. At least I'm taking a break here. So I'll thank you instead."

Astra managed to give Aiden a small, crooked smile. She just lost all the energy to smile properly. She internally hoped that Aiden won't mind that.

Silence suddenly filled the air and Astra bit her lower lip before asking Aiden.

"You're not gonna ask what happened out there?"

Aiden smacked his lips and looked Astra in the eyes.

"You can tell me when you're ready. All that matters is that you're fine. Please let me know if you need someone to talk to. Or a shoulder to cry on. Or someone to go have ice-cream with....anything. Promise ?"

He stuck his pinky finger out and waited for Astra to lock his.

"Wait..you're not gonna ask me to lock it, aren't you?"

Aiden raised his right eyebrow and wiggled his pinky, indicating to her that he was in fact, being serious about the promise.

"Come on, we're not kids. I'll tell you, I promise."

Aiden shook his head, still wiggling his pinky.

Astra let out a soft sigh of defeat and locked his pinky. Aiden clapped his hand with joy, and let Astra take her rest.

He left the camp as soon as the professor came back.

"Please let me know when she's awake, thank you."
He left after thanking the professional and took one last glance at Astra, who was fast asleep on one of the foldable stretchers.

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