Don't Date Me, I'm Scared...

Chapter Three - Confession

"Tara, hopefully you're hearing me but... I really like you and seeing you drool over Darren hurts me."

I felt a hand grab mine and someone's gaze was on me, making me feel butterflies in my stomach. Wait, could this be...? 

I opened my eyes to see Brian in front of me and a soft smile on his face.

"You're awake..." he whispered before hugging me. I was engulfed in his scent; rain and roses. I hugged him back, feeling his muscles tense for a tighter hug. I closed my eyes breathing in his scent once more before being interrupted by a soft knock.

"Tara, you're awake." a voice said. Brian's arms squeezed around me. It feels like he's shielding me from someone. There was a long silence and in that silence was a heavy building tension. "Brian, can I see her please?"

I immediately knew it was Darren and my eyes widened with shock. Darren is here?? 

Brian sighed and reluctantly let me go.

"Thank you" Darren said, walking inside. Getting closer and closer. My heart clenched. "Do you feel any better?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but Brian answered for me; "She's fine."

Darren eyed Brain, turning his head to me.

"Are you alright, Tara?" he asked, his voice getting deeper with concern. I gulped and nodded.

"I-I'm fine.. thank you." I answered. Darren smiled. 

"Good, cause I wanna take you back to class." he said cheerfully. My eyes widened in shock. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Brian's jaw clench and his eyes suddenly changed. I looked down, butterflies filling my stomach. 

He wants to walk me to class?? 

I bit my lip in thought, feeling a tad bit anxious and praying that I won't have another anxiety attack.

"W-Well, I gotta see if Brian says it's okay." I mumbled, slightly scooting back on the bed. Darren raised his eyebrow, confused and slightly angered. 

"Brian...? He shouldn't have to make decisions for you. You're your own person, Tara." 

I nodded from his response.

"But Brian is the one who brought me to the nurse and he shoul--" I was cut off and Brian suddenly answered.

"You can go," Brian responded. I looked at him and saw his hair covering his eyes, his jaw clenched with every word he spoke. Brian looked up at me, his eyes showing something I couldn't quite grasp. It was like he's hurt. "I shouldn't hold you back."

I looked at Brian then to Darren. 

"R-Really??" I whispered, loud enough for them both to hear. Brian nodded. 

"Go. It's fine." Brian said, smiling softly and his eyes looking innocent and glassy. Darren suddenly grabbed my hand, bringing me close to him and his other hand on the lower part of my back. I looked up at Darren, my face beet red and he smiled. 

"Come on, Tara." Darren said pulling me out of the nurse's office. I looked back at Brian and saw his face with a plastered smile. He put a thumbs up.

"Have fun." he mouthed and he was out of my vision. I looked down, walking with Darren. His arm on my lower back to keep me steady in case I would fall. Darren's being safe with me... 

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