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

Chapter Five - The Hangout

"Okay, class make sure you do your homework for tonight!" Mr. Archer said before eyeing me. I looked down and then glanced behind me to see Brian. He smiled at me and as the bell rang, he got up walking towards me. 

"Wanna meet up after school?" Brian asked. I smiled looking at him in the eyes.

"Dude, we always hang out after school, with the others. So, yes!" I answered gleefully. I looked at Brian waiting for a response and saw his smile go to a serious expression.

"No, I mean just me and y--" 

"Tara!" a voice yelled. I looked over to where the voice came from and saw Darren running towards me and Brian. I mentally facepalmed myself that I forgot about the promise I gave to Darren. Darren gave me a quick hug and looked at Brian then nodded his way. Brian eyed Darren and looked at me smiling softly.

"Forget I said anything, kay?" Brian said, packing up his stuff. I looked at Brian then Darren then back to Brian, opening my mouth to say something, anything. Brian held up his hand. "Forget it, Ra. I'll see you next week."

With that he was gone, leaving a heavy tension between Darren and I. Maybe it was just me but I felt awkward, more awkward than I ever felt. I shifted my footing and Darren smiled.

"Ready to go?" he asked cheerfully. I eyed the door, wishing I could say something, anything to reverse Brian from being upset. At least I think he's upset. I looked at Darren and smiled too, I get to finally hang out with Darren. My stomach filled with butterflies as my brain screamed for help, I nodded reaching for my backpack. Darren grabbed it and held out his hand. I blushed, taking it, scared out of my mind but happy. 

As we walked down the hallway, I saw Sadie catching up with Brian ahead of us. At first she was smiling then her face turned concerned. I turn my attention to Brian as his face turns into a sad smile. He nods at Sadie in what seems like a reassuring way. A pang of guilt shoots through my chest. Did I make him feel that way...?

I snap out of my thoughts when I feel Darren's hand grip get tighter.

"Tara? You alright?" He asks, looking down at me. I look straight forward, too anxious to look at his face.

"I-I'm fine. Just thinking..." I say. As we walk a little more down the hallway, the feeling of awkwardness gets thicker and tension within me built.

Come on, Tara! Just say something. Anything! I look up at him.

 "So... uhm... how's the weather...it's uhh... Mmm... oh the weather outside is frightful, right?" I ask dumbly. What the hell Tara! I think. Darren chuckles, confused and amused.

"What are you saying??" 

I look down at my shoes.

"N-nothing. Nevermind..." I mumble. As I start to lift my head back up, I feel the soft touch of Darren's hand brush my face. Slowly, he turns my head towards him. He smiles warmly.

"Don't look down when you talk. I can't see your beautiful eyes." he says getting closer to my face. I blush and notice that we stopped right outside the school. I nod in response, avoiding eye contact. Suddenly, I feel a small kiss on my forehead. Anxiety and excitement rush through my body, making me shake all over.

Ohshitohshitihshitohshit Hekissedmehekissedmehekissed- 

"Ahem." He says, snapping me back to reality. I look up at him in awe. "Sorry, I didn't mean to rush it... I-" I stop him by waving my hands.

"N-no, no. I-I f-fine...no w-worry abo... m-me..." I stutter in fragments. He gives me a look that says 'are you sure?' and I nod vigorously in response. He gives a small smile, starting to walk again. I look down at my shoes again, too red and embarrassed to look up. When we get to the busses, I look up. "W-well...there's my bus..." 

I pointed to a random bus, even though I walk home. Darren chuckles.

"I've seen you walk home before. Are you trying to get rid of me?" He asks, tilting his head to the side. I shake my head, even though I'm on the verge of another anxiety attack. My hand shakes in his a bit. He looks down at me. "Are you okay? You seem...scared."

"I-I'm fine..." I lie, starting to shake even harder as we get farther away from the school. Not again...

All of a sudden, Darren pulls me in front of me then looks me over. His face shows concern. 

"You're really pale, Tara..." 

I feel lightheaded as I shake my head, and put on a fake smile.

"I'm alright." I'm gonna die. My chest tightens and constrict as we round the corner, making it hard to breath. Black spots appear in the corners of my vision as I stumble over, almost falling. Darren catches me, and holds me up. I look up at him.

His face is covered with concern and worry.

 "Tara?!" 

That was the last I hear of him before everything goes blank, my consciousness fading.