Chapter Six

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I had Mal drive me to the mall because she still had my car from the day before. As Mal and I are driving to the mall, I think about how today might go. Just because I'm excited, doesn't mean I'm not nervous; I was up all night on the phone with Mal because of how nervous I've been. It's not like this is a date or anything; it's just two people trying to get to know each other, but with anxiety like mine, you just can't help picturing the worst case scenario.

Maybe we'll get something to eat and I'll end up getting food all over myself. Maybe we won't have anything to talk about and he'll think I'm boring. Maybe I'll get an anxiety attack in the middle of the mall. What if I can't even talk to him because of how scared I am?

Mal parks my car in the mall's parking lot, but I don't get out. Instead, I keep talking to Mal in an attempt to calm myself down.

"I'm scared bro," I say. "What if I'm awkward the whole time?"

"You will be awkward, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Plus, Tyler seems to understand you so he probably won't blame you for being awkward."

"Maybe you're right. I'm still scared, but it's not like I can cancel now." I open the door and step out. "I'll text you later to let you know how things went."

"Alright bro," Mal says. "Have fun."

Next, I text Tyler.

Shay: Hey, I'm at the mall. Where are we meeting?

Tyler: Starbucks? I'm already here. Do you want me to get you anything?

Shay: Umm... just a hot chocolate please :)

While I'm walking towards Starbucks, I think about Tyler. I was intrigued by him from the moment he walked into the kitchen at that office party. Since then, not much has happened, but it's enough to keep him on my mind all the time. Even during the time that I was ignoring him, he would always cross my mind. There's just something about him that's comforting.

I get to Starbucks, but I stop at a distance. I watch as Tyler picks up the drinks from the counter and proceeds to find an empty table. He seems nervous; he wipes his palms on his jeans and stares blankly at the drinks for a while before picking up his phone. He types something before placing his phone next to the drinks and then he just sits there. I feel my phone vibrate, signalling that I got a text message.

Tyler: I can't wait to see you :)

Something about that text made me want to run- maybe it was the fear of not living up to his expectations. I almost do run back to my car, but before I could even turn around, Tyler's eyes meet mine. I stay where I am, but Tyler picks up the drinks and starts walking towards me. He smiles; the same smile that I admired the first night that we met and just by watching that smile, all of my fears about today suddenly disappear- I smile back.

"Hello Shay King," Tyler says while handing me my drink.

"Hello Tyler Joseph."

"You look good."

"Really? I'm wearing sweats," I point out as if it's not obvious, but I laugh.

"That doesn't mean you don't look good. You look great whether you're wearing a dress with perfect hair or just wearing sweats and a ponytail." I turn away in hopes of him not seeing that his words caused my cheeks to redden, but my efforts are useless. He does notice and he smiles at my reaction. I turn my back on him.

"So where shall we venture off to on this fine day?" I say to him, but without looking directly towards him.

"I'll go anywhere you go," Tyler says a bit more seriously. I look over to him and our eyes lock on eachother's for a few seconds before I look away.

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