ALONE

-SEVEN-

As soon as they got in the truck, he plugged in his phone and played Being as an Ocean's new song, The People Who Share My Name. She sang along sighlently. Mea was sick to her toes that he knew her secret. Not another soul knew. But he did. His knuckles were turning white holding onto the steering wheel.

As they pulled into the mall parking lot, Ian stalled the car. Mea looked over at him but he was tense and didnt look her way. "Hey.. You okay..?" Mea knew that what he saw was what was wrong.

He sighed and ran his hair through his black curls. "I saw. You know that though. A-and its even harder because my sisters dead becasue of- of the same thing. I dont want to see that happen to you. I know we barely know eachother but I still wouldnt want to see you gone because who knows what could happen..."

Meas heart was shattering. It smashed a thousand times and her lungs stopped. Like they filled up-up-up and popped like an over filled balloon.

"Im so-" Ian cut her off before she could even come up with a worthy excuse.

"No. No sympathy or apologies. No. Just let me help you and that would be enough." Ian finally met her eyes.

Damn. They were so easy to get lost in. So very easy. Oh. He'd said something to her. She couldnt quite remember anything. Right. He wanted to help. Ian wanted to help Mea. "Ok." She answered. "Ok, but I want you to know you're the only one that knows..." They werent hard to miss thats for sure, but they were always hidden. Always.

Ian nodded and then took the keys out of the ignition and smile a sad little grin her way. "Shall we?" He asked.

Mea retunred the smile with tight lips, and bobbed her head in agreement.

As they walked into the theater, Mea noticed a group of people from school were part of the "popular" group. She felt silly in her redish combat boots and loose knit sweater. They were all wearing tight jeans and those boots that reminded her of space shoes. She never understood why girls liked them so much.

"Do you want any popcorn, a drink?" His hand brushed the back if hers and tingles spread up her arm.

Fighing a huge blush, Mea replied, "Uhh, I'm alright. If you want something I'll wait with you." Hopfully he wouldnt force anything on her. Food made her think of her mom and her disorder. Mea felt a sudden wave of nausia and was tempted to run to the bathroom.

"Im going to get a popcorn and a drink and I want you to have some if you change your mind ok?" Ian looked into her eyes and spoke as though he was reasuring a four year old. Mea hated it.

"Ok." She nodded.

After an overly long wait for over priced movie food they went to the theater. People had already began to file in amd they found their seats. Sitting so close to him she stole glances at his strong profile. His eyelashes curled up and his eyes had a spark in them that got her heart in a flutter. Oh god. He'd said something to me. Mea's heart spead up. Hes looking my way. Shit.  What did he just say?' "Sorry what?"

Ian chuckled to himself and looked away stealing the warmth his gaze brought. "I said, you look pale. You feeling alright?"

Oh. "Im fine." Mea was chilled to the bone but would deny it again and again.

"Alright. Well do you mind if I hold your hand?" Ian was so sincere.

Mea just nodded. God she hoped he couldnt feel her heart beat.

He almost seemed nervouse. Almost.