Afraid Of Falling

Chapter Two

What am I thinking? I notice some gorgeous eyes, mind you the rest is not too bad either, but I just decide to follow this stranger to his car. And I don't even know his name - I haven't even said anything to him. But here I am sitting in his car, and being driven home, I suddenly notice the song.

"Is this Flume?" I ask tentatively.

"Ah so you do have a voice, and yes it is Flume." He responds with a chuckle. I notice he hasn't asked me directions at all, how does he know where I live. "My name's Heath by the way."

"Oh, thanks for driving me home Heath, but um, how do you know where I live?" I asked in what I hoped was a way that didn't make him think I was accusing him of stalking me, or that showed how creeped out I know felt. I saw him glance at me out of the corner of his eye.

It seemed like he was thinking about his answer before he spoke, I wasn't sure if this was for his benefit or mine, I took a deep breath in case this was something I wasn't quite ready for.

"You actually live across the street from me, I know Rae, and I know she can be a little bit...hmmm... forgetful, at times." He answered diplomatically.

I have to admit he was right about Aunt Rae - but that brings up another question

"Why were you at school still? You have a car you could've gone home straight away." This time he shifted in his seat, ah so that's a sensitive subject "You don't have to answer, I was just curious."

"No that's fine it's a valid question. I had to wait for the Deputy to let me go, I was in detention." He answered matter of factly.

I glanced at him - this guy does nothing but pique my curiosity, ok maybe he piques other things as well, but I seriously do not have time for that.

"Oh, ok." I truly didn't know how to respond - and I feared if I kept plying him with personal questions he'd start returning the favour. "Thanks for driving me home anyway."

"You're welcome." He responded automatically.

We filled the remaining 5 minutes with small talk before pulling up in his driveway, I did just have to walk across the street to get home now, I thanked him again as I got out of the car. As I walked towards the road. He called out
"Ella!"

I turned my heart lifting, but I was unsure what I hoped for.
"Yeah?" I asked

"Do you want a ride to school tomorrow?" He queried, it wasn't nervous or even a hint of romance, although I have no reason to believe it should.

"That'd be nice...I guess I'll see you tomorrow Heath." As I turned back towards Aunt Rae's a smile played on my lips, and I think it may have been noticeable in my voice.

"See you then - we leave at 8am" He called after me

******

"Ella!" Aunt Rae called down the hall. I put down The Tempest the reading we were assigned for English, and headed down the hall. For once something smelled good.

"Wow Aunt Rae, what are we having?" I walked in and was hit with the aromatic smells of a Thai takeaway, chilli, and garlic and my mouth salivated, I didn't even care that there was no chance of chicken

"Oh one of the girls gave me this recipe for Chilli Tofu with Chilli and Eggplant I think I did ok

"It smells so good Aunt Rae I'm practically drooling" I said as I wiped my chin just to make sure I wasn't.

As I devoured the delicious dinner, that I knew was her attempt at an indirect apology for forgetting all about me, Aunt Rae rambled on about her day and the shipment of the miracle plant and how it was going to revolutionise healthy eating as we know it. I tried to pay attention, I really did but I couldn't help but have my mind wander to other things, probably things I shouldn't be thinking about but Heath, it felt different with Heath.