Roses // h.s

Chapter One

Breath in.... breath out... breath--

Thump. Thump. Thump.

It wasn't working.

Thump. Thump.

They were everywhere.

Breath in...

Thump.

Breath out...

The music was getting louder, the bodies surrounding me getting closer, the air getting stuffier, hotter, the smell of alcohol in the air getting stronger and I couldn't get away from it. The thumping music matched the beating of my heart as I struggled to find an exit.

There's too many people -- I can't get out.

My breaths were coming in gasps, fighting for the air that seemed to have escaped me. My hands were sweaty as hot flushes overtook my body. The music became muffled, as my shuddering breaths and uneven heartbeat overtook my hearing. The heavy pressure in my throat and on my chest seemed to suffocate me and I felt dizzy on my feet.

Seeing a door to the back garden, I stumbled over to it, squeezing between dancing and grinding bodies, leaving a thick blanket of claustrophobia over me. With shaking hands, I reached for the handle and I swung the door open, welcoming the rush of cold November air. I collapsed against the wall, my trembling legs seeming powerless.

I hated it. I hated this. How was I meant to feel normal if I couldn't even handle a fucking house party? Feeling hot tears run down my face I let out an angry sigh. Angry at Robyn for forcing me to go to this party. Angry at myself for being too weak to stand it.

Feeling a warm hand gently place itself on my shoulder, I jumped and shuffled away.

"Hey, are you alright? I saw you leave and you seemed pretty upset," a low male voice asked quietly. Without looking up, I nodded my head quickly and willed him to leave. I'm sure I wasn't exactly a pretty sight in this mess. I felt him sit down next to me, his warmth and scent of aftershave seemed reassuring to my panicked state.

"Would you mind if I sat here with you? It's not really my scene here," he spoke again. Wiping away the salty trails of tears away from my cheeks, I glanced up. A guy of early twenties sat there. His cocoa brown hair was slightly messy, and his green eyes seemed to glow in the darkness. His pink lips offered me an understanding smile.

"Sure, if you'd like."

We sat in silence as my breathing returned to normal and my heart slowed its pace. The boy didn't say a word, just sat there, a thoughtful expression on his face. Occasionally he'd glance at me as I could see from the corner of my eye, but his gaze never lingered long.

"Thank you," my voice cut through the cold air, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled over us.

"For what?" He replied, sending me a questioning look, his jade eyes intense.

"For not asking me what's wrong. For being here," I blushed slightly, realising how incredibly cheesy it made me sound. His lips pulled up into a grin, showing off brilliantly white teeth.

"No problem. I'm Harry, by the way."

"Arden. Nice to meet you."