finding you

seventeen

I'm sitting on my living room couch. Waiting. Nerves are absolutely breaking me right now. My stomach is in knots and I think I may be puke before he even shows up. Not to mention I can't even think about ice cream. I try to breathe in and out slowly, counting my breaths. But honestly, I don't think anything can calm me down right now. 

Another five minutes go by and I've already had to nervous pee twice. I'm about to get up to go again when my phone goes off and it's him. Rhys.

Rhys: Here :)

One word. One trillion nerves.

I quickly text him i'll be out in a minute and run to the bathroom. I give my face a couple hard slaps in attempt to gather myself. This is ridiculous, Theo. It's now or never. What on earth do you have to lose?

I can do it. I can hang out with a boy by myself. This will be a huge thing for me. 

I know I can do this. 

Gathering all the strength I can muster up from my little moment in the bathroom, I head out, grabbing my bag on the way and slipping on my flip flops. I close the door behind me and take one last long breath before looking at the now familiar sight of Rhys's truck.

I honestly adore that truck. It's so cute. 

I awkwardly give him a wave and walk over to the passenger side. He opens the door from the inside and I step in.

"Hi!" I say a little too enthusiastically. I'm forcing this and I need to stop. 

He looks at me and lets out a low laugh, immediately making my stomach heat at the sound of it.

He is just so hot. How is it possible I am even in this situtation right now?

"Hey." He smiles at me. His voice sounds so breathy and the way he is looking at me is making me combust. Oh my Gosh!

He is wearing a light grey Henley shirt along with some simple track shorts. He looks like he didn't try at all but how can he also look so put together? His hair is a scattered but perfect mess on the top of his head and I can't help but blush, looking at him.

I am hanging out with Rhys Collins alone. In his truck. EEP!

"How was your day?" He beams, making me visibly blush even more.

"Fine. How was yours?"

"Just got back from the lake, actually. Wanted to check on that head of yours."

He puts his truck in gear, pulling away from my house. I can't ignore the immediate feelings of panic, but I try my best to push them away. 

"It's good I think. How does it look?" 

His eyes peirce into mine for a moment that seems to last before looking at my forehead.

"Looking tough." He smirks and turns his eyes back to the road.

I try not to think of the fifteen minute drive it takes to even get to town. What if we have nothing to talk about? Oh my gosh, what if I make this so awkward and he realizes half way and comes up with some excuse to take me back?

"So, what are you doing for your dad later?"

Umm... literally nothing. My dad isn't even home tonight. Ugh, I suck.

"Umm... just a house project I promised I'd help him with." I lie smoothly, not taking my eyes off the passing trees out the window.

"Well, I'm pretty handy with building. Haven't you heard?" He smiles at me again and I have to keep my self from nervous laughing and ruining this whole night.