Saving Her || Ian Gallagher

First Day

-Lexi's POV-
*2 weeks later*

It's the first day of classes and I'm feeling great. Well, besides having to walk from class to class with this boot on. Which by the way, will hopefully be coming off soon because my doctor said my leg and ankle is healing well and my physical therapist said I've made a lot of progress. And let me tell you, trying to walk again is tough. It's almost like I can't even remember what it was like to use my right leg before. Plus, I feel like it's made out of glass and that every step without the boot has the potential to break it all over again. I know it's all just in my head though.

I get ready for the day and then head downstairs to grab something quick before heading to campus. I check my phone to look at my schedule for the day. Psychology: 9 am.
Chemistry: 10 am
Economics: 12 pm
My Monday's aren't too bad. I'm just hoping this semester is great. I love starting fresh and I know if I stay focused that I'll do well. Key word is staying focused.

"Ready for me to drop you off?" My dad asks, taking my attention away from my phone. He drops me off because it works with his schedule and parking at the University is an absolute nightmare, not to mention costs a fortune. And the less walking I have to do, the better.

"Yeah, just let me grab something to eat." I say picking up a banana. He nods and then we go out to the car. The drive takes maybe 20 minutes. Once we get there I get out and head straight for the building my psychology class is in. I check the time and see it's only 8:45 but I like being early, especially the first day to get dibs on the best seat, which is usually the front row.

I walk in and about half the class is already there minus the professor. I sit in front, in between a girl scribbling in her notebook, and a boy dozing off listening to music. After about ten minutes the class fills up and the professor comes in with a warm smile.

"Hello everyone. Good to be back isn't? Yeah probably not for most of you." He says and the class laughs. He's a young professor, maybe a little over 30. Quite handsome actually, with a little bit of scruff and dark brown hair and eyes.

"I'm doctor Andy Fritz. But you can just call me Andy. And today we are just going to go over the syllabus. Exciting right?" He says laughing. He passes out the syllabus, which we go over for the next 50 minutes. It's the same old stuff. Office hours, grading scale, expectations, major projects, point total for the class, and everything else. When the time is up I head over to my chemistry class.

Chemistry is the same. We go over the syllabus the whole time with a little "review" test. This professor doesn't seem nearly as cool as the other one. Kind of a hard-ass it seems like and pretty old. However, I enjoy chemistry so I don't think it'll be too challenging. Had to get my natural science requirement eventually.

When the time is up I head to the union because I have an hour break until Econ so I'll just grab lunch. Once I get there I grab a wrap and a smoothie and find a nice spot to listen to music and relax at. As I'm eating I see a familiar but unwanted face coming towards me. Surprise.

"Lex? Hey." Jake says as he gets to my table, pulling out his headphones. I forgot that he transferred here from a community college. I was really hoping I wouldn't run into him considering how big the school is. But when do I ever have good luck?

"Hi Jake.."

"Can I sit?" He asks, motioning to the seat across from me. I shrug and he sits anyways. Great.

"I'm sorry I didn't really say anything at the bowling alley. I was kind of surprised to see you."

"Yeah, me too." I say, trying to avoid eye contact.

"You look good though. I heard about the accident in the summer? I was going to stop by."

"Oh really? I'm sure you were." I say, feeling my face starting to get warm due to anger. The audacity he has to even say that. To even think it's okay to talk to me like everything's even fine between us.

"Look, I know you probably hate me. And it's not like I don't deserve it. But that was three years ago Lex. Can't I apologize?" He says almost pleading. I take a bite of my wrap and stare at him for a moment. It's almost hard to remember a time when I used to look at him with nothing but love. Oh how times have changed Jake.

Before I say anything a guy next to us starts coughing loudly. At first no one does anything but then it's obvious that he's having an allergic reaction. Immediately Jake gets up and starts searching the man and his belongings for an Epipen. His brother has severe allergies so he's had to deal with similar situations before. He finds it and inserts it into his leg. The man starts to calm down soon after and then Jake helps him lay on the floor. It must have been a serious reaction considering the immense swelling and redness in his face.

I don't even realize how hard my heart is pounding until it's over. Everyone nearby is dead quiet and watching Jake and the man. A girl nearby finishes a phone call and I assume she called 911. Jake gets the guy some water and waits with him until the ambulance comes. After about a minute flashing lights appear outside. An EMT rushes in and holds open the door. A stretcher comes through and I immediately recognize the guy pushing it. And to think I wouldn't have to see Ian again. I was wrong. So much for staying focused.