Saving Her || Ian Gallagher

Knock Knock

-Lexi's POV-

I immediately begin to pack my things up. Maybe I can get out of here before he even sees me. It's bad enough running into Jake. But seeing Ian is even worse. He runs over with the stretcher before I can even stand up. He is completely focused on the guy and the situation until he sees me. He freezes for a moment and we lock eyes. Shit.

"Hey dude, can you help him?" Jake yells at Ian, bringing his attention back. Ian's face turns stern, almost as if he is mad at himself for losing focus for even a second.

Ian lowers the stretcher and helps the other EMT get the guy onto it. Another EMT comes in and helps the girl roll him out to the ambulance. Ian stays behind to grab the guy's items and ask those nearby what  happened. I find myself not moving as he talks to the girl who made the phone call and Jake. I haven't seen Ian in his uniform in a long time, and seeing him in it reminds me of the crash. I haven't spoken to him in two weeks. He's texted and he's called. I haven't answered anything. I should go, I have class soon anyways. As I'm walking away I hear rushed footsteps behind me and a slight tug on my shoulder.

"Lexi." Ian says. I think about walking away but I give in and turn around. My heart is pounding.

"Ian you should go." I say, looking down at the ground.

"It's fine, I'll just get in the other ambulance. They aren't going to leave without me. But Lexi can we talk later? Please?" He pleads.

I look at him for a moment. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss him. It was nice having someone to talk to and hang out with after so long of having no one. And yeah we kissed a few times but I don't know if I even liked him or just his company. And he hurt me because of something I couldn't control. It's almost like history is repeating itself. It's a good thing I didn't get attached because it's easier to let him go now.

"I don't think that's a good idea Ian. I've gotta get to class so you should go." I say and then turn around. Just walk away Lexi. And that's what I do.

-Ian's POV-
*5 hours later*

I head back to the apartment after my shift. Once I get inside I take a hot shower and change into sweatpants and a t-shirt. I go into the kitchen and open the fridge. All that's in here is two day old Chinese food, pickles, cheese, milk, and beer. I grab a beer and sit down on the couch and turn on the tv.

This is basically what I've been doing the past two weeks. Going to work, coming home, and occasionally working out. I haven't stopped by the house since that shit show of a dinner we had. I replay the events of that night daily and the anger I felt. I haven't felt that way in a while.

Seeing Lexi today really threw me off. I didn't realize how stupid I had been to get angry with her until a few days after the dinner. She wouldn't answer a single phone call or text and eventually I left it alone. I was so upset in the moment that I wasn't even thinking clearly and I ended up ruining everything. It wasn't that Lexi and I had much but it was definitely something. I mean we barely hooked up and a ton of people nowadays do that stuff and don't catch feelings but I think I did. And seeing how great she looked today only made it worse. All I want to do is talk to her but she could want nothing less.

Without even realizing I already finished my beer so I grab another. I mean I had the right to be upset I think. Lip takes what he wants and the thought of him taking Lexi is just fucking engraved in my brain. I mean why have girls always been so attracted to him? He's always been a mess of a person. But yet again, aren't we all?

I grab another beer. But I mean at least I've made something of myself. And here Lip is, fucking up his chance to make something of himself while also fucking up his sobriety. Who does he think he is?

Another beer.

-Lexi's POV-
*Friday*

Serena decided she wanted some ice cream and honestly that doesn't sound like too bad of an idea. I haven't had ice cream in a while and it'll be nice to have a little girls night since we haven't had one in such a long time. I prefer not to drive with the boot but this a dire situation. I go out to dad's car and drive to the store. Once I park I head in and go straight to the frozen section. I'm thinking I want mint chip. Serena wants cookie dough. Or do I want strawberry?

"Lexi?" Someone says behind me and I turn around. It takes me a second but then I recognize her.

"Oh, hi Fiona." I say with a smile. Of course I can't just make an easy trip.

"Sorry to stop you like this but I saw you and I just wanted to apologize. Lip has been off the rail since coming home and I know Ian probably warned you about our family but it still doesn't justify what happened." She says. I look at her and I can tell she means it. She's probably had to do this a lot. She seems like she's been the one cleaning up everybody's messes.

"Really, it's fine. We all have family problems right?" I say, awkwardly laughing. I'm so uncomfortable.

"Yeah, yeah of course. By the way, have you spoken to Ian? I figured I'd let him cool down but I tried calling the past couple of days and he hasn't answered which is really strange. He usually always answers in case somethings happened." She says, a look of worry in her eyes. I shake my head.

"No, we haven't really spoken lately." I say, trying to avoid eye contact.

"Oh, okay. Well it was nice seeing you. I better get back and make sure the house hasn't burned down." She says with a short laugh and then walking away.

I stand there for a moment. She sounded concerned about Ian and she knows him a lot better than I do. Maybe I should go check on him? No I shouldn't. I think seeing him will cause more problems than help. Maybe he will answer one of my calls. I pull out my phone and click on his contact. The phone rings and immediately goes to voice mail. It seems like his phone is off or dead. Stopping by his place quick can't hurt anyone. It's just to see if he's alright, that's it. I grab the ice cream, checkout, and then head to the car.

I start driving to Ian's place and park once I get there. I sit and look at the building. I could just keep going and go home. But I shouldn't, I wouldn't feel right. I get out of the car and go in the building and head up to his door. I take a deep breath and knock on his door. I wait a few seconds and then knock again. Nothing. I put my hand on the door knob and to my surprise it twists all the way and opens. Maybe he's not even home.

I walk inside and I'm surprised. When I came to his place last time it was so clean and organized, like he barely lived here. Now there's trash everywhere. Takeout boxes and tons of beer bottles and cans. Holy shit, what happened?

"Ian? Are you here?" I call out. Nobody responds. I walk around the apartment to see if he's here. I check in the bathroom first and then head to his room. His door is slightly closed and I push it open quietly and then I see him.

"Oh my god Ian."