Our Journey Together

Chapter 6

Max

The air was heavy and suffocating between us.  My throat was dry, even after taking a few sips of water. I kept fidgeting with my fingers, and looking around the ball.

Looking anywhere but the girl in front of me. 

There was a very sensible reason for this awkwardness between us and that was the stunt she pulled a few moments ago. A stunt the drew a lot of unwanted attention to us. Precisely what I wanted to avoid. 

 Hushed whispers surrounded me, making me deaf to the soft music playing in the ballroom. What was being said, I couldn't understand, but I felt the hatred and jealousy directed towards me. It snaked around me, making me feel out of place and unwelcome. Multiple stares bored into me, making me sweat nervously. My leg started bouncing erratically, getting rid of the nervous energy building inside me. 

'I should've never come here. Never...this was a big mistake'

These thoughts repeated themselves in my head, making me spiral downwards. Slowly, the air turned frigid, the pure white table cloth turned into a dull grey. The whispers became louder, joining together to form a harsh harmony, numbing my mind of any sane thoughts. I couldn't hear myself breathing.  Gripping the table cloth, I tried to block the discordant music, but it still invaded my ears. My eyes were open, but everything in sight had turned into an inky black. Darkness surrounded me, blinding me. 

"Max?"

Suddenly, everything snapped back into focus. The obscure darkness dissipated and I was back at the ball. A small sheen of sweat had gathered on my forehead, and my leg had ceased bouncing on spot. It was now my heart that was beating erratically. 

'I was having a panic attack... how the hell did I come out of it?'

"Max?"

My eyes snapped in front of me, and there laid my answer. 

Rich emerald eyes sparkled under the chandelier lighting, with a questioning glint in them. Soft, flowing chestnut hair. Smooth, fair and flawless skin. Lush pink lips delicately brushing against the edge of the champagne glass. A slight crimson blush painted her face, as she gazed towards me.

'Did she break me out?'

"Max, are you okay? You look uncomfortable"

Breaking out of my reverie, I answered her. 

"No, just a tad bit nervous. It's my first time to such a big event, so it's a bit overwhelming"

"Ohhh, yeah I get where you're coming from."

The flow of conversation abruptly stopped, as an awkward silence came in between us. We avoided looking at each other. 

'Wow, this is... really awkward. Looks like I'm gonna have to make the first move, as it doesn't look like she's eager to do anything. Maybe ask here what she was doing a few moments ago?'

"So... what was that back then?"

The blush on her face deepened, and she looked away, avoiding my eyes. Her finger nervously tapped against the table, as she seemingly tried to come up with an excuse. 

'Wow, I did not anticipate her being this shy... She was full of confidence then!'

"It was nothing, just an act!" she hurriedly replied 

"Um, an act for what exactly?" 

Her face exploded, and become entirely red by now. She was stuttering and avoiding my eyes, but it was a bit more frantic, like she wanted to disappear.