Social Anxiety l.h.

Chapter 1

I tug the last heavy box up to my new apartment, out of breath from the many flights I had to climb. I just moved from the US to Australia for a college that my grandpa applied me for since I wouldn't apply myself.

He wanted me to get the "Aussie experience" that he had when he was younger. I was totally fine with community college, but he had to go behind my back and do something I was not comfortable with.

At least I lived close to campus and he offered to pay for my apartment or "flat" as they call it here. Or do they?

My classes started in a couple of days so I had some to prepare. Who am I kidding? I was terrified to move to a whole country across the world from my grandparents. I wouldn't know how the money works, how college works, and I wouldn't have any friends. It's hard enough to make friends at home let alone in a place where I'm an extreme outcast.

Caught up in my thoughts, I turned the corner and smacked right into a guy my age, dropping the box and spilling its contents in the process. "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry, l wasn't looki-" I cut him off and quietly said "It's fine, i-it was my fault anyway."

I started picking up all of my albums and books when the tall blonde boy picked up a Fall Out Boy album and looked at me,"You like Fall Out Boy?" I nodded my head. Oh god, now he was going to make fun of me for my music taste, I'm sure of it. His answer surprised me," I do too, what's your favorite song?"

Picking up the last book and placing it my box, I rose and answered, "I h-haven't really thought a-about it. I kind of like Y-Young Volcanoes"

"I think my favorite is Alone Together. I'm Luke." He said in his thick Australian accent. He held his hand out waiting for me to shake it. I took it and replied, "N-Nova" I tried to make out a smile but knowing me, I probably made a grimace.

"Thats a really cool name, no joke" he complimented and gave me a small grin. It took me a minute to process his words. His accent was so thick and hard to understand when he spoke fast.

"Thanks, my m-mom named me after the oasis song, C-Champagne Supernova" I replied, hoping my stutter didn't bother him. I was applauding myself for actually having a normal conversation without freaking out.

"You like oasis? I love that band. Your mom is seriously so cool." He spoke
with so much enthusiasm. If only he knew my mom had died a couple of years before.

Not wanting to kill the mood, I decided to end the conversation while it was going well. "I'm s-sorry, but I h-h to go skype my grandpa. It was n-nice to meet you, Luke"

His smile faded just a little, but I could tell he was trying to hide it. "It was nice to meet you too, maybe we could hang out sometime? My band plays in the cafe across the street next week, you could come watch us?" He said with a small glimmer of hope in his light blue eyes.

Was he actually asking me out? Probably not, no one could ever take interest in someone like me, he just wanted to promote his band. I should just say no and prevent any further embarrassment. But instead I nodded my head. Why am I so stupid?

"Great. Do you have a phone I can text you on?" He asked as I pulled my phone out and handed it to him to put his number in. While he was typing, I saw a hint of a smile appear after he finished typing.

When he was finished, I put my phone back and picked up the heavy box, struggling to keep it in my grip.

"Do you need help with that?" He asked worriedly. I don't like asking for help, and besides, I brought it up two flights of stairs, I could take it up one more. "No, I've g-got it"

He chuckled and took the box from my hands. I looked up at him in confusion, "I w-was fine."

He ignored me and started walking in the opposite direction of my apartment. "Um, L-Luke, wrong way." I called out while holding back a laugh.

"Yeah, I'll just follow you." He said, turning around. I led him up the stairs to my apartment. While we were walking I began to be self conscious of how i walked. He was right behind me and could probably be making fun of me in his head. I tried to ignore the thoughts in my head but unfortunately i was  unsuccessful. I looked back at him and he didn't seem to be struggling with the box at all.

When we reached my apartment , I unlocked the door and opened it. The tall boy handed me the box as I took it in and sat it on the coffee table. He waited outside, thank god. It was a mess in here and I wasn't letting a stranger in my house no matter how cute he is.

"Thank you for b-bringing it up here, I really appreciate i-it." I told him when I came back outside. He nodded," no problem. I'll see you around, Nova"

"You t-too" I said and he turned to leave. I saw him go into an apartment and trip over the door step in the process. I giggled and he turned to face me, a blush creeping on his face.

I quickly headed inside and sat down, surrounded by boxes. I can't believe I actually talked to a guy without embarrassing myself or freaking out. Well I did embarrass myself a little with my stuttering but it could've been worse.  Maybe Australia wouldn't be that bad.