Time is a Precious Gift (private)

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    "Thank you," she said with a slight nod, grabbing a napkin before sitting back down and wiping her mouth. She continued to work on her sandwich as she listened to him, holding back a laugh at the 2+2 comment so she wouldn't choke on her food. She swallowed, about to follow with a quick remark, but stopped when he went on to talk about the clubs he was in... all four of them. The look of disbelief was clear on her face, with her eyes widened and her mouth curved into an inaudible "wow."


    "No, no, you're fine," she said quickly with a nervous laugh, before popping the last piece of her sandwich into her mouth. Goodness, I probably sound like some socially awkward recluse to him. I've been a nervous mess since I've met him, and I'm not nearly as involved as he is... Hell, why am I'm so timid today anyway? I'm usually better than this, right? "Still... I don't know how you managed all of that either," she continued once she was done chewing, smiling sheepishly. "Like, doing all of that would probably stress me the hell out, but, I dunno... maybe that's just me, I guess." She shrugged, grabbing ahold of her smoothie and resuming to drink from it.

    His demeanor still appeared to be cool and collected, sitting easy in his chair. Though seeing Caroline's expression, unseen nervousness flooded over him. Why did he care? I don't normally care about what other people think of me. It's a trivial thing that shouldn't matter at the end of the day, but what is she thinking about me right now? Is she even thinking about me? What if I just made her feel totally terrible about herself? God I'm an idiot sometimes. He set his almost empty cup down on the table in front of him with a shrug.


    "Yeah, I've no idea how I managed either," he laughs, a smile across his face, more to get over the odd uneasiness he felt, "In all honesty, I should probably drop one, except I'm crazy and want the challenge. I just don't like sitting still for too long I suppose," What was she thinking? It was even too straight forward for him to ask if he bothered her. But most of all, again, why did he care? This was some stranger he almost bumped into in an academic building, and then randomly invited to his favorite cafe. Who does that? His mind raced in a million different ways, his brow naturally furrowing slightly as his mind was in overdrive. Breaking the stream of thoughts, "Oh, I don't think I asked for your major," he asked.

    "Oh, um, mathematics, I'm majoring in mathematics..." She answered, accidentally slurping her drink. Realizing that the cup was practically empty, she set it down, her calculating eyes indiscreetly examining his face. I can't read him. That same calm smile has essentially been planted on his face since we've met. Is he really just that happy, or maybe pleased, or is he simply faking it to be polite? Am I overthinking this?


    Her eyes stopped on his, and she released a small, shaky laugh as a smile returned to her face. "...So, strange question, but, has anyone ever said that you're a difficult book to read before?" She asked, her eyes momentarily shifting to the dying storm outside before moving back to him. "Because, I dunno, it feels like I can't even get past your cover page if that makes sense." God, what a stupid analogy, couldn't I have thought of something better? She frowned, "Like, I have no clue what your feeling or thinking. I have no idea if you're having a good time or not, or if you're thinking ill of me or not, or what, and, well..." She looked down at her cup, her finger tracing around the rim of its cap, "...It's bothering me."

    His eyes widen with surprise at her sudden confession. It wasn't a question he typically got, though he knew he was guilty of being a rather closed book. Honestly, it wasn't that people didn't ask because they were just never bothered by it. No. His own person suspcion was that no one even noticed he closed himself off, putting up a rather cheerful facade. It was a nice thing to have, his facade. Sure, most of the time he wasn't faking anything, but it was simple to hide any nervousness, or agitation should they arise. Like today for example. A smile can hide a million different things for a million different reasons. A small laugh escaped his lips at her analogy, "Perhaps you should've been an english major with analogies like those,"


    His hand moved to open the lid, pouring the small remnants of his smoothie into his mouth before continuing, "I'm not often asked that no. But, I wouldn't say you're wrong with your assumptions. Being frank with you, this is my favorite spot around campus so of course I'd be enjoying myself. As for thinking ill of you, I don't think I could think ill of you. Especially since you're such an easy book to read," he finished, leaning forward in his chair. He probably did make her ridiculously nervous with that statement. Of course he did. She had originally asked him that question because she was worried what he thought of her.


    "What I mean is, you seem just as nervous and worried about what I think of you as much as I am worried what you think of me. You just seem to show it more. Obviously, since I had a hunch and you had to ask,"

    A nervous knot twisted itself inside Caroline's gut when she saw the shock in his gaze. She lightly bit down on her lip, her hands hooking around her nearly empty cup, giving it a gentle squeeze. A breath caught in her chest. God, why did I say that? Like, who just says something like that out of nowhere? I should've kept my mouth shut... His laugh caught her by surprise, and she finally exhaled as a tiny wave of relief hit her, a small smile starting to pull at her lips. She looked at him expectantly as he finished his drink, waiting for him to continue talking.


    She chuckled once he finished speaking, a smirk forming on her face. "Oh great, so I'm an open book, and you're a closed book, huh?" she said jokingly, "Fantastic." So I'm super easy to read?That's great... She let go of her cup, resting her arms on her lap, raising an eyebrow. "And English? Naw, I don't think so, essays are practically the bane of my existence." She laughed, grinning broadly as she leaned forward slightly. "Still, it's good to know I'm not the only one worrying about what you're thinking about me, er, well, what I'm thinking about you in your case..." Her cheeks flushed, and her smile faltered, "W-Which I'm not, by the way, not thinking anything bad about you, I mean..."

    Over the course of their short time together, it seemed like her cheeks flushed after every other sentence of his or hers. Was she really that nervous? Was he making her nervous? "W-Which I'm not, by the way, not thinking anything bad about you, I mean..." Her words turned his facade of a smile to hide the nerves into a genuine one. Unmistakably pleased. Andy found her ramblings endearing. Unlike him, who up until now his emotions were hidden. Her actions were real. "I would't worry about being an open book. It can be a good thing some times. I mean like if you don't know what to say your face can just express what you can't say. You know? Plus, one can always know you're being genuine,"


    A smile crossed his face before he grabbed her plate and stacked in on top of his own. Glancing out of the window, the rain had slowed some, but it continued its downpour. He examined her for a few moments. They both seemed relatively at ease now. Should I ask? I mean it's a normal thing to ask someone you've just met. Right? Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out his phone, unlocking it. "Hey Caroline. Just because I know I'll forget by the time we leave, but um do you want to put your number into my phone? I can text you or something so you get mine," he asks, offering her his cell.

    Caroline noticed a shift in Andy's expression, his smile seemingly spreading up to his eyes, making them shine. A genuine smile, that's what it was, no mask, nothing hidden, only sincerity. It felt like her nervousness was being washed away somewhat as a beaming grin made its way onto her face. "Hmm, when you put it that way, I guess it ain't such a bad thing," she replied with a nod, growing more relaxed.


    Her eyes followed his hand as he grabbed her plate. "Thank you," she said, feeling like she was had been repeating that same courtesy pretty often so far, almost like a broken record. He was examining her now, almost like he was debating on asking her something. She tilted her head, her lips about to move to question what he was thinking about, but stopped when he reached for his back pocket, producing his phone, which he was now holding out for her. "Oh, sure thing!" She said with a smile, grabbing his phone.


    She immediately got to work before his phone could relock itself, her fingers darted across its screen, navigating to his contacts. She clicked on the plus sign to add a new one, typing her first name in before pausing for a brief moment. Should I add my last name too? Nah, he can always add that later if need be. She put in her phone number and saved the new contact. "Alright, there you go," she said, holding the phone back out for him to take. "You can shoot me a quick text if you want, so I can get your number."

    OOC: Sorry, it's been a pretty rough week on my end for a multitude of reasons. I should be able to post more frequently now. Thank you for bearing with me.


    Andy gave a quick nod as he took back his phone. Her contact was still pulled up on the screen, quickly tapping the message icon. Once the screen took him to a new message, there was a small pause as his mind went in a billion directions on what to type. Obviously his name, because it wouldn't be helpful otherwise. What if she doesn't add my contact to her phone right away? Of course I should include my name. Should that be all I put in the text? Does this really even matter? Quickly deciding something, his fingers moved quickly across the screen before hitting send.


    "It's Andy, though obviously you knew that since I am sitting right across from you. Let's do something again!"


    His message was met with another genuine smile. "Unless of course you found this whole ordeal pretty terrible and you're just being polite. Which if that is the case, I'll totally have to renege that comment of you being an open book, because it seems like you are enjoying yourself?" His voice inflected higher, indicating he wasn't quite sure what the girl across from him felt. Of course there was an idea, but people can't be totally open about everything. Even the people who are the easiest to read. Everyone is hiding something.


    His smile shrunk slightly, though not because he was upset or anything. More because he couldn't hold a smile so genuinely happy for so long. His gaze fell towards the window, still keeping an eye on Caroline. The rain had finally let up, though he didn't feel inclined to leave. He felt totally at ease with this girl, yet totally uneasy at the same time. That feeling? He didn't want it to end. I'll just let her indicate when she wants to leave. And if it's right now, then so be it, but I really hope she is feeling the same way.

    (You're perfectly fine! Irl comes first; I'm just glad that you're back. ^.^)


    Once Andy's phone left her grasp, she reached down to her front pocket and pulled out her own, its cover a swirling purple and blue nebula. Caroline watched as his fingers danced across his phone's screen, her attention flicking downwards when she felt a buzz in her hand. A bright smile played at her lips as she read the message, a warm and fuzzy feeling settling into her chest. She looked back up at him, letting out a lighthearted giggle when he was done speaking, pocketing her phone.


    She shook her head, "No, no, I'm not just trying to be polite; I really am enjoying myself," she replied, grinning. "This place is charming, the sandwich was good, the smoothie was yummy, and..." She stopped, suddenly finding herself tongue-tied, sensing warmth gathering in her cheeks for what must've been the millionth time today. She shrugged, "...and, well, I like talking to you; you're a nice person." Her eyes narrowed suddenly, her voice taking on a playful tone, "not sure about the whole 'open book' thing, though, Mr. 'closed book.'" She chuckled, leaning back in her seat as her eyes followed his gaze over to the window.


    It looked like the rain had finally stopped, but Caroline felt no urge to leave yet. Being around him... it was almost like electricity was flowing through her veins, making her feel both energized, and oh so nervous. It was like an exciting rollercoaster, one that she hadn't ridden before, one that she didn't want to get off of quite yet. I hope he wants to stay for a bit longer too...


    Her eyes picked up a flash of color between the receding clouds, and her face lit up like a bulb. "Oh! Andy, do you see that? There's a rainbow!" She exclaimed, pointing rather eagerly to the rainbow out the window, which flowed brilliantly across the sky.

    His head quickly turned to look outside the window to where she was pointing. Indeed, there was a rainbow in the sky. All seven colors visible in the now sun lit sky. The sight was almost like one pulled out of a movie, the resolution so clear. His eyes followed the arch towards its last visible end, as a playful smirk came to his lips. "Do you think if we follow the rainbow to its end and beg the leprechauns hard enough, they'll donate us their pot of gold to the 'Broke College Student Foundation?'" he asked, his voice sounding playful, yet totally serious at the same time.


    As he continued to think on his crazy suggestion, he was relieved Caroline didn't seem inclined to depart the cafe. It was endearing that she found his favorite place just as endearing as he did. Not to mention admitted to enjoying his company. Though, some part of him had wished it was more than he was 'a nice person'. Most people appeared to be a nice person. Andy turned his head back to his peer, "You're really nice too," he chuckles before leaning farther back in his seat, a hand resting on his stomach. Those words were superficial, he knew. But, he was so nervous. He never had gotten this nervous in front of anyone before. And what made it worse, he didn't know what about her made him so jittery inside. Why he suddenly cared about what a person was thinking about him.


    Why am I still harping on this? I should enjoy myself for the simple fact that she is enjoying herself. It doesn't matter at the end of the day. Besides, what if our schedules don't line up and we can't hang out anyways? She seems so studious and I'm so active. There--


    Any cut his thoughts short, realizing a small crease had made itself present across his forehead. He laughed, a subtle hint of nervousness tinting it, "Sorry. Just a lot on my mind. Anyways, you have any more dying questions? I feel like I've started quite a few of the small subject conversations, most of which revolved around my activities and my love for food," he teased, a playful grin to match.

    A laugh flew past Caroline's lips, "Oh, I wish," she said with a playful smile, her eyes curving down to the rainbow's end. "I can already see it now..." Her voice raised a pitch, taking on a silly tone as she mocked beg, "But please, leprechauns, we need to relieve the burden of our crushing student loans!" She then shook her head, chuckling, "Ah, hell." She shifted in her seat, crossing one leg over the other, interlacing her fingers together as her hands rested over her stomach.


    Her gaze moved back over to Andy as he complimented her, and she simply nodded in reply, not really sure what to say. She guessed that it was hollow praise, just calling someone nice; there wasn't that much meaning behind it, was there? And yet, that was the only thing that she could get her stupid vocal chords to muster out. She could say so much more, tell him he had a good sense of humor, that his jokes haven't failed to make her chuckle. Tell him that he was laid-back, mellow, that it was comfortable to be around him. Tell him that he was charismatic, that he had an almost magnetic aura that pulled her interest. But just thinking about those things made her heart do flip-flops, let alone actually trying to voice them aloud. Like, those thoughts felt like they could've been pulled straight from a gushy romance novel or something...


    Am I... falling for him?


    His laugh cut through her thoughts, and she noticed a slight shake in it, a trace of nervousness. Guess I'm not the only one whose nerves are acting up then. What was he thinking about though? She giggled, grinning playfully, "Yeah, I guess the spotlights been mostly on you, huh? Suppose I need to steal it away from you then..." She tilted her head to the side, "So how about this, do you have any dying questions for me? Anything you'd really like to know like, I don't know, interests, hobbies... favorite ice cream flavor?"

    Another slightly nervous laugh left his lips at her turn around of the question, even though it made complete sense. Why would I ask if she had any dying questions for me, when I've been the spotlight and want t know about her? God, I'm such an idiot today. He shifted his weight in the chair again, unable to stay totally still. "Oh man, on the spot. Hmm..." he paused as he thought of a good question for her, "Well besides astronomy and math, do you have any other interests? What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Cats or dogs? Favorite movie? Book? Song? Tv-show?" The questions just spilled out of his mouth in a jumbled mess. Andy wanted to know all of that about her. Desperately. Even if they were just superficial questions, but he wanted to know everything he could about this girl. This girl, that for the first time, truly peaks his interest. However, the bombardment of questions also came from nerves. Better to keep talking than to sit in awkward silence. Right?


    Once his stream of words finished, his eyes glanced over her figure. She was so beautiful. Intriguing. Captivating. The way she seemed to get lost in thought. The way it seemed like her brow furrowed, just the slightest. And how the peaking sunlight lit her face through the window glass. Even though it bothered him to no end that he had no idea what she was thinking, and that it was even worse because his first guess would be her thoughts were on him. The nervous, while overwhelming, weren't enough to detract his attention from her. He doubted it was possible, even if he wanted to. Her presence-- her being held him, almost in a trance. He just had to keep his focus on Caroline.


    Andy wanted to open his mouth again, just to tell her all of this. But of course he wouldn't. If I'm going to win her over. For real. I'm not going to bank off of a cheesy Hallmark movie. I refuse to let that happen. Besides, I just met her. What if all these feelings are wrong? Even though, I just know. I know this time, they are correct.

    Caroline's eyes widened for a brief second before she gave a hearty laugh, a smile breaking out across her features. "Woah, wasn't expecting a question rapid fire there, hmm..." Her brows furrowed somewhat as she raised a hand to her chin, her eyes glazed slightly in thought. His questions bounced around in her head, while her heart thumped excitedly in her chest. It was odd, seeing Andy starting to grow nervous, considering how calm he seemed before. Were his nerves always acting up, and it was just becoming noticeable now? Is he feeling the same thing I am? That spike of energy right through the heart?


    "...Cats or dogs..." She finally murmured, her gaze fixing itself back onto him. "Personally, I like cats more. Dogs are good too, they're cute, but I kinda like the quiet nature of cats more, if that makes sense?" She lowered her hand back down to rest on her other hand. "And my favorite ice cream flavor would probably have to be strawberry, it's not really anything extravagant, but it's sooo good..." She uncrossed her legs, leaning forward and resting her arms on the table; her brow furrowing in thought again as her gaze shifted down for a moment.


    "Favorite movies and stuff, that's hard to say, but I kinda like sci-fi." Ha, kinda, that's a major understatement. She looked back at Andy, "So for movies, Star Wars, The Martian, and Guardians of the Galaxy, things like that; I can't really pick out a favorite. I don't watch too many tv-shows, so I don't know what to chose for that. For books, maybe Ender's Game? That's a really good read. And songs, I can't think of a favorite off the top of my head, but the soundtrack from Persona 5 is phenomenal; the game's really fun too." She paused for a moment, "Oh! And interests, I like drawing, coloring, swimming, and gaming, to name a few." Her eyes lit up with recognition, "Wait, didn't you mention that you were in a gaming club? Like video gaming, or something else?"

    She remembered? She remembered that he had mentioned he was in the gaming club at the beginning of their conversation? He had said so many things in the... whatever time they'd been together, Andy was sure that was one of the things more forgettable. Especially, considering how much information he had rattled off about himself. But could that be because she is just as taken with him as he is with her? Was she feeling the same way? The need to hold onto every word, and every aspect of the being in front of them? It must be that. And just the thought of her feeling the same way, even if just a hunch, sent his heart into orbit.


    "Yeah! I did say that! It's mostly video games, or rather games in general. I enjoy Overwatch so I figured why not join an actual gaming club? Just for kicks you know? I'm fair" he chuckled, thinking that fair was generous. He was abysmal for most, but it still was fun for him. "Though I'm down with board games as well? I'd happily sit through an entire game of Monopoly, frankly because I usually win" he added, amusement in his voice at the declaration, his eyes alive as he responded to her, with almost the same level of enthusiasm that she answered his barrage of questions with. His nerves were still there, but the fact that Caroline remembered the minute details, it was just a small boost of confidence to melt the brunt of them away. If just for now. Something inside him knew his heart would continue to flutter due to this girl.


    "What do you play? Since we've breached the topic of gaming. Wait. Are you in the club? The gaming one I mean," he asked another question. If it was her hobby, wouldn't it make sense for her to be in the club as well? Perhaps she was too busy. Or maybe she had always been in the club, and Andy had just been too oblivious to notice. But... if she was there. I doubt I wouldn't missed seeing her. Right?

    (Sorry for the delay there, this week was crazy busy.)


    She shook her head, "Naw, I'm not in the club. I've thought about joining it before, but, I don't know... I already had a bunch of other stuff going on, so I didn't really feel like I would have the energy for it, y'know?" She said, giving a shrug of her shoulders. "Problems of being an introvert I guess?" A chuckle escaped her lips.


    Andy's burst of liveliness was contagious, and she couldn't help but feel giddiness welling in her chest as she smiled excitedly. "Anyways, I've been playing mostly Monster Hunter World and Dark Souls 3 with friends, and Prey when I'm by myself, recently. I played Overwatch for a bit when it first came out, but I kinda stopped when my other friends lost interest in it..." She paused for a moment, thinking. It wouldn't be odd to ask what system he had, right? To see if he ever wanted to play together? It seemed like it would be something normal to ask...


    "Say, what do you usually play on? PS4, PC, or Xbox? I've only really got a PS4 since my desktop is kinda outdated now, it can run old stuff and indie games just fine, but anything newer and it would probably melt," She said with a sheepish laugh, her fingers drumming somewhat nervously against the table top. "If you got a PS4, though, I could give you my gamertag and we could play some games together sometime? Maybe?" There was a flicker of hopefulness in her gaze. The thought of possibly being able to game with him, or heck, just spend more time with him in general, sent tingles of excitement up her spine.

    (No worries! It's a crazy time of the year. I've been no better with response times so don't sweat it)


    She hadn't joined the club. Although his body was already relaxed, his mind was not, and with the tidbit of information relieved a large amount of worry. He hadn't overlooked her in the club. He wasn't oblivious and just never realized she existed within the club. She just never existed in the first place. Internally, he cringed at his own thought of her not existing. There wasn't any particular reason why, but after meeting her, Andy just couldn't picture a world where she didn't exist. He shrugs lightly at her comment. "I wouldn't really know honestly. I'm not too much of an introvert. I mean I guess everyone is to an extent, but..." he trailed off, not knowing where to go with his own words. Saying something he could possibly regret was one of his biggest fears right now.


    Seeing her smile, he couldn't help but widen his own. Caroline was matching his own excitement, but her smile? It was alive, or at least to him. It lit up her entire face, and most importantly her smile seemed to travel to her eyes as well. As if it wasn't just her lips pursed into a smile. No. It was her entire being that was smiling, and radiating beauty. However, even though he was enthralled by her smile, the nervous drumming of her fingers as she asked about gaming systems didn't go unnoticed.


    Panic set in. He really only played PC, and even then it was totally a casual, procrastinating responsibility type of thing. He didn't own as PS4 or an XBox. And all the games he had played on those systems were owned by his friends or the club itself. What should he tell her? Should I go drop $300 on a consol? NO! Don't do that! That's ridiculous. Don't be ridiculous. Just tell her the truth. She'd understand right? But, what if she decides I'm not worth seeing again?


    A sorry look appeared on his face as he glanced at her. It pained him as he saw a flicker of hope, and here he was about to snuff it out. "Um... well actually I don't have a PS4. I just play PC... sorry. But I can totally save up some money you know, and maybe your laptop wouldn't totally melt, though I guess we shouldn't really tempt fate on that one considering the semester starts tomorrow," he chuckles, amused by the thought.

    His words delivered a tiny nip of disappointment. The hopeful embers in Caroline's eyes flickered out, but her smile held steady as she let out a giggle. "Yeah, I don't think I would want to take a risk with my computer. A smoldering mush of metal and wires wouldn't be good to have with classes starting back up," she said. Her fingers continued to tip-tap against the tabletop, trying to distract herself from the growing discomfort in her chest. Her heart was pounding furiously.


    Thump thump thump thump thump.


    "Still, you don't necessarily have to save up for a PS4, er, I mean, unless you were already planning to do that..." She felt silly for saying that; he could've already been thinking about getting a PS4. He wasn't thinking about getting is just for her sake, right? Or maybe he was? She shrugged, "Besides, that desktop of mine is practically ancient. So maybe I just need to bite the bullet and finally get a nice laptop, it would help with schoolwork, and I could have it on the go..."


    Thump thump thump thump thump.


    Her smile shrunk slightly, growing weak. Her fingers stopped tapping. "And there's always other things we can do together; we don't necessarily have to game. Is there something you think might be fun? We could..." Her voice trailed off as she reached a hand up to her temple. There was a weakness gathering in her head, making it hard to think clearly. She felt unsteady, almost like the room was spinning ever so slightly.


    Thump thump thump thump thump.


    "Hold on, give me a moment. I'm feeling lightheaded..." She murmured, shutting her eyes.

    The first thing he noticed was her eyes seeming to dull slightly at his words. His heart sank. She appeared so excited that the possibility to game together was potentially an option. Until he crushed that wish. However, he was glad she expressed that he didn't necessarily have to go out and drop money on a PS4, even if she really thought otherwise. Because, if he was honest with himself, he was going to be crazy and buy one until she pretty much said not to. "Well maybe I'll still save for one. Would be fun right?" a quick smile formed across his face again as he watched her.


    It seemed like she was nervous, or anxious, or anything that was the opposite of 'at ease'. Am I really making her that uncomfortable? I thought we were having a good time. Or maybe, I'm just having such a great time I assumed she was as well... Watching Caroline's fingers drum continuously on the tabletop, he started rubbing his hands together in his lap, worried to what she was thinking. Without knowing quite what else to do, he laughed lightly at the mention of her archaic laptop. "Or perhaps you should be the one saving. Honestly, even if not for PC games, I would have assumed you'd splurge for a nice laptop for school considering all the papers and articles that require the use of a computer,"


    There was a pause as he thought of what else they could possibly do together. Being honest again, just being with her was enough for him. But of course, that would come off as too much. No one says things like that to someone they've just met... Andy opened his mouth to respond with a suggestion when he watched he shut her eyes, seeming to crumble slightly. Not because of any words he had said, but something else entirely. "I'm feeling lightheaded..."


    He just sat there for a moment, speechless. What should he do? Should he even do anything? Standing up from his chair, he moved before leaning down next to her. "Hey Caroline. What's wrong? Can I get you anything?" he finally asked, worry riddling his voice.

    A slight screech from a chair met her ears, and she felt a presence make its way over to her side. She opened her eyes, slowly turning her head to look at Andy as he leaned down next to her. It felt like the world was spinning, while her thoughts were swirling into an incomprehensible slush. Her heart thundered in her chest, feeling like it was trying to bust free from the bony confinement of her rib cage. She met his gaze, focusing on the worry tinged words he spoke to anchor herself.


    "Nothings wrong, I'm just feeling a little dizzy," she said, forcing her lips into a smile. It was a white lie; it wasn't anything serious, but it was more than just dizziness. Her heart was just beating faster than it should be, but she didn't want to tell him that. Saying things like that, or "heart arrhythmia", or "abnormal heart rhythm" tended to freak people out, but it wasn't that dangerous, not anymore at least. Still, she felt even more lightheaded than she usually did, and she was worried that she might faint, just like she often used to do. Her vision wasn't darkening though, as she could still see Andy's face clearly in front of her, which was good.


    It suddenly struck her how close he was at the moment, and her already frantic heart somersaulted in her chest. "Ice?" She squeaked out, leaning her head against her palm. Her eyes flicked down to his lips for a second, before hurriedly rushing back up to his eyes. "Er, like, I think a bag of ice would help, or a-anything cold really, just to put against my cheek. If you could? Get something cold I mean?"

    That smile she gave him. It was reassuring, but at the same time it wasn't. His new found friend was clearly not feeling well, yet she managed to put a smile on her face. However, something told him that that smile was trained almost. Like it was the natural thing to do in this familiar situation. But of course there wasn't time for going back and forth on whether that smile was genuine or not. Andy just had to take it for what it looked like on the surface for now. It's okay. She's okay. This isn't a big deal. She's just a little dizzy.


    As soon as ice squeaked its way out of her mouth, he was on the move to the counter. This was literally a smoothie and sandwich shop. Of course they had ice. Walking back to the girl at the counter, purpose to every long stride he made, he motioned towards the back where he assumed the ice machine was. "I need a bag of ice quickly. Please. Maybe two or something just in case," he said firmly. Looking around behind him, he was thankful not many people were in the store, knowing his louder tone just now would've caused a scene if there had been more than just a couple other stragglers. His eyes kept looking between the worker and Caroline, making sure that her condition didn't suddenly worsen on him. That wouldn't be a good first impression if he let her get worse on his watch.


    The girl handed him two bags of ice, each sealed in sandwich size zip-lock bags. He hurried back to Caroline, quickly placing one of them on the side of her face until her hand reaches up to hold it herself. Not that he was thankful for knowing what to do given the circumstances of which his knowledge came, but if he had just stood there like an idiot, he'd never forgive himself. Same if he had started to panic. Which in a minor way he had, as worry practically overflowed when he originally asked if she was alright. But it could've been a whole lot worse. He pulled his own chair closer to hers before sitting down again, keeping a careful watch. "Does that feel any better?"