Chapter 24

     I wasn't sure what to say as I was a bit surprised to see him standing there but before he said anything I launch myself in his arms, feeling his arms circle around me which starts to makes me feel more relaxed.

We just stand there a while not really saying anything, I can tell he was worried but didn't want to step over any line from asking so I decided to break the silence so he would know what happened and wouldn't be worried for the rest of the evening, which he probably will still be after I tell him.

"I'm alright, I was just...I don't know why but my anxiety just started acting up... Well I know why, but it's stupid and it's not that important and I could just feel it getting worse as I stayed there so I got up and came here so I can get control of it." I rush out hoping he was able to hear me as I was still pushed against his chest.

"How...How did you know I was here?" I asked curiously, wondering how he knew I came here.

"The ladies, well, Carly came to me saying that you just stood up and ran to the hall towards the bathroom, I mean I heard Scott call your name but I just assumed you were talking or something... Are you sure you're alright, I'm sorry I should have stayed there with you-"

"No it's fine you need to spend time with you're family and I thought I was able to control it but I guess... I just couldn't." I breath out, shaking my head as I pulled away but keeping my arms around his waist looking up at him.

"You sure?" He whispers leaning down to kiss the top of my head along with moving a strand of hair behind my ear.

I nod my head and pull him back into a hug, just wanting to find comfort in him again for a bit. After a while, I pulled away again, giving him a small smile, letting him know I'm good which he mirrors back, grabs my hand and starts down the hallway back to the living room where everyone were waiting still and once we came into view I was given concerning looks.

When we reach our seat and sat back down, I look up from feeling a hand covering mine and see it was Carly from her spot on the couch that's close to us and give my hand a tiny squeeze as she shoots me a warm smile which I gave one back, feeling more relief as I know no one is going to question why I took off.

"So I hope you don't mind... but I am really interested in how you two met." I hear a voice announce to us from across the couch.

It was Chris' cousin, who's wearing a red Boston shirt, dark blue jeans and all black chucks - looking at us with a curious expression and friendly smile- which then leads to everyone else stopping their conversations and fixing their eyes on us. I was glad she didn't just throw us on the spot. I mean I was expecting someone to eventually ask us this question. I just didn't know if I would feel comfortable with everyone looking at us but I realize it was mostly out of curiosity and not judgment.

"Well, I was actually in school when I found out this dork got himself lost, " I spoke, shoving Chris' shoulder lightly as I teased him, that caused laughter to fill the room which made me relax more into my spot and lean back into him more and him to wrap his arms fully around me. "But we met when I was actually at work which is just across the street from my school... it was actually kind of awkward and embarrassing when I met him." I let out a chuckle as I remember my reaction to recognizing him.

"I wouldn't call it embarrassin' more like hilarious as she didn't recognize me at first and when she finally did and realized that I had asked her to go to lunch with me, she just froze and looked as if the lights went off in her here." Chris chuckled as he tapped the side of my head from his last comment which resulted in me slapping his arm in a playful way, shaking my head with a smile forming my face.

"Ohh like you were anywhere more casual, you were acting like a little school girl who was asking her crush out, " I taunt, hearing Scott and everyone else let out of a laugh from my comment.

We hold one of those playful staring contest until I feel fingers attack my side and I start squealing, trying to get away from his grasps but I feel his hold tighten and knew I was in trouble as I felt his fingers dive more into my side and letting out a shriek and wiggling, even more, causing everyone to start laughing again at our actions.

"S...Scott help m...me." I wheezed out with a laugh, reaching my shaking hand out towards him, which caused him to started to laughing even harder that led him to fall off his seat, well boyfriends lap, and caused even more laughter to erupt in the room.

I started to tap on Chis' arm as if to signify that he won and thankfully he accepted it as I felt his fingers abruptly stop, causing me to let out a sigh of relief and sat up correctly sending a composed Scott a playful glare which caused him to start giggling again.

We sat around the fire- as we migrated outside and it got cold- as the sun barely peaked out as the sky was colored in hues of dark orange, pink and small hints of lilac purple. Even though I had that small moment of doubt, this evening turned out pretty great and everyone here is so nice and loving and not once had they made me feel like an outcast, even with the circumstance between Chris and I's relationship.

As it got darker, we decided it was best to head back to his house and was looking forward to spending more time with the Evans clan and walking around Massachusetts.

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