Only Exception

Chapter Two: Dinner

“Actually, it was my turn.” she snapped glaring after the truck, not even slightly ruffled.

“It was.” Maggie offered in her defense.

“Says the girl who got her license revoked.” I mumbled, delicately rubbing my shoulder.

I glanced at Colton, who was nervously running a hand through his hair.  “Just... Be careful Schyler.” he suggested.

“Thank you for that insight.” she murmured, continuing the drive.

“In response to your earlier question,” he continued, turning to me, “Yes.  You should be very, very, worried,” his eyes twinkled.

“Sort of figured that out.” I laughed.

“I have never gotten into an accident ever in my entire life.” Schyler insisted, eyes still on the road.  “Right, Colt?”

“Well, yeah.” he agreed.  I shook my head, grinning.  Despite our near death experience, I still was feeling pretty decent.

“Just don't tell my parents.” Maggie said casually, slightly bemused.

I moaned at the thought of my dad finding out. “Never.”

Somehow we arrived at the diner more or less in one piece.  Relief filled me when my feet found the solid ground.  Colton followed me out the door, and shut it behind him.  His face reflected the relief I was feeling. 

“Okay?” he asked, motioning to my aching shoulder.

“For the most part.” I responded, trying to shrug it off.

“Yeah just avoid touching her.” Maggie laughed. “She breaks easily.” I glared at her and she snorted.

“C'mon guys.  I'm gonna die if I don't eat soon.” Schyler moaned, grabbing Maggie's arm and pulling us towards the entrance.  I rolled my eyes and followed.

The sun was beginning to set, so the heat wasn't quite as intense as it'd been most of the day.  I looked up at the sky, admiring the brilliant orange horizon.  And successfully found myself flying face-first towards the black asphalt.  I clumsily threw my hands in front of me, by reflex, and prepared for the face plant, feet stumbling to find ground.  I somehow found time to remind myself how idiotic I was in the process.  But somewhere along the way I felt strong hands grasp my shoulders and righten me.  It took a moment to realize that I was no longer falling, and when I did I quickly straightened my face and opened my eyes.  I felt my cheeks blushing bright red as I turned to face my hero.

“You okay?” Colton asked me, trying (and failing) to hide his amusement.  His hands held me steady.  I sort of felt as if faceplanting would have been the preferable option as of now.

“Got any magic cure for klutziness?” I asked, cringing.

“Perhaps watching in front of you rather than above you?” he suggested, eyes twinkling.  My stomach fluttered.

“Right.” I wiggled out of his grasp, feeling self conscious.  I hated how weak I felt around him.  Liking a guy wasn't an option.  I firmly pounded the thought into my head as we entered the diner and found a booth. 

I slid into the first bench, and breathed a sigh of relief as Maggie scooted up next to me.  Colton and Schyler seated themselves on the other side.  I wasn't a big fan of booths.  The sticky, torn fabric always got to me.  But I tried to ignore it as I placed my order and settled back, listening to Colton, Maggie and Sky discuss their opinions on different seasons of idol.  Maggie kept giving me sideways glances, looking slightly worried.  Finally, when Colton excused himself to go to the bathroom, she spoke.

“Someone has a little bit of a crush, huh?” she suggested casually, sipping on her milkshake.  My heart dropped.

“What?  I absolutely-” Schyler was biting back a smile.

“Pretty much.” she said simply.  Maggie looked amused.

“Is it that obvious?” I squeaked.

“I told you she was oblivious.” Maggie rolled her eyes.  Schyler giggled. 

“Wait... What?” Oblivious...?

“Colt never lets me drive,” Sky giggled, looking positively giddy.

“This is what I deal with every day of my life.” Maggie groaned. “She doesn't get girl talk.  At all.”

Now that wasn't true.  For the most part.  I mean, no I didn't really like makeup.  And clothes were just whatever matched and was clean.  And guys were cute but love was an absolute no.  I sorely realized that Maggie was, indeed, one hundred percent correct.  I hardly could be even kind of considered a girly-girl.  Jewelry and cute guys was the extent of girl talk in my eyes. 

“Let me write it out for you, hun.” Schyler had a mischievous glint in her blue eyes. “My brother has a major crush on you.”

And that's when my heart stopped beating entirely.  Because Colton having a crush on me meant three things. 

One, he didn't have a girlfriend.

Two, I had no reason to convince myself to stop liking him.

And three, I was beginning my accelerated descent into falling completely and totally in love.

“Nat, you look like we just told you aliens were invading earth to come steal your brain.” Maggie raised her eyebrows.  Honestly, I think I would have felt better if they had told me that.

“I... I need some air.” I crawled over Maggie and out of the booth, nearly trampling Colton in my efforts to get to the door.  I was beginning to feel sick, and I didn't even stop to see if he was okay.

Once I was outside I turned to the left and found the bench I'd noticed when we'd entered the diner.  Night had now fallen completely, and the place was lit up with cute little neon signs that under any other circumstances would have cheered me up immediately. 

I sunk down onto the bench and pulled my knees up to my chest.  The air was warm, but not unpleasantly so. 

Okay, my exit was decidedly embarrassing.  Maggie probably sort of understood.  She knew my strangeness.  But Sky probably was confused, if not offended.  And I'd crushed Colton and not even hesitated to keep going.

The fact of the matter was that I was completely terrified by the idea of falling in love.  With anyone.  Ever.  I shook as my brain tried to comprehend the idea.

Something about Colton made my head spin.  He made my heart swoon and my stomach flutter.  And I didn't even know who he was.  He was just a guy in a line that happened to be cute and friendly.  Something about his deep brown eyes and scruffy hair completely threw me off balance.  And something about it actually felt right.

“What's wrong?” I tensed as I felt him sit down next to me. 

“Nothing.” I replied slowly, lowering my feet to the ground.

“Something is wrong.” he argued.

“Just... Homesick.” It wasn't a lie.

“Oh.” He was quiet for a moment.  “When are you going home?”

“Tomorrow.” I replied without hesitation.  I felt him slouch beside me.

“Early?” he asked casually.

“Yeah. We're waking up at four.” I tried to keep my voice even, but I could hear it shaking.  I reminded myself that he was not an option.

“Hey, you two ready to get going?” Maggie and Schyler had joined us at the bench.  Colton and I rose to our feet.

“Sure.” Colton held his hand out to Sky. “But I'm driving.”

She rolled her eyes, but handed him the keys.