Dysfunctional [REWRITING]

Chapter three - Apologies go far... sometimes

CHAPTER 3

"Did you know that chickens are the closest living relative to Tyrannosaurus-Rex?" Caroline blurts out as we all eat dinner in the dining hall. Chicken, by the way.

"Come on, Caroline. Do you really believe in that shit?" Andrew mutters while stuffing his mouth with some vegetables.

"It's been proved, Andrew" She retorts shooting him a glare. Yep, somehow they just don't get along. I look around, seeing how the others try to hide their smiles. Well ok, not Dr. Byrne. He's been irritated and hasn't even looked at me since the incident in the therapy room earlier today.

I don't get it. I just asked a simple question. He didn't seem to mind. Nate. I can't help but look at him, seeing his toned biceps move as he does something as easy as picking with his fork. His recently-showered look with his wet hair makes my whole body shiver. He's so goddamn gorgeous. Suddenly, he looks up, meeting my gaze. His bright blue orbs pierce me completely.

Ok, Evelyn, look away! I turn my gaze to look out the windows, seeing his reflection due to the darkness outside. He's still looking at me. My breath starts hitching. My blood feels like it's literally boiling in my veins. Why am I feeling like this? Sure, he's hot, but when did that ever give me these sensations? My face starts heating up, leaving a crimson red shade all over.

I gulp, starting to pick at my chicken. No, I can't eat. Not with him staring at me. Quickly I stand up, clear my throat, walk towards Shawna and leave my plate.

"Didn't you like it?" She asks as she looks at my full plate.

"No, it was really good... I'm just not hungry" I chuckle nervously as I notice that the others are watching me. Shawna smiles, then walks into the dish-area to leave my plate.

I take a few deep breaths before moving out the dining hall with long strides, deciding to look oblivious to the fact that everyone's staring at me. I guess no one's failed to notice the thick tension between me and Dr. Byrne.

As I reach the reception, I notice Hannah's still here, typing on her computer.

"Aren't you supposed to be going home?" I burst. She looks up.

"Nah, too many applications has come in since everyone now knows that Nate's here" She mutters, flailing with a magazine over her head. I grab it, stunned by the amazing picture of him all over the front page with the headline "Nate Holden goes to rehab".

"Do you want any help?" I ask, keen on distracting myself from the fact that I don't even feel remotely welcome here anymore.

******

We spent a good forty minutes answering e-mails, laying out schedules and checking out different Ice bucket challenge videos. Productive, to say the least. Suddenly, someone stands by the desk, tapping their foot.

"Oh, hey, dr. Byrne" Hannah chirps while discreetly closing the facebook-window on the computer. I look up, shocked by the way he's staring at me. Coldness is an understatement.

"I'd like to talk to you, Evelyn" He mutters.

"S-sure" I stutter, feeling uneasy. He's kicking me out, I know it. I stand up and follow him to his office. He gestures for me to sit down on the chair opposite his and I comply. He sits down too, staring at me. I look around, feeling nervous. My throat is dry and my heart is beating like crazy. After what seems to be way too long, he finally speaks.

"I honestly don't know where to start, Evelyn" He sighs.

"I'm so sorry for ruining the session!" I burst, feeling my eyes tear up. I can't get kicked out. I just can't. If pretending like I regret the whole thing is what it takes, then I'll do it!