I just know she’s definitely uncomfortable now, laughing awkwardly, “It happens to be the only nice dress I own, thanks to my impossibly poor taste…”
I sort-of-laugh out of relief as her expression seems to lighten - her smile promising that the laughter isn’t just for my benefit, but sincere.
Must be nice.
But something still says nervous - restlessness, in the way her hands fidget with the pink cloth between her fingertips.
What I wouldn’t give to be sure today’s anxiety had nothing to do with me…
Things were a lot less awkward when she was just furious at me for never having a girlfriend.
Now neither of us seems to be able to pick what annoys us the most about my state of existence.
“Did you want your medical bag…” she trails off, glancing toward the item in question. When she looks back there’s an expression in her eyes I don’t like.
Like pity.
I don’t need this, from her of all people.
I start to frown before I catch myself, making myself shrug casually.
But as she turns away quickly I suddenly have the strong desire…
I’m not exactly sure why…
…To try and pick her up off the floor.
I’m almost positive I could, even from the chair, given that she’s never surpassed even 95 pounds.
But I know better than to try for a whole slew of reasons.
I’d rather not give her more occasions to have to forgive me.
Instead, I snag hold of her sash lightly with one hand, hauling her back to her starting place, amongst an infuriated stumble that almost topples her over into my arms.