We made it to the store after a really awkward car ride. Collin, Lukas and Aaron were all here for the shopping trip.

He gave Lukas a small piece of paper with a bunch of writing on it and said, "You three can go get this stuff, text me if you need anything."

Lukas grabbed a cart and started into the store with Collin and I following. I stayed a couple of feet behind them while they wandered from isle to isle, Collin often talking about random things and Lukas would merely nod in agreement or laugh a bit. They looked like the perfect duo together, talking so easily with each other and comfortably being near one another while I was the black sheep trailing behind them. Sometimes Collin would fall back to walk closer to me but I didn't pay much attention.

As we progressed through the store, I could feel the stares of people all around us. It really bothered me. My scar was a dark red colour so it was fairly noticeable against my pale skin and I guess people found it interesting to look at but to me, it was made my skin crawl.

The stares felt like giant eyes waiting for me to do something wrong so they could judge me for everything I've ever done. I wanted to crawl up into a ball and hide from the world but that would only bring more attention. My lip started stinging from my bad habit of biting it, my hands started trembling violently so I shoved them into my hoodie pockets before they moved to my mouth so I could tear at the skin there too.

I noticed Collin in the corner of my eye looking at me, concern all over his face, "Avery..?" I glanced at him, "Do you want to go to the bathroom for a minute?" I shook my head and took a breath, ignoring the people still staring. If I went to the bathroom to calm down, I would just end up crying and freaking out more. This way I could force myself to calm down and deal with it later, in the comfort of my bed.

Collin looked apprehensive but let it go nonetheless, however, he stayed closer to me the rest of the time at the store.

The rest of the trip was dreadful as my anxiety only seemed to heighten. After what felt like years we finally left the store and started back home. I managed to block out everything until I felt something touch my hand.

My arm flinched at the contact but I ignored it as Collins hand slowly crept into my sweaty one. I expected myself to feel grossed out my any contact only his hand in mine only felt comforting.

There was no conversation in the car but the quiet radio playing cheesy love songs managed to keep the atmosphere comfortable.

I slowly started to forget my worries since now I was out of sight from everyone's judging eyes. It felt better to just be here with less people. Collin wasn't even looking at me and although I'm sure it was just a coincidence it made me feel better.