He stood still for mere seconds before instinct kicked in and following his gut, he took off after Rae. He watched as she stormed through the hall way – blind to everyone else, knocking people in her path.
She reached a deserted corridor, searched wildly for a way out.
"Rae."
Her eyes were wide as she took in his presence.
Her breath was coming out in short bursts. He stepped closer, gently and reached for her hand. She tried to yank herself away but he ran round to face her and held her hands again.
"Rae, it's me, Finn. I need you to look at me."
Their eyes met as he took her face in his hands.
"Rae, everything's alright. I'm here. I need you to calm down."
Her heart and mind wrestled for control. Finn's words were soothing and his hands on hers were warm.
He encouraged her to take deep breaths and slowly she leaned further on him.
He stood with his arms wrapped tight around her, her head resting on his shoulder.
The word, 'Ok?' appeared on her back.
She lifted her head as his hands came about her face once more. She felt weary as always.
"What happened back there?"
"I just…"
His eyes were patient, kind.
"All those people – staring. At me… I couldn't take it."
"Why would they stare?"
"Well look at me. I'm not exactly easy on the eye am I? Whereas you…"
"What?"
"Nothing."
"What, Rae?"
"Look at you – you're fit and sexy and…"
"Thank-you – I think?" He smirked.
"Finn, I'm being serious! You're an eleven and I'm a four!"
"I don't have the foggiest idea what you're talking about."
"Do you know what people think, when they see us together?"
"No and I don't care. Look Rae, are you ashamed of me?"
"No! How could you say that?"
"Why are you so bothered about what people think of you?"
"Look, school was really hard for me. I was bullied – really bad. I guess it stays with you."
He pulled her close, then, wrapping his arms tight around her, one hand in her hair.
"Rae, I'm sorry you had to go through that. But you can't let that hurt you now. School's over. You've got us now." He paused, smiling. "You've got me."
She smiled back – her heart at ease before all the demons came rushing back.
"You say that now but how will you feel when you start getting in the neck because you're with someone like me?"
"Then I guess that'll be my problem then won't it?"
Before she could say another word – he kissed her – his lips overpowering whatever she would have said. His arms snaked round her waist, not giving her a chance to argue.
Rae felt his hands on her body smooth away and concern and for that moment, the demons were silenced.
They broke apart, her eyes wider and her face flushed. He smiled.
"We'll take this one day at a time Rae. Just promise me, don't shut me out. Let me be there for you, like you were for me."
She nodded slowly as breath refilled her body.
Then, taking his outstretched hand followed him once more into the world of College and all its challenges.