Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, just this plot. Enjoy!

Tension

She sat in the waiting room, riddled with fear. She'd been grateful for the empty area upon her arrival and was even more so now as the tears fell silently onto her lap. The tension surrounding her was so thick you could cut it with a knife. This was a long shot, a last effort, but she felt compelled to give it a go. What's the harm? she asked herself this morning as she gave herself one last look in the mirror. She suddenly remembered that she'd opted for no make-up today. She breathed a sigh of relief and silently thanked herself for that.

As she looked up she noticed that she was no longer alone. Embarrassed, she quickly wiped her face, hoping the new person in the room hadn't noticed. Sitting across from her was a man. He was young...about her age, maybe a year or two older. He too, seemed anxious and she watched him as his knees bounced rapidly. He seemed oblivious to her presence as he alternated between hanging his head, grabbing his hair by the roots and rubbing his face with those same large hands. After a couple of moments he finally looked up. He must have felt me staring, she thought. She nervously cleared her throat as his dark, piercing eyes locked with her own. He stared at her as if reading her soul. She looked away as she shifted uncomfortably in her chair. But it wasn't long before she found herself looking at him again. She couldn't help it.

He had dark hair that was a bit mussed, but sexy at the same time. He was muscular, but not body-builder like, which turned her off. His skin was russet colored and completely flawless. He was captivating. She didn't know why, but she felt drawn to him. His presence definitely took her mind off of things. So much so that she didn't hear the nurse say her name until he motioned that it was her turn. She turned her head to the side and finally noticed the now frustrated nurse. "Miss Swan?" She nodded and rose from her seat. "Good luck" he said in a kind voice. She gave a weak smile as she walked away. He returned her smile with one of his own. One that melted her heart and caused her to blush.