Panic Attacks // Ruel // English

Chapter 43

It is Tuesday and I make a detour to school. Normally I would never take roads that I don't know very well yet. But today I was out of home so early, while I don't want to be too early for school. So then I can either get a coffee or take a detour. The weather was not bad so I walk a bit longer. By now I know the roads in Sydney quite well, I will not just get lost here. And who with a phone and mobile data still gets lost these days? Very few people I think.

When the bell rings, and it means that the lessons are about to start, I notice something. I miss someone. But I must have gone mad.

In the second lesson the same story. So someone is not late.

And then it comes to mind that I haven't seen Ruel today. The only thing is, I don't dare to call him, but my gut feeling says something is wrong. During the break, I look up someone I know, and the first ones I meet are June and Liam.

Yasmine: "Do you know where Ruel is?"
They both look at me with a frown and then realize that they probably haven't seen him today either.
Liam: "No. He hasn't been in touch with me since last night either. I asked if he came to watch my football game today, but he didn't respond."
Yasmine: "Did he read it, or not even that?"
Liam shakes his head. Ruel always checks his phone when someone sends him a message. And certainly before he goes to sleep.
June: "Can't we just give him a call? Maybe he just overslept."

Liam takes his phone out of his pocket and calls Ruel. It takes a long time until he responds.
Liam: "Dude, where are you?"
Ruel: "Wait a minute." I hear him say slowly and wearily.
I want to ask if he is okay but don't dare. Luckily June is ahead of me.
June: "Are you all right?"
Ruel: "I just feel really sick. Don't worry to much."
It is not 'just' sick. This has reasons, and I know that I am the reason he is sick. I think it's sad, because there is actually very little he can do about it.
Liam: "Sorry. We'll leave you alone."
Ruel: "Thank you." Ruel gets out of his throat with difficulty.
I feel guilty. Very guilty.

School day is over and I'm on my way to the supermarket. I walk past the chips and bring a bag of Cheetos. I also have to go to the drugstore to get melatonin and aspirins.

On my way back, I pass the Starbucks and enter. When I come in I get a quick smile from Daniel because he is busy.

Yasmine: "An iced caffè latte and an iced peach citrus green tea please." I say when it's my turn.
I think he liked it the best.

Daniel: "Isn't Ruel with you?" Daniel asks as he makes the drinks as no one has come in behind me anymore.
Yasmine: "No he is ill, I will visit him in a minute."

Yasmine: "How often do you work a week?"
He concentrates for a moment, then stops to answer.
Daniel: "Usually five days a week."

He has put the drinks on the counter and I take them in both hands. But just before I want to walk out the door, I am called.
Daniel: "Yasmine wait. Can I ask you something?"
I turn and walk back to the counter.
Yasmine: "Sure."
Daniel: "Okay, it might sound strange but I need your help."
I look at him and nod, approving that he may ask for help.
Daniel: "I'm going to dinner with my girlfriend's family tonight. But- um, how do you say that. Her sister went through some things in the past, and I'm afraid I'm leaving the wrong impression on her. So I'm not sure how I have to deal with it. "
My mind slowly processes the information he has just told me and something actually quickly comes to mind.
Yasmine: "What has she been through?" I ask carefully, even though I think I know what it's about.
Daniel: "I'm not sure. Nola said her sister would tell me if she wanted to."
Yasmine: "What is Nola's last name?"
He frowns for a moment, but then seems okay with my question.
Daniel: "Nola Gray."
Oh shit. Nola has a boyfriend and she never told me. Wow. Okay, I'm also hiding a lot of things, but this is actually a big deal.
Yasmine: "I think if you greet her with 'an iced coffee late' she'll be fine. Trust me. You won't leave a wrong impression."
Then I leave him confused and wish him even more strength at work. I can still hear him thanking me from a distance. I turn around and give him a smile.