𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭

Chapter 19: Panic Attack

Olivia's POV

"Wait, you snuck Marco into your home?"

"Shh, & yes I did!"

Currently, we're in the kitchen sitting on the floor. Aaliyah is helping me wash the crazy load of dishes that dad ordered. Its like precious objects but also a eating material. He wanted something different in the house. So, he chose dishes.

"You bad bad girl!" She giggled.

I threw some soap buds at her "It was fun until I almost got caught."

She gasped "What?"

"Yes, I went to go check on dad. The bed was empty so I thought he caught Marco. But Marco escaped just in time because dad walked in on me."

"Wow, I can't believe it" she said.

I decided not to tell her about my embarrassing drinking last night. I can stil the vomit stain on the kitchen floor. I cringe as I remembered the look on my dad's face.

"Yeah, never again."

"At least you enjoyed yourself" she shrugged.

"Yeah, I guess."

I heard loud footsteps rushing down the stairs.

"Olivia!"

"In here dad!"

He came rushing in the kitchen with a panic look on his face. "H-h-have you seen my shades?"

"No, are you okay?"

"I need my shades!" He exclaimed.

He paced around the kitchen breathing hard. Me & aaliyah gave each other confused looks. I stood up & walked towards him.

"Dad?"

Out of the blue, he started screaming. I jumped back at his outbrust. Then, he started sobbing uncontrollably.

"This can't be happening right now!" He sobbed.

"Dad!" I touched his shoulder which caused him to jump. He eyed me up & down.

"Who are you? Where am I?" He said rubbing his shoulder.

Aaliyah jumped up to the rescue. She went towards him & rubbed his back.

"Mr. Jackson, are you okay?" She asked.

He started shaking & sweating like crazy. He shook his head repeatedly muttering under his breath. He slumped down to the ground still shaking.

"What's happening?"

"I think he's having a panic attack" she assumed.

His breathing got a little difficult. He was his losing breath.

"Aaliyah!" I pushed her out of the way. I went to his side & tried to held him but In result was his fist swinging.

"NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!" he yelled.

I turned to Aaliyah "what do I do?"

"Comfort him" she said "but be gentle."

"Dad?"

He looked at me still struggling to breath properly. I slowly walked towards him. "Can I touch you?"

He looked at me for a minute before giving me permission. I gently wrapped my arms around him. His eyes were still blue but watery like the ocean.

"Its okay dad, take deep breaths."

He slowly started breathing better. His heart rate was off the hook. I stroked his soft curly hair as he got his breathing back together. 

"Its okay, dad."

Aaliyah hugged him as well helping me comforting him. Now, he was breathing normal again. I wonder what made him freak out like that.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, i'm fine" he whispered. 

"Do you want some tea?"

"Yes, please" he mumbled into my shirt. He dugged his face in my arms as we rocked back & forth. I signal aaliyah to make the tea. I continue to stroke his hair as he whimpered a little.

-

"Are you sure he's gonna be okay?" She asked worriedly.

"Yeah, I'm sure. I don't know what set him off like that."

"Me neither" she sighed.

"I think you should go home. I'll call you later if anything else happens."

"Okay" she pulled me into a hug. We said our goodbyes & went our separate ways.

I went into dad's office to see a big mess. Dad must've did this before he freaked out. I better clean it up before he has another one. I started to pick up the loose paper that was all over the floor. One by one was important paperwork. Until one in particular caught my eye. I examine it throughly, reading ever last word.

I dropped the pile of papers as I realized what this is. It's custody papers, physical custody papers. Mom wants full custody of me! I smiled brightly thinking about the time I would have living with her. She wants full custody of me! Wait, its in dad's office. So, that means he saw this & freaked out. This is what caused the panic attack. Mom must've sent these to him without a warning.

I read the court date, it's tomorrow.  I'm supposed to be attending as well. Was he gonna plan on telling me?