A Modern Love Story

Chapter 19 - Plans

Criticism spot! :)

I thought I'd add this as well - Davey WILL be in this story! Don't worry!

Crutchie's POV

I had what felt like the most horrifying nightmare I'd had in a while, my stuttering only getting even worse. Jack made sure I couldn't reach any medicine or things I could use to hurt myself, and he was clearly extremely worried about how I was doing at this point. As he had before when I wasn't doing well, he gave me the biggest sweatshirt he had, allowing me to be swallowed up in it. Before I got out of bed after putting some jeans on, Jack knelt down in front of me, taking my still-scarred hands in his.

"Look at me," he began, making sure I met his gaze. "I'll talk for you, and we'll take today slowly, okay? I was thinking that maybe I could also try walking you through the day, that way you won't be as nervous, hm?" He kindly offered, and after I thought for a moment, I nodded.

"T-that'd be n-nice," I got out, making him smile a little.

"First, we're gonna go downstairs and we'll get in the car," I immediately tensed up at just the word 'car,' causing him to pause for a moment. 

"Sorry," I managed to say without stuttering, looking down. 

"There's nothing to say sorry for, I just wanted to make sure you were alright," he smiled again, helping me feel better. "After we get to school, we'll sit with the fellas until first bell, and after classes are done for the day we'll come home and relax. Okay?" I nodded, already feeling exhausted. "Ready?"

"Mhm," I answered, and we got up to go.

When we reached the car I hesitated for a moment, my heart pounding. Jack saw me stop in my tracks, so he rushed over to me in order to help.

"Go at your own pace," he said softly, smiling. I took a deep breath before smiling back, feeling okay to get in the car.

We were the first to arrive out of all our friends, so we used the time to sit peacefully and simply enjoyed each other's company. Eventually, Race showed up, managing to tell right away that I wasn't doing well.

"How're you doing?" He asked as he sat down, knowing the answer.

"Not that great," Jack answered for me, taking my hand in his.

"I assume you're still stuttering, too?" I nodded, looking at the ground. "Are your nightmares at least getting better?"

"No, I h-had probably th-the w-worst- I'm sorry," I cut myself off, my face likely red from shame.

"Hey, there's nothin' to apologize for. Keep going," Race encouraged, Jack squeezing my hand a little.

"Uh, I had t-the worst nightmare I've- I've had i-in m-months," I managed to get out, putting my head in my hands and tears forming from frustration.

"Crutch, you're really tiring yourself out. Remember to go easy on yourself," Jack said, his arm around me.

"I a-already have a f-fucked up leg, th-this sh-shit isn't helping," I sobbed, not even realizing I had started to cry.

"Breathe for a second, you're gonna have a panic attack if you don't focus on calming down," Jack warned, studying me. "It'll be okay."

The other three guys showed up soon after, the five of them talking to one another while I stayed quiet. As I had predicted, Romeo eventually gave me a weird look, and even Jack took notice, looking at Romeo before turning his attention to me.

"You still got that stutter?" He asked, making Race, Specs, and Fitz go silent. 

"Leave him alone," Jack spat, holding my hand tighter.