The Last Chance Book 2

Chapter 22

TW: Mentions of injuries, trauma

" Mrs.T please call up your next witness " the judge says. " I would like for James to come to the stand ". Once James is sat down the questioning almost immediately starts.
" Please say your name and your relation with the victim "
" James. NuNew is one of my best friends "
" How did you feel when NuNew told you about his past "
" I was so sad but at the same time I was glad that NuNew opened up to us "
" Why were you glad "
" I could tell that he was wanting to tell us for a while but was afraid to. When he told us it meant that he was willing to show his most vulnerable side to us. I could also tell that he felt a lot better after telling us. Like it helped by telling someone the full story. He told us that it was his first time explaining the full story of what happened that day "
" What happened when you and Tommy went to get help "
" We ran back to where our things were. While I was calling the police and informing them about everything, Tommy was calling Jimmy's father "
" Why'd you guys call Jimmy's father "
" We didn't know NuNews parents phone number. Shortly before our trip we all found out that Jimmy's father and NuNews father have worked together for a long time. So Tommy told Jimmy's father that something's happened with NuNew and Nat "
" When the police got there what happened "
" Me and Tommy quickly led them over to where everyone else was. While the first paramedics went and got Max, a lot of the officers grabbed Nate and his group of friends. Me and Tommy had warned that it would be hard to approach and help NuNew "
" How did you know "
" There was one time that NuNew had a bad panic attack and Zee had to approach him very slowly in order to not scare him more "
" How did you approach him "
" Originally we were just going to walk over to him and Nat slowly but he screamed at us to stay back. He didn't recognize us. " When Tommy introduced me and him you could see him calm down a little bit. When we started to slowly approach again he got scared because of the officer so we had him back up. Tommy said that I should be the one to walk over to him because I would have a better time at staying calm in order to help him. So bit by bit I would make my way over to him. Every time he would flinch. I would stop for a little while before continuing to walk over to him "
" When you got to him what happened "
" He started to apologize blaming himself for everything that happened. Blaming himself for Tyler stabbing Max and Nate hurting Nat "
" How did you help him calm down "
" I just kept trying to reassure him. At one point I asked if I could touch his shoulder. When he said I could I did. You could see him relax enough. He had still been keeping me away from Nat. Not letting me look at him or check on him because he was scared. But when I lightly grabbed his shoulder he slowly allowed me to check on Nat. When I saw that Nat was in bad shape as well as NuNew I turned and shouted that to Tommy "
" What happened after that "
" I was slowly trying to get NuNew to let me take Nat to get him help. When I was close the paramedics and police rushed to us making him freak out again. The police officer held me away as the paramedics forced Nat away from him "
" How did you feel when that happened "
" I was pissed off. We told them that we could do it ourselves because we knew how to help NuNew. He was so terrified that they were going to hurt Nat and I wasn't able to help him calm down "
" After they took Nat away what happened "
" The paramedic asked him what happened while pointing to NuNews chest. It made him freak out. At one point Nate was able to get free and grab on to NuNew. I couldn't really hear what he said because the police were shouting. When I saw him start to back into the deeper water I tried to go help him but he kept walking away saying that if I come close to him he would make me get hurt. Shortly after that he passed out "
" Was there a time between then and now that you were really terrified that NuNew was going to go back to how he used to be "
" The first time he woke up after the beach. Nat had wanted to go check on NuNew and so I took him to his room. When we got there you could tell he felt scared and he kept saying he's sorry and that he's thankful that me and Zee helped them. At one point Max was brought up and his injury. It was like he changed in a split second. He started to hyperventilate and back away from us saying to not come close. I was terrified that he would start to feel how he did in the past. I didn't want him to feel that way again "
" How has he been since the incident "
" He's a lot more quiet since then. He also keeps something's that bother him to himself. If we ask him about things that we worry about, he will give us a short answer before finding a reason to leave the room "
" Can you give us an example " Mrs.T asks. James looks over to him a little hesitant. He nods his head letting him know it's ok.
" Last night NuNew received flowers and some letters from people. He was so happy to know people support him. He read a couple of them. At one point he read a letter of a mother who lost her daughter. She was thanking NuNew for fighting back against the bullies. She kept mentioning things that her daughter would be happy seeing all of us doing. At one point the mother says she's thankful that his boyfriend can show him that he's worthy of love. He said that letter made him think of one of the journals that was shown yesterday. His father had asked him if he ever felt unworthy of love. He was hesitant but he started saying that after hearing Nate say he's unworthy of love and that he's disgusting for so long he started to believe it. Even mentioning that when Nate started to threaten his parents he would wish that his parents stopped loving him so they would be safe. After saying that he just quickly got up saying he's had a long day and wanted to be in his room alone "
" What was he like the rest of the night "
" He was in his room for a long time. Zee was in there talking with him. Zee was able to cheer him up by joking around. He came out of his room and went over to Nat. Where he had Nat help him tease Zee over some silly thing. Which led to them teasing Max as well. It went on for a while "
" How did it make you feel to see him happy "
" It made me happy as well. Especially since earlier he had said something and felt really sad. I ended up recording a video because I wanted to keep that memory. I thought that having a video could help him in the future "
" How would it help him "
" There are days where everything is extremely hard for NuNew. On those days he doesn't think he will ever recover from this. He never fully believes that he can really get better. So I like to try and record the times that he's feeling happy to show him on those days. Like I'm showing him that he's able to be happy. Giving him proof that he can recover. That he is recovering "
" You are a very thoughtful person and care about him a lot "
" I would do anything to help him get better "
" I'm finished questioning him judge " Mrs.T says.
" Please leave the stand James " the judge says. He just watches James go back to everyone. He's never fully realized that James has cared so much and always try's to record videos to help him. Hearing what James said makes a few tears fall from his eyes. He quickly wipes them away as the judge says " Please call your last witness of the day Attorney " the judge says. " The final person I would like to come testify is Zee " . Even though he knew that Zee was probably going to testify he's still a little surprised. He watches as Zee sits down at the stand.
" Please tell me your name and relation to the victim "
" My names Zee " he makes eye contact with Zee. He can see him asking if it's ok to tell them. So he just nods. It would be good to have him say it now. " I'm NuNews boyfriend " Zee says. He grabs Nat's hand a little nervous as to what they might ask. Especially since he's just revealed that he's dating him.
" What happened on the first day you met NuNew during lunch "
" I sat next to him. I was a little late but Nat introduced all of us to him and then he introduced himself to us. We were talking for a while to get to know everyone. When just like Jimmy said at some point NuNew got up and quickly left. I didn't have a good feeling. I could see his hands shaking when he was leaving so I went to go check on him. When I found him he was have a really bad panic attack. He couldn't tell the last from the present. He kept begging me to not hurt him and that he's sorry "
" How did you help him calm down "
" I just kept saying I'm not going to hurt you and telling him to copy my breathing. When he stated to calm down he realized that it was me who had helped him and he started saying how I wasn't supposed to see him like that. I ended up just pulling him into a hug and telling him that everything's ok "
" How did your relationship with him start to grow into more them friendship "
" Since the first day I had wanted to protect him from others. I started to adore him and think that he's cute. When he was sick I volunteered to have him stay in my room so I can keep a close eye on him and help him recover. We were just next to each other a lot and it eventually turned into more than a friendship "
" Did you confess or did he confess "
" I knew he had liked me back but I didn't want to confess to him. I knew that his last crush put him through hell so I waited until he confessed. Because if he confessed I knew he was willing to possibly date me "
" How did he confess. Did he panic "
" Earlier at dinner Net had joked and said that NuNew had a crush on me. NuNew got really scared that I would find out so out of fear he yelled at Net. While I was taking a shower he talked with Net and they talked. When I came back to the room I noticed he was in a better mood. So I asked him what was bothering him. He was very scared to confess to me. Once he said I liked you he kept rambling "
" Have you every thought that it was hard to be NuNews boyfriend "
" No, why would I even think that "
" When you herd the full story of what happen to NuNew, how did you feel "
" If I'm honest. I wanted to beat the shit out of Nate. Give him a taste of his own medicine "
" What about at the beach when you saw Nate and the others hurting NuNew and Nat "
" Anger consumed my whole body and I just saw red. Not only has he done what he did to NuNew in the past but he's now hurting Nat and making NuNew watch. I immediately ran over to them and started fighting with Nate. I only stopped because the officers came and got him "
" What happened when NuNew first woke up after the incident "
" He got really scared and nervous. He got off the bed and backed himself into the corner of the wall. I couldn't get close to him for a while and he wouldn't speak. He kept looking around the room like he was looking for an escape. Luckily I was able to get him to focus on me. To the point that I was able to walk halfway over to him "
" What happened after that "
" I asked him to show me where he's in pain. I also had him finish coming over to me on his own because he was so scared. When he reached me I hugged him and that's when he started to cry and begin to talk. Not to long after that is when James and Nat came into the room "
" Is there something that makes you concerned for him since the beach "
" He's rarely able to get a good night of rest. Almost every night since the beach he has nightmares. When I wake him up it can take hours to calm him down because he was so afraid. Since the beach he's only had one good dream. That's what worries me the most "
" What sort of nightmares does he have ".
" He's had this recurring nightmare where he's in a pitch black room. Most of the time he's tied to a chair and being forced to watch the videos. He told me that anytime he closed his eyes or looked away. Someone would grab ahold of his shoulders and tighten their grip every time. The last time he had this nightmare he said that he was able to walk around but Nate was chasing after him and he fell into a pool of " he quickly covers his ears not wanting to hear. Only when Nat lightly touches him does he stop covering his ears.
" What about the one good dream he's had. What happened in that "
" It was last night. I really only think he had a good dream because the last thing he did before sleeping was teasing me and Max with Nat. When I woke him up to get ready for today he said he wanted to stay in his dream. He said that our friend group, his parents and Mrs.Betty were all eating together and a restaurant and having fun. It had put him in a good mood but as soon as we got here he became anxious and scared "
" Does he often tell you things that he doesn't tell others "
" He does sometimes. But usually he would tell the others when he's ready to. If he doesn't want tell me something because he's scared to. He talks with Nat "
" He goes to you and Nat for advice more than the others "
" Yes "
" Why do you think he goes to you and Nat for advice more "
" Every time he's gone through something that makes him scared or panic I'm usually there to help him calm down so I think that's one of the reasons he talks to me. As for Nat I'm not a hundred percent sure exactly why. However him and Nat are really similar in the things they do. They also have similar thought processes. With a single look they can know if the other is hiding something or how they are feeling. Even when others can't notice it. So I think that knowing all of that had made them super close and able to tell each other almost everything "
" Have they always been like that "
" Since NuNews first day at the school him and Nat had instantly gotten along together. Within the first day they started to call each other the jelly gang. So even if NuNew was still nervous in the beginning he was able to get close with Nat really quick "
" Is there anything that NuNew has done that made you surprised in a good way "
" Yesterday he said that after the trial he wants to try and help people who are going through or went through something similar to him. We told him that he might have to talk about things that would be hard to talk about and make him uncomfortable. He told us that even if that happens. He would still want to talk about it because if he could bring comfort to people by letting them know they aren't alone in what they are going through then it would be worth it "
" What did you think when he told you that "
" I was amazed because he was willing to make himself uncomfortable to help other people. He's always tried to help others before he helps himself "
" Thank you , I'm done questioning the last witness Judge "
" Zee please leave the stand " the judge says. Once he's back at the seat the judge then says " Tomorrow is the last day of the trail. The trail will start at 10:00 am tomorrow instead of
12:00 pm. As of now, this llll lie trail is out on hold until tomorrow " the judge says. Once the judge is gone he goes to stand up and walk away. Just as he does he hears laughter causing him to freeze. " We sure did fuck you up. Not just physically but mentally as well. Shame we didn't have more time together at the beach. It was just about to get good until we were interrupted. I didn't even get to give Nat a scar yet. I was looking forward to listening to him scream and you watching as it happens ". He turns to look at Nate. " We could have had more fun. You, me, Nat, Tyler, Eddie, and Jack. I miss the adrenaline rush I got on the first day of school. Don't you NuNew ". He can feel himself start to shake.
" Keep their names out of your filthy mouth you bastard " Max shouts. He bites his lip so hard it starts to bleed. " Or what! You'll get stabbed again " Nate says laughing. " Come on guys lets leave the court room the cameras are still on " Max's father says. " I should have given Noah $1000 dollars for how much fun I've had with you NuNew ". He can feel himself start to hyperventilate as pictures from the first incident fill his head. He hears Nate laughing. " Oh come on NuNew. This makes you nervous. I'm just talking with you. Or maybe you have pictures coming into your head. Are you imagining when I was dragging the knife around your skin. That was my favorite part. Seeing you shiver in fear. Or are you thinking about me hurting Nat". He sees Nate stand up and try to take a step forward. He quickly backs up terrified. Max walks over to him and stands in front of him. " You're fucking crazy! " Max shouts angrily. He grabs on to Max's shirt with his shaking hands. Max turns around to look at him. He can see Max's anger turn into worry. Max turns to where Zee is and gestures for him to head near the room where they are heading to. Max then quickly guides him as well as a shaken up Nat into the room. Once they are in the room he hears Nate shout " Be carful Nat. Or someone might hurt you like they hurt NuNew " as the door closes. He looks to the left and sees the judge talking with a guard before he looks at them. " I just told the head guard that Nate will need extra guards for tomorrow " the judge says. " Thank you Judge. If you don't mind can I take Nat and NuNew to our friends so they can calm down after what just happened " Max says. " What happened " the judge asked. " Nate was saying some bad things to NuNew as well as Nat ". The judge nods before letting them go to their friends. Max gently guided both him and Nat outside of the room. When they are out of the room guards take them to the others. Zee immediately runs over to him. " Thank you Max for helping him. I'll talk with him while you can help Nat calm down " Zee says. Max nods before walking away from them with Nat. " Baby " is the first thing Zee says to him. It's what makes him start to cry. With shaking hands he grabs on to Zee's hoodie. Zee gently grabs his hands. " You're ok. He can't get you. Not when we are all with you ". He slowly nods his head. Zee pulls him into a hug and gently pats his back. " Do you want to wear my hoodie " Zee asked. " Can I " he said quietly. Zee pulls away from the hug. " Of course you can " Zee says before he takes off his hoodie. Zee then helps him put the hoodie on. He grabs on to Zee's arm and pulls him to the others once he's wearing the hoodie. " How are you feeling dear " Mrs.Betty asked worried. " I'm just a shaken up by what he said. There were some things that I learned during Noah's testimony and then what just happened after the judge left. It was just a lot. And it made Nat nervous as well " he says the last part turning to look at Nat. " How could be just say that. As if the whole world isn't watching. Even saying that while in the court room " Nat says. " He's a psychopath " he says. Everyone agrees. " Let's all head to the house and leave the court room. When we get to the house we can all try to relax " Tommy says. Everyone agrees. As the guards escort them to doors he stops when he sees Noah looking at him. He turns to him and says " You're even more pathetic than I originally thought. How could you put someone in danger for only $300. How could you put anyone in danger at all ". Before he could hear his reply he continues to walk with Zee and the others. Before they head outside he grabs on to Zee's arm. Zee just smiles at him.
As they make there way down the steps he sees everyone taking photos of him and Zee. " Everyone's taking photos of us " he says quietly. " They just found out who your boyfriend is and watched him as he testified in court. They're probably all going to see how we act when we're together ". He just nods. Agreeing with what he says. They hurry down the steps and get inside the van with Max and Nat. Him and Nat are sitting across from each other. While Zee and Max sit across from each other.
" Are you ok Nat " he quietly asked. Nat grabs his hand before saying. " Not really but we can both get over what happened soon ". He gently squeezes his hand before turning to Max. " Thank you P'Max. Especially for stepping in front of me when he tried to come close " he said quietly. " You and Nat were both terrified and effected by what he said. If I'm honest, I was about to go to him to beat the shit out of him " Max says clearly still upset from it. " What stopped you " he asked. " When you grabbed my shirt. I could feel how much your hands were shaking. When I turned around to look at you as well as Nat I knew that the best thing to do was to get you guys out of the room. So I told Zee to wait for us outside of the small room ". He looks at Nat's hand holding his before turning to look back at Max.
" Thank you P'Max ". Max just gives him a gentle smile. When he goes to let go of Nat's hand, Nat stops him. Only then does he notice Nat's puffy red eyes. He's never seen Nat like this before and it makes him want to cry.
" So this is how it feels " he says in a whisper. His voice breaking as he tries to stop himself from crying. He holds on to Nat's hands. " How what feels " Zee says. He gently squeezes Nat's hands. " To see someone you care trying to hide their pain ". Nat looks up at him. " If I shouldn't hide my pain you shouldn't as well. I can tell since the beach that this has been hard on you. Now he has given you " he bites his lip as he starts to cry. " I didn't want this to happen to you. I didn't want him to make anyone else feel this way " He turns to Max. Taking a shaky breath he says " This has effected Nat so much more than you realize P'Max. More than anyone has " he closes his eyes and takes a shaky breath. He then opens his eyes and continues " Knowing how much we are alike. You need to be close with him a lot. He'll want you to be near him most of the time but won't say it ". Max as well as Zee looks at him a little confused. " Nate and the others. Have given someone else memories that give them anxiety anytime they remember or think about it. Given them the feeling that they aren't safe. I wanted to be the last person. I didn't want him to make anyone feel this way. But now he's made my best friend feel similar to how I feel ".
" Nat, do you have ptsd because of the beach incident and with today " Max asked. He watches as Nat slowly nods his head. " Why didn't you tell anyone Nat. You should have told us so we could have helped you as well " Zee says. " I wanted to be strong for NuNew. He has it far worse than me. He needs more help then me ". He shakes his head. " Never say that your ptsd is not as bad as someone else's ". He says. Nat looks at him. " One of the first things I was taught about ptsd when they said I had it. Was that no persons ptsd is worse then the others. Ptsd effects everyone differently. So please don't think that way. Don't hold in your pain or anxiety. I have tried that and it's not good. Let yourself cry if you want to. Let yourself be upset by how the ptsd feels. Tell others if you're having a hard day because of it ". He can see Nat start to cry. " Just like everyone tells me. There are people who will help you. All of us will help you. I can give you tips on trying to help your ptsd if you need them " he says. He gently moves Nat's hands over to Max. " Just like how I have Hia to help me. You have P'Max ready to help you " he says as he lets go of Nat's hands. " Everything NuNew said was true Nat. I hope you can open up to me. As well as everyone else. When we get back to the house we can let everyone know and they can help you ". He wipes his tears away looking at Nat. He can see that he's hesitant to tell the others. " I can see that you're nervous about telling the others. I was the same way when telling everyone. It feels like they will think that you are weak. When in reality they won't. Look at how everyone treats me. They treat me just like the others. On days that are hard for me they help cheer me up. Just like they would do for anyone else in our group. Just like they will do for you " he says smiling gently at Nat. " Will you help me tell them " Nat asked him. " Of course I will. Hia and P'Max will also help you tell them. Even July will be there to help you " he says smiling. Making Nat laugh a little bit.
As they finish their conversation they reach his house. He holds out his hand " I know that you're nervous like me. So let's walk to the house together " he says. Nat smiles before grabbing his hand. Nat gestures to Zee and Max. He laughs before both him and Nat make Max and Zee hold hands. Both Max and Zee quickly let go of each other's hand. " They aren't as good as friends as you and me are " he says before the vans door opens.
Max and Zee are the first to exit the van. He looks over to Nat. " You ready " he asked. Nat nods. " As much as one could be in this situation ". He just smiles before exiting the van with Nat. Once outside the flashes of cameras start to go off. Nat moves closer to him as they walk to his house. It doesn't take to long for them to reach the house.
Once inside he notices that Mrs.Betty is still there. " Oh Mrs.Betty. Are you staying for dinner tonight " he asked. " We decided that I'll be staying here for the night since the trial is starting earlier tomorrow ". He nods. " Have you two been crying in the car " Net asked. He looks over to Nat and they make eye contact. He watches at Nat turns to look at everyone and nervously asks " Can we all sit down at the table so I can say something ". Everyone nods as they head to the table. Max sits down on one side of Nat. While he sits on the other. Nat holds his hand the entire time. " What is it dear " Mrs.Betty asked. Nat looks over to him. " Do you want me to say it or do you want to " he asked Nat quietly. " C-can you " Nat stutters. He gives Nat a gentle smile before turning to look at everyone. " On the way back to the house we had a long talk ".

Word Count: 5057

No persons PTSD is worse then the others.