Shattered ✓

S I X T E E N

Alexa

Guilt consumed me. Here we were, having a great time, and I just had to ruin it. Where did that panic attack even come from? It doesn't make sense. Ethan just accidentally touched my leg and it just happened.

I followed Andrew and Ryder to the house. They both kept glancing back at me, as if they were worried that I'll go off the deep end. I'm so embarrassed. Having a panic attack in front of Andrew is one thing, but everyone else?

"Lexi," Andrew said, after we walked halfway home in complete silence, "can you please tell us why you were so so scared?"

My head was lowered, looking at my shoes as I walked. "I will later." I feel like I keep saying that, but then don't.

Andrew sighs and glances at Ryder.

We made it home and walked inside.

"I'm sorry," I tell them, my face red.

Ryder smiles. "Don't be sorry, it's not your fault," he tells me.

"It's not?"

"You can't control a panic attack," he pointed out.

Zach, Cameron, Justin and Jason were sitting on the couch, watching TV. I wasn't sure what they were watching but it looked boring.

Zach glanced over at us at those words, causing me to tense up. He stood up and walked over to us. "Alexa? You had a panic attack?" he questioned.

I glance over at Andrew in alarm and then back at Zach and nodded. "But don't worry, I'm good now."

Zach went in for a hug, but Andrew quickly stepped in front of me. "I recommend not to touch her right now." He looks at me then leans in, whispering but terribly—like Michael. "That's what caused it earlier."

So Andrew is going to treat me as if I'm fragile now?

"Ah," Zach said, pursing his lips.

Cameron came over to us with a frown. "Alexa, you okay?" he asked me.

"I'm fine," I say. "I just have anxiety, that's all, really. Nothing triggered me."

No one looked like they believe me.

"Oi! You guys are missing the movie!" Jason called from the couch.

Zach and Cameron give me one more look and I shooed them away, so they went back to the couch.

I sigh, heading into the kitchen and sitting at the table. I really wish they wouldn't worry so much about me.

I heard the door open and I tended up. All of my brothers were already here... maybe one of them was leaving?"

"We're here!" came my dad's booming voice, and I nearly cried because broooo, I don't want him here. "Where's my darling little angel?"

"I'll go get her for you!" Andrew said and then he entered the kitchen. "Hey, Dad and Veronica are home!"

"I heard," I replied softly.

"Come on, they want to see you," Andrew says with a grin.

"Okay." I took a deep breath and followed Andrew back into the living room. I wasn't ready, but I didn't want Andrew to know something was up.

Zach, Cameron, Jason, Justin and Ryder were all glaring at my dad, though Andrew didn't notice. He's always been blind and oblivious.

Zach walked over to me. "You don't have to," he says, whispering so Andrew didn't hear. At least someone knows how to whisper.

"It's okay," I tell him, and then I walk up to Dad and Veronica. Dad was grinning, putting on an act. Veronica had tears in her eyes and quickly wrapped her arms around me with a tight grip.  I noticed that Veronica looked about ready to pop. The baby must be about ready to come out soon.

"Oh sweetie!" Veronica gushed. "We've missed you terribly, I'm so glad you're back." Tears fell from her eyes, much to my alarm.

"I—I missed you too," I muttered softly, wrapping my arms around her. She truly does feel like a mother.

"Ah, let me see the little angel!" Dad said fondly, as he hugs me. He's a good actor. Or maybe he's changed since Andrew's back. I won't know for sure until we're alone.

The boys—minus Andrew, who was just so happy that we were all reunited—kept a watchful eye on my dad, and I couldn't blame them. I was grateful that they weren't saying anything in front of Andrew. I really don't want him to know anything.

"I love you," my dad tells me. That's something i hadn't heard from him in awhile. It's just an act, I reminded myself.

I caught Zach rolling his eyes and muttering something to Cameron.

Jason and Justin exchanged looks, while Ryder crossed his arms over his chest.

I can act, too.

"I love you too, Dad," I tell him.

"Alexa!" Veronica says. "I think we should have some girl time. We didn't have enough before, and I'd like to change that."

I smile. "Really?"

Veronica nods.

"That's a great idea!" Justin said, side eyeing my dad. "Just you and her, Mom?"

"Of course!" Veronica says. "We can go to the mall and grab dinner, just the two of us, it'll be so fun!"

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Zach says with a smile.

Veronica grins. "Mhm, let's go! And you guys can have boy time with your father!"

"Yay!" Andrew says.

No one else seemed all too happy about that, but no one commented on it.

"Let's go, Alexa," Veronica says, grabbing my hand.

"Oh, we're doing this right now?" I asked.

"Yes, of course, silly! I don't know when I'll get another chance to spend one on one time with you, especially after having this baby."

I crack a smile. "Okay, I'm ready."

After saying goodbye to everyone, Veronica and I left. I was kind of excited to spend time with another girl. I haven't really had that, and I think it'll be good for me. I wonder how things will go with them.... They really don't like Dad, and I feel like things only didn't get out of hand for Andrew's sake. Poor Andy, being in the dark like that...

But that's okay.