INSTITUTION OF THE ILL AND FORGOTTEN

CHAPTER FOUR

Picture of Anthony ^^

Skylar's Pov

(Time skip)

Last night's dinner was excruciatingly awkward. Every bite felt like a chore, and Mr. Russio's intense scrutiny only made it worse. His eyes seemed to linger on my plate as if he could see right through me. The paranoia of being found out sent shivers down my spine, making it hard to swallow even a morsel.

After what felt like an eternity of uncomfortable silence, Mr. Russio finally broke it. His voice was cold and calculated as he addressed me.

"Well, Skylar, it seems like you're not going to eat anymore," he observed, his tone sending a chill down my spine. "Why don't you follow me to my office? We need to go over the rules."

Reluctantly, I followed him to his office, my mind racing with fear and uncertainty. The rules he outlined were strict and uncompromising – no drinking, no drugs, no smoking. And as a newcomer, I would need either him or Elijah to accompany me if I wanted to leave.

As Mr. Russio continued to lecture me about the consequences of breaking the rules, I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. The punishments he described would be given depending on which rule was broken, and I couldn't help but feel trapped.

His hollow reassurances that he and Elijah were there for me rang hollow in my ears, a stark contrast to the suffocating reality of my situation. In this world, trust was a luxury I couldn't afford, and Mr. Russio's words did little to ease my fears.

He continued, explaining how the boys shared chores and that I would have a grace period of one week to settle in before being expected to contribute. My mind raced with questions, doubts, and fears, but when Mr. Russio asked if I had any questions, I hesitated. The memory of his earlier instruction to verbally respond prompted me to speak up.

"No, Mr. Russio, I don't have any questions," I said quietly, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

"Good, good," he replied with a nod. "Then you may leave now. And remember, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me or Elijah." Also, call me Leonardo or sir, Mr. Russio was my father, not me.

With a sense of relief mingled with apprehension, I exited his office, the weight of his expectations heavy on my shoulders. And as I walked back to my room, my mind kept telling me that this wasn't going to last long. This nice act would only last about a week or two before they started to show their true colors and terrified me even more.

(Morning time)

The morning sunlight filtered through the window, casting a soft glow over the room as I lay in bed, lost in my thoughts. A knock at the door startled me, but I hesitated to answer, uncertain if I was supposed to. When the door creaked open, revealing Anthony standing in the doorway, frustration etched across his features, my heart skipped a beat.

"Why didn't you answer?" Anthony's voice was gruff, his intimidating presence only adding to my fear.

My mind froze, thoughts jumbling as I struggled to form a coherent response. The sight of Anthony's tattoos, coupled with his stern demeanor, sent a wave of panic coursing through my veins. I felt small and vulnerable, unable to find my voice as tears welled up in my eyes.

"I... I'm sorry," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't know if I should..."

My words trailed off into a choked sob, my body trembling with the weight of my fear and uncertainty. At that moment, all I wanted was to disappear, to escape the suffocating grip of my anxiety. Soon Anthony's expression softened, but my anxiety was getting the best of me, and soon I couldn't breathe. Anthony saw that and tried to walk towards me, but I flinched backward very quickly. When he saw that I didn't want him close, he stopped walking, but I continued to move backward and stumbled, falling to the ground while trying to catch my breath.

The ceiling started to look blurry, and I was so out of it that I didn't even see Anthony walking toward me. Soon after, I felt arms around me, and I started to thrash around, trying to fight the person off in fear. "Breathe, Skylar!" the person shouted, which only made me shiver and fight even more. "Breathe for me," the person said in a softer voice.

Despite my panic, the gentle tone in the person's voice began to penetrate through the haze of my anxiety. Slowly, I started to calm down, the tightness in my chest easing as I focused on the sound of their words. Yes, that's it Skylar breathe listen to my heart, and try to match it he said, With each breath, the panic began to subside, that's it good boy I am right here so just keep breathing and soon my anxiety was replaced by a sense of relief as I allowed myself to surrender to their embrace while falling in the comfort of sleep. Although, I knew that the comfort was not going to last long, for once I shut out my mind and just enjoyed it as I have no memory of ever feeling something like this. 

(Anthony's Pov)

I held the fragile and broken-looking boy in my arms as he slept, his peaceful expression belying the turmoil he must have been feeling inside. It seemed as though he was waiting for something to snatch him away even in his sleep. Carefully, I tried to lift him from the floor and place him on his bed, but he clung to me, refusing to let go. Not wanting to disturb his rest, I settled into the bed with him, holding him close as I waited for him to wake.

As I lay there with him, Elijah entered the room, his expression one of shock and concern. I gestured for him to be quiet, not wanting to disturb the boy's sleep. Elijah's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the boy in my arms.

I explained to Elijah that the boy had a panic attack when I came to get him for breakfast, and I had managed to calm him down. However, when I tried to leave, he refused to let go of me. Elijah's disbelief and worry were evident as he asked what had caused the attack.

"To be honest, I don't know," I admitted. "It came on so quickly and randomly. I was at a loss for what to do at first."

Elijah's concern deepened as he took in my words, and I could see the worry etched into his features. As we watched over the sleeping boy together, I couldn't help but wonder what demons haunted his dreams and what had brought him to this broken state. 

As Elijah left the room to inform Leo and the boys that we would be joining them for breakfast, I felt a sense of responsibility settle over me. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for the conversation I would soon have with Leo about the boy in my arms and how we could help him.

I gently shifted the boy so that he was nestled more comfortably in my arms, his fragile form a stark reminder of the challenges he faced. As I waited for Elijah to return, I couldn't help but wonder about the boy's past and what had led him to this point. But dwelling on the unknown wouldn't help him now – what he needed was support and understanding.

When Elijah returned, his expression serious but determined, I nodded in acknowledgment. Together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead and do everything in our power to provide the boy with the care and guidance he needed to heal.

(A/N)That's a wrap for this chapter! I'm glad we got to delve into Skylar's story and see the dynamics with the other characters unfold. Skylar's journey is certainly compelling, and I'm eager to see how it continues right.

As for who Skylar should have a moment with next, it depends on the direction you who do you want to put your suggestion down in the comments I'm excited to see who you chose.