Kristen Zinicallei

Chapter 31

Emy's POV

I lead Will outside carefully, noticing how he walked unsteadily. "Sit down," I pointed to the tree and he nodded. He sat and breathed heavily. I lowered myself to the ground carefully and sat beside him. "Do you want to talk about what just happened?" I asked calmly.

"I don't know, maybe." He sighed and leaned into me slightly. When he realized what he was doing he pulled away quickly. "Sorry," he mumbled.

"You don't have to tell me what's wrong, I just want to know if theres anyway I can help." I said trying to sound sincere.

"I lied earlier, I'm not sick, or I wasn't. I got a concussion, didn't know about it though. I went to the nurse and she sent my dad to come get me and take me to the doctors." I felt my face soften in concern.

"Are you feeling okay? Do you want me to take you to the nurse?" I asked patiently.

"No, no I'm fine." I sighed, back to square one.

"Would you at least tell what you're feeling? You don't have to go to the nurse." He nodded carefully.

"Im dizzy, like really dizzy, and my head really hurts. I'm tired of this..." he trailed off looking at me. I could see the pain and fear hidden behind his eyes. I knew the feeling. The feeling of having so many feelings and not knowing how to put it into words.

"Of what?" I asked to see if he would tell me more.

"I can't tell you..." he said and I nodded.

"I won't tell anyone, it just might help to let it out." I encouraged slightly.

"I already told you about my head...I don't wanna get in trouble...I already told someone and I don't want to...I can't—I can't—I can't. I don't—I don't—I don't want to get—I can't..." He started hyperventilating again. Repeating those words over and over, taking heavy and shaky breaths. "I can't—I dont—I can't—please stop!" His voice got louder. Like he was having a nightmare but fully awake.

"Will, calm down...please I don't know what to do." I whispered as he shook back and forth.

"I don't know...I don't know...I need to protect her," he repeated still shaking violently.

"Will, if you can't calm down, I'm going to get the nurse. Please I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked. You're scaring me..." I whispered that last part slightly. Will's head dropped into his lap and I heard his light sobs turn heavy.

"It hurts," he cried beside me. "I'm sorry..." he sniffled and moved away from me.

"It's okay, you're okay," I said rubbing his back.

"I'm not okay." He sighed and shook his head.

"What can I do?" I asked quietly.

"I don't know."

"Do you want to tell me what's wrong? I won't make any comments, I'll just listen. I won't tell anyone, even if I should." He nodded.

"We're gonna be late to class..." he mumbled.

"Yeah, do you want me to call you tonight?" He shook his head.

"No, please stay here with me? I'm a mess, I can't go to class. After you can take me to the nurse, get yourself a pass. Please?" He begged.

"Yes of course, let me let text the girls and let them know everything's okay." He nodded and I sent a quick message to the group chat.

"Alright." He sighed and sat up straighter.

"You okay? Do you want to start?" I gave a small smile.

"Yeah, just a bit dizzy. I'll start in a second..." he took a deep breath. "Where should I start?" He asked looking over at me.