Half a heart

Chapter 77

Charlie's POV

My heart was already racing as Harry pulled up to the front of the school. I gripped the earplugs in my pocket, fingers twitching nervously around them as I glanced out the window. The kids were pouring in through the main entrance, backpacks slung over their shoulders, and laughter filled the air. It all seemed so...normal. For them, at least.

"You're going to be okay, mate," Harry's voice broke through my thoughts, soft and reassuring. I turned to him, trying to offer a smile, but I'm sure it came off more like a grimace.

"Yeah," I mumbled, my voice not convincing either of us.

Harry handed me the earplugs he'd bought me the other day. "If it gets too much, just use these, alright?"

I nodded, clutching them like a lifeline before forcing myself to open the car door. The moment I stepped out, it felt like the air had thickened, pressing down on my chest. I barely registered Harry's wave before I slipped into the building, my feet moving automatically toward my locker.

The halls were buzzing with life, but all I could feel was this growing sense of dread. Whispers followed me everywhere. Ever since people found out I was living with the boys, it's like I couldn't walk through the school without hearing something about it.

I hurried to class, hoping to just disappear into the background, but it didn't take long for the stares to start. Phones were out, people whispering. I ducked my head, my breathing already starting to go shallow. The earplugs were still clutched tightly in my hand, but I hadn't put them in yet. Somehow, it felt like it wouldn't help today.

By the time I got to my first class, I was trembling. The teacher was talking, but I couldn't focus. Everything felt too loud. My head was buzzing, and the walls felt like they were closing in. It was like I was trapped, the pressure building and building until-

I couldn't breathe.

I bolted from the classroom, my feet moving before I even realized where I was going. My legs carried me to the old art room, the one I used to hide in. The one place where no one would look for me. I stumbled inside, my vision blurry, and slid down to the floor in the corner. I pulled my knees to my chest, trying to slow my breathing, but it wasn't working. My hands were shaking uncontrollably, and I couldn't get enough air.

"Please, please..." I whispered to myself, but it wasn't helping.

Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, the door creaked open.

"Charlie?"

It was Mr. Ajayi, his calm voice instantly cutting through the fog. I looked up, my eyes wide and frantic, and he was by my side in an instant.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," he said, kneeling down next to me. "Take a deep breath, alright? You're safe."

I tried, but my chest felt too tight. I couldn't get enough air, and the room was spinning.

"I'm going to call Jacob, okay? Just breathe for me."

I nodded weakly, clutching my knees tighter. I felt him stand up and make the call, but everything was still a blur. Minutes passed, or maybe it was just seconds-I couldn't tell. But then, I heard Jacob's footsteps, fast and urgent.

He crouched down in front of me, his face full of concern but calm. "Hey, buddy," Jacob's deep voice was steady, a grounding force. "I've got you now."

I didn't say anything. I couldn't. But as soon as Jacob wrapped me in the weighted blanket he always carried for moments like these, I felt the pressure on my chest ease just a little. It wasn't enough to stop the tears from falling, but the tightness was loosening.

Jacob picked me up effortlessly, and I buried my face in his shoulder, hiding from the world. His arms were strong, secure, and I clung to him like a lifeline.

"I'm tired," I mumbled into his shirt, my voice barely audible.

Jacob's grip tightened just a little. "Go to sleep, Charlie. I've got you."

I let myself relax against him, exhaustion pulling at me as we walked down the halls. I felt Mr. Ajayi's presence beside us, his calm voice speaking with Jacob, though I couldn't make out the words. Before long, we were at the car. Mr. Ajayi handed Jacob a folder of my schoolwork. "This is everything he needs," he said quietly. "Take care of him."

"Thank you," Jacob replied before gently settling me into the car. The door clicked shut, and I could hear Mr. Ajayi's footsteps fading away.

Jacob slid into the driver's seat, and the car started moving, but I barely registered it. I just kept my face pressed into the blanket, my eyes heavy with sleep. I felt Jacob's hand on my arm, steady and reassuring, as he whispered, "You're safe, Charlie. Just rest."

I drifted in and out of sleep, the rhythmic hum of the car lulling me into a sense of security. Every time I stirred, Jacob's voice would calm me, telling me I was alright, that everything was okay.

By the time we got home, I was barely awake. I felt Jacob lift me out of the car, still wrapped in the blanket, and carry me inside. My head rested against his shoulder, and I felt a sense of relief knowing I didn't have to face anything else today. Jacob carried me to the couch, sitting down with me still in his arms, and I curled up against him, the weighted blanket still draped over me.

I must have fallen asleep again because the next thing I knew, I heard the front door open. The boys were home. I didn't open my eyes, but I could feel their presence immediately.

"Is he okay?" I heard Harry ask, his voice filled with concern.

"He's asleep," Jacob replied softly. "He had a rough day, but he's calm now."

I felt someone gently brush my hair back from my forehead, and even without looking, I knew it was Louis. His touch was always gentle, always careful, like he was afraid I might break.

"Let's let him rest," Louis whispered. "He needs it."

I heard them all shuffle around, probably getting comfortable after a long day, but I stayed curled up against Jacob, the warmth of the blanket keeping me cocooned. Safe.

And as sleep tugged at me once more, I realized that no matter how hard things got, I wasn't alone. They had me. They always did.