A Thing Called Love

Homecoming - Part 3

POV JULIETTE

I know, I understand, I get that Gina was angry at Ricky for treating her that way because of EJ, but she didn't have to snap out at me like that. But Ricky wasn't in the right too, because it's not of his business.

Maybe I shouldn't have tried to follow her to fix everything.

And I think she calling me a "weirdo" didn't trigger me at all. Really. It didn't hurt me that much.

It's not like I was in the verge of crying after that. Maybe I shouldn't care about it.

Okay, maybe I do. Because I care A LOT of what people think of me. Social anxiety sucks.

Now, a few hours passed away, Seb didn't come, Carlos is a bucket of sad, Ricky and Big Red are gossiping about something, Ashlyn and I are having a good conversation (at least I'm trying to have) when...

Out of nowhere, Gina had a discussion with EJ, dropped red juice on top of him at purpose and ran away from the ballroom.

Honestly, I'm feeling so bad for Gina. She seemed to be a good person, but after tonight, I don't know what to think. I shouldn't think about her at all, I know, but I'm worried.

And anxious too.

- Do you want anything to eat again? - Ashlyn asks me.

- No, thanks, Ash, I'm good.

- Okay, I think I'm getting a poncho.

So I find myself alone at the table while she goes to the drinks one, but suddenly, a strong microphone ringing sound blasts on my ears (even though I'm with my ear plugs, I still can hear some noises) and I get myself scared.

Someone starts to talk at the mic, but I can't pay attention to it, because... My ears are feeling blurry right now. Suddenly, my stomach hurts. My heart is beating more faster than normal. My breath is shallow. My chest is feeling tighter. I'm sweating. My head is getting lighter. My hands are trembling.

The sound of people talking, the music on speakers, some loud munching... It bothers my ears.

The lights are bothering my eyes.

My chest hurts.

The sound of my heartbeats are louder inside my body.

I can't breathe.

Then I realize.

No.

No, no, no no no no no, not today...

This shouldn't happen. Not when everything was just fine.

I was having a meltdown and an anxiety attack, all at once.

I take my hand and put it on my chest, trying to ease my rapid heartbeat, but it's useless. The ambient is suffocating me.

My eyes start to get watery. I think I'm gonna die here.

I just want to go home. I need to get away from this place.

- ...Ju? - a voice calls me, but I don't recognize it instantly.

My thoughts are too loud. Everything is getting too much to me.

- Ju, are you okay? - the voice calls again, and then I realize it's Ashlyn.

- S... Sorry. I... I just need to go to the bathroom.

Then I get my purse and run away as fast as I can.

My sandals' steps make echoes by the corridors. I think I'm running too much for someone who's having a panic attack. I try to find the bathroom, but all I see is classrooms and more classrooms.