Jaylen Evans

A New School Year Part 2

Jaylen pov
Everything was too much. The noise, the people, the overwhelming feeling that I wasn't where I was supposed to be, it was all crashing in on me.
I sat at my desk trying to focus on what mr Malone was saying, but the words just blurred together. I could feel my breath getting shallow, my chest tightening. The air in the room felt like it was closing in on me. I looked around at the other students, some of them talking, some working on assignments. They all seemed to be so calm, so normal. And I? I couldn't get my brain to stop spinning. I could feel the panic rising in my throat, my heart thudding harder and harder.
I knew the signs. I knew what was happening before my body did. My legs started to shake and I stood up quickly not even bothering to explain to mr Malone or the others. I just couldn't stay there anymore. I couldn't breathe. I pushed open the door and stumbled out into the hallway. I didn't care where I was going, as long as it was away from that room, away from all the noise.
I felt like I was in a tunnel, like the world was a thousand miles away and I was the only one who could feel the pressure building up inside me.
I kept walking faster, pushing past students who looked at me like I was crazy. But I didn't care. I didn't care about anything right now except getting away from that feeling.
Mr peters: Jaylen
I burst through the double doors and found myself outside, gasping for air. The cool breeze hit me, but it didn't help. My chest was tight, my breath coming in short, shallow bursts. I was on the verge of losing it. I leaned against the brick wall, trying to hold myself together, my hands gripping the cold surface, but my vision was blurring, and my heart was pounding in my ears.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block everything out, but it didn't work. The panic was too strong. I felt like I was drowning.

Jesus pov
I was walking down the hall when I spotted Jaylen. He was pacing back and forth, looking like he was about to explode. His eyes were wide, his breath short, and he kept running his hands through his hair like he couldn't get a grip on himself. It didn't take much for me to realize what was going on. Jaylen was having a panic attack. I started toward him, quickening my pace as I called his name.
Jesus: Jaylen!
He didn't seem to hear me. His steps were erratic and I could see his hands shaking. I reached him just as he bolted out the door, running out into the open air. I followed him, staying close, watching him stumble to a stop against the brick wall outside the school. His body was tense, his fists clenched, like he was trying to hold everything in.
Jesus: Jaylen. Hey, it's okay. Take a breath, alright?
He didn't answer. He just stared ahead, his eyes unfocused. His chest was rising and falling too fast. I stepped closer, putting a hand on his shoulder
Jesus: Jaylen, listen to me. You're okay. You're safe, alright?
He didn't respond.
Jesus: Hey. Look at me
Finally his eyes flicked up to mine. I could see the fear in them—the same kind of fear I had seen in myself before when I couldn't control what was happening.
Jesus: Just breathe okay? In through your nose, out through your mouth

I took a deep breath to show him slow and controlled and I watched as he mirrored me, his breath shaky at first but eventually finding a rhythm. I stayed with him as he breathed in and out, slowly, until the panic started to fade just a little.
Jesus: That's it. You're doing great, Jaylen. Just keep breathing
I felt his body relax, just a little, as his breathing steadied.
Jesus: Do you feel okay?
Jaylen nodded slowly, his face pale. He wiped his eyes, trying to act like everything was fine, but I could still see the tremble in his hands.
Jaylen: I'm sorry
Jesus: You don't need to apologize. You're not alone in this, alright?
He didn't say anything for a while. We just stood there together, him trying to calm down, me just watching, making sure he was okay. After a few minutes, Jaylen took a deep breath and finally looked up at me, his face still slightly pale but calmer
Jaylen: I just... I don't know what happened. It all just felt like too much
Jesus: I get it, man. I've been there. It's okay to feel like that
Jaylen bit his lip, looking down at the ground
Jaylen: I don't want to go back in there. I can't
Jesus: You don't have to go back in there right away. But I want you to know that you can. You don't have to do it alone. Just take your time. If you want to go back, I'll walk with you. If not, we can sit out here until you're ready.
Jaylen: Thanks, Jesus
Jesus: Anytime, man. You've got this.
Mr Peters: Jaylen
Jesus: you okay if I go?
Jaylen: mhm
Jesus left
Mr Peters: you wanna go for a walk?
Jaylen: mhm
We were walking around the school
Mr peters: what's going on? You looked panicked earlier
Jaylen: anxious and overwhelmed. Everything just feels too much
Mr peters: anything in particular?
Jaylen: the classroom, the people, the lights, my mind, literally everything
Mr Peters: you ready to go back?
Jaylen: I'll try
Mr peters: that's all I ask
We walked back towards LSU and stopped when we got to the door
Mr peters: how are you finding it? How's Mr Malone?
Jaylen: the other kids are nice I guess. Mr Malone is alright too I guess. Could be worse. I just wish I could handle normal lessons
Mr Peters: hopefully with time you will. This is for your own good Jaylen
Jaylen: I know

I pushed open the door and the sound of the classroom hit me immediately—the low hum of conversation, the quiet scratch of pencils on paper. But this time, it didn't feel as loud, didn't feel as suffocating. Mr Malone looked up from his desk as soon as I walked in. He must've seen something in my face because he immediately stood up and gave me a warm, understanding smile.
Mr Malone: Jaylen, I'm glad to see you back. How are you feeling?
I wasn't sure how to answer that. I looked back at Mr Peters who gave me a slight nod
Jaylen: better. I just needed some air
Mr Malone nodded like he understood completely
Mr Malone: That's okay. Everyone needs space sometimes. You don't have to jump right into the work if you're not ready. How about we take things slow for today?
I nodded, relief washing over me. I wasn't sure what I expected but hearing him say that made it a little easier.
Jaylen: I can do that
I sat down at the desk closest to me glancing around. The other kids were working quietly, some with headphones, others reading. There was no judgment here, no harsh stares. It was just... normal. Mr Malone walked over to me, pulling a stack of papers from his desk
Mr Malone. I know things can get a bit overwhelming but I'm here to help. If you need a break at any point, don't hesitate to ask. We'll get through this at your pace okay?
Jaylen: I'll be okay
He smiled and slid a worksheet toward me.
Mr Malone: Alright. Let's take it slow. We'll start with something simple something that doesn't have to be perfect

I glanced at the worksheet but I didn't immediately pick up the pencil. I wasn't sure I could focus on it. But just having mr Malone there, giving me a little space, made the pressure ease a little. I picked up the pencil and started, not because I was sure it would go well but because I knew I had to try. The work wasn't easy, but it didn't feel like it was impossible either. Every time my mind wandered, mr Malone would catch me and gently guide me back to the task at hand. His tone wasn't forceful, but calm.
Mr Maine: You're doing great, Jaylen