A New Us (A Hayes Grier Fanfiction)

What happens next?

Hayes' POV

This is the worst way to start high school. This can't be happening.... it's a dream. all a dream. yeah....

I dodge as many people as I can while I am running to find Nash. I bump shoulders with a few people, but eventually make it to him.

Nash is smiling and laughing, having the time of his life with his friends. "Nash! We gotta go!" he turns around, confused. "Now, Nash!" I yell and grab his arm, pulling him towards where I last was, with Sam and Kristen. "C'mon you guys, we're going to see April." They just nod, following me and Nash, who is still being hauled around by me.

"Can someone explain what's going on?" Nash says turning the engine over.

"April...Car....Boom...." is all I could say. I was not only out of breath from running, but also having a panic attack. Hayes, pull yourself together. but I can't. this is insane. is she okay? what's her condition?

I look up and see Nash being his calm self. "Nash! aren't you worried?" he smirks a little at my freaking out.

"just calm down, little buddy. I'll get you to where you need to be. you need to relax. breathe in through your nose, hold your breath for 3 seconds, then release. and put that on repeat until you're okay." how can I be 'okay' in a time like this? I start breathing a little heavier. "Now, Hayes." Nash says with a stern look on his face.

alright, in......hold......release.....in.....hold.....release.....in....hold.....release... woah, that actually helped. I continue breathing this way.

"How'd you know to do that?" I ask Nash.

"Trust me, I've had many panic attacks when mom and dad got divorced, and many more after that." I just nodded. Nash is wiser than you may think.

Now, April.... She has to be okay. she's strong. she's been through a lot, but she's strong. she's got us to help her through whatever the outcome may be. she can always count on us.

Sam and Kristen are talking amungst themselves, talking about who knows what. I'm sitting here thinking about April, my best friend. She's been my friend for a really long time. since Kindergarten.

"Hayes, let's go" Nash says pulling into the first available parking space. it may have been a handicap, I'm not sure.

I get out and run immediately to the front desk. "April Manley" I say looking her in her cat eye glasses.

"Family?" she says raising one eyebrow. it I'll my eyes.

"Boyfriend" i lie. she nods and starts typing into the computer. I tap my toe furiously.

"Room 125. it's on the left. Your friends stay." I nod to them and start running. "No running!" she yells from her spinny chair. I ignore her completely and continue running through the hallways. 123...124....125!! I pop my head through the door and she looks terrible.... Her mother is next to her and she only has a bandaged head.

April...April on the other hand, looks like she should be gone. She looks like her heart beat status should be a straight line instead it's mountain like pattern.... she looks pale and lifeless.

"Hello, Mrs. Manley" I say quietly. She looks up and her eyes are red and her make up is running down her face.

"Hello, Hayes. How'd you get in here?" She says standing up, brushing herself off and wiping her tears.

"I lied and said I was her boyfriend." I say smiling a little, fighting back the tears as much I could. she nods and then she bursts into tears. I open my arms and she starts crying uncontrollably. that's when I lose it as well. I start crying and we both just stand there.

"She's in a coma, Hayes," she says in between her sobs. I clench my eyes shut. not wanting to think about her possibly not coming out of this. "She may lose all her memory, Hayes," she says crying harder than I thought was possible.

"Hey, think positive, ma'am. Something that helped me relax on the way here was my breathing. In through your nose, hold for three seconds, the release and repeat until you're calm" she let go of my embrace and sat down. she started breathing more evenly, kissed Aprils head, and then left the room.

I sit down next to April and whisper "We've got this."