Kaylee Jaymie Halstead

Part 2: The Phone Call and Conversation

Jay's POV
The phone rang pulling me away from the paperwork I had been trying to focus on. I glanced at the screen and saw Lincoln Grove High School pop up. I hadn't expected to hear from them today but then again it's got to the point where they probably have me on speed dial.
??: Good morning Mr Halstead. It's Mr James. I just wanted to update you on Kaylee. She's send to be struggling a bit today
My stomach dropped. I could already feel the familiar panic rising as I braced myself for whatever news was coming. Was she suspended? Did she get in a fight? Has been arguing with her teachers?
Jay: what happened?
Mr James: There was a bit of an issue during the test. She started having some absence seizures, and it affected her focus. We tried to give her space but it wasn't enough. She got frustrated and it escalated a little. She's upset and we've decided to let her have a chill day. She was so close to just walking out of school so we're doing whatever we can to keep her on the premises.
Jay: is she okay now?
Mr James: She's doing better. Archie's with her right now and we're giving her some time to calm down. I just wanted to let you know what happened. We'll reschedule the test for tomorrow if she feels up to it. But right now she needs a break.
Jay: Thanks for letting me know.
Mr James: Of course, Mr. Halstead. We'll keep an eye on her. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything
Jay: do I need to come get her?
Mr James: we'll look after her.
Jay: alright ill get her at lunch
Call ended

I put the phone down and had my head in my hands
Adam: you good Jay?
Jay: mhm
Kev: was that the school?
Jay: yep. Kaylees not having a good day. She's struggling
Hank: Jay can you come here?
Jay: no not really
Hank: Jay
Jay: fuck sake stop getting at me
Hank: Jay
I got up and walked into the locker room. I put my hand through the mirror and was punching the lockers.

Hank PoV
I left him to calm down. With Jay you have to give him space. I went back into my office just waiting. Adam came rushing in
Adam: Sarge we need you in the locker room. It's Jay
I ran out and made my way to the locker room. My heart was already in my throat and the closer I got, the more the panic kicked in. I knew how far Jay could go when he was like this, when he was losing it. The last time he nearly broke his hand punching through a window. This time I could already hear the smashing sounds from down the hall. I burst through the door and Adam was following behind
Jay was in the middle of the room, his back to me, his fist already dripping with blood. The mirror above the sinks was shattered, jagged pieces scattered across the floor. I turned to Adam
Hank: why don't you all take an early lunch?
Adam: you sure?
Hank: yeah just leave me to sort this out
Adam left and I turned my full attention to Jay
Hank: Jay! Stop!
He didn't even turn. He was muttering to himself, pacing like a trapped animal. His fists clenched, jaw tight, eyes glazed with fury.
Hank: Jay stop! You're gonna hurt yourself! Calm down damn it!
Jay: I don't need your help Hank! You can't— you don't get it!
He swung. His fist connected with the nearest locker
Hank: Goddamn it Jay, you're gonna destroy yourself!
I rushed at him tryna block the next punch. I caught his arm mid-swing but it didn't stop him. He twisted out of my grip and his fist landed on the locker again harder this time. The sound of metal crumpling under his blows sent a sickening chill down my spine. I grabbed him by the shoulders
Hank: Jay! Listen to me!
He shoved me back sending me stumbling into the lockers with a thud
Jay: Get the hell off me!
Hank: what's going on kiddo? Talk to me
He went for the lockers again but I had a hold of his arms. Before I could react he turned again out of my grip. He swung his fist again but this time he hit me in the chest knocking the wind out of me. I stumbled back gasping for air.
Hank: Jay! You're not thinking straight!
Jay: leave me the fuck alone
Hank: Jay, listen to me dammit! You're not okay! You need to stop! You're getting yourself too worked up!

He went to hit the locker again but mid swing his body went stiff before collapsing to the floor. I caught his head just before he hit the ground. I lowered him to the floor and rested his head on my thigh. I pulled him onto his side
Hank: Jay!
His body jerked, his limbs stiffening as the seizure took over. I had seen this before. He wasn't breathing right. His face contorted in pain and his body twisted against me in violent spasms whilst his face muscles spasmed.
Hank: Jay, breathe, please—please breathe
His lips were already turning blue. After what felt like forever the convulsions died down to light twitches before stopping completely. 10 minutes went by and his eyes shot open but there was no recognition just confusion.
Jay: I... I... I didn't... I didn't... the... green one. I—I left the—dog... she... she knows I didn't—
Hank: Shh, Jay, it's okay. Just breathe bud. Focus on me. You're safe. You're safe with me.
He wasn't listening. His mind was somewhere else
Hank: Jay
I brushed the hair from his face trying to get his attention
Hank: Jay you're okay. Just stay with me. Stay with me son.
His eyes fluttered open again. They were glassy and unfocused
Jay: I didn't... I didn't do it... didn't mean...
Hank: I've got you. Just breathe. You're alright, Jay. I won't let you go
Jay: g-g Kaylee school home go
Hank: I'll send someone to pick her up okay. Just relax.

Archie's POV
I sat beside Kaylee trying to make her as comfortable as possible in the quiet of rhys's office.
Archie: Kaylee. How're you feeling? You okay?
She didn't respond at first her eyes locked on the desk in front of her. Her chest rose and fell unevenly and I could tell she was still processing everything that had happened.
Kaylee: I'm fine. I'm just... tired of it. I couldn't even get through the stupid test
Archie: It's tough but you did good you know? You didn't let it control you. It's not easy and you're handling it better than most would
Kaylee: I don't feel like I'm handling anything. It's like my brain's broken or something. I can't even focus on one thing for more than two seconds
Archie: You're not broken. You've got a lot of stuff on your plate right now and it's okay to not have it all figured out. You're trying and that's more than a lot of people can say
Kaylee: You don't get it. You don't know what it's like to be me. It's exhausting
Archie: no I don't get it but I can see how it affects you and Im here to do what I can to make things easier. I'm here for you Kaylee
Kaylee: you're here because it's what you're paid to do
Archie: yes I get paid to do this but I do a lot for you and the other kids I work with that I don't get paid for. I'm only supposed to sit with you in lessons. That's all im paid to do. Anything else, I choose to do. You think the school paid for me to do an epilepsy and seizure first aid course?
Kaylee: you paid for that yourself? What an idiot
Archie: maybe but I did it so I could help you. I didn't wanna be useless in the case of you having a seizure. We both know how badly things can take a turn