Until You Mean It

Chapter 14: The Sisters

Happy reading

I woke up to the frantic sound of my name ringing in my ears and a pounding headache. I grimaced, squeezing my eyes shut, willing myself to fall asleep to take the pain and reality away.

I was disappointed. I really believed I was cured. I guessed I was wrong. The last time I had a panic attack, I was a very timid girl, had no friends so I kept to myself. But that didn't stop the kids in my class from bullying me just because I was different. And I hated them. I hated them all.

The last few months were great. I knew what it meant to be normal, to be accepted, to have friends, to be happy. But life was like a coconut, it came crashing down in your head when you least expected it.

"Avril?"

I reluctantly glanced to my side to see Caleb's and Wendy's face filled with concern and worry. I quickly closed my eyes, afraid of all the questions that would surely be asked and pretended that I fell asleep. They would want to know who 'He' was and I wasn't ready to tell anyone. Not even my mom knew who 'He' was.

"Avril?" Caleb whispered softly, brushing his fingers against my cheek. Subconsciously, I pushed closer to his hand, relishing in the comfort that he was giving. I needed it. He cupped my face. I opened my eyes to find him gazing into mine.

"I'm taking you home."

I nodded and tried to get up but my legs gave out from sudden weakness. Caleb quickly caught me and scooped me into his arms before I could fall. "I'll always catch you when you fall," he whispered, brushing his lips against my forehead while I drifted into nothingness.

********

I forced my eyes open, scanning my surroundings and stretching my stiff limbs. I was in my bedroom and there was only one way I could have reached there without my knowing. I groaned and covered my face with my pillow to muffle my screams. Out of frustration, I threw a pillow at the door right as it opened and it hit Caleb square in the face.

He blinked a few times and picked up the pillow from the floor and threw it on the bed while I glared at it like it was the reason for all my troubles in the in world.

"Maybe I should come back in a few minutes," he said cautiously, holding the doorknob while looking at the havoc I have created with the pillows that may have hit off a few things from my dresser. I looked at my third alarm clock for the month that had scattered to pieces on the floor. Stupid clock.

"No you can stay," I muttered, folding my arms.

"Someone's a little irritable." He sat on the end of my bed and scanned my face for any flicker of emotion. I kept the blank expression on my face unfaltered.

He looked at me expectantly, patiently waiting for a reaction.

I cracked, revealing every emotion I was feeling.

I sighed out of frustration and pulled my hair. "It's always like this after I...." I quickly glanced at him with a pained expression, hoping he would understand.

He raised my chin when I looked down. "I get it. You don't have to explain. You'll tell me in your own time," he smiled sadly.

I stopped breathing. Surprise filled my face. He was the first person that understood and didn't plagued me with questions.

"Thank you," I croaked, tears brimming my eyes. I hugged him with a heart filled with gratitude and relief.

He hugged me back and lifted me off the bed. "Now come on I made us breakfast and it's getting cold," he said softly.