It's a Nightmare

Chapter Twelve

Lucas

The rest of the hospital stay was uneventful. It all past by in a blur, and before I knew it, I was on my way to Riley's house.

Riley's mom-who told me to call her Topanga-had offered to take me in for a while, since I had no secondary guardian and my mom...well...she couldn't exactly care for me. So I was going to live with the Matthews for a while, until the courts decided where to send my brother and I.

I had to discuss with Topanga-who had taken me in as a client-where I wanted to go and she would relay that information to the courts. I also had to go to my fathers court hearing in three weeks and speak against him. Until then, he was not allowed to have any sort of direct contact with me unless Corey or Topanga were present. He was being held in prison until the court hearing, which was a huge weight off of my shoulders.

"So Lucas," Topanga began. "What sort of things do you like to do for enjoyment?"

I thought for a moment, trying to remember the last time I done something for fun. Nothing came up.

"I don't really do much for fun. I didn't have a lot of time." I replied honestly.

I could see Topanga frown in the rear view mirror.

"Oh, we'll have to fix that. Right Riley?"

Riley nodded, "Lucas, I'll take you to the arcade sometime. If you'd like to."

"That sounds fun. That's all videos games and stuff, right?"

Riley nodded, "It's really fun. When would you like to go?"

"I-I don't want to impose."

"Nonsense Lucas, you two can go tomorrow after school. After you've done homework." Topanga cut in.

"Sounds good Mom."

"Thanks Mrs. Mat-Topanga. Thanks Topanga."

We pulled up in front of the Matthews apartment building. Riley got out of the car and I followed.

Soon my social anxiety started acting up. I started trembling; my hands were shaking horribly. My heart was pounding.

"Hey Lucas, you okay?" I took deep breaths.

I looked at Riley.

"Yeah, I can do this. I can do this."

I can't do this. I can't do this.

"Come on Lucas."

Riley grabbed my hand, leading me up to the door and up the stairs, into her apartment.

My breaths became shorter, shallower. I couldn't swallow.

"Riley, where's the guest bedroom." Topanga had told me that I would be sleeping there.

"Down the hall, last door on the right." I raced in there as fast as I could and proceeded to have a panic attack.