It's a Nightmare

Chapter Seventeen

Riley
Today was the second day rolling a baby stroller into the school halls. But today, I had Lucas walking beside me, so it wasn't as bad. He bit his bottom lip slightly when he was nervous. That was the cutest thing ever! Oh my gosh!

He had every right to be nervous, in my opinion. After lunch today: me, him and Mom were going to Oaken Home. The most secure mental institution in Manhattan. Dad had already gotten the both of us clearance to miss half of school. He would also being caring for Isaac this afternoon. Luckily, Isaac loved my father, and didn't have a problem with him.

The bell started ringing, which woke Isaac up. He didn't really react in any way. He just looked around with his curious eyes.

"Come on Lucas," I said. "We're going to be late for History." History was the only class I had with Dad, so I knew that nobody would ask me about Isaac. I rolled Isaac's stroller into the classroom and parked it beside my desk. Isaac had fallen back asleep.

"Hey Dad," I said nonchalantly, slipping into my desk beside Isaac. Lucas followed suit, sitting at his own desk. Dad nodded at me, acknowledging that I was here, before beginning his lesson.

I tuned out about halfway through the first sentence and instead started thinking about the trip to Oaken Home after lunch today. Luckily, I would be going with Lucas and Mom, so I wasn't too scared, but still. I was going to a freaking mental institution. To see Lucas' father. Who wanted to kill him. And most likely hated me. Because I had rescued him. What was going to happen to us? Fear clenched my stomach with an iron fist, twisting it into knots. I squeezed my hands into tight fists, and tried to push back the fear. My eyes closed tight.

"Riley," A voice said. "Are you alright?" I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. Lucas stood above me, looking into my eyes with his soft green ones. Dad had stopped talking; the whole class was looking at us. I shook my stomach free from the fear and blinked hard.

"Yeah, yeah. Perfectly fine." I smiled widely. Lucas raised an eyebrow, which earned a sharp look from me. He shrunk back in his seat; I didn't glare often, but when I did, they were harsh.

"Slow your roll girl," Maya said hesitantly, placing a hand on my shoulder. Even she was scared of my wicked glares. I blinked, clearing my eyes of the glare. My smile came back, and everyone relaxed.

***
The class was over after what seemed like three seconds; my stomach had been twisting from fear the entire time, and I couldn't image how Lucas felt.

I didn't notice that the bell had rung until someone tapped me on the shoulder.

"Come on Riley," Lucas said quietly."Your mom is waiting for us."

"We're going now?" Was my response to that question.

Lucas nodded, "I'm really scared, but let's go anyway."

We were leaving a bit early. Why? I shrugged; it didn't matter. We were out of school.

Lucas and I met mom by the car. Lucas' hand was wrapped in mine, and he kept clenching and releasing his fist. I also heard him breathing in and out, in and out, over and over.

I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze; well... I hoped that it was reassuring. Our eyes met.

"Lucas, calm down," I said softly. "I'll be beside you the whole time. Mom will be right outside. You'll be safe. It'll be okay."