Savannah // Michael Clifford

1.9 - Keep Him Safe

Savannah

I didn't get the message that caused me to push away from people until we were getting ready to perform in Chicago. Breanna had stopped by my dressing room, more like ran in, making both Taylor and Nicole exist the room before she dropped the bomb. I had never expected her to ever say what she had.

"Someone paid the bail for Mason. He has been out of jail since then."

After that my chest tightened and a panic feeling creeped up my spine. Why would someone do that? More importantly, who would do that? Does this mean that he's coming after me? Oh no, this isn't good. I needed to get out. I had to get far away from Michael as possible. He couldn't hurt him, not over me.

Please just let me wake up and this can all be some nightmare. Just to check, I pinched my arm. Nope, it's real. My day just went to hell.

I looked to Breanna, watching as her mouth moved but no words were coming out, then to my shaking hands before I staggered my way out of the room. This wasn't happening, I didn't want to be trapped again by him. The hallways and faces of many crew members blended together, not even registering in m mind of where I could be or who I was passing by. All I knew was that I wasn't safe anymore. Nobody around me was safe because of me.

When I did stop running because much protest from my legs and chest, I was stuck in a hallway that lead to an exit. Slowly, my body slide down the wall until I hit the floor. My chest was too tight as breathing was next to impossible; tears falling rapidly down my cheeks. Even though I knew I had to try and calm down, I couldn't. My whole body was shaking and I couldn't figure out if it was because of running or the panic attack I was having.

My heart was pounding that I could basically hear it in my ears. Or so I thought, bringing my hand to my heart, I left it there to feel the beats. No it wasn't my heart I was hearing, it was coming from far away, steadily getting louder.

"Oh, fuck." A body leaned down beside me, causing me to jump; my frantic eyes searching up to find a pair of concern hazel eyes and then a pair of green ones masking the same emotion.

"Savannah." I heard Ashton say my name but it wasn't as clear as it should be; almost like hearing it come from down a tunnel. Was he actually here or was I just imagining it.

"If you can hear me, can you try squeezing my hand?" His hands cupped around my shaky ones, patiently waiting until I squeezed them. When I did as he asked, he seemed to relax just a bit. 

"Good, now can you focus on me and my breathing? Breath in and then slowly let it out?" He took an exaggerated deep breath before blowing it out. I tried copying him but my first attempt was jagged and harsh. Breath Savannah, in and out, slowly.

For those couple of minutes he'd do the same breathing routine, adding a few bits of encouragement as he went along. When he was finished I noticed a few more people stood in the hallway with us.

"Anyone have any water?" Ashton asked, looking around at the faces. One of the security people handed over a bottle of water. It was opened and handed to me. I took a small sip, feeling the coldness fill my numb body.

"You good?" Michael asked, causing me to look up at him. My face had to have been pale and blank as he bit back a harsh grimace. I only nodded, answering his question.

"Do you think you're able to stand up and walk back?" Again, he received a simple nod and after a few sips of water, I was helped to my feet; having several of the bodies in the hallways move back and give me some space.