No Strings Attached

Chapter 11

I blushed to myself. I didn't like Logan, did I? I couldn't. He was just my lab partner. But then again, he did carry my unconscious body to the nurse's office. But what if he was just close and a teacher pointed to him randomly asking him to take me? But then, why would he stay? My mind flooded with questions. Questions about Logan, about Ms. Tucker's comments, about what she informally diagnosed me with.

Could I really have social anxiety? It didn't seem likely. I had never shown signs before today. No, wait. What about that time I got all sweaty and panicky at the party at Brad's house? There were a ton of people there. And no one let me through. My heart started picking up its pace and my breathing became unnatural. Just remembering the event caused stress.

My brain was working at a thousand miles per hour. So much had happened since lunch, and it was getting hard to process.

I checked the time. 1:00. How long was I out? I threw my legs over the side of the cot and faced Ms. Tucker. "Do you think it's safe to go back to class?"

She clicked her tongue on the roof of her mouth. "Well, actually, I think it would be to you benefit if you went home for the day. Just tell the teachers you have yet to meet today and ask them for the homework assignments and schedule a time to meet with them to catch up. I would do all that over an email."

"Okay," I replied. "I guess I'll go home, then." I stood up and grabbed my bag off the ground next to me.

"I'm glad you're feeling better," she said sincerely.

I grinned. "Thank you. And thanks for letting him stay and covering for him."

She waved it off. "Oh, that was no trouble. He cares about you. I let him watch over his friend. You should do something about his generosity."

Is she implying that I use him for sex? What kind of sick person is she? I was actually starting to like her. "No," I said intentionally. "I'm sure I can gratefully accept his friendship and repay him, instead of taking advantage of it." I was almost surprised at myself for having such sass to a staff member.

She raised her eyebrows. "Alright, then. You can go on out. Have a good rest of the day off."

"Thank you," I said sharply and left.

--

I was packing up right when passing period started. Parker looked like he'd seen a ghost.

"Are-are you okay?" he stuttered.

"Yeah," I said casually. "Just didn't feel good. The nurse said I should go home."

He stared at me. "Alright." Then he got his books and made his way to his next class.

Savanna ran over to me. "Oh, my gosh! Are you alright! I saw you fall and tried to help you, but by the time I got over there, a big guy had already picked you up!" She hugged me, and I really didn't like it.

"Yes, I'm fine," I said, irritated, as I squirmed out of the hug. "I'm going home, though. The nurse thought I should rest."

She cooed. "Oh, well get better, Tegan!" Then she scampered off and I stuffed my last book in my backpack.

After checking out at the office, I started walking home. I tried to process the events of the day. So apparently, I have social anxiety. How the hell did I not know this before?

I plopped down on the couch with my laptop and emailed all my afternoon teachers, asking about assignments and catching up. Once I composed my last message, I turned on the T.V. because I didn't have too much homework to do. I figured I would do it before I went to bed, no problem.