The Letters That Saved Her Life (sequel to Dear Niall {A Niall Horan Fanfic})

February 6th 2017

February 6, 2017

Jackie's POV

I didn't go into work the other day so I might as well go in today. Ben texted me the other day to let me know that a guy came in asking about me. He made an appointment for today so I kind of don't have a choice of going in or not. After getting dressed in jeans and a short shirt with a tank top on underneath I tie a flannel around my waist. So my go-to clothing choice basically. After doing my makeup I head downstairs and slip my leather jacket on, then my black boots. Luke and Ashton are sitting on the couch whispering and looking at their phones. When they notice me they say hi.

"I'm going into work today, and I'm kind of behind because I have a new guy coming in today and a few others that have been waiting a few days. So I don't know what time I'll be home."

"Ok, see you later." I nod and start to head out with my phone and car keys in my hand. I take a little longer than normal because I just want a few minutes without having to think about what I have to do today. As soon as I walk in though Ben gives me a hug.

"Hey." I say looking up at him when we break off. "You ok?"

"Ya, I wanted to give my best friend a hug." I say oh and hug him again. I tell him I'll talk to him later and go to my station. When I'm unwrapping my machine I hear my name and look up to see a woman standing in front of me. I shake her hand and stay seated.

"What were you thinking of getting?" She takes out a paper and starts talking about how she just wants it to be a simple smiley face. Knowing this won't take long I just ask her if she'd mind if I just sketch it into her skin. I have a lot to get done today so hopefully this will make this one go faster. I start the actual tattoo and I find out that this woman doesn't like to talk a lot. I'm totally fine with not talking to someone but sometimes it's a little weird cause I'm sticking a needle into someone else's skin. Maybe it's just me.

When I'm almost done with it the new shop manager, Trace, says there's a guy waiting for me for when I'm done. I nod with out looking away. When I wrap up her tattoo and she thanks me, I look around. There's a lot of people in today so I can't see everyone that's here. I stand up to take my leather jacket off and set it on the back of my chair. I clean up my station and start to set up for someone else when I hear his voice.

"Trace told me that I could come talk to you about what I want?" My muscles tense and I feel like collapsing. It can't be, and if it is... I look up to see my worst nightmare coming back to haunt me. I feel like I can't breath, and my skin is burning.

"I need to-" I trail off and start walking to the back door and end up jogging until I'm outside. Sliding down the side of the building. I still can't breath as I pull my legs up to my chest and rest my head on my knees. I feel hands on my arms and I look up to see Ben saying something but I can't hear him. He sits next to me and wraps his arm around me. I set my head on my knees again and take deep breathes until the shaking stops.

"Are you ok?" He asks a few minutes later.

"No-t quite." I'm trying to make my breathing normal but it isn't helping. I still feel as though there's a huge weight on my chest.

"I didn't know you get panic attacks?" I slowly nod in response. Resting my head on his shoulder he speaks up again. "What's triggered it?"

"My client. He's the ex boyfriend from Syracuse." He says oh and goes silent again.

"Want me to take him?"

"He made an appointment with me, I don't think you can just switch can you?"

"Probably not, but you can't go back in and see him again. I'm worried." I don't say anything and just wait for him to speak again. My breathing is better now, but my skin still burns. "I'll go over with you. I don't have anyone right now, and you can't do this by yourself...I'm not going to let you do this by yourself." I put my arm behind his torso and hug him.