Always Out of Reach

Don't Cry

I didn't know if I could face school on Monday. But I didn't have a choice. I had to deal with this. There were worse things than having to go on holiday.....but, for some reason, it seemed like the worse punishment in the world.

"Joey!" I spotted shane sitting by a bench before school.

"Shane!" I faked a smile. "Haven't seen you in while."

"Ye....couldn't be bothered coming into school." He laughed.

"Well I've missed you." This, I meant. Shane was my only friend and I had missed him.

All day in had this strange feeling in my stomach. I was like a knot, but constant. And, whenever anyone spoke to me, I got nervous. I didn't know what it was. But I had to keep calm, I didn't want to panic again. Especially at school.

*****

I hated maths. It was rubbish. I couldn't do it. Plus, the feeling in my stomach was growing. It was making me nervous. I was using all my strength not to break down and panic again.

"Joey?" I was brought away from my thoughts when I heard the teacher say my name.

"Urrrm.....yes?" Some people sniggered. My stomach tightened.

"The answer?" The teacher prompted me.

"O-oh.... r-right." I was aware that my voice was shaky. I avoided eye contact but I knew everyone was staring at me.

"I'm waiting." The teacher was oblivious to how uncomfortable I was.

"I-I don't know." I managed to say. I began to sweat.

"Were you listening?"

My dad

"Joey, I'm talking to you."

James

"This isn't good enough."

Daniel

"We need to try harder."

Holiday

"I've had enough of you ignoring me, Joey."

I had had it. I stood up. My face waa red. I couldn't breath. Everyone was staring.

"I-I need t-to go." I was barely able to speak.

"Joey! How dare-" I opened the door and exited the classroom. As soon as I was out of the classroom I started to cry. I made it half way down the corridor until I couldn't go any further. My legs stopped working and I sunk down against the wall. What was my life? Nothing made me happy. I might as well just end my-

"Joey!" It was Daniel. He'd ran out of the classroom after me....

"Joey what's wrong?" He sat beside me and put his arm around me. And, for once, I didn't push him away. I melted into his touch and cried.

"Don't cry, Joey." He said softly. "It's ok, I'm here."

"It's not! It's not ok!" I looked up at him.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

I stared at him. Why shouldn't I tell him? He was one of the only people who cared "No....I want to tell you." I said eventually. So I do.....I tell him everything. He didn't say anything while I was telling him....but when I had finished he said

"I'm glad you told me. It's going to be ok. You can get through it. You're strong."

Authors note:

It's 2017!

Thanks for reading
Erin xx