"Huh...oh yeah I'm alright" I lie and he narrows his eyes at me.
"Are you sure, Madison?" He asks again to make sure. I nod "it's just...I've never realised how small this janitor closet was until now" I say quietly.
"You'll be okay...don't worry" he tries to reassure me. "Lets just get this over and done with so we can go" he continue and I eagerly nod.
We begin going back and forth, from room to room until the janitor closet is completely empty.
Chandler picks up the mop and I pick up the duster and we begin cleaning.
Suddenly the door slams shut. I do a loud gasp as it takes me off guard and whip myself around.
"No...no no no" I repeat and speed walk up to the door, constantly turning the door knob. Locked.
"No...this can't be happening" I begin panicking. "Maddie, it's alright. Someone will let us out sooner or later" Chandler says calmly.
"No" I repeat. "Chandler, you don't understand. I'm...I'm claustrophobic" I yell.
"Oh" is all he can say. I begin pacing until I am hyperventilating so much that I cannot pace anymore.
I collapse on on the floor and bring my knees up to my chest. I heavily sob into them, my hands shaking.
"Maddie, look at me" Chandler calmly instructs me. I shake my head, whilst still buried in between my knees.
"Please...Maddie. Look at me in the eyes" he begs. I hesitate at first but then slowly drift my eyes up to meet his.
"Keep eye contact with me and follow my breathing" I nod.
"Okay, breath in...1,2,3 and breath out 1,2,3" I breath in but then break down crying again.
"I-I...c-can't do it" I manage to say. "It's okay...look at me" he places two fingers under my chin and gently lifts it up, encouraging me to connect our eyes.
I look at him dead in the eyes. "Breathe in...1, 2, 3" I follow his instructions and breathe in. "Good. Now breathe out...1,2, 3" I do as I am told again.
We do this for the next 10 minutes and after 15 minutes I have finally stopped shaking and hyperventilating.
"You did it Maddie" he whispers. I look up at him and embrace him in a hug. "Thank you...so much Chandler" I whisper into his shoulder.
"You don't need to thank me" I release from the hug, looking at him in confusion.
"I am always here for you Madison Blake. Whenever you need me, just call" he tells me. I smile and I feel myself blushing.
A/N
Thank you for reading. I hope you're still enjoying this book.
