The Last Breath

Chapter 1

             Julia's POV

    My alarm rang, causing panic to spread throughout my body, the sun shines through my window giving me a sudden burst of energy from the deep sleep in which I had just awaken from, the memories of yesterday seeming like faint dream.  Then reality hit me, it was all real.

  * 24 Hours Earlier*
 
    It's currently the last day of school, and the last period of the day. My friend Mack, sitting in the desk next to me,  texts our whole 11th grade class the details of the party that will be at hosted at her house.  At the end of the school year, one person in our grade hosts a party for the start of our summers, and this year, Mack was voted to be the host.

    I got bored of hearing the clicks of Mack's keyboards as she typed her address, so I focused my gaze on something worth my time.  As I squinted at the handsome brunette across the room, I was suddenly pulled out of my daydream when he looked up and locked eyes with mine. I felt my cheeks redden and heat up as I averted my gaze to my book and twirled my hair around my finger trying my best to look busy. Luckily he was the only one who saw.

   The buzzing of notifications eased the tension in the room as everyone checked their phones for the details of the party.  I turned over to Mack as she pointed to the hall, signaling for us to go to our lockers. I gathered my book and my bag and headed to the teachers desk.

   "Hello Mr.Bridges, may we please go to our lockers?" Mack asked.

   "Sure. Class is dismissed in 10 minutes, so don't worry about returning, have a safe and fun summer girls, I'll see you next year." he said as he scribbled his initials on our hall pass.

   Mack was taking a slow stroll past the lockers, but I on the other hand, was rushing, hoping to get a head start on my makeup,hair, and outfit plans for tomorrow.

   "Why are you rushing, Mr.Bridges said we didn't have to come back." Mack stated as she jogged up to my side.

   "I have a doctors appointment to get to..." I lied as I unlocked my locker and dropped my books into my backpack.

   "You do know that I can tell you're lying, right? I've been your best friend for five years now. Please tell me the truth." Mack said as she gripped my shoulders and turned me to face her.

"I want to make Eric notice me, alright? Now I gotta go, I'll text you when I get home, talk to  you later" I snaked around her running to the doors before she could could even process what I just said , but just as I turned around to her reaction, I saw her jaw drop and a look of panic flash in her eyes, until I ran into something. It was tall and muscular, and before I knew it I was on the ground looking up at Eric.

   I couldn't even process what just happened so I just sat there looking like a deer in headlights, until he outstretched his palm signaling for me to take his hand. As he lifted me up he flashed his signature smile and handed me my phone.

"You almost forgot this, and if you didn't have this phone, I probably wouldn't have seen you at the party tomorrow night, I hope to see you there" he sweetly said as he winked and then ran down the hall heading back into the class.

I looked around to see if anyone saw what just happened, and the butterflies from Eric were quickly replaced by relief.

*Later that day*

   I unlocked the front door while struggling to hold my shopping bags. I was immediately met with the eyes of my mother. She faked a smile but I knew she wasn't happy, she looked tired, almost as if she had been crying for a while. I knew almost instantly and I dropped my bags pulling her into a hug. She hesitated for a while but eventually gave in and engulfed me into a tight hug as her sobs grew louder.

I'm used to seeing this side of my mother, although it hurts a lot to say that.  My father has stage 4 skin cancer and is constantly in and out of the hospital, we never know when it will be his last day so we try to make every day his best. He was the best father I could've asked for, he gave me advice and helped me grow to be the person I am today.

My mother always has a difficult time visiting my father because we can't touch him or else the blisters on his skin could burst, infections could enter through the wound, and kill him in a slow and painful way. We had to wear robes, gloves, and masks while visiting him to prevent spreading germs.

I texted Mack notifying her about my father being in the hospital again, and sat waiting for her response for an hour. This was so unlike her. I began freaking out as my mind created bad scenarios including my best friend.

I began panicking and hyperventilating, which spiraled out of control and turned into a full blown panic attack.  I couldn't breathe and I felt a weight on my body keeping me from moving as fresh tears stung my eyes causing me to gasp. I reached for my phone and looked in my contacts dialing everyone I knew. 

I overcame a strange and unknown number, and since I was in need of help I clicked it hoping whoever it was would answer.

The other line rang 3 times and then I heard a familiar voice. It belonged to Eric.  I was unable to speak and all that came out was a squeak followed by my sobs.  He immediately hung up which broke my heart.

The tears flowed out even faster and more violently.  I couldn't breathe at all now. I thought this would be it. Just as I was preparing to take what I thought would be my last breath, an angel ran into my room and picked me up cradling me in his arms. I was so taken back and surprised to see Eric that my panic attack symptoms subsided and were replaced by loud and heavy breaths.

He sat there stroking my hair, rubbing my back, I was still being held by him. He didn't seem affected by my weight, which made me get butterflies. I put my head into his shoulder so he couldn't see my swollen, red eyes from crying. I let out a few more sobs until I started drifting off into a sweet dream.

I was suddenly awakened when I felt him set me on my bed and wrap my blankets around me. I sat up and called out for him. I was so happy once I saw him appear back into my sight, in my doorway.

"Please don't leave me alone. Stay with me." I said loud enough for only him to hear.

He came over and sat on the edge of  bed awkwardly watching me.  I patted closer to me and he obliged and moved closer. I decided to make a first move and I wrapped my arms around him pulling him even closer until the space between us was gone.

I felt his hot breath fanning my face, which relaxed me.  He put his arms around me, making me feel safe. I pretended to be asleep until I heard soft snores.  I opened my one eye and saw him sleeping.  I started to fall even harder for him after that.

"Eric, I think I love you..."