A Storm In Mind

Chapter 22 - Home??

A/N; Thank you all for your reads and support so far. Apologies for the delay in updating and I hope that this chapter was worth waiting for. I will update regularly now. Take care Buddies. :-)

Okay, so it's not been a great few days, especially since the meeting; but I kept my side - I've been eating (as little as possible) but enough to satisfy them. And I've had my meds. The thing is - tomorrows the home visit and, well...i'm bricking it! I just know everyone's gonna be treating me differently - I don't want them too! I said that to Jim this morning. He just said its natural to be worried at first and that people might act differently around me.

"What if I just can't handle it though Jim? I mean, what if going home..sets me back? I'm scared Jim, i'm pinning all my hopes on tomorrow - its gotta go well!"

"Ryan, you're putting too much pressure on yourself! It's not about your first home visit being perfect; no-one expects it to go without some issues. That's why we start off with just a few hours and build it up. Please don't worry if something happens, you'll have me there to support you - and Mike, and all of your friends."

"I...I don't wanna let you all down"

"You won't let anyone down Ryan, it's about small steps. If it's hard, or even impossible for you at first, well we'll just keep trying until it feels comfortable and safe....there's no rush."

"Not for you maybe."

We pulled up at Ashdene Ridge, I was so nervous, I was trying so hard to use the technique I'd been taught to try to reduce my anxiety -believe me...it's not working! Mike opened the door - he smiled "Good to see ya kiddo." and gave me the biggest hug....the tightest hug I'd had in my life. This relaxed me a bit, but..I was just so nervous, I mean how are the other kids going to react to me? They didn't like me much before; God knows what they'll think now!

We went into the quiet room first, just whilst I adjusted to my surrounding and pulled myself together. I'm not sure how I feel being back here....

"Are you ready for the other kids Ryan?" Mike asked

"Not sure," I sighed, wanting to just get it over with...whatever happened.

We walked out of the quiet room and Tyler was in the hall. I stopped dead...not really sure how to react. He gave me a man hug "Welcome home matey..about time!" he joked

"Thanks mate." I smiled

Tyler put his arm around my shoulder and we walked into the lounge together. I took a deep breath as they all looked at me, it felt like being on trial.

"Well well, look who's back!" Bailey said in a disapproving tone, this made me really uncomfortable. Then he smirked.."Good to have you back, maybe!"

Harry jumped me from behind almost causing me to have a major panic attack, I felt my legs start to buckle under me.

"I've missed you Ryan, are you home for good now? I've got so much to tell you. I've made a list, shall I go and get it? No, no come with me Ryan." he rambled on grabbing my arm.

"Okay mate." I said being dragged up the stairs.

"Ryan.." Mike called, I turned around as I was half way up the stairs by now, "You okay?"

"Yeah..." I sighed, "I think I am." I said contentedly.

When we got to the top of the stairs, Jody was just coming out of her room. She didn't look at me at first, maybe I'd gotten her into trouble?