Don't You Do That Again (Zack Merrick All Time Low)

Chapter 1

Today I was taking a big step in my therapy. I was going to go to a very crowed mall. I usally can't go into big places without getting a panic attack, but I have been working to try to stop it. Hopefully, today is the day it won't happen.

I step out of my car and start walking towards the Baltimore mall. I haven't been here in at least five years. I guess my anxiety got too bad. I step in front of the automatic doors with my nerves creeping up. They slide open and I slowly take a step in.

People are swarming all around. Moms with their kids, teenagers with their friends, older people with their grandchildren, dads and their children. Looking around, I take a few more steps in. The middle of the mall wasn't that busy. I make way over their.

As I start to walk through the crowds, my breathing picks up and is very unsteady. I start to feel dizzy. I try to remember to take in deep breaths. Luckily, it works a little. My breathing is still unsteady but not near as bad as it was. I spot an empty space in the mall. I have to make my way over there.

On my way over, my breathing becomes more and more normal. I dont know if I should continue this. NO! I need to. I haven't been to a big social event without having to leave super early in years. This has to happen. I gather my courage and walk into the nearest store. The sign reads 'Hot Topic' .

I make my way through the aisles. Not many people are in here, so thats good. I look around and see my favorite band, Pierce The Veil, merch. I make my way over to the shirts. I would only get this, but I spot another favorite band of mine, Miss May I.

Next thing I know am walking out with ten shirts. My Chemical Romance, Pierce The Veil, Suicide Silence, Black Veil Brides, Panic! At The Disco, Memphis May Fire, Miss May I, A Day To Remember, Asking Alexandria, and Green Day. I swear bands have taken over my life.

I look out from the store and notice that the crowd has gotten busier. Just great! I try to make my way through the crowd, but the same thing starts to happen. My breathing picks up and is unsteady. I feel dizzy and like I am going to puke. This time I start to see spots. I try to take deep breaths in but it isn't working. I weirdly walk over to the wall, trying not to fall, and sit down.

I close my eyes and try to talk deep breaths again. It still isn't working very good. I feel a hand on my shoulder. I open my eyes to find a man squatting down next to me.

"Are you okay?" The man looks at me with worry.

"I-I-I'm..." I can't finish the sentence. Its getting harder to breath. The spots are starting to get bigger.

"Are you having a panic attack or maybe something else?" The man is still looking at me with worry. All I can do is nod my head.

"Okay, um, I need you to breath. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Take my hand and squeeze it. I'm going to help you. Again, in through your nose and out through your mouth." I gently place my hand in his and squeeze. I try to breath like he says. It is pretty hard.

After I don't know how long, it feels like hours pasted, my breathing slowly starts to become steady again. I finally get a good look at the stranger's face. He is very good looking. He smiles at me and I blush. I look down at the ground, so he can't see. I just realized my hand is still in his. I quickly take my hand away from his.

He holds his right hand out, "Hi, I'm Zack." He smiles again. I can't help it but I feel heat rise to my face again.

I shake his hand, "Hello, I'm Larken." I smile back.

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Sorry if this is really bad. This is my first story on here. I hope everyone that reads it, actually likes it. If you see any mistakes, then please let me know. I will fix it.

- Liv