Bombs Away

Chapter 2 - Cafe Talks

"In all, one of the main affects of a traumatic experience can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, which affects about 8% of Americans today." I conclude my three minute long presentation, and earn enthusiastic claps from the whole classroom. Good, I was up until 12 AM making this!

"Questions?" I ask.

A young man in the third row raises his hand. "What are the treatments for PTSD? Can a person be cured completely, and permanently?

I pause, thinking about this for a moment before answering. "Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, meds, family therapy, are the main things to cure PTSD, but it really all together depends on the victim. Usually, the road to recovery starts out with getting over some feelings of guilt, regaining self-worth and the feeling that you have a purpose. You have to face the problem, and learn how to control the traumatic memories, because as I said in the power point, those kind of experiences, well, they get lodged into your brain. As for if you can be cured permanently, again it depends on the person."

A women raises her hand, and I call on her. "Seems like you know a lot about this. Have you ever experienced some PTSD? Or a bad experience?"

I clamp my mouth shut tight, and before I can give her a response, Mrs. Shelton speaks up from the desk to my right.

"Sarah, that is a very personal question. Amber, no need to answer that."

I nod my thanks to her, silently willing myself to keep my emotions looking happy. The girl

who asked the question bows her head in embarrassment. When she looks up, I smile at her, letting her know that it's okay. She has no idea.

"Okay, I think that's it! Thank you very much, Ms. Beck." Mrs. Shelton stands, and excuses me to my seat. I unplug my Mac book from the projector and scurry to my seat. The seat next to me is open, but someone soon occupies is as soon as I sit down. I turn to see

Kailee Sands, a petite girl my age with a blonde bob hair cut and big blue eyes.

"That was really good, Amber!" She gushes quietly, making herself comfortable in her seat. We are sitting in the fifth row center, my usual spot.

"Thanks." I smile and look at my hands in my lap. For a bit now, Kailee has been trying to befriend me. I'm just to reserved to make any efforts, although a friend WOULD be really nice.

"Aren't you one of the top students here, in this class?" She prods.

"Um.." I blush, not wanting to flaunt anything.

"Oh c'mon!" Kailee chuckles. "Brag for once! Everyone knows you are!"

I just smile at her, not knowing what to say.

"Hey," She says abruptly, after a few moments of silence. I jump. "What do you say we go for a coffee after class?"

I look at my hands once more. Do I really want to? Really? Well, yes, I would like to hang out with someone for a change. Ever since... Penelope, and all of my other friends abandoning me, I've added more bricks to my walls, regarding friendships as well. I guess

I've always been scared that I'll get too attached to someone who will leave me again.

"Uh, sure?" My answer comes out as a sort of uncertain question. Kailee grins.

"Good. I'll drive, unless you brought your car?"

I shake my head. "I walk."

"Good, that makes things easier then, don't it?"

-

One thing I've learned in the five minutes I've been in the car with Kailee, is that she is a very caring person. In fact, on our way TO the car, I almost stepped on a bug, and she freaked out. Don' worry, I didn't actually step on it- she gently moved me before I could. In the car, she never stops talking; which is fine with me, really, because then all I have to do is smile and nod. Smile and nod. Say 'Oh, really?' every once in a while. And I'm perfectly content about this.