Breathe

Chapter 2

Literature class seemed to fly by. We discussed the prospering subject of "fanfiction", which I enjoyed every once and awhile.

My next class was possibly my least favorite. Math. I weaved through the crowd of smell teenagers and hurried into Mr. Olsen's classroom. I stepped in to find the familiar scent of green apple air freshener. I took a deep breath and reluctantly rushed over it my seat. I quickly arranged my things for today's subject.

I groaned as I scribbled down what was written on the whiteboard. "Inequalities and Number Lines. Homework." I flipped my agenda closed and stuffed my binder under my desk. I sighed while plopping down into the hard chair.

The classroom filled with students by the second and became stuffier with each person. Once every seat, with the exception of about two, was filled, the bell rang and class began.

Mr. Olsen strolled from behind his desk to the front of the class. His blonde hair was thin with streaks of grey. He wore a crisp brown suit and bright red tie. A smile plastered onto his aged face.

"Welcome back! I hope you all enjoyed you weekends."

The classroom erupted with shouts of people's weekend activities and complainants that it was long enough. I couldn't agree more.

He smoothed his brown blazer and motioned for us to quiet down.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak there was a loud knock at the door. He put up a finger and walked over to the door, peeking curiously through the side window before swinging it open.

In walked a familiar face that I definitely did not expect. Jasper stepped in awkwardly standing next to the door as Mr. Olsen clicked it shut.

Jasper ran his fingers through his mess of dark hair and scanned the classroom. His blue eyes stopping at the sight of me. A smirk played on his lips. What the hell was his deal? I dreaded the uncomfortable eye contact that was going on right now.

Luckily, Mr. Olsen excitedly joined Jasper at his side, pulling him in front of the classroom. A clear sign of annoyance on his face as the teacher introduced this stranger to the class.

"This person, my students, is Jasper Richmond. He is a new student here and I hope all my pupils will give him a warm welcome."

Whispers scattered across the room as Mr. Olsen said something into Jasper's ear. He nodded and stalled over to a desk on the opposite side of the classroom. He dropped his stuff on the desk and sank down into the chair. A scowl still set on his face.

I couldn't help but stare as he began to continuously click a pen. It was obnoxious and loud. Mr. Olsen didn't even bother to pay attention as he dived right back into the lesson for today.

The annoying clicking sound distracted me as I struggled to keep up with the notes my teacher wrote incredibly fast onto the board.

It was extremely hard to focus when all I could hear was that aggravating noise. I couldn't stand it any longer. I snapped over to him, shooting a glare. He didn't notice at first and kept clicking. But his eyes began to wonder the room again and landed on my stare.

I pinched my lips in a tight line as I shifted my eyes from the pen and back to his face. A mischievous smirk crept into his face when he realized how irritated I was. He just smiled like a stupid douche. I stared at him harder. He raised his eyebrows and clicked the pen obnoxiously fast, just to spite me.

I bit the inside of my cheek forcing my mouth to stay closed.

He chuckled quietly and mouthed something to me. "What?" I mouth back. Unfortunately I was terrible at reading lips. So after the fourth time of him repeating himself I just rolled my eyes and focused on the lesson.

When the bell rang for class to end and lunch to begin, I gathered my things and made it halfway across the room. Until a voice stopped me.

"Emma, would you come here for a moment?"

I recognized Mr. Olsen's deep voice and turned on my heal.

I slowly made my way to his desk. It was covered in manila folders and papers, a laptop rested on top of of a math book with a cup of coffee next to it.

He smiled sympathetically. Oh god, what now?

He cleared his throat before handing me a piece of paper. I gripped tightly onto it as I read the letter.

"Ms. Woods,

I am here to inform you, that because of your recent absences and circumstances, we have, in your best interest, offered the option of school therapy sessions. It may seem a bit 'over the top' but considering the actions that took place, we believe it is completely necessary. If you are interested in this idea please report to Mrs. Davis for more information and to confirm a date and time.

Thank you for your time,

Mr. Brown."

My stomach twisted into a knot as I reread the letter for the third time.

Mr. Olsen sighed and tapped his fingers on his desk. "I think you should really consider it Emma" he spoke softly.

I only nodded and stuffed the note in my agenda.

How dare they? Do they think I'm gonna go crazy or something? Just because I've shut down a bit doesn't mean I'm going insane. Yeah, it was traumatic and I might never be able to forget it but that doesn't mean I'm automatically "weak".

I took a deep breath before speaking to calm my nerves.

"Thank you...Mr. Olsen, but I honestly don't think I need help. I find it easier to keep it all to myself."

He nodded with understanding but a frown settled upon his face.

"I know, I know. But sometimes carrying all the weight can make it harder to just...breathe."

I gazed down at the floor unable to find words. My hands were shaky and I suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I'm just so tired of all this sympathy and pity. Don't they realize I've gone through enough without having them to remind me and make me feel guilty.

He picked up a stack of papers and straightened them. "Just think about it, okay?"

"Okay" I replied with a dry mouth.

He smiled one last time before I trudged away and left the closing white walls of the classroom.