𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔 - jack avery

35 - Panic

March 7, 2017

~Janelle's POV~

I look outside the window of the living room. It was a beautiful day outside, but I wasn't in the mood to get up. This has basically been my life for the past week, not moving and just thinking. To be honest, it's what's best for me. Staying home means I'm not putting the boys in danger, speaking of I haven't talked to them in a week either.
     My phone was filled with messages and missed calls from the boys, mostly Jack. I just ignored them, though, I can't risk hurting them. I feel a vibration from my phone, fighting the urge to look at it. It then starts to vibrate repeatedly, meaning that I'm getting a call.
     I finally give in and see who the caller is. Looking down at my phone, I see that the caller ID is Paige. That's weird, why is she calling me?

—

"Hello?"

"Janelle! I'm so glad you are awake."

"Yeah, it's 4 pm. Why wouldn't I be awake?"

"Oh, right.."

"Are you ok, Paige?"

"Uh, yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because one, you never call me. Only text. And two, that whole morning thing. What's on your mind?"

No answer

"Paige?"

"Sorry I got a text from, erm, my sister."

"You're acting strange."

"Nahhh. Anyway, want to go out for a bit?"

"Sure, where are we going?"

"The beach."

"Wow, you must really want to go to the beach. I've never heard you answer so fast.."

"I mean, it's nice outside?"

"Why do I feel like you are up to something."

"I'm not. Really, I promise."

"Whatever, I'm going to go get ready."

"Ok, I will pick you up I'm 10."

"K, see you later."

"Bye."

—

     Paige hangs up. I take a minute and stare at my phone, something is off. As I walk upstairs to get changed, I feel a rush of anxiety run through me. What if something happens when I'm with Paige? The boys can't be there to help, they are out with some friend.
     My breathing starts to quicken, thinking of all the possible things that could go wrong. What if there's a shooter? What if I drown? What if the unknown numbers attacks? I need to lay down..
     I flop onto my bed, trying to control my breathing. I manage to calm myself down, but there are still thoughts circling around in my head. After a few minutes, I finally get up to get into my bathing suit. Another wave of anxiety hits me, this time from my social anxiety. I decide not to put my swim suit and instead just go in the hoodie and shorts that I was wearing.

-

     I hear a car honking after a few minutes. Rushing downstairs, I grab my phone and wallet. As soon as I step out into the warm air, sweat starts to drip  down me. I ignore it and continue to the car.

"Hey, Janelle. Where's the swimsuit?" Paige asks as I get into the passenger seat.

"Oh, um. I'm just not in the mood to swim, I thought that we could just talk and walk around." I answer hesitantly.

     Paige gives me a weird look, but drives off anyway. The car ride was silent, only the sound of music on the radio playing. I nod my head to the beat, singing to myself in my head.

"So, why did you want to come to the beach exactly?" I blurt out, probably too suddenly.

"I guess I just wanted to get out? Plus, we haven't talked in so long." Paige answers, dragging out the long.

"You sure? Because you seemed to be questioning yourself on the phone call."

She takes a second to answer, "I guess I've just been out of it lately. School is ending soon, and I'm definitely ready for graduation."

I let off a soft chuckle, "Yeah. I'm hoping that I graduated, I don't know how it works for homeschoolers though."

     Paige sighs, almost as if she needs to say something. I brush it off, probably just stress. I understand, it can be hard senior year. You have so many priorities, plus deciding on what you want for your future. I don't even know what I want to do yet..

     We pull up to the beach, sun shining and everything. I step out and look around. There was a lot of people here, surprisingly. But it's L.A, there's always people out.

"Doesn't the sun feel amazing on your skin," Paige states, spreading her arms out like a bird.

"Yeah, totally. Are you going to fly away, birdie?" I joke sarcastically.

Paige shakes her head and we start walking down the sidewalk. Memories of the beach filled my head again, making me start to shake. Remembering my dad and how much I wish he was here right now, but my thoughts were soon interrupted.

"You know, we should get some ice cream." Paige says, stepping in front of me.

"Ok, I guess I could eat." I answer, starting to take out my wallet.

"What do you want-" she starts, but then pauses.

"What's wrong?"

Paige doesn't answer. I notice her staring at something behind me, so I turn around. My eyes wander until I see an unwelcome guest, Piper.

"Why, isn't it nice to see you here." Piper says in her mischievous tone.

"Hi, Piper.." Paige mumbles.

"What are you doing here," I snap, giving Piper the death glare.

"Well, I was just taking a walk along the beach and happened to run into you."

My heart starts to race the longer Piper was here, I could tell something was off. I didn't feel safe, my breathing starting to quicken.

"I-I need to go.." I stuttered, running off.

Scanning the area, I found an empty bathroom. I ran into one of the stalls, locking myself in. The room started spinning, feeling as if I was going to pass out. I was having a panic attack, something I haven't had in a long time.

"Janelle, are you in here?" I heard a voice shout. It was Paige.

"H-help.. Pai-Paige." I stuttered again, barely able to get any words out.

Soon, I felt my body fall to the floor. I laid helpless on the ground, waiting to be found. The lock to my stall started to flinch, signaling that someone was trying to get in. Once the door opened, my vision went blurry.

"I'm going to call the boys," I heard Paige tell me.

     I couldn't speak, I was paralyzed. My eyes started to close as I was fighting to keep them open, until my sight went black.

I was out.

-

Author's Note:
dun Dun DUNNNNN!!
(Tysm for 1k reads)

-Happy Stina <3