Chapter 15
The next day...
Jeff POV
I was literally shaking in my seat, trying desperately to not have a panic attack. We were in Warbler practice, and I was just super nervous for some reason.
Nick put his arm around me, and pulled me slightly closer to him so we were touching. He kept his arm tightly around me, like he was protecting me from whatever I was afraid of. And it was sort of working.
I started calming down and breathing slower. And after a little while, I was feeling back to normal.
When Warbler practice was over, Trent, David, Nick, and I went to go get dinner.
"Jeff, can I talk to you for a second?" Nick asked, pulling me to the side of the hall.
"Um... Yeah."
"We'll meet you guys in the cafeteria," Nick said to Trent and David.
"Am I in trouble?" I asked, nervously.
"No. I just wanted to know if you had a panic attack in there."
"No. Almost."
"I could tell you were getting all shaky and stuff. I was trying to help make you feel calmer."
"It worked."
"Really?"
"Yeah. That's why it never turned into a panic attack. You helped calm me down. I just felt really safe with you."
"Oh... Well good! But you know if you ever need to leave for a few minutes, you're allowed to, right?"
"Yes, I know. But I didn't want everyone to look at me."
"I know, I know..."
"I'm hungry."
"Ok. Let's get some dinner."
Later...
Jeff POV
"Jeff?" Nick asked.
"What?"
"You ok?"
"Why do you keep asking that?"
"Because you've been so quiet today."
"I'm just thinking a lot."
"About what?"
"This weekend."
"Jeff, don't stress about it."
"I can't help it!"
I got up and flopped down on Nick's bed.
"Can I stay here tonight?" I asked.
"Why do you keep wanting to sleep in my bed?"
"I feel safer! I can't help it! I just get scared sometimes!"
Nick sighed.
"Well I'm tired of having no space in bed," Nick said.
I pouted.
"How about this? If you really want to be close because you're scared, let's just move your bed next to mine, ok?"
"Really? You'd let me?"
"Sure, Jeff. I don't mind sleeping next to you. I just wish I had more space."
"Thank you!" I said, throwing my arms around him tight.
Nick laughed.
"You're welcome, Jeff."
I let go of him, and he helped me push my bed next to his. I got into my bed, and curled up, smiling.
"Better?" Nick asked.
"Yes."
"Great."
Weekend...
Jeff POV
I was starting to shake in my seat a little. I was in the car on my way home with dad.
I do this thing where I get myself all worked up and anxious. And then I'm just constantly at this point of feeling like I'm about to explode.
We rode in complete silence, which wasn't a good sign.
Finally, we got home.
"Jeffrey."
"What?" I whispered.
"Get your butt inside, and get started on your chores."
"Yes, dad."
I went inside, and immediately started on the dishes. Dad got a beer from the fridge, and then went to the couch to watch tv.
This is bad. No talking in the car, drinking beer, watching tv...
I'm doomed tonight.
I finished the dishes, and then started sweeping the floors.
"Jeffrey!"
"W-what dad?"
"Bring me another beer!"
I quickly got him another beer.
"Get to your room! Now!"
I bolted to my bedroom. I dove under my covers, and just curled up, hoping that dad will just fall asleep and this will be an uneventful evening.
Boy was I wrong.
YOU ARE READING
Best Friend
FanficJeff Sterling transfers to Dalton Academy because he was bullied at his old school. His new roommate Nick Duval quickly realizes that Jeff desperately needs a friend. And maybe some help.
