Orphanage AU: Lams

Chapter 39: Let it Be?

Well, at least the plot's a bit faster.

That's progress!

My writing is still shit.

Uhg. It's still progress.

---Alex's POV---

I paced as I spoke, gesturing unconsciously as I taught the class about the American Revolution. A few nerds giggled or squeakdd each time I mentioned someone in Miranda, which evoked contradiction emotions within me- on one hand, they were Miranda nerds (yay), on the other, it was starting to irritate me.

I was already significantly upset after trying to talk to Laurens... Okay, maybe not offended enough to justify acknowledging him by last name. However, my mind slipped to that conversation... often.

As I taught, I heard a huge crash from next door, and running footsteps. The pattering of footsteps, loud and fading out, informed me that whoever it was must have been running away. Irrelevant, I reprimanded myself, his problem, not mine. I hesitated a moment more. "Give me a minute," I excused myself to the class, which began chittering quietly among themselves.

I peeked around the door in time to see Connor Murphy dashing out the door at the end of the hallway. What was it this time? Did he make the big crash?

Seeing as these questions took me nowhere, I turned back to the class- only to hear something else.

Fast, hyperventilation breaths. I recognized them only partially. Evan, I concluded ...No, wait. These were louder, larger scale breaths, they same type, but... an adult?

"Give me a few more minutes."

I strode out of the room to spot-

John?!

My fellow teacher was pressed against the brightly papered wall, green eyes squeezed tightly shut. He was the source of the noise, I could recognize that instantly.

John almost seemed to cower against the covered bulletin, away from something- or someone. Poor guy.

Why had I been so mad at him moments ago? He was only being cautious.The scene I saw before me said it wall.

I stepped forward in the softest, gentlest manner I could, insuring I didn't stomp or create any reason for fear. When I was close enough, I whispered, "John?"

His eyes were still tightly shut, and he didn't utter a word. However, his breathing slowed in the slightest.

"John," I repeated, "It's me. Alex. You'll be okay, alright? You're okay. It's okay." I repeated this like a mantra, over and over, observing John's breath progress from speeding, gasping breaths to shaking, short breaths, and finally to a normal inhale and exhale.

When he was ready, he began deeper breaths. "Thanks," he exhaled almost inaudibly.

"Of course," I responded quickly. Slowly, John opened his eyes, revealing those beautiful, forest green orbs. "Are you okay?"

John's eyes snapped up to my face and he edged away from me, already pressed against the wall and thus incapable of stepping back. I dropped my eyes so he wouldn't see the hurt that shot through my heart. I stepped back too.

He was already struggling to stand up. "I'm fine." he replied shortly as I reached to offer a hand. He moved towards the classroom.

I tried not to look taken aback, though I was. Did I say something wrong? "I-I don't think you are..." I faltered. I wasn't attempting to inform him of his own emotions, but... he didn't seem okay.