Panic Attack

Chapter 2 : Venting

Chapter 2

Later...

Riker POV

I eventually went back in my bedroom because it was getting dark and a bit cold outside. I could hear my siblings downstairs causing chaos and being loud. I changed into my pjs and just curled up in bed. I just wish I could have some peace and quiet.

Ross POV

"Stop attacking me!" I yelled.

Rocky had me pinned down on the couch. Ryland was tickling me.

"Boys, quiet down!" Dad yelled.

I managed to push Rocky off of me and get away from Ryland.

"Let's play video games. Ross, go ask Riker to play so we have even teams," Rocky said.

"Ok."

I went upstairs to Riker and Rocky's room. Riker was buried under pillows and blankets.

"Riker! Come play video games with us!"

I pulled the pillow off his head.

"No, I don't want to," Riker said, turning onto his other side.

"Why not? You've been up here all day."

"I just want to be alone right now, ok?"

"But why?"

"Because I'm stressed out."

I sighed.

"Fine..."

Later...

Riker POV

I heard someone come into my room. The lights went on, and I saw mom.

"Hey, honey. You've been in your room for most of the day. Are you ok?" Mom asked.

"I'm just tired, mom."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. I just need to get some sleep."

"Alright. Goodnight, honey."

"Night, mom."

She kissed my head and then left. I've been trying to fall asleep for a while, but I just can't. So I decided to go sit outside in the treehouse again.

I saw Nicole's light on. She was still unpacking. She looked kind of tired though. I don't blame her. I'd be tired too if I was unpacking all day.

All of a sudden, Nicole walked over and opened her window.

"You really like that treehouse, don't you?" She asked.

"Yeah, it's just been a long day."

"It's been a long day for me too. I'm so bored of unpacking boxes. I don't even know where to put anything, so I keep having to reorganize over and over again."

She climbed out and sat next to me.

"So I told you about my day. Do you want to tell me about yours?" She asked.

"Ok, um... Well I had to get up early for an interview. And it was kind of annoying because all they wanted to talk about was my brother Ross, and I love my brother. But the interview included all of my siblings, and they just talked to him for most of the time, and it just makes me so frustrated!"

"Wow... I guess you had a longer day than I did."

"Sorry... It's just that he always gets all the attention. It's annoying sometimes."

"So are you guys like... famous or something?"

"Well... Me and my siblings are in a band. But my brother is on a tv show too. And sometimes it just seems like he gets all the credit for everything."

"I get it... That's tough."

"And sometimes... I almost just wish he didn't get that stupid role because then I think we'd all get equal attention in the band. And that's horrible to wish he didn't get it, but..."

"No. It's not crazy to think things like that. You're hurt."

"Yeah, but it's not even his fault! It's not like he's taking over the interviews. It's the interviewer's fault for only asking him questions. If they only wanted to talk to him, they should've just invited him, and not all of us. So I feel like it's not even right to be mad at him."

"Yeah, that's weird. If they're only going to talk to him, why ask your whole band to come?"

"I don't know..."

"Well... Do you feel any better now? After venting a little?"

"I guess... But I know it's going to keep happening."

"I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine... It's stupid. I should be used to this by now. Are you starting school on Monday?"

"Yeah. Do you and your siblings take the bus?"

"Yeah. It comes at 7:10. I'm sure my sister can show you around since you're both in the same grade. Maybe you'll have some of the same classes together."

"I hope so. I'm kind of nervous for my first day."

"I'm sure you'll be fine. The school is small so the classes are easy to find."

"Good."

"Hey um... Thanks for listening to me rant and stuff. I do actually feel a bit better now. Sometimes I feel like I can't talk to my family about these sort of things. I don't want to hurt my brother's feelings, you know?"

"Yeah. Maybe you want my number? In case you want to vent again?"

I smiled.

"Yeah."

I handed her my phone, and she put her number in.

"Seriously, thanks," I said, taking my phone back.

"No problem. What are you doing tomorrow?"

"I don't know. Hopefully not another crazy last minute interview. Why?"

"I don't know. Maybe we could hang out. And maybe I could meet your sister?"

"Oh yeah, of course! I'll introduce you guys and she can tell you about school and things."

"That'd be great... I guess I should get back to unpacking. I have to find my backpack by Monday."

I nodded.

"I'll text you so you have my number."

"Thanks. Goodnight, Riker."

"Goodnight."

She climbed back in her room and shut the window.

I sighed and laid down on the floor of the treehouse. I felt so much better. I don't know if it was because she let me vent or because I have a new friend. But I just felt so much better.

I went back inside and got back into bed. And I fell asleep.