Panic Attack

Chapter 5 : Panic attack

Chapter 5
   
A few days later...

Riker POV

I couldn't concentrate on class all day. Later tonight we have to pack and leave for an interview that is first thing tomorrow morning. And then we have a concert that we have to drive to, and then drive home. And hopefully Sunday will be a free day. We only found out about the concert and interview this morning, and it's making me so stressed.

I feel super jittery and just kind of freaked out. I don't know why. Maybe I've never felt this stressed out before...

I tried to focus on what my teacher was saying. But history was boring to me anyway. So I wasn't having much luck.

All of a sudden, my heart started to race and I started to sweat. I felt like I couldn't breathe, and I didn't know what was going on. I almost felt kind of dizzy.

I tried to stay as calm and quiet as possible so I didn't draw attention to myself. But I was freaking out inside. My chest feels like it's getting tighter and tighter.

I slowly raised my hand.

"Yes, Riker?"

"Um, can I go to the bathroom?"

"Yes."

I quickly got up and left the room. I went to the bathroom, locked myself in a stall, and slid to the floor.

My hands were shaking, and I was practically hyperventilating. I started to cry because I was so freaked out. What's happening to me!?

I pulled my knees to my chest, and hugged them there. I just want to go home. I don't want to be at school, or at an interview, or a concert. I just want to be home, safe and sound.

After a few minutes, I was able to catch my breath and calm down again. I don't know what the heck just happened, but I feel pretty ok again. I'm still a bit shaky though.

I went back to class and sat down at my desk. And I took out my phone so I could text mom.

"Can you please pick me up from school early?" I texted.

"Why?"

"Because I don't feel good. I'll explain it when you come get me."

"Ok."

I wasn't able to concentrate in class still. My mind was racing.

Finally, my teacher got a phone call. I knew it was the office, saying my mom was here to pick me up.

"Riker, attendance office," my teacher said.

I shoved my books in my backpack, and left. I walked down to the attendance office where my mom signed me out.

"So what's wrong?" Mom asked.

We both got in the car.

"I don't know... I was sitting in class, and all of a sudden, my heart just started racing. And I got all sweaty and shaky and freaked out. My chest got super tight too and it felt kind of hard to breathe. So I asked to go to the bathroom, and I just waited there for a few minutes. And the feeling went away."

"Have you been feeling stressed out about anything lately?"

"Yeah, the whole last minute interview and concert has been making it so I couldn't really concentrate all day."

"Honey, I think you had a panic attack."

"A panic attack?"

"It happens if you're overly anxious."