Snapped. (Thomas Jefferson X Reader)

Chapter 5 - Messed Up

(Y/N)'s POV

I watched after Thomas as he stormed away. Aaron and Alex smiled sheepishly as I focused on them again.

'Who's idea was this?" I demanded. Alex pointed to the other boy who looked down.

"Ya done messed up A-a-Ron!" I slammed my hand down in front of him, making him jump.

"Look, Sis-"

"Don't Sis me! You know I can't stand him!" I growled.

"Why? Why can't you stand him? He's my friend for god sake at least tolerate him!" He raised his voice back.

Aaron and I didn't argue often but when we did...oh boy it could get bad.

"I... I - well..." I couldn't answer. I didn't know a valid reason why I didn't like him. I hated it when I didn't have a decent answer. I mumbled an excuse to leave and grabbed my bag, turning to leave to Washington's class.

"Typical!" Aaron laughed. "Running away just like-" I didn't let him finish. Our entire squad held their breath in fear as I stormed back, grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and yanked him close to me, speaking through my teeth.

"Don't. You. Dare compare me to him!" I threw the slightly startled boy away. Tears formed in my eyes and I quickly sprinted away, Alexander close behind me. I ran into someone, not bothering to see who it was as I passed.

Eventually, I grew tired and fell back against the lockers, slowly sinking to the floor. Alex found and sat next to me. The raven haired boy sighed and pulled me into a hug, instructing my breathing which had become shallow and panicked. I felt my bag be moved off my shoulder and someone (most likely John) sit on my other side. I heard the zipper of my bag and John rummage to the bottom.

Most people would disapprove of someone going through their things. I, however, knew what Laurens was looking for. My 'comfort object'. It's one thing that calmed me down, especially during a panic attack. For me, there were five simple things:

1. Lower all noise levels - either shut the hell up or take me somewhere quiet.

2. Don't push me away when I cling to you like a koala, it helps me feel secure and protected.

3. Get my breathing normal. In for three, hold for four and out for six.

4. (Not always essential) but running fingers through my hair can calm me down.

And last but not least, 5. Give me Barks, my comfort object.

I felt something soft on my cheek and immediately snatched it from Laurens. My hands clung to the small plush dog as I buried my nose in his fur, inhaling the vanilla and lavender scent he had.

Once I'd calmed down, my eyes opened and I looked at the glass pair that were a pretty orange/brown colour before resting my head on Alex's shoulder while he stroked my (Y/H/C) locks.

"Thank you guys." I whispered.

"It's what we're here for (Y/N)." They replied, John resting a hand on my shoulder. I looked up as I heard footsteps rush around the corner. My friends were all walking over calmly so they didn't get me worked up again. Slowly aside from Aaron who had clearly been crying and was running. He skidded (literally) to a halt and hugged me tightly. My arms wrapped around him as he buried his face in my neck.

"I'm so sorry Sis, I wasn't thinking. I swear I didn't-" he rambled.

"Shh. I know." I smiled, my voice a little hoarse still. He pulled away and looked at me, hands firmly on my shoulders. The bell rang, signalling that classes would start in five minutes. I snapped back to reality and quickly put Barks back in my bag, making sure he was right at the bottom so no one else would know about him being there.

Only my friends knew about him and I wanted to keep it that way.

Aaron took my hand and pulled me up to my feet. I sighed, regaining my composure.

"Right, history now. We all good?"

"We're good." Aaron smiled as we started walking to Washington's class once again.