Panic Attack

Chapter 11 : Concert

Chapter 11

Friday...

Nicole POV

I could tell how anxious Riker was about his show tonight. He wouldn't stop fidgeting and he just seemed very on edge.

His parents were happy I was coming to the show to help Riker.

Right now we were all in their car on the way there. Riker was next to me and Rocky. But he was curled into my side with his eyes shut. 

I just hope everything goes well tonight.

Later...

Riker POV

"You guys are on in 5 minutes," dad said.

"What if I have a panic attack!?" I asked, starting to sweat a little.

"Riker, Nicole and I will be on the side of the stage for the whole concert if you need anything," mom said.

"But what if I can't calm down!?"

"Riker, you're going to be fine," mom said, hugging me.

I bit my lip pretty hard. I'm really scared.

Dad handed me my bass. My heart started to race a little.

"Alright. Let's have a great show!" Rydel said, walking over with all my siblings.

We all put our hands in the middle.

"READY SET ROCK!"

I followed them all out to the stage and stood at my mic. I stared out at the audience and I put a fake smile on my face. I don't want them to suspect anything. One of my biggest fears is having a panic attack during a concert or interview. I'm scared they would make fun of me or laugh. And it would just be embarrassing to freak out in front of a ton of people.

We started with Loud. My heart slowed down from racing, but it was still going a bit faster than normal. And I felt sort of sick. I think it's just because I'm so nervous. My stomach hurts.

"How's everyone doing tonight!?" Ross asked, after we finished Loud.

We got a bunch of screams from the crowd. It made me smile a little. But then I went back to worrying.

We started playing our next song. And I fumbled over a few notes, which made my heart start racing again.

I could literally feel my chest getting tight and my whole body was beginning to tremble.

I stepped away from my mic and turned away from the audience. I just pretended to be jamming out. But I knew I was starting to have a panic attack.

I ran over to Rocky and shot him a look. He came closer and I told him I was having a panic attack. He told me I could run off stage after the song ended and he'd cover for me.

So I went back to my side of the stage, still facing away from the crowd. And I finished playing the song. But as soon as it was over, I bolted off.

I heard Rocky start telling a story. I handed my bass to dad, and ran to Nicole and mom.

"Are you ok?" Mom asked.

I shook my head no and started crying. Mom pulled me onto her lap and hugged me tight.

"Riker, just take deep breaths and calm down," mom said.

Nicole took my hand and intertwined our fingers. I squeezed her hand tight and buried my face in mom's shoulder.

"Deep breaths, honey," mom said.

She started rubbing my back. 

"I c-can't finish t-the c-concert."

"Yes, you can, Riker. You just need to calm down."

"I c-can't!"

"Take deep breaths, Riker."

I felt hot, sweaty, sick, shaky, and just awful. And I was stressed out about finishing the concert.

I finally felt my heart slowing down, and I felt a bit calmer. 

"Good honey, keep breathing," mom said.

I finally calmed all the way down.

"Are you ready to go back out now?" Mom asked.

"But what if it happens again!?"

"Then you can come off stage again, ok?"

I sighed. I really don't want to go back out. But I also really don't want to let my band down and our fans. 

I stood up. Dad handed me my bass back. And I went back out on stage. Rocky looked over at me and I nodded, signaling that I was ready again.

"Alright you guys. How many of you know the song A Billion Hits from Austin and Ally?" Rocky asked.

The crowd screamed. And we started playing.

Later...

Riker POV

"Goodnight!" Ross screamed into the microphone.

We took a bow, and then left the stage. I never had another panic attack, but I was exhausted now.

"You finished the show," Nicole said, smiling.

She pulled me into a hug. 

"Come on, kids. Let's pack up so we can head home!" Dad said.

"Come help me pack up," I said, taking Nicole's hand. 

We packed everything up and then got in the car to go home. I curled into Nicole again and fell asleep. I was exhausted.