For The Better (Original Version)

Before

AN: This section discusses anxiety and alludes to other mental health issues. I did do my research for this, but everyone is different so this description may not be 100% accurate.

Swish

Swish

Raven flinched. "Will you stop that?"

Hazel sighed and put the cane down. "Sorry Rave."

"It's ok. I just...don't like that sound."

Hazel smirked. "Of course you don't."

Raven rolled her eyes, then grew serious. "I've...never actually seen you before you do it to someone else, just after. Are you always like this?"

"No. Well, yes, but also not really."

Raven blinked. "What?"

Hazel sighed. "I'm not doing a great job of explaining this, am I?"

"Not at all."

"Like, I get nervous, of course, but this is different. First because I've had all day to think about doing this and second because, well, this is going to possibly be the harshest punishment I've ever had to give."

Raven saw the tears in Hazel's eyes and immediately pulled her into a hug. "Haze, it's gonna be ok. You're going to do great."

Hazel held tight to her best friend. "I know...but that doesn't mean that I want to do it. I hate having to hurt her."

"I know. I don't want to see her in pain either. But it's the rules, you can't just let her get away with this."

"Yeah, I know. It's just-"

Raven raised an eyebrow. "Just what?"

Hazel pulled away. "When I started mentoring Skie, I told her we were similar. I never fully explained what I meant by that, although I think she gathered some meaning. I mean yeah, we're both creative and have similar values, but there's one big way that we're similar."

"Are you saying you're a kleptomaniac too?"

"No, no. Kleptomania nearly always goes alongside other, uh, issues. Just based on things that have happened in the last three months, I can tell. Skie has an anxiety disorder."

Raven nodded. "That makes sense. And you as well?"

Hazel blushed. "Yeah. I don't really advertise it, but I'm pretty sure you've picked up on it, what with me crying and having mood swings and not wanting to get out of bed a lot of the time. I'm...so screwed up."

Raven looked at Hazel silently for a moment before tackling her in another hug.

"We're all screwed up, Hazel. I love you."

Hazel smiled. "Love you too, Rave."

Raven let go. "You're so brave to say all that."

"You're my best friend, you should know."

"Does anyone else? Lil or Daisy?"

"I'm pretty sure Daisy does...I haven't told Lil...she doesn't need anything else bothering her."

Raven rolled her eyes. "You know perfectly well, Hazel Marie, that Lil would support you. You aren't being a bother."

Hazel glanced at the clock, avoiding eye contact. "2:50. She'll be here in 10 minutes."

Raven let out a deep sigh. 

Hazel studied her friend with concern. "You don't have to be my second. I can get someone else."

Raven shook her head. "No, I'd rather it be me."

The head girl nodded. "Alright. I'd better put this away." She picked up the cane.

"Why? You're going to use it in a few minutes."

"Yeah, but I'm not starting with that and I don't want her worrying the whole time."

"She'll be worrying anyway."

Hazel sighed. "Yeah, well, hopefully she'll worry less."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Skie paced around her dorm, extremely worried. She'd gotten in trouble with Hazel twice, but she was certain that this would be no simple hairbrushing. 

"Skie? You ok?" Hannah asked as she walked into the room.

Skie shook her head, unable to speak.

Hannah immediately came over and hugged her, gently rubbing her back. "Skie, it'll be ok. It'll all be over soon, ok? Don't be scared."

Skie tried to think of something to say but all that came out was a strangled sob of panic.

"Hey, hey. Deep breath, ok? Breathe with me...in....and out. Good."

Hannah and Skie held each other and breathed in sync for a few minutes. Skie felt some of the tension leave her shoulders and some of the thoughts racing around her head calm down.

"Han, what am I gonna do?" Skie whispered.

Hannah put a hand on her shoulder. "You're going to be ok. Just keep your head up, be respectful, and take it maturely. That's what my dad always says, anyway. And don't forget to keep breathing."

Skie looked at the clock. "I have to be there in 5 minutes. Do I look ok?"

Hannah smiled. "Perfect. Do you want me to walk you down?"

Skie shook her head. "Thanks, but I'd rather go by myself."

"I totally understand. I'll be with you in spirit."

Skie smiled. "Thanks."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Skie walked down the hall towards the discipline room. Towards my doom. When she reached it, she adjusted her blazer one last time, took a deep breath, and tapped on the door.

"Come in, Miss Matthews."

TBC...