Breathe

Chapter One

Venus was tired. So very tired. She didn't want school, not today. Tomorrow maybe. But it was today and if she was late, everyone would stare at her as she walked in and Venus would have to sit there a nervous wreck as her mind went over every detail on her body to figure out why they're staring. Maybe it was her hair. Bad bad stupid idea. No, she catches herself. You're fine.

Pulling herself from the safety of her bed, Venus makes her way to the mirror to brush her pink hair and straighten it. It was really long now and Venus wanted to cut it but if she did she'd get so much attention and people would judge and- no, you're fine. Deal with this later. The carpet was soft and if she could have it her way, she'd lay down all-day with Moon and only come out for food. Her feet gently padded across her room to her closet only to turn back around to the armchair where she had left her clothes, prepared the night before along with everything else. Fuck she loved  the no dress code. It sounded so stupid that 100 years ago girls had to "cover their shoulders" who even has a shoulder fetish?

Venus pulled on a sky blue crop top, with the words TOO L8 in uniform writing across her chest. It's supposed to symbolise how we could've saved the environment. Well, it doesn't matter now. Venus muses to herself; it's already fucked. She jumps up and down to pull the black "jeans" made out of recycled plastic up to her waist and sits back down again to start on makeup. Gold eyelids today, she thinks. On her way downstairs, she gives Moon a can of artificially grown tuna and moves onto her own breakfast. Artificially grown avocado on toast. Served on a recycled plastic plate. Funny how humans pulled their shit together after everything goes bad. The avocado is perfect and creamy. Not even a shadow of a dark spot. It's now rare to find a bad avocado. A one in a million chance. Venus downed her toast, along with a glass of soymilk.

No dairy or meat anymore, too much impact on the healing environment. She placed her dish and glass into the sink.

"Veri, can you please wash that while I'm at school?"

"Of course, Venus. But remember that you must wash your own dishes three times a week as part of the Responsibility Module for Over 12."

"I know Veri, I'm just feeling a little anxious today."

"Would you like some marijuana (Medicinal Class) to calm down?"

"No Veri you know how I feel about drugs."

"Venus, as I have said before, Medicinal Class marijuana is not a drug-"

"I know, Veri. Thank you. I'll talk to you after school."

"Goodbye, Venus."

Venus grabbed her bag and pulled on her shoes. Some recyke plastic sneakers. It was time. Venus took a deep breath. She placed her hand on the door handle and began to hyperventilate.

"Venus, I see that you are stressed. Please try some diaphragmatic breathing in 3,2,1. Breathe in"

Venus sucked in a breath

"Breathe out."

Venus exhaled.

"Again, please."

This continued for the next five minutes.

"Thank you, Veri."

"No worries, Venus. Would you like medication for your anxiety?"

Venus hesitated. If she didn't take it, she risked an anxiety attack in front of the whole class. But if she took it, she'd feel disappointed in herself for giving in to meds again.

An anxiety attack was worse than disappointment.

"Yes please Veri."

A small slot opened next to the door containing a glass of water and a pink pill. Venus placed the pill in her mouth and gulped down the water. It was going to be a long day.

"Have a good day, Venus."

"Bye Veri."