Fresh Start (Tyrus) || Andi Mack

Eight // TJ

*trigger warning for the dream*

Also, short chapter.

•••

I stare at my ceiling, trying to fall asleep. It's 2:14AM and I'm still awake because I can't clear my mind. It feels like there's a storm going on in my head, with endless thoughts of Cyrus rushing through like waves crashing onto the shore. And I want so desperately for it to end, so I can surface from the water that's trying to drown me. But I can't, because I'm being pushed under so strongly that I might never come back up.

I don't want for this to be happening. Giving in means accepting myself which means coming out which leads to losing people and I can't handle even thinking about that. Nobody would ever look at me the same. And while I really do like Cyrus, being with him could change the course of my entire life. I don't know if I'm ready for that.

I check the time again and it's now 3:01. Guess I'm not going to school tomorrow. After what feels like an eternity, I finally manage to fall asleep. But maybe that's not such a good thing.

***

"TJ! Please help me!" I hear Cyrus cry from a distance.

I struggle beneath the chains that hold me to the corner of this dark room. There are spikes all around, so even if I got loose I'd be in danger.

"You hear that, princess?" a man sneers from just outside of my prison. "The little crybaby wants you!"

The three shorter guys around him laugh mockingly.

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" I scream as I try to break away.

"TJ! Help!" Cyrus shrieks once more.

"Too late for that," one guy smirks at me. "He'll be off the cliff in a matter of seconds."

"You should've just stayed in the closet," the main one says before knocking me out.

***

"Cyrus!" I yell as I shoot up into a sitting position, gasping for air. I look around at my surroundings and let out a heavy breath. Just a dream.

I look over at my alarm clock. 5:21 AM. I'd better get back to sleep. I really hope I don't have another nightmare like that.

•••

I wake up at noon and immediately check my phone. I have 2 new messages from my mom.

Mom: I heard you were
still trying to fall asleep
past 2 in the morning so
I called the school and
told them you probably
wouldn't be coming in
today.
delivered 7:34 am

Mom: I'm going to be
at a conference most
of the day but I hope
you feel better honey.
Rest well, okay?
delivered 8:09 am

TJ: thanks mom.
delivered 12:02 pm

I head downstairs and grab a cereal bar. After getting my shoes on, I quickly eat the whole bar and then throw the plastic wrapper in the recycling. I slip my hoodie over my head and then head out the door, walking to the park.

Since it's the middle of the school day, I know Cyrus won't be there, which means I can swing alone and try to eliminate my worried thoughts. As I walk down the sidewalk, I put my earbuds in and hit shuffle on my 'Random Meme Stuff' playlist. I usually put that on when I want to rid my mind of deep thoughts.

Once I approach the familiar swing set, I sit down and start to push myself back and forth, swinging higher until I'm at the same height I was last time. I continue to focus on the song playing from my headphones, and soon I'm feeling happy and free once again.

I stay there for quite awhile, just lost in the music. No worries, no sadness, no anxiety about the future.

Just as I'm slowing down, ready to check the time, I see a figure jogging towards me. Make that...two? I squint my eyes as they slowly come into view. It's Cyrus. And...his best friend. I don't know what her name is. Crud.

I swiftly stand up and pull the cord of my earbuds out of my phone, shoving them into my pocket. But as I turn around, ready to leave, Cyrus calls out my name.

"TJ!" Cyrus shouts. "Wait a sec, I'm almost there."

That's what I was afraid of.