Ritual {Black Veil Brides}

Chapter 2: Nearing The End

Rose's POV

I let out a deep sigh as I mindlessly tapped my pencil against my desk, eyes remaining locked onto the clock that was above the door.  Today, was my last day of high school.  I would be turning 18 next month and would be attending university this fall.  University of South Carolina.  I needed to get away from this place.  

"That clock couldn't possibly move any slower"  I turned to Zach as he stretched back in his seat that was beside mine.

Ever since Andy returned home last month, I took into consideration what he had said.  The promise I made him, about not assuming people's intentions and letting them help.  Since then, I made an effort to not shut Zach out, to let him help me when I needed it.  Since then, we've became close friends, my only friend at the moment.  Unfortunately for him, that meant that he was no longer friends with Caleb.  People keep calling Zach my "beard" which isn't at all true, considering that I'm technically out.  Even if coming out wasn't my choice.  I came out to my parents the day after my chat with Andy and they were surprisingly cool with it considering the fact that our family has been attending the Catholic church long before I was even in the picture. Andy left back to California a couple of days after.  I have my graduation tonight and I would be getting on a plane tomorrow morning to meet them in Dallas Texas, which is where Warped Tour would be soon kicking off.  I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.  I had met Andy's bandmates before.  I was probably the closest with Ashley, he had always been easy to talk to and was like another older brother to me.  CC always made me laugh, which he does with everyone.  Jinxx understood me, probably because we're both more reserved and quiet around others that we don't exactly know.  I was probably the least close to Jake but still, he was kind and always made an effort to make me feel included.  I think I was mostly scared about getting in the way of things.  

Since I had continued to see my therapist, my depression started to gradually get better and I actually look forward to going to see her now, which I was really surprised about.  However, since Andy left, I had begun to get these panic attacks, that's what my therapist called them.  She says she thinks it's separation anxiety, that Quinn leaving, and then Andy shortly after he had arrived, was spiking anxiety in me from being alone.  They usually happen once a week and it's typically at night before I go to bed, when I'm alone.  However, I had one in front of Zach last week when we went to the mall, it was busy and we got separated in the crowd and that's when it all happened.  He tried his best to calm me down and when I was finally able to breath, he told me to call him if it happened again.  That he would be there for me.

"Do you want to go get ice cream or something?" Zach asked, balancing a pencil on his nose.  I rolled my eyes, letting out a small laugh as it fell.

"You mean, like tonight after graduation?" I asked curiously, doodling mindlessly in my notebook.

"No, like right now" I looked up at Zach, expecting to see him roll his eyes or have a goofy smile, but no, he was dead serious.

"We have like 30 minutes left though" I had never skipped class before, even on the last day of school.  Besides, even if I wanted to there would be no way we could just get up and walk right out.

"Do you honestly think Ms. E is gonna even care?" I turned to look at Ms. E at her desk, she had her head propped up on her hand and her eyes were shut lightly, she was asleep.  I couldn't help but let out a small giggle at that.  I bit my lip, debating before I nodded.  

"Let's go" I quietly packed up my things and Zach did the same, turning to look at Ms. E one last time.

"Bro, where you going?" Eric asked from behind us.  Eric was on the baseball team with Zach and he was actually one of the very few jocks around here that actually left me alone.  

"Ice cream run, cover for us if she ever wakes up" Zach said before grabbing my hand and quietly leading us out of the classroom.  I guess if there was ever a first time to ditch class, my last day should definitely be it.

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"So are you excited to go on tour with your brother?"  I turned to look at Zach, we were currently sitting in his car, outside of the ice cream parlor.  We were both eating our ice cream, I had gotten chocolate chip cookie dough and he got cotton candy.  I nodded.

"Yeah I am, but I'm also kind of nervous.  Tomorrow will be my first time flying by myself." Zach nodded in understanding.

"It's not so bad, plus you're brave.  I think you'll do just fine." I blushed at that word, brave.  I've never been called brave before.

"So did you decide between majors yet?" I asked, he had been going back and forth between Marine Biology and English.  Both subjects in which he loved.

"Army" I turned to look at him in shock.  He was completely serious.

"What? But you promised me that once you opened your own aquarium that you would let me name one of the turtles." Zach let out a small chuckle at that.  

"I was going to do that but my dad, he just wants me to follow in his footsteps you know?  And it's not like I won't ever get my degree.  I will, I'm just going to defer my acceptance until I can go back to school.  They pay for your tuition you know?  The National Guard."   I let out a sigh at that, he was going to do something that he didn't even want to do just to please his dad.

"When do you leave?" I asked softly.

"I'm based in Florida for training, I leave June 20th" I couldn't believe this.  I had finally made another friend and now I might not see him again for a very long time, possibly never again.  I mean what if he forgets me?  I felt my throat start to tighten at the thoughts, tears pricking in my eyes.

"Hey, hey Rosie.  Take a deep breath.  I'll still call.  And you can come visit me for graduation." Zach had turned towards me, placing a hand on top of mine.  My chest was heavy and I had begun to feel dizzy.  Zach's hand reached up to hold my cheek and turn my face towards him, forcing me to ground myself where we were.  We're in Zach's car, safe.

"You're safe Rosie, breath."