Hello Stranger

Chapter 5

We were sitting in the bleachers as the boys warmed up on the field getting ready to play. Though it was chilly out, it wasn't the reason I was shaking. My emotions finally caught up with me. I was scared to see Drew. I knew I wouldn't have to face him, but the thought of watching him on the field got to me. Knowing that Asher would be on the field didn't help me either. I was worried, scared, and confused. The confusion had nothing to do with Drew. Yet, had everything to do with Grayson and Joey who were both on the field staring at me. They didn't seem like they were aware of the other.

"So, am I allowed to ask any questions?" Aaron says sitting on the level in front of me and Ellie. I look down at him to see him watching me. He must've seen me looking at Joey and Grayson. "No, it's not about the two pissed off boys on the field staring at you," It was almost as if he read my thoughts just now.

"Uh..." I start to answer when people start cheering. I look up at the field to see that Grenville Academy's team had just got on the field. Drew entered first and he looked out and the crowd happily before making eye contact with me. It was as if he knew exactly where I was.

"Earth to Andrea," Aaron says tearing my gaze from Drew's. "I was going to ask if the other team is any good. But now I'm wondering if you're okay."

"Yeah, you look like you've just seen a ghost," Ellie says. She puts the back of her hand to my forehead to see if I was hot.

"Not a ghost. Drew," I inform her. I was struggling to breathe now. Saying I was going to be fine was easier than actually being okay.

Ellie grabbed my hand and Aaron turned completely around to face me. He was on full alert. "Okay, sweetie. You're going to be fine. We're going to be fine. He can't get to you anymore. Don't let him get to you," Ellie says. But in my ears, it started to sound like a distant echo rather than someone right in front of me. Everything started blurring and spinning. It felt like there was a huge weight pushing down on my chest.

"I'm trying," I struggled to say.

"She's having a panic attack," Ellie tells Aaron. "Asher's usually the one to help her. Or Xavier. I don't know what to do."

I felt Aaron touch my leg for a brief moment before taking my face in his hands. "Andrea. Listen to my voice. Just listen," He coaxed. "I need you to tell me about Drew."

"What?! He's the reason for the panic attack, how is that helping?" Ellie asked Aaron frantically.

"Ellie, she needs something else to focus on. Even if it's avoiding answering Now, please shut up. respectfully." Aaron answers.

"Sorry," Ellie mumbles.

"Now, Andrea, I need you to tell me about Drew. Who is he?" Aaron asked delicately.

"My ex-boyfriend," I stuttered. But I did feel like everything was slowing down.

"Good, now why is he your ex?"

"We didn't work out," I answer vaguely.

"Why? Why didn't it work out?" He questioned.

"We just didn't," I answer getting a handle on my breathing.

"Why?" He pushes.

"I'm fine now," I say.

"I don't care. What happened?" Aaron says

"Aaron, she'll tell if she's ready," Ellie says stopping him.

"Fine," He grumbles and turns back around. "But, I'm not letting this go."

"I didn't think you would," I answer. I knew it was a matter of time until he told Ethan. Meaning, Ethan would be asking me questions about it, too. I made a promise to myself months ago not to mention what happened with Drew again. Not until I was ready, and I'm not ready. I may never be ready to talk about it.