Lock and Key

A panic attack and the F word

I was saved by the bell. Unfortunately that bell also meant that lunch time was over, and it was time to go watch someone else play the part that I was supposed to play.

"See ya later, Lilah! Have fun in theater!" Kayla chimed as she stood up from her seat.

"Wouldn't count on it." I mumbled.

"Come on! It won't be that bad. Remember, Mrs. Linn promised that you would still have a part in the show if you came back." Kayla reassured me.

"Yeah. It'll probably just be chorus. I'll have to watch someone else play the part that I earned." I sulked.

"Yeah. I'm sorry. I know how excited you were when you got casted, but everything will be great." Kayla gave me a small wave and started to her class.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theater wasn't as terrible as I expected. I had to watch someone else play the role that I had wanted so badly, but it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would.

Somehow it had just occurred to me that playing a lead would mean all eyes on me. I'd much rather be part of the chorus.

I was now on my way to geometry, less stressed than I was one period ago. I felt a hand lay on my back and I looked beside me to see Finn walking in step with me.

"Hey. How was theater?" He asked.

"It wasn't as bad as I made it out to be." I admitted and he gave me an I told you so look.

"See? I knew you had nothing to worry about."

I ignored his smugness as we walked through the door of our class. Of all the teachers in the school, I knew Mr. Carter would be least excited for me to come back. Due to all the problems I've caused.

"Lilah. Good to see you back." Mr. Carter greeted, although the look on his face said otherwise.

I just smiled and nodded at him as I walked to my seat in front of Finn.

"No paper balls this time." I said, narrowing my eyes as him.

"Yes ma'am." He laughed.

"Alight everyone! Bring your attention up here, please!" Mr. Carter shouted, grabbing about half the class's attention.

Once the majority of the students on the class were paying attention he started his long lecture.

About halfway through the lecture my mind started to wonder. I started thinking about how lucky I am to be in school right now. I thought about how lucky I was to have the amazing friends that have done so much for me.

Then my mind strayed to one person who made all of the good thoughts disappear. Micheal. Micheal and his blue eyes looking into my soul. My heartbeat picked up.

Micheal was still out there. Who knows where he is or what he's doing. He could be looking for me or even looking for ways to lure me in. My friends and family's faces flashed through my mind.

My breathing grew heavier. The room was starting to get blurry and the voices saying my name were beginning to muffle.

Only one of them calmed me. An arm went around my waist and it instantly soothed me. It instantly made me feel safe. I leaned into their embrace as they pushed me to walk forward.

I heard a door shut behind me as things started to come into focus. The protective arms left my body, taking the comfort with them.

"Deep breaths, Lilah." Finn whispered. His comforting brown eyes trained on mine.

My heart rate slowed again and my breathing went back to normal.

"What just happened?" I asked breathlessly.