You don't choose who you fall in love with (gxg, txs)

*Alex's pov*

Ugh, today was just one of those days. Everything was going wrong, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of being on edge. My coffee was too bitter, my computer was slow, and to top it off, I spilled lunch all over my favorite blouse.

As I sat at my desk, trying to scrub out the stain, my coworkers started to notice my frazzled state. Emily walked by and asked if I was okay, concern etched on her face. I forced a smile and told her I was just having a long day.

But it wasn't just the little things that were getting to me. I had a big meeting this afternoon, and I was feeling unprepared. My mind was racing with worst-case scenarios, and I couldn't seem to focus.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. I thought about Amanda, and how she always knew how to make me feel better. I wished she was here to give me a reassuring hug and tell me everything would be okay.

But for now, I was on my own. I squared my shoulders, grabbed my notes, and headed to the meeting room. Time to put on a brave face and get through this day.

I stood at the conference table, trying to focus on the discussion at hand. But as the meeting wore on, I could feel my anxiety spiking. My hands began to tremble, and I clenched them into fists to try and calm them down.

My mind was racing, and I felt like I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. I couldn't seem to catch my breath, and my heart was pounding in my chest. I felt like I was going to pass out.

I tried to speak, but my voice came out shaky and barely audible. I cleared my throat and tried again, but it was no use. I felt like I was losing control.

I glanced around the table, hoping no one had noticed my distress. But Emily caught my eye, concern etched on her face. She mouthed "are you okay?" at me, and I forced a weak smile.

I knew I needed to get out of there, fast. I excused myself, muttering something about needing to take a call, and practically ran out of the meeting room.

I locked myself in a stall, my body shaking uncontrollably as I dialed Amanda's number. I waited for what felt like an eternity for her to pick up, my anxiety spiraling out of control.

"Please...please...please..." I whispered between sobs, my voice barely audible.

But Amanda didn't answer. I hung up and called her again, my fingers trembling as I dialed her number.

This time, I couldn't hold back my tears. I sobbed uncontrollably, my body wracked with panic. Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, Amanda's voice came on the line.

"Alex, honey, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice calm and soothing.

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "I...I'm having a panic attack," I stuttered, my voice shaking.

Amanda's tone turned gentle and reassuring. "Okay, baby, I'm here. Just breathe, okay? You're safe. I'm here with you."

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. I took another deep breath, trying to focus on Amanda's calm voice. Slowly but surely, my sobs began to subside, replaced by ragged gasps for air.

Amanda continued to talk me down, her words a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves. "You're okay, Alex. You're safe. I love you."

I closed my eyes, letting her words wash over me. Slowly, I began to feel my panic recede, replaced by a sense of calm. I took one final, shuddering breath, and then I was still, my body exhausted but my mind at peace.

I took a deep breath, assessing my state. The panic had receded, leaving me feeling drained and vulnerable.

"I...I think I'm okay," I said, my voice still shaking slightly. "I just feel really overwhelmed and exhausted."