Chapter 17: Panic Attacks

As we entered the school premises, the collective gaze of curious onlookers seemed to converge on Alex and me. While his hand intertwined with mine felt comforting, a part of me wished for a moment of solitude to escape the prying eyes and hushed conversations that surely followed the previous day's drama.

Walking hand in hand with the boy who had gallantly stood up for me, even resorting to a decisive act, added an unexpected layer to the spectacle. The air crackled with a blend of anticipation and speculation, the aftermath of a narrative that had unfolded in the corridors just a day ago.

Amidst the lingering stares, there was an unspoken acknowledgment that we were now the focal point of attention. The weight of being scrutinized by the entire school, possibly in the midst of hushed discussions, was palpable. Yet, the simple act of walking together, hand in hand, was a testament to the resilience of newfound connection and an unspoken commitment that transcended the whispers of the onlooking crowd.

Despite my insistence on walking into school with just Julia, Alex remained steadfast in his desire for the three of us to stroll in together. As I exchanged glances with Julia, silently hoping for an excuse, she appeared genuinely delighted by the prospect.

Resigned to the trio, I cast a glance at Julia, expecting perhaps a hint of objection. To my surprise, not only did she acquiesce, but she also said nothing when Alex intertwined his fingers with mine. In a lighthearted jest, she playfully mouthed "love birds," eliciting a genuine smile from Alex. The unexpected camaraderie between the three of us painted the morning with a blend of laughter and shared moments, creating a memory that defied the whispers of onlookers.

As we walked into school, the palpable nerves coursing through me seemed almost tangible. I could sense Alex's perceptiveness as he held my hands, now slightly damp with nervous sweat, and felt the cold shivers that betrayed my inner turmoil.

Sensing my unease, Alex's gentle touch became a comforting reassurance. With a tender gesture, he rubbed his hand soothingly down my back, each stroke a whispered promise that everything would be fine. His words, laced with warmth, offered solace as he encouraged me to embrace the new chapter unfolding in our lives, assuring me that it was just a matter of getting accustomed to the attention and whispers that surrounded us. In that fleeting moment, his understanding touch became a balm for the nerves, infusing the morning with a sense of tranquility amidst the sea of curious glances.

The anticipation of Alex's constant presence by my side waned as we reached my locker, only to be met with a distressing sight. The surface was marred by hurtful inscriptions, each word etched in cruelty: "slut," "shameless," "stop stealing people's man."

A wave of shock and embarrassment washed over me, leaving a lingering vulnerability. The weight of those accusatory words felt like an unwanted spotlight, casting shadows on the sanctuary I had hoped to find in the company of someone I cared for. In that moment, the bustling school corridor transformed into a stage of judgment and whispers, and I couldn't help but wonder how Alex would navigate this unexpected storm by my side.

The revelation of the hurtful inscriptions on my locker unveiled a storm of emotions, and the look on Alex's face betrayed a fierce protectiveness ready to erupt. His eyes, aflame with a mix of anger and concern, hinted at a readiness to tear down the entire school in defense of what he cherished.

In an eruption of raw emotion, Alex's voice soared, echoing through the corridor as he demanded to know who dared to defile my locker with those venomous words. A hushed silence fell over the onlookers, their gazes fixed on the unfolding drama. Yet, the accusatory silence deepened the unsettling atmosphere.

Amidst the escalating tension, a tide of panic began to surge within me. As Alex's voice resonated, my fears intensified. A gnawing realization set in – no matter how valiantly he shouted or how fervently he defended me, the tide of judgment and whispers was beyond his control, and I braced myself for the storm that threatened to engulf us.

Under the weight of the hurtful inscriptions on my locker, each breath became a desperate struggle, the air thick with panic. In this vulnerable moment, Julia's voice cut through the turmoil, calling out to Alex for assistance. The school corridor, once a bustling hub, became a theater of distress as I fought to remain on my feet.

The prospect of collapsing in front of the entire school, adding vulnerability to the already chaotic morning, haunted me. Despite my resolve to stay standing, my body rebelled, and I descended to the cold floor. In a swift and graceful move, Alex's strong arms encircled me, catching me before my head could meet the harsh ground. In that tender instant, his protective embrace served as a shield against the judgmental gazes that lingered.

The thought of thanking him later lingered in my mind, a testament to the gratitude that would inevitably follow. Yet, as consciousness waned, I was enveloped by an abyss of unconsciousness, the complexities of the morning momentarily eclipsed by the comforting darkness.