Waking up was the worst part for me. Knowing that later on I'd be struggling with math or being verbally picked on by upperclassmen was a motivation killer.

I sat up, with my comforter still firmly attached to my body. It was five in the morning and I had to collect myself before hopping into the bathroom for a quick shower. When I was ready, I grabbed the clothes that were hanging from my desk chair and stumbled into the bathroom.

I undressed quickly and turned on the shower. As soon as I was in, the hot water relaxed me. It almost put me to sleep all over again. Then there were the odd or interesting shower thoughts.

I was in the middle of pondering over a really stupid thought, when to my horror, I came to a realization. Today was the day I had group therapy. I was scheduled in for twice a week as far as appointments go. Considering that I agreed to do this thing, instead of a traditional appointment, I would be fitted into the group therapy slot. Immediately, concerns came to mind.

What if there's nobody that can relate to my troubles? What if they're all super frightening? What if they're all creepy? Will I be comfortable? How can they expect me to lay it all out, so they can read me like a book? Those were the questions that lingered in my mind. Convinced that it was the hot shower causing me to think this way, I quickly shut it off and stepped out. To my surprise, I was already shaking from anxiety. Just what I needed to start the day off with. I guess it's stronger than morning coffee. I could already see this was going to be a fun day.

---

I was panting when I walked into the school building. The large letters all in caps spelled out, "Ledgeview High School," even though they might as well have said, "Hell." I had to run from my home to school since I was short on time. To no avail, I was still pronounced late and I had to receive a pass from the office.

Stopping at my locker quickly, I picked up some books, threw my backpack in, and fast-walked to class. My first period class was pre-calculus. My brain was already a mess, so how was I supposed to function properly and do math accurately at seven thirty in the morning?

As I walked in, everyone turned to stare at me. I set my books on a table in the back and brought the pass up to the teacher, Mrs. Johnson.

"Thank you, Gerard. Take a seat and I'll fill you in on the lesson," she said, setting the pass down on her desk and going back to the whiteboard to write.

All through pre-calculus, the thought of having to go to group therapy loomed over me. The lesson made no sense and my focus went completely out the window. I accomplished nothing, meaning more homework for tonight.

The room began to shift towards the end of the period and we all started to gravitate toward the classroom door. Once she dismissed us, a rush of teenagers poured out into the hallway.

Before I was able to stop at my locker for another change of books, Ray, my best friend clapped me on the back.

"Hey there, pal," Ray said while smiling widely.

"Hey, how are you?" I asked, grabbing my chemistry book and wedging it in between my legs.

"I'm good. How's it going with you?"

"I'm actually rather anxious today. My mom signed me up for group therapy, and the whole idea is just terrifying. Got any good advice on the matter?" I put the combination lock on my locker and took the book out from in between my legs.

"Yikes. I mean, it could be fun and it could help. You'd also make more friends, most likely. Unless some of them are way too crazy," he laughed. That didn't really help my situation, but I knew he was trying his best.

"Maybe. Thanks, Ray," I said.

"Off to chem?" he asked.

"Yes, unfortunately," I replied, putting on an annoyed expression.

"Well, I'll see you later. Good luck with the therapy. I'm sure everything will be okay." With that, Ray headed off to his P.E. class, leaving me practically alone in the corridor.

---

The day had gone by slowly, so I couldn't imagine how it would be later on. I was walking down the street with headphones on, listening to music, trying to think positively and not have an emotional breakdown prior to my appointment.

As I turned the corner and entered my driveway, my mom was outside waiting in a lawn chair, sipping on what looked like a wine cooler.

"You can take the car. I won't be using it," she said, tossing me the keys.

"Thanks. Wish me luck. Let's hope it's as nice as you said it would be," I sighed.

"It will be. Don't stress about it too much. Just chill out and enjoy the experience. I love you. If you have a problem, dial me."

"Will do." I jumped into the car and started it up.

Here we go, I thought to myself.

---

The waiting room was empty, even though it was almost time for the group to meet up, which really puzzled me. I took a seat in the cushioned chair and waited, casually looking through a book I had brought with me, to spare me from looking too awkward.

I was just about to read, when Dr. Robinson popped her head out from the counselor's offices and beckoned me in. Taking a deep breath, I walked to her and followed her down a series of hallways, that twisted and turned like a maze.

In the back of the building, a bigger area was open. The room had dark lighting and looked like it hadn't been used in awhile. To be honest, it was kinda creepy.

Sitting in metal fold-up chairs in a circle, were boys and girls of all ages and backgrounds. There was a young looking girl, wearing a hijab and a bunch of long dresses, completely covering her up. A boy around my age was wearing black lipstick, chains, spikes, white face paint, and platform boots. He looked like a member of KISS.

Towards the back of the circle, one boy who looked older than everyone else caught my eye. He was gorgeous. He had bright hazel eyes with dark hair, lots of tattoos, dark clothing, etc.

He was looking at me. I couldn't help but think, Does he think I'm crazy? Is he crazy too?

I could've stared and admired him for hours, but I knew that wasn't going to be possible. Maybe I would stick around, just to look at this marvelous creature before me, and I could only hope he would too.

Notes

Hope you liked it! More to come! I've been trying to make the chapters longer.
Feedback and in general, comments, would be lovely.
Thank you for reading, as always. (: xx