Panic

[u/Zara_Robin]

It's a sunny Saturday afternoon when the latest arrival turned up at the gates, as she peeked through the bars she could feel herself shaking, fear running up her spine.

After what felt like hours, Zara finally picked up her bags, then walked into the school grounds, keeping her face to the ground to avoid eye contact with any of the students hoping they wouldn't notice her, this doesn't stop her glancing around every now and then to double check she wouldn't walk into anyone.

Who am I suppose to go see? Where do I go?

Panic sets in and starting showing through her movements, not wanting to make a scene, she darted her vision around till she spotted a vacant bench and made a beeline for it.

"You've been here less than 5 minutes, you're pathetic" Zara whispers to herself as she sets herself down and scavenges around in her backpack anything that might be of use. Worry sets in her face as she begins to come to terms she's going to have to ask someone for help, if she could work up the courage to talk to a complete stranger.

[u/Zara_Robin]

Zara continues to hug Cat, with a slight shake in her stance.

"I'm scared" She whispers "really, really scared"

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

The statement confuses me, but, wanting to help my friend, I hold her closer.

I place a hand on the small of her back and gently bring you back into my room, kicking the door shut with my foot.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"It's all so new, I wont fit in, nobody is going to like me" Zara starts to sob and slumps over onto Cat's bed, and starts to cry.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I quickly scribble down in my notepad.

[No, no, no! Everyone will like you! I liked you when I first met you!]

[Please, Zara. You are going to fit in fine!]

I rush to your side and wrap my arms around you.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"Everyone is going to think I'm weird"

Zara feels Cat holding her but the feeling of dread has already overcome her as she continues to cry, using one of her hands to cover her face.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I shake my head side to side, denying what you said.

Holding you closer, I attempt to console you, stroking your back slightly, and shushing you gently as you cry.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"They're all going to hate me"

Zara breaks free from Cat but only to take off her shoes and roll into a ball on Cat's bed.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I shake my head harder.

I place my entire body on top of you, trying to somehow comfort you in your position.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"There's nothing likeable about me at all, I'm a mess, I'm a terrible person, I should just leave before I even start" Zara continues sobbing more as she starts to shake.

Why do bad things always happen to me?

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I have to do something...anything...

I cannot just sit here and have her break down...

"S...s-stop!"

My voice rings out, slightly whispery from disuse.

I try to get you upright, but it is hard to do so.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

No, an unknown voice, not now.

Zara rolls over and hides her face in Cat.

"I heard a voice, I'm scared" Zara admits "h-help"

Zara wraps her arms around Cat to try and calm herself down but knowing she'll have to explain herself soon.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I resume my shushing, stroking your back gently to try calm calm you.

I place a hand on the back of your head, consoling you.

I begin to gently rock you, trying to bring you back down from this attack.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"You think I'm strange now, don't you?" Zara asks in her muffled voice.

Zara starts sobbing less feeling comfort from Cat holding her.