GREY

CHAPTER 16 - Protect

Tuesday 08.07.15

"Wow, that's a huge breakfast today mum?" I breathed out, curiously glancing at mum whose eyes were strangely glistening today. Lissy was casually devouring the food in glory as she clutched onto her doll, taking her time with her food. 

She had been super happy recently, especially after she got to meet Derek last week. Without doubt they both got along but surprisingly their bond was a lot more stronger than I expected it to be. She has been begging me ever since to take her to El's house so that she can play with him again and it was pretty warming to see them both get along so well. 

"Well we have some news" mum chimed, her tone filled with a joy I hadn't seen in a long time. I narrowed my eyes towards her, finding an uncontrollable smile making its way on my lips as I simply watched the pure gaiety clouding her eyes. She took her seat directly opposite dad, humming a song as she glanced his way and I knew something was up.

The egg was slowly munched in my mouth, but I wasn't able to critic its outstanding flavour as I sat their anticipated to know what was going on between the two. Lissy didn't even realise the abnormal atmosphere that surrounded us as she cheerfully ate her breakfast, but I was becoming more and more eager by the second.

I slowly munched on the egg, unable to critic its outstanding flavour as I anticipated for her next words. I was just about to stuff myself with more of the food when my hand abruptly stopped midway from dad's voice. 

"We are moving" he declared. My head shot to face him, with my entire body freezing at its spot. Though my body had an immediate effect, my mind still required to process the daunting words he admitted. Pure disappointment coursed through me as I felt my heart tighten uncontrollably, suffocating my internally. 

My breathing suddenly became rapid as my hand dropped to the plate, catching everyone's attention. Their worry-filled eyes met my sight, but I was in control to remove it as I found myself desperately requiring for oxygen. My throat was constricted as my heart hammered against my chest. Panic attack. 

Everyone got up from their seat as mum came to my side, her eyes filling with tears as I stared at her lifelessly with wide eyes. Breathe Aria, breathe. Her mouth was moving but none of her words struck my ear as I felt my heart accelerate further by each second. 

Tears filled my eyes as I felt my life at its edge, almost falling before suddenly those mysterious green orbs filled my mind. 'RiRi'. His charming smile, captivating scent, and deep voice. My hand gripped on mum's hand, finally finding her words reach my ear. "Calm down sweetie, calm down." Her voice was gentle but the fear in her tone was evident.

My breathing slowly decelerated despite the continuous thumping of my heart, but I finally felt my body come back to earth. Guilt consumed me as the tears rolled down my eyes and only once dad embraced me in a warm hug, did I find myself feel at ease again.

"I'm sorry dear, we shouldn't have done that." His voice was shaky, paining me and I hated myself for making them worry. Lis suddenly bursted out in tears causing mum to run towards her to reassure my baby sister.

I hated having panic attacks, not only because it made me feel as if I lacked in control over my body, but plainly because it caused all my family members to worry so much. I've had them ever since dad got into a car accident and although it became less frequent as more time passed, it did give its occasional visits, making me go through hell all over again. 

"Ari." Mum's light voice caught my attention was I still tightly held onto dad's shirt. Mum's warm brown eyes found me as I wiped my tears. "I'm sorry honey, we just wanted to pull you both a surprise but I should have known." Her voice was thick with regret and I hated how she blamed herself for a problem in my body.