The connection

Chapter twenty two - Unexpected friend

I raced down the corridor and out the doors in search of some fresh air. I felt such relief as I gulped in a deep breath and felt the welcome breeze against my skin. The quad was mostly deserted by now with only a few people milling about which I was grateful for. I probably looked like a lunatic right about now. I turned my head towards the trees at the far side of the grass and spotted two figures talking. The one had their back to me but I'd recognise him anywhere. Chase. Chloe was stood in front of him and for a split second I think she caught my line of vision, I swear she looked directly at me before she returned her attention to him and wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him down into a kiss.

I felt the sudden need to throw up and I spun around to head back inside, running straight to the girls bathroom. I just about made it into a stall before the contents of my stomach filled the bowl and the familiar feeling of a panic attack grew inside me.

Chase

"What the hell are you doing" I shouted angrily as I pulled Chloe off me.

"Doing what you asked" she shot back annoyed.

I looked at her confused before she elaborated
"Alex was there, she saw us together" she gestured towards the door across the quad. Panic filled me as I realised what she must have seen. I kicked the tree in frustration.
"Fuck"

"It's what you wanted isn't it? For her to move on?" Chloe questioned me with that confused look on her face once more.

"I don't want to rub anything in her face, that was never part of the plan" I exclaimed frustrated as I ran a hand through my hair.

"It's got to be believable Chase" she offered me a sympathetic look and placed a hand on my shoulder gently pulling me away from the tree.

"I know, I just...what if she freaks out or something. I mean where did she go?" I asked worriedly.

"I don't know, I think she ran inside maybe" she shrugged.

"See, she can't handle this. Seeing me with you. It's too much, what if she's having a panic attack. It's my fault Chloe, I can't be the one to cause her anymore pain. I just can't" I was almost sobbing at this point unable to keep control of my emotions.

"Hey, come on I'm sure she's fine. We've stayed out of her way for a month Chase. At some point she needs to learn to live with things the way they are"

"I just don't know if I can do this to her" I pleaded.

"This was your idea Chase, I came back here as a favour to you. This isn't exactly the way I want to be spending my time but I did it for you because you are my best friend" her voice was serious and I knew deep down she was right.

"I'm just worried about her that's all" I rested against the tree and let out a breath.

"Do you want me to go and see if she's okay? You know, make sure she's not passed out in the toilets or something?" She rolled her eyes as she said it but I knew that was a distinct possibility.

"Yeah, yeah actually that's a good idea" I shot back as I straightened myself up.

"I wasn't entirely serious you know" she raised a brow at me.

"I know. But please, just do it. I'll wait in my car" I stomped off feeling slightly less defeated than before as I watched Chloe shake her head before heading inside the building.

Alex

"Alex, can you hear me. Are you okay?" I heard a muffled voice ask. I felt dazed, my body was cold and my wrist was aching. I opened my eyes and pulled myself up slowly as I took in my surroundings.

"I found you out cold, are you okay? Shall I get you someone?"

I looked up to where the voice was coming from still feeling a bit out of it. Chloe, of all people to find me of course it had to be her. I winced as I rubbed my wrist. I must have fallen and landed on my cast. Typical I guess. I shuffled attempting to pull myself up but failing miserably.

"I don't think that's such a good idea, maybe you should take a minute" she offered me a sympathetic look.

I couldn't take this pity from her it was unbearable. "I'm fine, you can leave me alone" I huffed as I pulled myself up, this time successfully if not somewhat wobbly.

"You've been sick" she stated more than asked as I followed her gaze towards the toilet.

"Bad chicken for lunch" I mumbled pushing past her towards the sinks. I turned the cold tap and splashed water on my face, cupping my hands and swilling my mouth out at the same time.

"Here take this" she held her hand out with a bottle of water.

I wanted to decline her offer but my mouth was like sandpaper and I wanted a drink more than anything right now. I reached out a took the bottle.

"Thanks" I mumbled before opening it and chugging down half the bottle. I turned to see her watching me carefully.

"I'm fine, you can go now" I glanced towards the door hoping she would take the hint.

"You saw us, that why you had a panic attack wasn't it" her gaze was fixed on me, her voice remained calm. What was this girl after? Was she trying to torture me more than she already had?

"I don't know what you mean. I told you, I ate some dodgy chicken at lunch that's all" I brushed off her accusations knowing my excuse sounded barely believable. She nodded her head and a smirk crossed her face.

"Right, the chicken" she exclaimed with a raised eyebrow. I turned away from her and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I looked like hell. Chloe turned towards the door to leave as I went back to splashing water on my face. I shot her one final glance as she reached the door and saw her look over her shoulder.

"You need to forgive him"

She was gone as quick as the words left her mouth leaving me open mouthed in her wake.