FALLING AROUND YOU ➵ DANIEL SEAVEY ➵ SEQUEL

16 ➵ I Won't Make the Same Mistake Twice

There was a tremble upon my lips. I nodded quickly trying to steady my breathe. I've had anxiety attacks, but never panic attacks. Quickly, I closed my eyes trying to focus on my breathe. Horror was spilling from my expression as a new sense of anxiety was born. I felt cold— too cold. My arms grasped around my frail body. I suddenly felt haggard.

Everything was just so overwhelming. I looked up to Charlie once more shaking my head in dismay. I couldn't form correct words, but he immediately knew I was struggling to stray away from the panic attack. The shaggy-haired boy sat close to me putting my frozen hands in between his.

"I'm here, Sienna," he started, "Close your eyes and think of your happy place. Think of your happiness moment."

Closing my eyes again, I squeezed his hand a bit tighter. "I'm right here. I'll always be right here," he reminded me.

I tried thinking back to my most salient memory. Of course, the most important ones always had him in it.

"Daniel, I can't even open my eyes underwater in the ocean. You really think I could do this?" I squealed grasping the board next to me.

"Surfing is easy once you get the hang of it. I'm sure you'll be a fast learner," he ignored my words racing me towards the sea. I found a smile shift onto my face as I followed him.

Memories of the wild water float into my memory. I almost forgot about that day. I was still a senior in high school when it happened. Winter break of that year was slowly fading away and we decided to spend one of our last moments together and our favorite place. Although I've lived in the sunshine state all my life, I still never been on a surf board. It was his mission to winnow that off of my bucket list.

My cheeks met the crisp air. The board was next to me as I pushed alway the stray strands behind my ears smoothing out my hair. "Did you see that? I lasted on that wave for a good like seven seconds!" I smiled in delight.

"More like two seconds," the young Seavey retorted amused.

"It's two seconds longer than I thought I could," I looked back at him while scooting back to the board, "let's do it again."

"Fast learner," he chuckled.

"Good teacher," I responded easily.

I knew exactly why I thought of that memory. It was the first time I felt that subtle feeling in my stomach. It wasn't those skittish butterflies from a childhood crush, and it wasn't a lust filled attraction. It was the first time I remembered feeling like I was falling in love.

And, that horrified me.

Instead of controlling my breathes, they got worst. They shortened with light gasps of air. I clutched onto Charlie as his hands hugged my body. Tears became lava and my skin was the city of Pompeii. It burned and burned, and all I could do was sit there in pain.

It wasn't a panic attack anymore— it was just pure sadness. He hurt me and I hurt him, yet I still wanted him. I still craved his arms around me. I still craved his attention. I shouldn't feel this way, but I do, and that's the worst part of it all.

"I'm so sorry, Charlie." I sniffled.

He didn't let go, and I didn't want him to. My head was into his shoulder as I tried to straighten out my breathing. Charlie was one of those people that could make me feel safe with just his presence, and because of that, I would forever be grateful. He pulled me closer squeezing my hand a bit to show that he was still here for me.