It Started With Counting Numbers....

Chapter Six

No band? Oh, okay. Here, take a drummer selfie c: wow excuse all the acne. I've been stressing about it so I'm kinda breaking out. cx

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"Do we have to go back?" I whined as Jack popped the tab on the Pepsi can.

I stayed away from soda; I didn't want anymore acne than I already had. Jack, however, was perfect.

"You'll be with me." He smiled as I grabbed the controller from his lap.

I began to work on our castle again. Making Oogie Boogie's room was a true challenge. We added cobwebs all over and a few pumpkins and zombies for extra effect.

Jack finished drinking his pop and scooted closer to me. Gently, he wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his grasp.

I set down the controller and laid my head on his shoulder. Jack kissed my forehead.

"You're so beautiful." He murmured.

I smiled and shook my head.

"I don't think that way, but thanks."

Jack pulled me on to his lap and hugged me into him tighter. I began to count his heart beats and how many times he tapped his fingers against my thigh. I added both numbers, found the square root, and then leaned up and pushed a kiss into Jack's jaw.

Jack smiled and slowly leaned down and pushed his lips on mine. It was a short peck, since we've only been dating for two days, and began to work on the castle a little more.

We were currently making Sally's room. We added some skeletons and cobwebs. We began to add flowers and design it a bit more.

Hey, mother fucker. Miss us?

Leave him alone.

Go away.

Leave, leave leave!

He missed a spot!

"Jack! You missed a spot!" I yelled.

Jack jumped.

"Sorry..."

I sighed and rubbed my temples. Jack rubbed my back and smiled softly.

"It's okay, Lex." Jack soothed.

I untangled myself from his grasp and began to walk to the dimly lit kitchen to retrieve my meds. I grabbed a bottle of water from the side of the fridge and sorted my pills out in small rows.

I drank a few sips of the ice cold water and grabbed three of my schizophrenia pills. They were long and white, and could probably kill a horse. I carefully placed the first on my tongue.

If you take that pill, Alex....

Take it!

No, no, no!

I took my pills and ignored the voices yelling at me. They were crowding my head and some random things flooded my vision. I saw Maxx off to the corner with a long pipe hanging from his mouth. There were little dark fairies in my vision that were whispering, and a few more of people like Maxx.

Bugs and birds crowded Jack's kitchen as I closed my eyes. This is why I need to stay on schedule; the moment I go off it seems like the end of me.

"Are you okay?" Jack called.

"Yeah." I called back. I held my head and squeezed my eyes shut. I began to count how many breaths I was taking and how long they took.

I squeezed the counter tighter till it hurt my fingers. I wanted to scream out, but I couldn't worry Jack again. I already did this once and I couldn't do it again. What if Jack leaves me because I'm crazy. I felt the scream in my throat, but I shoved it back down. The scream burned like one million matches were lit in my throat. I felt the feeling slowly cascade down my throat to my lungs slowly and painfully. I scraped my nails on the cool counter and counted the throbbing in my fingers.

Ten more minutes.

I felt arms wrap around my waist and pull me back. I gasped and pushed back, then opened my eyes.

Jack didn't let me go, he only pulled me into him and directed my head in his chest. I gripped his arms and ignored the voices.

"What can I do to help? Jack asked soothingly. Nothing was soothing right now; they were too loud and gained control.

"I-w-just let me hug you." I said.

Jack pulled me into him tighter and rubbed my back. I hated myself for this. I wish my schizophrenia would vanish. The panic attacks it caused were driving me insane; I don't want Jack to think I'm insane for being this way. I couldn't help it though, it's all Tay's fault. If she would've just left me alone I would've been okay. I'm just some character in the main act in God's fucked up play. No one should ever feel this way.

Everything faded and I pulled away from Jack. He smiled and gently rubbed my jaw line. I sniffled and turned away.

"Do you think I'm crazy?" I asked.

"No, Lex, never! You're not crazy and this isn't your fault. I think you're wonderful." Jack said. His hand found my shoulder and turned around. "I'll help you stay on schedule, okay?" Jack said.

I grinned and he opened his arms.

"C'mere, sugar."

I went in his arms and gently kissed his lips. He softly kissed back and pulled away quickly. I didn't mind. Small kisses are the best kisses.

"Hey, Lex, we only have to go tomorrow for tests. Then we're out for a few weeks for Christmas." Jack smiled.

I grinned and felt his fingers run up and down my back.

"My mom will be gone on business."I said.

"Awesome." Jack grinned.

We both hugged for a while and made some soup before he drove me home. We parted ways, and made plans to meet each other up tomorrow.

You know how people say there is no 'soulmate' and the 'one' doesn't exist? They're false. You just need to find the right one and they'll care for you as long as you care for them. A little bit of love goes a long way, and that's the truth.