During a difficult conversation with his friends, Jonah tries to explain what he's going through, but feels like none of them support him. Told from a single POV.
Jonah POV
I knew that this day was going to be difficult. My friends were finally going to find out about my anxiety problems. Cyrus already knows, but the girls don't and I think they should.
I met them at The Spoon, and fortunately we got a booth away from other customers. This made me relax slightly before I started talking.
Me: So, I wanted to discuss something with you.
Buffy: What would that be?
Me: I... Well Cyrus knows this already.
Andi: Why am I not surprised?
Cyrus: What do you mean by that?
Andi: Not trying to be rude, its just that you're best friends, right?
Cyrus: Oh, yes.
I was becoming increasingly frustrated as I waited to tell the girls about everything, but I kept my composure.
Me: Guys, can I please just speak?
Andi: Of course, sorry.
Me: I've been going through such a rough time. I...
This was getting more and more difficult as the seconds went by. I was shaking a little bit when Cyrus gave me a look. It was one of reassurance, one that calmed me down.
Cyrus: Jonah, you don't need to worry, just tell them.
Me: You're right, as usual.
Cyrus: I don't think that's true, but go on.
Me: So girls, you probably want to know why I've been acting differently.
Buffy: Yes we do, we know that something is going on.
Andi: Please just tell us, I promise that we'll always be here for you.
Me: You see, the thing is I've been getting panic attacks.
It felt great to finally get that off of my chest, but I looked at the girls who showed no emotion, it was upsetting.
Andi: Is that it?
Me: What?
Buffy: I thought you were going to say something major was happening.
Me: I...
Andi: It's just anxiety, you'll get over it.
As I looked in disbelief, I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. Clearly the girls didn't understand how hard it was to go through anxiety. When I was about to reply, Cyrus interjected.
Cyrus: Girls, that's not fair.
Buffy: What isn't fair?
Cyrus: Don't just say he'll get over it. That dismisses how he feels. Show some support.
Andi: Isn't he just being a drama queen?
Me: Drama queen?!
Cyrus: Andi, stop. Anxiety isn't an easy thing to live with. Maybe if you went through it you would know that.
Without having a chance to process everything, Cyrus grabbed my arm and led me out of the Spoon. Standing directly outside, he hugged me.
Me: Why is this happening Cyrus?
Cyrus: I'm not sure Jonah, but please don't be disheartened by the reaction of the girls.
Me: I just feel so alone at times.
Cyrus: You know I'm always here for you.
Me: I don't know what I'd do without you.
Cyrus: You don't have to worry about that. I'm here for you.
Feeling my confidence return, I hugged Cyrus back, and his support was becoming increasingly important to me. As long as he's my friend, I know I can try and live through anxiety.
Thanks for reading.