Love and Betrayal (Love &... #1) by A. J. Briar

Author:A. J. Briar [Briar, A. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B096FXTPM7
Goodreads: 58243856
Publisher: #PrB.rating#3.25
Published: 2021-05-31T23:00:00+00:00

27

Isabella

Walking through the entrance of the hospital, my thoughts begin to overwhelm me. Not that they aren’t already, considering I didn’t speak the entire journey here. I haven’t been in hospital since the accident and right now, I feel like my world is falling apart again; I’m losing everyone around me all over again.

The tears stop rolling enough for me to ask the lady at the main reception, where we can find Isla. Isla. My stupid sister that had been brought in, because she was found unconscious in an alleyway between two bars earlier this morning. The school didn’t know much, apart from that she’d been admitted and as next of kin, I was informed.

Heading through the halls that remind me so much of my past with my parents, I stop to take a breath. Closing my eyes, I lean against the wall, trying to calm the anxiety that swirls around my stomach.

That’s what Dr Hope explained might be going on with me. The panic attacks stem from anxiety, though she didn’t say what’s triggering it, just that that’s something I’ll have to figure out. She warned me that I may not be able to find just one trigger, but that I’d taken a step in the right direction by admitting that I need help. She also gave me tips of what to do when a panic attack hits, which surprisingly I’m determined to give a go. I mean at this point it can’t do much harm and if it helps stop the tidal wave of memories from crushing me, I’ll try anything.

Taking a deep breath, I hold it in for five seconds then breathe out. I repeat the process and just focus on my breathing, that even to my own ears, I can tell is heavy and wheezy. Forgetting about the chaos around me, I center everything into just counting and breathing.

I’ve completely ignored Nathan who is standing next to me, until I feel warm arms engulf me, in what can only be described as a bone crushing hug. I sink into his embrace, wrapping my arms around his waist, clutching the back of his t-shirt in my grip.

I carry on trying to focus on my breathing, but it’s a waste of an attempt. I’m unable to focus on anything besides Nathan’s comforting touch and the inviting smell of his cologne that immediately reminds me of the beach.

Nathan’s got this ability, that whenever he’s around, I feel safe, protected and shielded from the pain that my mind seems to like to inflict on me. Regardless of everything that’s happening between us, he still comforts me and brings me back from the edge, every single time.

Reluctantly pulling away from the safety of his touch, I sneak a peek at his face. His expression is full of emotions, like he’s feeling so many things, that he doesn’t know which one is showing.

He silently clutches my hand in his and we begin walking again. It feels just as soothing to have his hand in mine as it did in his arms, even if the size of his hand engulfs mine.

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