CHAPTER 5

chapter five

Third person POV

Natalie hurried down the hallway, her steps unsteady, desperately searching for the nearest bathroom.

Finally, she found solace in the sanctuary of the restroom. The cool tiles beneath her feet provided a momentary respite from the turmoil within her. Natalie rushed into an empty stall, her hands gripping the edges of the sink for support.

As she leaned over the sink, her reflection in the mirror revealed a face drained of color, her eyes filled with anguish. The sound of retching echoed through the small space, a painful reminder of her body's rebellion. Wave after wave of nausea washed over her, leaving her weak and trembling.

Minutes turned into an eternity as Natalie sink hing over the sink, her body convulsing with each heave. Tears welled up in her eyes, a mixture of frustration and embarrassment. She longed for the sickness to subside, for the world to stop spinning, but it seemed to mock her with its relentless grip.

Finally, the waves of nausea began to recede, leaving Natalie exhausted and empty. She rinsed her mouth with water, splashing her face to wash away the evidence of her struggle. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture and.

As she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, Natalie took a deep breath, trying to steady herself after the sudden bout of sickness. The bathroom stall had provided a temporary sanctuary, but now she needed a change of scenery. The thought of returning to class, with its stifling atmosphere and judgmental gazes, was unbearable.

With determination in her eyes, Natalie pushed open the bathroom door and stepped out into the hallway. The sound of her footsteps echoed off the tiled floor as she made her way towards the gym.

As she reached the gym, Natalie hesitated for a moment, her hand resting on the doorknob. But something inside her urged her to go higher, to escape the confines of the school entirely. With a surge of adrenaline, she turned away from the gym entrance and headed towards the staircase leading to the roof.

Feeling a wave of nausea wash over her, Natalie's steps faltered, and she found herself going towards the staircase leading to the rooftop. The thought of attending classes was unbearable today; her body ached, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. As she ascended the stairs, the sounds of laughter and chatter faded into the distance, replaced by the calm solitude of the roof.

Reaching the rooftop, she found solace in the gentle breeze that brushed against her face, soothing her troubled thoughts. She settled near the edge, her legs dangling freely as she stared out into the vast expanse of the cityscape. The view was breathtaking, but her mind was consumed by a far more pressing concern.

With trembling hands, Natalie pulled out her phone and opened the calendar app. The days on the calendar blurred as years gather in her eyes but time had frozen for her when she realized she had missed her period. Panic welled up inside her, threatening to suffocate her every breath. It was then, on that rooftop, that the weight of her past trauma crashed down upon her.

Her heart raced, and her vision blurred as tears streamed down her face. Natalie clutched her chest, struggling to draw in air, feeling as though the world was closing in on her. The memories of that fateful night flooded back, the violation she endured haunting her every thought.

In that moment of vulnerability, Natalie's mind became a battlefield. The fear of being judged, the shame of what had happened, and the overwhelming uncertainty of her future all collided within her. She felt trapped, as if her body and soul were locked in a prison of pain and anguish.

As the panic attack consumed her, Natalie fought to regain control, desperately searching for a way to heal the wounds that had been inflicted upon her.

She knew she needed to find a way to calm herself down.

Closing her eyes, she focused on her breathing, attempting to slow it down. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale. But the panic persisted, refusing to release its hold on her fragile state of mind. She needed a distraction, something to break the cycle of anxious thoughts.

Suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind. She remembered the local pharmacy nearby, where she could find a pregnancy test. The mere thought of it sent a fresh wave of anxiety crashing over her, but she knew she couldn't ignore the possibility any longer. Determination flickered in her eyes as she made up her mind.

She slipped unnoticed through the school's side exit. The freedom she felt was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Natalie mind raced as she walked briskly towards the local pharmacy. She couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something was amiss. Her thoughts were consumed by the possibility of a life altering event, and she needed answers. The store's bright sign came into view, and she hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.

The pharmacy was quiet, save for the soft hum of fluorescent lights and the distant chatter of employees. Natalie's heart pounded in her chest as she navigated the aisles, her eyes scanning the shelves for the pregnancy tests. She felt a mix of embarrassment and desperation, hoping no one she knew would see her.

Finally, she found what she was looking for. The small, box held the key to her uncertainty. She picked it up, her hands trembling, and quickly made her way to the checkout counter. The cashier, a middle aged woman with kind eyes, rang up the purchase without asking any questions. Natalie's face flushed with relief as she hurriedly paid and left the store.

Walking back home, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Fear, confusion, and a sense of isolation consumed her. She clutched the pregnancy test tightly, her fingers turning white with tension. The weight of the unknown burdened her every step.

As she reached her front door, she paused for a moment, her hand hovering over the doorknob. She knew that once she stepped inside, her life could change forever. Taking a deep breath, she turned the key and entered the empty house.

Alone in the attic which served as her room, she sat on the edge of her bed, her heart pounding in her ears. With trembling hands, she carefully opened the box and heart sank. The reality of the situation washed over her, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and uncertainty.

She carefully opened the box and followed the instructions. Time seemed to stand still as she waited for the test to reveal its answer.

Minutes felt like hours as Natalie stared at the small window, her eyes welling up with tears. The test finally showed its result, and her heart sank. The reality of the situation washed over her, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and uncertainty.

Anxious and overwhelmed, Natalie curled up on her bed, tears streaming down her face. The weight of her secret had become a heavy burden.