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The body beneath me tried to move, but I clung tighter, afraid to let go.

“What’s wrong with her?”

Another voice. I knew it, but again I couldn’t place it.

“I’m not sure.”

The neck I was holding on to vibrated, and it made me tuck my face into the crease.

“Let go of my sister.”

The voices around me became more distinct, more recognizable.

“Not until I know she’s okay.”

“We need to get Dad.” Liam.

“Just give it a minute.” Aiden.

“Dude, you’re okay with this?” Liam again. He didn’t sound pleased.

“Does it look like we’re going to be able to move her?” Aiden.

“He shouldn’t be touching her, Aiden!”

There was a scuffling sound, a few grunts, and then, “Either you stop your shit, or you get out.”

I opened my eyes, blinking until my surroundings became clear. Liam was standing next to a locker, with Aiden beside him. Luckily it was just them. And whoever was holding me.

I pulled my head back, my gaze being met by worried green eyes.

“Hey.” Vaughan’s forehead creased. “You okay?”

“I don’t know what happened.” It came out a whisper.

“I think you had a panic attack. Has it happened before?”

I shook my head, and when I looked down, I noticed I straddling Vaughan’s hips, his arms wrapped around me.

“Can you stand?”

I nodded “yes," but I didn’t really want to move. Something about being in Vaughan’s arms made me feel safe. Grounded.

“We can take it from here,” said Liam, his face marred by a grimace directed at Vaughan. He stepped forward, but Aiden stopped him.

“Let Vaughan handle it. If that’s what Kenzi wants…” It was as a question, and before I could answer, Liam replied, “Does it look like she’s in a frame of mind to decide what she wants?”

“I’m fine,” I told him. “I want Vaughan to take me home.”

I didn’t want anyone around me right now but him and it was something else I wanted to be able to explain but came up empty.

Aiden gave Vaughan a barely-there nod, and Liam hit the locker before storming off. I flinched.

“You’re fine,” said Vaughan, helping me to my feet.

“I’ll let my Dad know you’re leaving,” Aiden told Vaughan. Something unspoken passed between them, but I was too tired to try and figure out what. I slipped my hand into Vaughan’s, like it was the most natural thing in the world for me to do, and if he was surprised, he didn’t show it. He gripped my hand, and didn’t let go until we were in his car and driving back to my apartment.

CONNOR LOOKED ME over, flashing his little light in my eyes. I didn’t know why he was there, but apparently Liam called him as soon as Vaughan and I left the rink. I asked Vaughan to come in with me, and while I was changing into something warmer, Connor showed up. He was far less hostile towards Vaughan than Liam had been. I texted Maddy to let her know that I’d left because I wasn’t feeling well. So she was stuck with Brian and Greg and in my opinion it served her right.