A/N: So I'm really excited that I have a pre-reader now! Thank you xxxKittyMasenxxx :D Alright, squealing moment is over, now on with story!

Disclaimer: I in no way own the characters, they belong to Stephenie Meyer. All I can claim is the plot.

CHAPTER 3

I could feel Emmett's gaze, and I could only imagine what was going through his head.

"...Depression is a medical condition characterized by long-lasting feelings of intense sadness and hopelessness. It is usually associated with other mental and physical changes. There are different causes, or triggers, of depression; anything from it simply being hereditary to a major event or loss.

"Now, I would like you to pair up with the person beside you and make a list of symptoms and treatments that are explained on pages 94 and 95."

While he finishes his opening spiel, I stare at the top of my desk trying to avoid Emmett's eyes. This was possibly the worst luck I have ever had. What had I done for karma to fuck me over this bad?

"Bella," Emmett said softly.

"What Emmett." I ask, just as softly.

He leans in close and speaks as if I'm a spooked animal. Which, in reality, that is exactly what I am. "We'll do the work together okay? This time is just for class work, not me asking you questions or you giving me explanations. If you want to talk after class, we will in private. But I will not bring up your past in a full classroom. Got it?"

Nodding, I sigh in relief. I started feeling ashamed for even thinking he would bring up such a...delicate conversation around people. Feeling my eyes tear up a bit, I quickly rub my eyes and turn to the page in the textbook.

"Alright, I'll read, you write. Symptoms..."

We continued on like that until our lists were done. Afterwards I sat there as Emmett continued reading; I didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing at this point. Suddenly, I notice him stiffen. I gave him a questioning look then looked around the room until I could see and hear what had caught his attention. Of course, Lauren Mallory was right in the middle of it. I could hear bits and pieces of their conversation about 'emo's'. Seriously?! GOD WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS!

"All they want is attention. It's so stupid." Of course, this came from Lauren.

"Lauren, is there something you would like to share with the class?" Great, now it would turn into a class debate.

"Well Mr. Randall, I saw a part about "self harm" and I was just explaining that cutters are just attention seekers." Yes, she used air quotes.

"That's not true, Lauren. If you actually took this seriously and read that section, it would explain why people self harm, and that they usually keep it hidden from other people."

"Umm, I don't think so. All they want is for someone to feel sorry for them or pity them. What they need to do is get over themselves. Grow up and deal with it."

The only good thing out of all of this was Emmett and I were sitting in the back so no one noticed when he took my hand under our desks. I gripped his hand as I could feel anxiety wash over me. I knew from experience this was the beginning of a panic attack, and I had no way of getting out of the room.

"Bella, just hold on. We can get out of here in 3 minutes." Emmett murmured as Lauren continued her rant.

Those were the longest 3 minutes of my life. I just barely made it to the end of class, and the bell broke my concentration. Emmett put his arm around my shoulders holding me up as we walked out. Everything around me was a blur; my heart pounded, my breath was panting, my body shook. I could feel a faint breeze, and then I was in someone's arms with the air whooshing by. We eventually stopped and I noticed that the arms around me were cold and hard.

Time passed, but I couldn't tell you how much.

The panic gradually subsided, my heart rate returned to normal, my breathing slowed, and my body was reduced to a slight tremble.

I looked up into the face of Emmett, the pained face of my brother. My big brother never left me.

"Emmett, I'm sorry-"

"Hey hey hey. No apologies, okay? I wanted to be here for you, we're family." He nudged me and smile.

Leaning back into his chest, I relaxed.

"Are you okay now?"

"Yeah. I'm just a little tired. A panic attack usually drains me."

"Do you want to go up and lay down?"

It was that comment that made me finally aware of our surroundings. Emmett had brought me back to the Cullen house and we were downstairs in the basement den where we would have privacy if anyone came home. Luckily Carlisle was at work and Esme was in Port Angeles for the day.

"Um, sure." He helped me stand and we started up the stairs. "What time is it?"

"1:30. Edward, Alice, Jasper and Rose won't be home for another hour and a half. Oh, Edward texted me. They all heard us leave, but I told them you weren't feeling well so I brought you home since I was with you already."

"Thanks Emmett. I don't know what I'd do without you. You really are my big brother." I smiled at him.

"Aw shucks..." Shaking my head at him, he walked me up to Edward's room.

"Get some rest okay? I'll take care of everyone when they come home. They won't bother you."

"Okay. Edward can come up though. He'll probably want to check on me."

"If you're sure, Bells."

"Yeah. Thanks again." I hugged him.

"Alright, I'll just be downstairs. If you need anything just say my name."

With that, he turned around and left.

Changing into a pair of yoga pants and a sweater, I crawled under the sheets. Not long after, I drifted off into a deep sleep.