Chapter 11 Ezra

Something is wrong. This isn't the first time I've woken up to Olly having a nightmare. But the pure panic in his voice as he thrashes and whimpers breaks my heart. I've studied up on the various ways to help him, and next week I'll be going with him to meet his therapist who will have better advice on how I can help.

But knowing that he's suffering right now still pains me.

Olly jerks awake, sitting up. His face is drenched with sweat. He looks around frantically. He doesn't see me at first. It's almost as if he sees through me.

"Olly," I say, using a calm tone. "It's me Ezra."

His gaze focuses on me. "Ezzy?"

I nod. "Hey, love. It's me. I'm right here. You're safe. I'm safe."

"Good, good," he murmurs. "Oscar was behind you. He was so angry. I didn't know what he was going to do."

"I'm okay. Oscar is in jail. He can't hurt us. He won't take me away from you. I'm here, Olly."

He looks at me again, this time there is recognition in his eyes. A little more clarity. "Oh, Ezra." He lays back on the bed and opens his arms to me.

I snuggle up against his chest. His heart is still racing. We lay there for a while until his heart starts to slow to a normal pace. He places soft kisses into my hair. "Thank you for being here for me."

"Of course."

"I know it might be difficult dealing with me—"

"No, never," I interrupt. "Olly, it's completely understandable that your body is reacting like this. You've been through a lot. It might be scary and stressful. But it's okay, I'm here for you. No matter what."

Olly takes a deep breath in before letting it out. "I have PTSD."

I nod against his chest, letting him speak.

"Wow. That's the first time I've said it out loud," he breathes. "I think I might have been triggered knowing that the article is being released today."

I nod again. "We'll get through this."

"What if I'm always like this?" he whispers.

"From my understanding, there are so many ways to treat PTSD, but that being said, everyone is triggered differently and handles it differently. It's okay. We'll continue to get you the best help and take one day at a time. If you have this forever, then I'll help you through it. For as long as you keep me in your life, I'm here to help."

I didn't mean to let those last words out, but I didn't know how else to word it.

Olly tightens his grip on me and whispers against my ear. "If it's up to me then you'll be in my life forever."

"Deal," I reply. "Now, let's get some sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us."

"Thanks, doll." Olly kisses my forehead. I settle back onto my side of the bed. Just as I'm starting to drift off, Olly's fingers tangle with mine.

We fall asleep just like that. Hand in hand.

Zayden: The article is live. Ella did a great job. The fans have been nothing but supportive all over social media. Seriously, there is almost zero negative reaction.

Olly is still sleeping next to me when I get the text. Quietly peeling away from Olly, I get out of bed and grab my tablet, settling in my plush chair in the corner of the room. I type in the link that Zayden gave me and begin to read. The article is tasteful, and respectful, while still painting enough a picture for the world to see.

Arcade Lake, and the twins specifically have had a stalker for the good part of two years. The article doesn't disclose Oscar's real name, but ensures that he is in jail for a long time. Olly goes into detail about his relationship with Oscar and how the man made Olly keep it a secret.

Olly explained to me that it took him hours to recount certain events to Ella, and as I read the article I can only imagine why. The stalking seems like something pulled straight out of a horror movie. Creepy packages, threatening letters, hundreds to calls and texts, no matter how many times they changed numbers. Somehow, dodging professional security. The whole thing seemed unbelievable.

At one point, the article has me tearing up. When Olly describes his panic attacks on stage, being triggered by people who look similar to Oscar. Olly being accused of being on drugs. Zayden explains that Olly stopped drinking and refuses to do drugs since it will only make his panic attacks worse.

Beckett and Emery also talk about some of the things that Oscar did to them, but for whatever reason, Oscar was more focused on the twins. The article continues with a brief history of how this stalker terrorized other celebrities, that there will be a follow up article about how the band is doing, and please respect their privacy as they heal.

It ends with several general ways for friends and family members to help people with PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks, as well as how people suffering can get professional help.

I sigh, letting out a deep breath at such heavy topics. I exit out of the browser and close my tablet, grateful that I could read the whole thing before Olly woke up. He wanted me to read it, but mentioned that he didn't want to. He said that he trusted Zayden and his younger brother, Noah when they approved the original draft.

"Hey you," Olly peers over at me from my bed. "Did you read it?"

I nod. "It's really good. Respectful, but informative, and all stuff you know. So I can understand why you don't want to read it. Here, Zayden texted me. Take a look." I hand him my phone.

The text makes Olly smile. He blows out a relieved breath. "It's still early, but having such good feedback this early in the game sets the tone. Not to mention, we are on the west coast, so the East Coast has already had this information."

"I have a feeling that most people will be understanding. I can't imagine too much negativity falling onto the band. It's your day, how do you want to celebrate?"

Olly's eyes meet mine. "Will you let me make love to you? Give me something else good to celebrate today."