Nerves

"Take a deep breath, and count till ten. Everything is going to be fine."  Dr. Singh smiled at her. Maya returned the smile half-heartedly. She knew all this. It's what everybody tells her. It's what she tells herself, right before the room starts spinning and her mouth goes dry.  "I know it's frustrating, Maya, but it's as simple as that. If you were looking for someone to prescribe a few pills and send you on your way, I am afraid you have to keep looking. I am here to help you conquer your stage fright, not avoid it." He paused, glancing at the clock and smiling back at her. "Lucky for you, I have many more tricks up my sleeve. This session was only about getting to know each other. Do you have any questions for me?" Maya shook her head and got up to leave. As she walked out of the school therapist's room, she could feel all eyes on her, judging her. Everyone knew why she was in therapy. Everyone had seen her break down on stage. Her cheeks burning, she rushed past them, only to bump into a crowd of girls leaving the Principal's office. She muttered an apology as she gathered her things, one of the girls helping her. Lily. The Regina George of Passion Academy. Okay, that wasn't entirely fair. Her hair may be flawless, but she seemed pretty nice. Maya ran as fast as her legs allowed her, narrowly missing the bus home, apologizing frantically as the driver glared at her. Really, this day could not possibly get any worse! It did, of course.