Chapter Text
(Candace’s POV)
I know I shouldn’t worry about him, but how can I not when he’s got Buford & Dad to worry about. I just hope Isabella is enough to keep him company until I get out of class. I– “Miss Flynn” I snapped out my thoughts, apparently blanking out in the middle of law studies when Professor Acronym started calling my name.
“Miss Flynn, you shouldn’t be blanking out in the middle of class, especially now since we're getting ready for a test. You remember what it's about, right?” my professor asked.
“Heh, heh… the legislative branch?” I answer back.
“No Miss Flynn, we finished that two weeks ago. Are you okay, you very rarely space out. You seem troubled by something.”
“No, Professor.” I reply, trying to look everywhere but her face.
“You’re lying.” my professor remarked
“Fine, how can you tell?”
“You’re breathing got funny for a minute there and your eyes keep darting around the room. I might be in my fifties, but I was a lawyer and head of a government agency division.”
“I don’t really want to talk about it.”
“Well, I’m not going to press you any further if you don’t want to, but if you need somebody to talk to, you can always–”
“Reach out to you or Doctor Doofenshmirtz, I know.”
“Oh, and by the way, your test is on alcoholism and abuse.”
“Great…” I sarcastically say.
1 ½ hours later
“Alright class, time’s up. Time to turn in what you’ve got. For those who didn’t finish, you can always try again tomorrow, as I am going down to Arlington for work.” One by one, my classmates started turning in their essays/tests (It was combined.) and slowly meandering their way toward the door. I slowly make my way to that door, but she calls me again, “Candace, wait up. I need to talk to you for a minute.”
“Yes, Professor Acronym.”
“Oh, just call me Wanda. I’m off the clock now.”
“O-kay, Wanda.”
“You seem pretty stressed as of now. I saw you back on Maple Drive a few years ago, and you’re still stressed about that same thing, I presume.” and there, the emotions start rolling, and I feel another arm on my shoulder, realizing it's Vanessa.
“Oh, hi ‘Nessa” I greeted her, but still struggled to breathe.
“Vanessa! My, Dr. D would be so proud of you, a junior in college.”
“What happened? Vanessa asked.
“I was just asking her what happened during our test, as she seemed stressed and largely out of focus.”
“Wait, test? What was it about?”
“Alcoholism and its repercussions.” my professor said flatly, as Vanessa gaped her mouth open.
“She’s still recovering from the trauma regarding her father. Candace, are you okay?”
“I’m just worried is all. It’s about my brother, he doesn’t deserve any of this. When we were younger, he would always take it out on me. Y’know, being the eldest and all. The worst thing I don't want to happen is a repeat of 10 years ago."