The Harder They Fall

Chapter 9: Sick

Jasmine

Gracie held the side of her head as she sat at the table for breakfast. She didn't look up when I sat her food down like usual and kept her eyes closed. When a few minutes passed like that, I decided to ask.

''Gracie, what's wrong?''

''Nothing,'' she lied and laid her head back on the counter.

''Come on, little girl. Something is wrong. I know you.''

''My head hurts,'' she gestured to the side of her head and rolled her eyes.

''Oh, good, that's it.''

''That's it? My head hurts, I'm going to die,'' she wailed, throwing her head back.

''You have a headache. And it can start going away once you eat our food,'' I said and pushed her plate closer to her. ''You probably had too much cake last night. Or sometimes people just get random headaches. It doesn't mean you're going to die. ''

'''Kay. '' she sat up and started eating her food. ''But wait!'' she blurted out.

''What?''

''Can you be my doctor?''

I pretend to think about it. ''What's the magic word?''

''Please,'' she begged.

''Fine. Only for today. Don't go thinking I'll be babying you for the next 2 weeks.'' I joked as she clapped her hands together in excitement.

~~~

It turns out it was not just a headache. Gracie had gotten a common cold, and I have been trying to get rid of it for 2 weeks. I have tried everything, from broken-up cough drops to wrapped in a blanket with the heat on. Nothing was working. Cole wanted to get her tested to see if she had more than a cold, but I convinced him it was nothing more. They were very alike with being dramatic.

I had a theory Gracie had caught a cold when she went with her grandparents. But I wasn't sure, so I just let it go.

"Let's see what today brings,'' I mumbled to myself, bringing a soup tray up to Gracie's room. ''Knock, knock,'' I announced, opening the door with my leg.

''If it's chicken soup, go away. Who eats chicken soup anyway?'' Gracie grumbled as I sat the tray on her nightstand.

''Normal people. And it's not. Sit up, please.''

She sat up on her bed and when I stared at her. Her sickly complexion didn't look as bad as yesterday, sweat no longer coating her neck and hairline. She still had a runny nose and tired, red eyes.''Oh, my god, you are getting better, Gracie!" I cheered, clapping my hands.

''No! Get back before you catch it too.''

''What would I do without you, Gracie?" I said, quickly backing up.

''Nothing, I'm the brains of this house. You and daddy wouldn't even know how to do anything if I wasn't here.''

''Well, you're not wrong.'' I smiled and kissed her cheek, which she immediately wiped off.

''Get some rest. I bet you'll be in tip-top shape when you wake up, ready to outsmart me in Monopoly.'' I turned the lights off and was about to close the door.

''Wait!"

''Hmm?''

''Are you going to be my nanny forever? Like my new mommy?''

My voice caught in my throat. I didn't know how to answer that. I didn't know the answer myself.

Geez, I forgot how much kids were so bold. Really know how to make me think.