Influence (GirlXGirl)

Chapter 26: The Fear

Waking up with bloodshot eyes, nausea running through the stomach, and a dry throat that feels like sandpaper are the worst things to start the day. As I got up trying to get water, a hand stopped me.

"Let me get you a bottle of water. You can go back to sleep," Joanne suggested, and I laid back on the wall next to me.

"Thanks," I thanked her as I took the bottle from her.

"No need to thank me. I want you to get better," she said and sat on the edge of the bed, "you're dying, you know that?"

"Obviously," I chuckled.

I can't move on from yesterday when we discovered José, and now he's back in a coma. I still can't ignore that kid who got tortured because he told me about Elijah. Why? Why should he be tormented over such a small piece of information? He didn't even mention anything about the capo identity. Besides, no one knew the Capo's identity.

What makes him so scared to get exposed?

What's wrong, Capo? Are you scared of getting exposed? Don't worry, enjoy your money while it lasts because I'm coming for you.

"Hello? Earth to Cathleen?" Joanne waved her hand, "I'm losing you."

I didn't realize that I was gripping the bottle hard enough for Joanne to notice. Luckily the bottle was sealed by the cap, "Sorry, can you repeat?"

"I said you need some rest, and I don't want to see you in your class," Joanne said and retrieved the bottle from my hand.

"Oh please, I'm okay. Seeing you here cured my sickness," I teased her.

"I'm flattered, really," Joanne said as she rolled her eyes, "stay here and rest, okay? I know you have a lot on your mind right now. As much as I wanted to hear your problems, I'm giving you some time to think about them."

I sighed in relief, "Thank you. I need that."

Joanne gave me a genuine smile and cupped my cheek with her palm, "Remember to eat and drink. I know Ellie from your class. I'll tell her that you're sick."

Something bugged me. Why is she doing all of this? I asked her to be my girlfriend, not spoil me or be my maid. I can't let her get used to pampering me, "Don't," I took her hand, "I'll take care of my class. You've done so much to me."

She smiled, and she leaned closer to me. I stopped her by putting the palm of my hand to her mouth, "I don't want to get you sick," I said to her. Instead of kissing my lips, she kissed the palm of my hand and left the room.

Cute, I thought.

After calling Ellie to tell her that I was sick, just in case the professor was looking for me, I went back to my bed and slept for the second time.

***

After my second sleep that made my condition better, I was woken up by my phone ringtone. I groaned to see someone had called me. I look up at the clock to see it's noon. They must have finished their class.

I was not in the mood to talk to anyone, but when I saw the caller ID written 'Stephanie,' I thought it might be necessary.

I answered, "Speak, peasant. This better is good because you interrupt my slumber."

"Oh, sorry, I forgot you're sick, but this is important," Stephanie said on the phone, "I was thinking, maybe we could check José's phone to see if there's a clue."

I stood up from the bed in realization, "You're right! Gosh, why didn't I think about this sooner," I hit my head with my hand, "but it feels terrible to check his phone while he's in a coma."