Book III of UNC Series
While it's known that there are five stages of grief, did you know that there are also five stages of love?
Bailey Nicholson dreamed of finishing her Master's degree and settling in Boston while working alongside her boyfriend...
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flashback | present
He presses his hands into his temples and leans back on his bed with an exasperated groan.
"Please tell me you're finally going to see a doctor?" I cross my arms, stepping back as I eye him. His skin is slick with sweat, but it also appears pale, lacking colour. His eyes are pinched shut as he tries to breathe through a wave of pain.
It's almost been a month since Chase's original injury, and this is his fifth piercing headache. He promised after his second one that he would go to a hospital and see a doctor. It's what the medics at the arena told him to do if the pain worsened, what his mother asked of him, and now me.
But he's being stubborn.
"I'm fine, Bailey," he groans, shielding his eyes from the ceiling light. It's set on low dim lighting in his room to alleviate any discomfort he's feeling. It's not strong enough to cause him pain, and if it is, he should know he's notokay.
"Really? Because you don't look fine. You have your semi-finals this weekend, and the headaches have worsened. What if something happens during the game, something worse?" I start pacing in the same spot, wearing a hole in the hardwood floor of his bedroom.
"This has nothing to do with the injury," he moans, "Can you turn the light off?"
I scoff but do as he asks. I slap the switch aggressively as the room is abruptly plunged into darkness. However, through the large square window, soft streetlights and the muted brightness of the stars bask the room. I stride towards the window overlooking the front and the driveway where three cars remain parked.
None of his friends really know what's happening with Chase, not that he's giving them much information. Noah has been holding up in his room, dealing with the loss of his sister. Jamie hasn't been home, spending time with his friends and getting ready for the semi-finals this weekend. Garrett seems to be the only one actively home and aware of everything. But even he's too worried about Noah.
However, Chase doesn't make a show of being in pain, so I wouldn't be surprised if his friends are oblivious to what's going on.
Chase steps away and hides in his room every time he gets these headaches. It doesn't help that he keeps lying to them, letting them know he's fine when he's really not. I only know because I refused to leave his side after his injury.
"This has everything to do with the injury," I mutter, staring up at the stars that aren't so bright in the city, hidden away by thick polluted clouds. But despite not seeing them clearly, I close my eyes and make a wish.
Please, please let Chase be okay. Make him see a doctor, please.
"I'm fine, Bailey. Why don't you come and lie down with me?" He lifts the sheets from his bed. As tempting as that offer sounds, especially as chills run through me and my fingers feel cold, I hold my ground, continuing to pace.
