The Rain

Francis Comrie

I wake up sore, like I've been hit by a train. My eyes feel like they're glued together and it takes me a while to force them open. I swallow hard as I open my eyes to find I'm on Noels bed and I sigh. I lick my lip tentatively, feeling a biting sting at the touch on my swollen mouth. My eye and cheek ache, my ribs unbelievably tender as I try to sit up, a moan coming from deep in my chest as pain shoots through my body. I sit up for a few moments, catching my breath before I try to stand up. I sway on my feet slightly and I sit back down on the edge of the bed as a wave of dizziness knocks me off my feet. Wincing, I try again, managing to get up this time relatively normally. I walk slowly to the closed door, holding my ribs and breathing shallowly. Fuck even breathing hurts. I go into the living room to find Liam and Noel on the couch talking quietly. They jump to their feet when I come in and Noel pulls me into a tight hug that makes me yelp.

"Fuck I'm sorry," Noel says suddenly letting me go and I nod, clutching my arms around my ribs.

"Its ok," I wheeze, my voice scratchy and husky. 

"Are you ok?" Liam asks quietly and I force a smirk at him,

"You should see the other guy," I cough and he laughs lightly, Noel giving me a tight lipped smile. Fuck, I really am in big trouble. 

"How long was I out?" I ask gently standing straight. Noel swallows visibly.

"Couple of hours, not too long," 

"That's not too bad then," I croak and his eyes flash in anger. We stare eachother down, unspoken questions and confessions flying at eachother in the air between us. Liam clears his throat backing into the kitchen, breaking our stand off. Noel gives me a guilty look and I feel sheepish myself, ashamed that we were glaring at eachother when we should be like hugging or something. I slip my hand into his and he gives it a gentle squeeze.

"I'll get some ice," Liam says as Noel sits down and I sit next to him. Gently, with a shaking hand, he pushes the hair from my face. I force a smile but ruin it by wincing at the throbbing in my lip. Liam comes back and hands the teatowel wrapped ice to Noel, who presses it gently to my mouth and I hiss. Noel winces but keeps the ice on my lip and I take it from him, smiling my thanks to the two of them. Liam's now sat on the arm of the chair next to Noel and I look away from their unnerving stare. Getting the Gallagher icy stare twofold was almost blinding at how dangerously beautiful they were. I clear my throat, forcing a queasy smile at them.

"So you'll probably be wondering what that was all about right?" I say trying to force a laugh but stop immediately as my ribs protest painfully.

"Not being funny or that Jess but yeah who the fuck was that prick?" Liam asks jerking a thumb at the door and I pull the ice from my mouth, testing my jaw by opening and closing my mouth. The ice has helped with the swelling and has numbed it slightly making it feel much better. I press the ice to my eye and I sigh.

"Can I have some water?" I ask, my voice breaking and Noel flies to his feet, nodding.

"Yeah of course, fuck I'll do one better, I'll make tea and then we'll have a beer yeah?" Noel says going to walk passed when I grab his hand and pull him down, very gently pressing my lips to his.