New Beginnings

Chapter 15

The following Monday, Marley got himself and Shai ready to go out. Alexander remained asleep as the two exited the house quietly. 

Not long after, Alexanders' eyes opened. It was abnormally quiet, which concerned him. He rolled over, picking up his phone to check the time. It was around nine-thirty. His eyes widened as he looked at the date. He had work, and he was incredibly late. 

The dark-haired man's eyes found a note on the coffee table beside him. He hadn't seen it before, so he picked it up.

Good morning, Xander. :) I didn't want to wake you because you need rest. Now, don't be worried about work. One day off isn't going to hurt, okay? I emailed our boss saying you wouldn't make it in. 

There is some food in the fridge for you. Please, eat something while I'm out. I've left some medicine out on the bench too. Take them so you'll recover faster. 

I wish I could be there with you, but I'll be home before you know it. Rest up, and I'll see you when I get home. 

Marley x

Alexander's heart felt warm as he read the note. Marley truly cares for his friend, making the dark-haired man's heart flutter. But it made it harder for Alexander. More challenging for him to forget his romantic feelings for Marley. 

His stomach ached for food. It rumbled as he sat himself up on the couch. Alexander stood slowly, holding onto the sofa for support. He managed to reach the fridge, where he found a soup container. On the lid, there was a small note. 

I made chicken soup last night—you can heat it on the stove. Please have some. It will make you feel better. 

He made this for me? Alexander's heartbeat increased at the thought. Why does he have to be so caring? 

Marley tapped at his desk with a pen, trying to get on with work. He felt bad for leaving his sick friend home alone, but there was nothing he could do. "Hey, Marley," Carter waved, walking towards his friend.

"Hey."

Carter folded his arms, leaning on Marley's desk. "Something wrong?" he looked around the room, seeing the spot in front of his friend's desk was empty. "Oh, I see. Missing a certain someone?" He nudged Marley's arm.

Marley lay back in his chair with his eyes on the computer. "He has a cold. But he's acting strange."

"He always acts strange."

"Don't say that." Marley shifted his head in Carter's direction, looking him in the eyes. "He insists he's fine, but he's not. He's worrying me." He looked back to his desk with a slight glaze over his eyes. "I don't want something bad to happen."

Carter surprisingly comforted his friend by rubbing his hand up and down on Marley's shoulder. "Why don't you talk to him?"

"I try to, but he ends it by saying, 'there's nothing to worry about.'"

"Just let him know you're there for him," Carter suggested. 

Marley frowned, still stressed about the situation. "I know."

"Carter!" Amara called.

"Coming!" Carter replied. "Sorry, see you around."

Marley slumped back into his chair, staring into his computer screen. His eyes shifted to his phone that lay on his desk. The blue-eyed man walked to the staffroom to make himself tea and call the one who he worried about. "Hey, Xander."

"Marley, you should be working."

"I was," Marley smiled. "I needed to take a break. So, I thought I'd check on you."