No Guidelines

Chapter 12-5

12, Nov. 2015 Thu

Rain poured harder that day, Giving the ground a misty haze from the splashes. Audrey hurried through the rain, using her bag as a shield from the weather. This time, to make up for the fact she wasn't wearing a hoodie, she sported a red beanie, one that matched her knitted scarf. She put her bag down once making it to the safety of the stair balconies, Navigating her way up wet steps and other students.

At their normal spot were Looz, Sam, and Adrian. "Hey guys, Nat and Jacob back to hanging out again?" She asked.

Looz didn't say much, just shrugging her shoulders indifferently.

"I guess so," Sam said.

"How are you feeling, Audrey?" Adrian asked. His face displayed a slight hint of concern.

"I'm feeling fine now, but that's probably because I'm not in the middle of it all yet."
It was her honest feelings. Natalie seemed to make things easier the more she thought about it. Maybe she could actually pull it off—maybe she could sing in front of the school and everything would be okay.

"Well we are right behind you fam," Looz said. It wasn't hard to spot the look in her eye—an anxious look. Audrey gave her a deceptively confident smile.

"I know, that thought is keeping me going. Thank you."

As class began Audrey put on her headphones. Cleverly hiding them behind her hair. It also helped that in all of her classes—minus Harris's—the teachers never really called on her. Mr. Song was aware she was memorizing the lyrics so he didn't mind at all. The day went by quickly and she pretty much had the song memorized.

She didn't see Natalie all day but was excited to practice with her. The rain calmed down as she arrived home, making it perfect for her to walk to Natalie's house. She sent her a warning text this time, in case Jacob was there—not wanting to be an unwelcome surprise. Again. Anticipation welled inside her as she knocked and waited for Natalie.

After a while Natalie finally opened the door, only she looked pale and had scrunched up pieces of tissue stuffed in her nose—bulging her nostrils. Her hair was done up in a messy bun and she adorned the same attire from the previous night. She looked like she had crawled out of her own grave. She spoke, revealing her strained voice.

"Hey Audie, how was your day?" She asked.

Audrey's expression of excitement disappeared. Her eyes were wide at the sight before her. Never had she thought Natalie could look like a mess, not that she would tell her to her face.

"Woah!" Audrey exclaimed. Maybe not the best opener to greet a sick friend. "I knew you were getting sick!"

"I know, I was trying to fight it so I could see your performance," she said, turning around and motioning Audrey to come in. "sit, please, I'll serve you some tea."

"No, No. Please, rest, I'll make us the tea." Audrey held Natalie back and led her back up the stairs to her room. Natalie rested her head on her shoulder, bundling herself up in her blanket.

"Thank you Audie," She said in a weak voice. Coughing into her blanket.

Audrey made them chamomile tea and drowned it in honey. The two drank in Natalie's room. The lamps turned on instead of the overhead lights gave the room a more soft and dim look. Natalie cupped her mug in her hand, gently blowing the heat from the tea. She took a tiny sip, then pulled away quickly from the heat. Audrey held her mug and just waited for it to cool.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" Natalie asked. She sat crisscrossed on her bed with pillows stacked behind her to lean on.

"I feel silly worrying about that while you're sick," Audrey said.