His Favorite - Jordan Poole

eighty-two

"Lydia," Jordan says as she stared at the TV in her NYC apartment living room. It's been a week. A week since her father's passing. The longest week of her life. From canceled meetings with artists to closing down the studio for a short period, Lydia had not been in the right mindset. Lydia looks over to see Jordan walking over with a glass of water and 2 Advil in his hand.

"Thank you," She says lowly taking the two pills and drinking the water after. She holds the glass between her legs before and sits back on the couch.

"You want to-"

"I'm good," She says closing her eyes. I was not good. I have not been good. And I don't think I'll ever be good.

"Baby you need to eat." He says resting his hand on her thigh. "I'm not hungry Jay." She says looking at him and giving him a small smile. Jordan had been missing a few pre-season games but he did not care because Lydia was his main priority. He had stayed the whole week with Lydia and let Coach Kerr know what was going on.

Flashback

"How is she?" Coach Kerr says over the phone as Jordan closes the door to Lydia's bedroom. "She's okay." He says walking out into the living room. "She's not good," Jordan admits.

"It's always been hard to read her emotions because she doesn't show them at all," Jordan says taking a seat on the plush couch.

"No, I understand." Coach Kerr says as Jordan rests his head on the couch. "Take care of your family Jordan. Basketball will always be here. Take as much time as you need." He adds and Jordan nods.

"Thanks, Coach,"

Flashback Over

"How about we get you showered?" Jordan asked looking at Lydia who continued to stare blankly. She nods before handing him the glass cup and standing up. Jordan sets the glass down on the coffee table before following behind her into her bedroom.

"I'll meet you in the bathroom. Just turn the shower on and I'll bring you clothes." Jordan says looking down at the young girl. She nods without saying a word and heads into the bathroom. Jordan walks to her suitcase and pulls out the essential things she needed. Underwear, bra, sweatpants, and a T-shirt. All of her toiletries had been scattered in the bathroom. He sets the clothes down on the messy bed before taking a double take.

She needs to sleep on clean sheets. He puts the clothes to the side before ripping off all the old sheets on the bed and kicking them to the side. Where does she keep her clean sheets?

"Lydia," Jordan says while sending a soft knock on the door. He hears soft, quiet sobs coming from the bathroom. He opens the door to see the shower on and Lydia sitting naked on the floor, sobbing.

"Baby," He says walking to the shower door and she shakes her head. "This is not real," She mumbles as the water hits her back. "This all just a dream." She mumbles again audible enough for Jordan to hear.

He gets in the shower with no care in the world with his clothes still on, turns off the shower, and sits on the floor, pulling Lydia to his chest. Jordan's heart ached to hear her sob like this.

"I'm right here baby," Jordan says kissing her forehead and slowly rocking her in his arms. Lydia had been sobbing uncontrollably as Jordan rocked her in his arms. Snot and everything but she did not care.

"Please don't leave me," Lydia says finally making eye contact with Jordan. Her cheeks and nose had been slightly red from all the crying she had done. Jordan uses the pads of his thumbs to wipe her tears.

"Never baby. Never in a million years will I leave you." He says kissing her forehead and she gives him a soft smile before resting her head against his chest. She picks up the arm of his sweatshirt before wiping the snot she had on her nose.