HAUNTINGLY | 18+

34 | Soup

Xavier cuts the engine and hops out, coming around to my side. He pops the door open and lends me a hand as I stand up. Leaning on him as we make our way to the house and step inside.

I glance at the staircase ahead. "There is no way I'm walking up those stairs," I tell him.

My grip on his arm tightens and a slight grimace crosses my face. "Does it hurt?" Xavier asks, his concern evident in his gaze.

"Obviously it fucking hurts, what am I saying," he mutters before I can reply. "Let's get you settled on the couch, and I'll grab your medication."

I give a nod as he guides me over to the couch and I settle down. "Did you leave the meds in the car?" he questions.

"Yeah, I believe so," I reply, my hand instinctively going to my stomach as a sharp twinge of pain hits.

"I'll be right back," he assures, jogging out of the house and going to the car.

I lean my head back and close my eyes, still feeling the discomfort. It's only moments before Xavier returns, placing two pills in my hand.

He hands me a water bottle, and I drink the pills, hoping for a quick relief from the pain. Xavier grabs a blanket from the couch and drapes it over me.

"Thanks," I say softly.

"Feeling hungry? I could order some food," he offers, taking a seat beside me on the couch.

The mention of food makes my stomach rumble. Xavier chuckles, "I'll take that as a yes."

I nod, my agreement clear. "Got any specific cravings?" he asks, inching closer.

"Something light. Maybe chicken noodle soup?" I suggest. Warm soup has always been my comfort meal when I'm not feeling the best.

"Sure," he says, pulling out his phone and placing the order. "Should be here in about 30 minutes," he informs me.

I feel my eyes growing heavy as the medication begins to take effect, easing the pain. "I'm so sleepy," I mumble.

Xavier gazes at me, and I nestle into his arm, carefully seeking a comfortable position that won't strain my stitches. "Try to get some rest, I'll wake you when the food is here," he whispers, his fingers tracing a gentle path up and down my arm.

I let my eyes flutter closed, and in mere moments, I slip into a deep sleep.

I burst through the hospital doors, my chest heaving as I approached the front desk. "I'm here for Jason Rose," I manage to say between breaths.

She quickly types on her computer. "He's in room 314. Take the elevator to the third floor and turn right," she instructs, her voice brisk.

"Thanks," I reply, already turning to head off. I hurry to the elevator and press the button, impatience gnawing at me.

I felt sick to my stomach when Jason called me saying he was at the hospital. I hoped nothing serious happened to him.

The elevator finally arrived, and I stepped inside, hitting the button for the third floor.

Jason was always getting himself into trouble, so I wasn't completely surprised by his phone call tonight.

Once the elevator reached level three, I got out and turned to the right. I walked down the hall until I found room 314.

Upon entering, I saw his hand swathed in a white bandage.

"What happened?" I questioned as I settled beside him on the bed, my gaze fixed on his injured hand.