W.A.T.D

Chapter 11 Older - her perspective

Estimated reading time - 3 minutes 40 seconds
(GUYS I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG)

Cuddling with a sick person isn't as romantic as one would think, from the fact that he was constantly coughing, sniffling and also because I got sick too. His whining when I tried to leave was cute, but not cute enough for me to stay the night.
In hindsight, I really shouldn't have gotten myself sick just to hang out with him, but he did get sick because of me so it's only fair.
I do get time off school, but I'm not allowed to leave the house, as per my mom's rule. She didn’t believe Ray was actually sick till I got it. Then she lectured me on hanging out with and kissing a sick person.
It was a long week of constantly being cooped up in my room, but I got to learn some tricks with the knife Ray gave me, so it wasn't all terrible, plus I called him almost every day.
He kept calling me pet names like we were dating, not that I'm complaining at all, but it was weird hearing those words from his mouth.

The Monday I went back was dull, Ray had skipped so I didn't have anyone to talk to in first period. I spent most of the day texting him, but he didn't respond as fast as usual, and most of his responses were obviously rushed.
He must have been busy, but with what?
I guess it's none of my business, but I worry about him, he’s most of my thoughts these days.
I guess you could say we are like best friends, but I feel like it's more than that… It's complicated.

School’s out for the day, I didn't drive today so I guess I'm walking again. I trudge out with a sigh, and take a deep breath of the cold air, closing my eyes.
“Hey there,” I hear him say, making me jump slightly. Ray just came out of nowhere.
“Why are you here? You skipped?” I ask, subconsciously taking his hand in mine.
“I wanted to walk you home, is that ok with you?” he said teasingly as he started walking in the opposite direction of my house.
“This way idiot,” I say with a smile, redirecting him.
He chuckled softly, and I felt a brief fluttering in my stomach, why does he have to be so adorably clueless?!?

Our walk wasn't nearly as awkward this time, but I didn't get to be as close due to the stupid sun being out. We talked a lot, mostly about nothing important, but he sprinkled slightly deeper questions throughout.
“So here's a good one, why didn't you freak out?”
“what do you mean,”
“When I… you know… threatened you with a knife?” he muttered awkwardly, it's obvious he still felt bad but I responded before he could apologise again.
“I've moved a lot over the years, lots of different places and environments.” I squeezed his hand slightly, and he squeezed back.
“I've been threatened with worse” he suddenly stopped, looking at me with pure shock.
“Liz?”
“Yes, Raymond?”
“Are you ok?” he questioned, his eyes locked on mine. I chuckled slightly at his question, but he seemed more serious.
“Yes! Yes, I'm ok, that's a silly question,” he didn't seem to buy it, but I urged him forward nonetheless, we were so close to home and we didn't need to argue right now.

The porch, where this complication started.
Looking into his eyes I can imagine the moment in perfect detail, the way he held me, his lips moving against mine, his-
“So we’re here, see you tomorrow?” Ray abruptly spits, stuffing his hands in his pockets. I must have made a face because he quickly retracted his statement.
“Or? I could-” The door opened, it was my mom. Because of course. She smiled at me, and I gave her a look that said ‘Are you kidding me?’.
She quickly grabbed Ray’s hand and pulled him inside, I followed close behind.
“Ray! So happy to see you sit down sit down!” she rushed him over to the couch, gesturing with her head for me to get him something. I rolled my eyes and got him some water, getting a cup for my mom too, because I know she is going to ask.
“Oh, sweetie can you also get me- awww that's so sweet!” she cooed as I handed her the water.
She then proceeded to ask Ray every question she could possibly think of, my face buried in my hands at the more embarrassing ones. I was blushing, it was obvious and I could definitely tell.
I grabbed Ray’s half-empty glass from his hand and took a small sip, earning a big knowing smile from my mom, she nudged me with her arm and raised her eyebrows. I choked slightly and she laughed softly.
“So, what are your intentions with my daughter?” I practically spat out the water when she asked that so suddenly. I looked up at Ray, he looked nervous, his eyes darting between me and my mom. He leaned in close and whispered something in her ear, earning a big smile from her.
“He’s a keeper” she muttered happily to me, her smile unbroken and her hands clasped excitedly.
“You're free to go,” With that, Ray got up, bowing his head and heading to the door, leaving me scrambling behind him.
“Wait wait wait! What did you tell her?” I ask, my hand gripping his forearm tight, curiosity etched on my face.
“You'll understand when you're older” he responded teasingly with a playful smirk, ruffling my hair before walking out the door.