What The Heart Desires

8.

TENBY IRWIN
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23
9:40am

"You have a fever again." Dad says, taking the thermometer out of my ear.

He takes my blankets down a bit, and has me take a sip of water.

I haven't gotten out of bed all morning, and I even went to bed early last night at around 8pm.

Dad let out a sigh, then started questioning me for symptoms.

"Does your stomach still hurt?"
"Are you cold?"
"Are you hungry?"
"Do you remember the last time you had your medicine?"
"How are you feeling?"
"Is your chest hurting at all?"

I couldn't take it. I loved my dad but I always hated how crazy he got when I get sick.

"Daaaadddd i'm fine.. leave me alone"

"Calum is on his way" Dad said

He was meant to come last night, but he got caught up at work and didn't get the chance to, so he's coming by this morning to check on me before he goes to work. Dad is staying off to be with me for today.

About 30 minutes later, dad brought me some scrambled eggs and sausage, which I ate about half of.

Dad gave me a funny look as he took the plate back downstairs, right as the doorbell rang. I heard dad and Cal talking a bit, then I heard two sets of footsteps coming up.

I was so tired, I really didn't want to be bothered right now.

"Hey Ten, you okay? Heard you had a temperature again." Calum says, walking into my bedroom.

I just yawned, and nodded, closing my eyes.

Then comes Calum again with the questions

"Have you eaten anything yet?"
"What hurts?"
"How long have you had a fever?"
"Are you tired?"

" I just want to sleep." I say tiredly, not even opening my eyes.

"We just want to make sure you're okay. It's time for your medicine, then we will let you sleep for a bit." Dad said.

Cal got me to sit up, and take my medicine, which I put up a bit of a fit for, as it tasted gross, and I was really sleepy.

After that, I took a little nap, but woke up after hearing dad and Calum laughing downstairs.

I looked to my clock. 10:49. I had slept for about an hour. I went to go sit up, but I started coughing again.

I suddenly heard footsteps.

Dad brought in a glass of water, then kissed me on the head. He then let me be for a bit. I took the remote from the bedside table and watched an episode of my favorite show, in an attempt to help me feel better. Calum came in for a few minutes.

"Feel better, Ten." He said, and checked my temperature once more for good measure.

"Get some more rest.. Stay off school tomorrow, I'll see you on Saturday, then hopefully after you've had the weekend to rest, you can go back to school. Your dad is emailing your teacher now." Says Cal, then gives my hand a squeeze.

"Thanks for taking care of me, Cal. I love you."

"No worries, love. It's what I do. Love you, T."

I then heard the front door slam at about half 11, meaning Calum had left for work.

A bit later, dad comes in with some papers.

"Marnie came by with your homework." He said, placing it on my desk.