Hearstopper from the edit room floor

Nick gets sick

A/N / T:W:
themes and mentions of sickness, throwing up, and illness, etc, throughout

Ps, I'm so sorry I haven't posted in a while. OTOTW and this book will be updated more often soon I just cant promise a schedule. life has just been very busy of late. I hope you understand and enjoy this new short <3

Charlie's POV

Nick had gone home early from school today; he'd complained of a headache all morning and darted out of the changing room after an emergency rugby training session to throw up. Christen and I had found him, taken him to Coach Singh, and she'd sent him to medical to be sent home. It was now creeping towards the end of the school day, and I felt like I had lost a limb.

"How's Nick doing?" Tori asked as soon as I saw her on the bus. There was a slight tone of concern in her voice, which she didn't use very often. But with Nick, she had been more and more lately, which honestly warms my heart. "He's either dead or asleep as he's not responding to any of my messages!" I said, shoving the phone in her direction, slightly panicked. "Speak to Dad when we get in and go see him," Tori suggested, barely looking at the text messages because she knew, as well as I did, there was no need.

The thread of texts flowed accordingly:

Charlie Spring 15:10 pm - Hey! How are you feeling? I missed you today xxx
Charlie Spring 15:15 pm - Did you want me to come over and look after you? Xxx
Charlie Spring 15:20 pm - Ps Love you <3 (I'm feeling a bit rotten myself actually) xx
Charlie Spring 15:25 pm - Tor says she hopes you feel better soon, BTW xx

Agreeing with Tori, I sent a final message that read: Charlie Spring 15:30 - Ok, so you're either dead or asleep, so I am gonna come and see you when I'm home, okay xx. I sighed and shoved my phone back into my blazer until I got through the door back home again.

"Tori, Charlie, is that you?" Dad calls from the kitchen as Tori unlocks the door. "No, Dad, it's just your other children, SpongeBob and Patrick!" Tori deadpans, putting her shoes and school bag in the cupboard. "Very funny, Victoria!" Dad calls as we shuffle on through to the kitchen. Mum was away on a work trip for the week, so the house was peaceful, and Tori, Dad, Oliver, and I had been getting along famously without her.

"Heya, Dad!" I say, shuffling in last behind Tori, who was already looking for lemonade and snacks. "How was your day, Charlie?" Dad asks, putting down his newspaper to pay attention. "It was good, thanks. Handed in my history coursework, played rugby at lunch. Look, Dad, is it okay if I go round to Nick's this afternoon? It IS Friday, and he got sent home from school because he's not feeling-" Dad cut me off as I tried to rush out all my reasons. "Yeah, sure, go look after him. Go have fun," he smiles.

I look at him, almost shocked. "You're entirely positive? I mean-" This time, it was Tori's turn to interject. "He's not Mum, Charles. Go before he changes his mind!" she says, shooing me out of the room. I heard Dad laughing as I headed upstairs to get changed. I rushed my outfit choice; it really didn't matter, but I wanted to feel comfortable. A pair of joggers and Nick's green hoodie, and I was ready to go. I hear Tori yell, "Have fun, and if Nick protests, tell him it's your duty!" I can't help but laugh loudly, getting out of the house to my boyfriend as soon as possible.

Come to think of it, I wasn't feeling entirely bright and breezy myself. My body ached a bit (I put that down to rugby training), I had a slightly sniffly nose, and my throat felt scratchy, which I put aside to the March weather. I know all I needed was some rest and relaxation with my boyfriend. Before I can even ring the doorbell or even so much as reach the front door, Sarah is opening it and is standing there smiling. "How on earth did you know I was coming?" I asked, smiling at Sarah as I slipped my shoes off. "I saw you walking down Holyoake Road as I was coming home from work. Don't worry, I wasn't checking up on you or whatever the word is?" She scrunches her eyebrows, looking for a word. I knew it was stalking, but I didn't have time or the energy to explain things, and I didn't want to confuse her any further.