These Broken Roads

Chapter 20: Fever

~Natalie~

I groaned as I felt the front door close, shaking the house. Nate must have just left for school with Haley.

I felt so sick and tired as I sat up and put my glasses on. My nightstand clock said it was seven in the morning. So much for sleeping in.

I stood up and headed over to the bathroom. After freshening up I decided to just throw my hair in a messy bun and head downstairs. I wasn't too hungry so I settled for some juice and medicine to help my pounding head. Once I had something in my belly I started to feel better.

I wanted to go to the library today to see about applying for colleges, but honestly I just wanted to sleep. I bit my lip and looked at the landline. E wouldn't be in class yet.

I dialed his number.

"Hey you." He said softly.

"Hey." I said, my voice was a bit hoarse. "I was wondering if after school you'd take me to the library to fill out college applications?"

"We could do it at my house." E said simply.

I let out a loud cough, pulling the receiver away from my face. Once I was done hacking up a lung I put the receiver back to my ear.

"Damn Natalie." E said in a flat tone. "I'm coming over."

"No E, you need to go to school." I said softly, feeling a little dizzy from all the coughing.

"I'm not going to miss much." E said.

I groaned, but I felt so weak. "Fine."

E chuckled on the other end. "I'll be there soon."

I took a deep breath and hung up the phone. I noticed the dozen roses on the kitchen table. Nate must have put them there.

Heading over there I unwrapped them and replaced the dried ones that were in the corner on the kitchen, well since E is coming, maybe I'll set them on the kitchen table so he'll notice them easier.

I did just that and then sat on the couch. I admired the way they looked and then laid down on the couch. I was smiling as my eyelids felt heavy, slowly closing them to go to sleep.

~Elliot~

I knocked on the front door. When she didn't answer I tried the door, it was unlocked. Her soft snores were the first thing I noticed. I smiled and brushed some sweaty hair behind her ear and gently took off her glasses that she had on. Even a sick and sweaty mess, she was beautiful to me.

I sat on the floor near her head and took out my drawing tablet.

She made a sound, like a whimper. I frowned, wishing I could make her feel better.

"Henry..." She said softly.

Henry? Who's Henry?

My jealousy pawed at my mind. I took a few deep breaths and told myself that I didn't have to worry about it. She loved me.

She made another sad noise, one I couldn't describe, but her words after, hurt.

"Henry...I miss...you..." She said softly.

I swallowed hard.

Maybe he was a past boyfriend that she had to leave behind? Yeah, that's it.

"I'll...I'll see you...soon." She said. "My Henry."

I clenched my jaw. The anger and jealousy building inside of me. Who was this Henry?