Timeless - Connor Dewar

seven - connor

7 years ago

3 days later

Turns out, Amelia was right when she said she'd get sick from jumping into the lake. Since I agreed to take care of her, there was no way I was going to back down now.

As soon as Mom mentioned that morning that Amelia had caught a summer cold, I didn't waste another moment. I scarfed down my bowl of cereal, grabbed my car keys, and was out the door before she could get another word out. I went out and bought, in no particular order: a squishmallow, orange juice (Amelia's favorite kind), and pre-made chicken soup, because there was no way I was going to successfully cook anything.

I showed up at her front door not long after, with everything in hand, plus my guitar. Amelia's parents looked at each other as if they were wondering why I was doing so much, but they let me in, making me promise to keep her bedroom door open.

I knocked on the initially shut door, trying to balance everything in my hands before Amelia offered a weak "Come in!" from her bed.

I pushed open the door with my foot, a juggling act of items threatening to spill from my arms. Amelia looked up from her cocoon of blankets, her nose red and her eyes glassy with the telltale signs of a summer cold. Despite her condition, she managed a weak smile, then a pout when she saw me. "Connie, what are you doing here? I don't want to get you sick."

I rolled my eyes as I gently set everything down on her bedside table. "Come on, Mia. You know I can't stay away when you need me," I said, not caring about keeping a distance as I handed her the squishmallow, which was in the shape of a strawberry. "But, just for when I can't be here, I got you this guy."

Amelia's eyes widened with delight as she took the strawberry squishmallow from me. "Oh my gosh, he's adorable!" she exclaimed, hugging the plush toy tightly. "Thank you, Connie. You didn't have to do all this."

I waved off her thanks, settling into a beanbag chair by her bed. "Of course I did. You'd do the same for me. Plus, I promised I'd take care of you if you got sick."

Amelia pouted, looking at the orange juice and soup. "You really went all out, huh?"

I shrugged, a playful smile tugging at my lips. "Just wanted to make sure you had everything you need. How are you feeling, though? Any better?"

Amelia sniffled, rubbing her nose. "A little. Just really tired and achy."

"Well, that's what the soup and juice are for," I said, opening the orange juice and pouring her a glass, one that I brought. "Here, drink this."

Amelia took the glass from me, sipping the juice slowly. "You didn't have to do this, Connor. I could've managed."

I leaned back in the chair, strumming my guitar softly. "I know, but I wanted to. Besides, this gives us more time to hang out, right? Even if you're a little under the weather."

Amelia smiled at the familiar sound of my guitar, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her. "Yeah, I guess so. Thanks, Connie. You're the best."

My fingers moved deftly over the frets, playing a familiar tune. "Of course, anything," I said, my chin pointed downward as I played.

"Okay, can you play literally anything other than 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'?" Amelia groaned, setting the strawberry plushie aside as she watched me. I ran a hand through my messy hair, my eyebrows furrowing as I looked back at her. "Why? It's a classic. And besides, I thought you liked Nirvana."

Amelia sniffled and gave me a weak smile. "I do, but you play that every time," she complained, wiping her nose with a tissue. "Can you play something a little softer, maybe?"