chapter 30: in sickness and in health

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I groaned when I woke up this morning with a stuffed nose and a sore throat. No, I correct myself, I was barely able to groan as I felt how drained I was. Sitting in wet clothes on a cold counter had probably not been one of my best ideas, but it had still been worth it. I just regretted not changing directly after getting out of the pool. I knew that the hot shower yesterday had not helped as I sat up in my bed, feeling my heavy chest as I tried to breath evenly. 

This was more than just being sick, I had done some serious damage to my body. As I looked out of the window, I blamed myself for not pulling the curtains together last night. The sun light made my head explode and I turned around on my mattress to face the wall. I tried getting back to sleep, when I saw the untouched cup of hot chocolate standing there, on the table. 

It still felt weird that he had been in my room. Was this supposed to be an apology? Making amends with me after calling me a nickname I was sure I hated a few nights ago? I could not hide the effect he had on me, but I still did not like it. 

Carlotta suddenly entered my room, just as I was ready to ignore the creepy gift and ready to fall asleep again. I huffed in despair, questioning her sudden entrance. She had not dared to go into my room the last few days, so I did not know why she did now. 

I leaned myself onto my body, using all the strength I had left. My body ached from yesterdays workout, but it had been worth it. I shut one eye, the light from outside still too bright for me as I saw her standing in the door frame, leaning against the opened door. 

"Ma'am, Mister Bane sent me to check up on you." I tilted my head slightly, rubbing my eyes and groaning. 

"Why, what does he want?" I asked, annoyed. Could he not just leave me alone?

"It is 3 PM in the afternoon, Miss. I think he was just... concerned." I gasped at my long slumber, not caring that she tried to make Mateo look good with his concern. Of course she had to defend him, there certainly was loyalty between Italians, I did not blame her. 

Three PM? I could not believe myself. Yet, it felt like I had slept three hours, so I definitely needed more. Maybe I could just sleep the sickness away. Was not sleep the best medicine?

"I- oh fuck," I had to gather my words and string together a sentence. Thinking before talking was still hard. "Tell him, I'm fine." I waved at her, dismissing her with my movement, surprised when she did close the door behind her. 

I let myself fall back into the bed and pulled the cover over my head, grunting in annoyance. I hated lazy days, I hated not doing anything. I needed to get up, even though I felt like somebody had dropped a bomb onto me. My body craved sleep and rest, but I could not give in. 

I was taught early on that having lazy or inside days, would get me nowhere. I needed to do something, work out maybe. Or try and make amends with my best friend. I could not just stay in bed, as if my mother was watching me right now and scolding me for staying in bed so early. 

As soon as I had scrambled out of bed and managed to get on some clothes without sneezing one too many times, I walked to my door. The cup of hot chocolate was in my hand, as I wanted to carry it down to the kitchen to clean it up. I had enough dignity to not let one of the maids clean it up. 

Before I could open the door, I heard voices outside. My hand was already on the handle, but I decided to stay put and listen in with my ear against the door. 

"She says she is fine, Sir, but she looks... Malata. " Okay, whatever that meant in Italian. I just hoped she did not mean ugly. 

"I understand. Grazie per avermelo detto, Carlotta." Why did they think that this was the perfect timing to speak a language I did not understand? I nearly let out a cough and had to muffle it with the sleeve of my thin jacket that was covering my sports bra and top. I was wearing some leggings under my sweatpants, I just did not want him to see me in those while I walked down the stairs. 

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