In Your Orbit (1st Book) Completed.

Chapter 11: In Sickness and in Care

Lisa blinked awake to the soft warmth of morning light, only to find Jennie still fast asleep, her head gently resting against the headboard where she'd been all night. A pang of affection tugged at Lisa's heart. She could tell Jennie had stayed in that uncomfortable position ever since she dozed off, and guilt washed over her. Jennie always took care of her, even when she didn't ask for it.

Feeling a little better, Lisa slowly sat up, careful not to disturb Jennie. She glanced at her peaceful face, her soft features relaxed in sleep, and couldn't help but smile. Lisa carefully slid her hands under Jennie's back and head, gently guiding her down onto the mattress.

"Come on," Lisa whispered, her voice still raspy. "Get some proper sleep."

Jennie stirred but didn't fully wake up. Lisa offered her arm as a pillow, and Jennie instinctively curled into her. The warmth of Jennie's body against hers made Lisa's heart beat a little faster, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she wrapped her arm around Jennie's shoulders, pulling the duvet over both of them. With Jennie nestled close to her, Lisa let herself drift back into sleep.

The Next Morning

Lisa woke up again to the gentle sensation of someone touching her forehead. She opened her eyes to see Jennie leaning over her, her brow furrowed in concentration as she checked her temperature.

"You're still warm," Jennie said softly, brushing Lisa's hair back from her face. Her touch was soothing, like always, and the worry in her eyes was unmistakable. But when Jennie smiled down at her, the tension in her face seemed to melt away.

Lisa smiled back, her voice still husky from sleep. "I'm okay, really. You're the one who looks like you didn't sleep well."

Jennie let out a soft laugh, brushing it off. "I slept fine. You're the one who's still recovering."

Lisa sighed, shifting in bed to sit up. "I feel better today. Good enough to get up."

Jennie watched her warily but didn't argue. She was still concerned, and Lisa knew it. "You sure?" Jennie asked, but her smile faltered as if she was already expecting the answer.

"Yeah," Lisa reassured, stretching her arms. "I'll be fine. So what's the plan for today?"

Jennie perked up, glancing at the time. "I actually have to go to school. The festival's today, remember?"

Lisa's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, right! You're absolutely right."

For a moment, Jennie looked relieved, like Lisa might agree to stay home and rest. But then Lisa threw off the blanket, swinging her legs out of bed. "I'm coming with you."

Jennie shot her a disapproving look, shaking her head. "Lisa, you're still sick. You need to rest."

"I'm fine," Lisa protested, her stubbornness showing through. "Besides, it's a big day for you. I want to be there."

Jennie folded her arms, staring at Lisa like she was about to argue further. But she knew Lisa too well; once her mind was made up, there was no changing it.

"Fine," Jennie finally relented with a small sigh, her lips quirking into a smirk. "But don't go too far away from me. And if you start feeling worse, we're coming straight home."

Lisa grinned, her heart fluttering at the thought of spending the day with Jennie, even if it meant she'd have to take it easy. "Deal."

At School

They got ready quickly, Jennie insisting that Lisa take her time, though Lisa was determined not to look like she was sick. Once dressed, Lisa drove them to school, her grip steady on the wheel even though Jennie glanced at her now and then with concern. As they pulled up to the school entrance, Lisa parked the car and stepped out, coming around to open Jennie's door like always.