Ghost (Second Edition)

Chapter Nineteen--A Night's Quiet Devotion

Nathan

Nathan had his arms wrapped around his stomach, feeling like his insides had turned into a gloopy mess and was slushing around inside of him. It hurt and made him feel incredibly ill. He was also burning with fever that made him sweat and his sheets stick to his body. He groaned and rolled over.

His mother looked over at him anxiously from where she was talking with the doctor at the other end of the room.

"Give him a few days rest and the medicine I gave you and he will be right as rain by Friday." The Doctor said, his hand resting on the doorknob with his briefcase held in the other.

"Is he contagious?" Mary asked her face a mask of worry.

"No, it's just a stomach bug. I'd recommend plenty of fluids and rest, it's better for him to minimize any visitors until he's feeling better." The Doctor said as he walked through the door. "I'll check back in the morning."

"Thank you so much, Doctor," Mary murmured as he left.

Mary knelt next to him, she smoothed out her simple white dress. It was the plainest thing she owned, and she only wore it when either Nathan or his father were sick. "How are you feeling?" She asked, brushing Nathan's forehead with a cool, damp cloth. Nathan groaned and rolled onto his back.

"Like my insides are having a dance party." He said weakly, his eyes closed against the harsh brightness of his room.

"You'll be alright, baby," Mary murmured. "It's only for another four days."

Nathan moaned and curled up on his side again.

The loud ring of their doorbell made them both jump. Mary sighed.

"I'll get it." She stood up and left the room.

She was gone for a while. Either way, he was given some peace from her overarching care. It was almost like she didn't want him to sleep, she talked so much! But it wasn't long before he heard her heels clicking on the marble, then disappeared on the soft carpet in the hall. She appeared in the doorway, looking a little frazzled.

"I know the doctor said to let you rest, but your visitor was very insistent. I believe he wants to nurse you better, so I'll leave you two alone." She said before she turned around and left.

A very familiar, messy-clothed, black-haired boy came through the door next, half shutting it behind him. He looked over at Nathan, pale green eyes filled with worry.

"Luis," Nathan murmured weakly; his hand outstretched. Luis flew to Nathan's side; he dropped to his knees and took Nathan's hand in both of his.

"Nathan..." He murmured.

"What are you doing here?" Nathan asked, looking at his boyfriend with half-closed eyes.

"I went home early and made Mother's dinner, then came here to—to stay the night. I didn't want you to be alone when you're in pain, so I wanted to help you get better." Luis murmured, blush staining his cheeks. Nathan smiled.

"I'm too sick to do much though."

"That's alright. Oh! I almost forgot!" Luis reached into his jumper pocket and drew out a half-eaten block of chocolate. "Mrs Stone gave me this for not tripping over in PE! I saved some for you!"

"Thanks, Hun, that was really sweet of you," Nathan murmured, taking the bar, and setting it on the bedside table. "When I feel like I can eat again, I'll try it."

"Are you in a lot of pain?" Luis asked his concern, colouring his voice.

"I'm not great..."

Luis leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to Nathan's forehead. It was the first time Luis had kissed him first; Nathan felt the butterflies even through the pain. Luis then moved to kiss his nose, his cheeks... Nathan would have liked to kiss him back, but he felt too weak, so he made do with running his hand up under Luis's shirt. His skin was cold to the touch.