Stay With Me (boyXboy)

chapter 4

*Nathaniel*

I had been feeling drained and unwell for a few weeks. I was careful not to let Luc and Jax realise anything, but pretending took everything out of me. And each time I... well, you know... I was running on pure adrenaline.

My mum took me away for a couple of days, I didn't tell anyone where I was going or how long I would be away. My mum thought that would be the best idea, because then I could rest up in peace.

So off we went, we only went to the seaside, which was cool because I hadn't been there in years. I felt like a little kid again. We built sandcastles, we played in the sea. All the time I was pretending to be lively so that I didn't seem ungrateful to my mum.

We came to the end of the trip, I was sad to leave. "You can't fool me you know? I can sense that you are still drained. I booked a doctor's appointment for when we get home. They are going to do some blood tests ok Nate?" my mum said, never once taking her eyes off of the road. I nodded... I didn't really know what to say... I've never had blood tests before... did she really think I was that bad that I needed to see a doctor.

Eventually the time came; it seemed forever to be sat in that waiting room, just waiting to see the doctor. I felt confident that I was going to walk away perfectly healthy, just fatigued. I guess that was just wishful thinking though.

I walked away in shock. I couldn't it. Mum walking next to me in tears. I was going to get better though. I had to... I couldn't leave my friends. I decided that I would go back to school. I needed to tell Jax and Luc about this.

We sat at the lunch tables. I couldn't tell them... I haven't been able to for a week. I think they have sensed that I have something going on. I've been distant and I zone out too much.

Later that week, my fears rang true. "Nate? Are you ok? You seem... well... out of it lately... Jax didn't want me to say anything to you but I couldn't leave it." Luc pressed, desperately hoping for an answer that he wanted. I put on my best 'everything is ok´ smile and said. "I'm fine, just got a bit going on at home, no need to worry." I think he bought it... I don't know. I hope he did.