Growing up with Rourtney (sequel to Adopted by Rourtney)

The Pain

I groan at the pain in my stomach as I wake up. I climb out of bed, grab some clean clothes and go to the bathroom to take a warm shower before getting dressed etc and brushing my teeth. I leave the bathroom and put my dirty PJs in my laundry basket in my room.

"Hey, you're awake, feeling better?" Dad asks. I shake my head simpily in too much pain to talk. "You can stay in bed all day if you wish, text me if you need me. Before I go, want anything to eat or drink. I can make you tea with some honey on toast and of course bring you a painkiller" he says. I nod and he leaves.

I climb into bed, hugging the bear tightly. "I love you Teddy" I whisper to the bear. I know, I'm thirteen and talking to a teddy bear but I love the bear so much. I close my eyes and hold Teddy close trying to fall back asleep. I just about get there when Ross comes back into the room.

"I rang your school, told them you were sick. It's fine. Here's you tea and toast. Take the medication first" he says handing me everything. I nod and obey him. "Would you like me to stay or leave? I don't mind either. I prefer to stay and cuddle you though. Even if you sleep" He kisses my forehead and sits, well, lays beside me, but he's on the covers, not in them.

"Wouldn't you rather spend time with Mom?" I ask.

"She's going out today, Romeo is at school. It's just me and you. Even if Courtney was here, I'd be looking after you. Ever since you were younger and you got sick" he smiles a little but mostly frowning at the memory.

"I'm not sick. It's just girl stuff. But I think it's this season I get the fever. I just want to sleep" I tell him as I finish the toast and give him the empty plate. I sip the tea as it's not too hot.

"Then sleep" he takes the tea from me and places it on the side.

"I love you Daddy" I cuddle him and use him as a pillow.

"Love you too, Princess" He softly says and wraps his arms around me.

"My tummy still hurts" I try not cry.

"It'll fade away as you sleep. I promise" He gently strokes my cheek making me smile.

"I believe you Daddy. Thanks for being the best father ever" I snuggle up on his chest.

"You're welcome. Thanks for being the best daughter ever" he kisses my forehead.

-

I wake up to repetative clicking sounds and gun shots etc. I'm not in my bedroom. I look at the end of the bed to see Ross playing video games. I smile and sigh a little causing him to pause the game and turn to look at me with a sweet smile.

"Why am I in your room?" I ask him.

"I didn't wanna leave you downstairs, so while you were sleeping I carried you and the bear up here and put you in my bed while I quietly played video games for an hour or so" he tells me. "Would like any lunch?" He adds.

"Yeah, just a sandwich, anything is fine. Can I continue the game while you're gone?" I smile as he stands up.

"Sure let me save it then you can continue" he says pressing a few things then handing me the controller before leaving the room. I continue the mission for a while then pause the game when Ross comes back. He sits up beside me and I give him the controller as he gives me the sandwich. I eat while he continues to play the game.

"Can we play a two player game?" I ask him.

"Sure, like what?" He asks, eyes glued to the screen.

"Umm...the racing game?" I ask. He nods and saves the game after completing the mission and puts on the racing game.

"I like that you take after me" He smiles.

"That's how you brought me up" I answer.

"I tried my best" he nods.

"You're an amazing father. I love you" I promise him.

"I will always love you too" he smiles widely. "You're my whole world" I giggle a little and continue to play the game with him.

"Daddy" I speak up after about an hour.

"Yeah?" He asks.

"I don't wanna play anymore. I want to play piano" I tell him.

"Well let's go then" he smiles as he finishes saving the game. He turns off his TV and Xbox then we walk down stairs. I can't help but feel dizzy. I stop on the stairs and hold the banister tightly as everything is blurry. I feel hot and sweaty. Just like every year. "You okay?" Ross asks.

"I'm gonna throw up" I say taking sharp, uneven breaths.

"Juliet sit down" he tells me.

"I can't. I'm dizzy" I begin to cry. He lifts me into his arms and lays me flat with my back on the floor. He grabs my feet to lift my legs above me.

"My Mom did this to me when I was younger. You feeling better?" He asks.

"No..." I cry. "I feel sick"

"Take calm breaths" he instructed.

"I can't" I struggle to say.

"You can, just stay calm" He says.

*Ross's POV*

I manage to get her up and she honestly looks sick, this is weird. Everytime around this season Juliet gets an unknown fever, she usually sleeps and stays in bed. I completely forgot about it because of all this women cycle nonsense, I just want her to be comfortable. It seems to be clashing with whatever this fever thing is.

~flashback to when she was 5 years old, a few months after the last chapter of the first book~

"Papa, I feel sick" She complains again.

"We're walking to the doctors right now" I tell her. I hold her hand tightly and we leave the house. I would drive her but Courtney has my car as hers is in repair.

"Okay" She unevenly breathes out. We walk down the street. I walk at her speed, holding her hand. She's taking little, shaky steps, as if she's struggling to walk.

"Let me carry you" I tell her.

"N-no, I-I'm okay..." She stutters and continues to walk. I watch her taking little steps. What is this? We took her to hospital last week and they didn't know what this was. She stops then takes a step and stops again. She's getting weaker. She can barely walk. I hear her uneven breaths as she tries to carry on. I walk at her pace. Her body becomes too weak and she just collapses.

"Juliet!" I catch her before she hits the ground.

"Daddy, it's dark...is it midnight?" She asks weakly. I shake my head. It's 2pm, daylight. What?

"Y-yes" I lie.

"A-are we on the train going home?" She asks still breathing heavily.

"Yes, we're on the train, we'll be home soon" I tell her.

"Good" I feel her nod. I panic not knowing what's going on. I hold her close, almost as she senses my fear she says, "Papa, I love you"

"I love you too, Juliet" I tell her. I hear her sigh and her body falls limp in my arms. My eyes widen and I shake my head. no. NO! I look at her little body, eyes closed, no movement. I hear nothing. No breaths. "Juliet" I say shaking her. "JULIETTTTT!!!" I scream and cry holding her close.
"Somebody! Help!" I yell. "Juliet..." I cry into her limp, lifeless body holding her close, wishing this to be a nightmare. "SOMEBODY HELP SAVE JULIET!!!"

Well, that was emotional...😭