Out of The Shadows

Recovery

I stirred. I could feel the soft, smooth material of my quilt beneath me. I groaned as my eyes slowly fluttered open. My vision was blurred slightly but I could make out Nathan's silhouette.

"N-Na-ath" I said, but my voice was so quiet. Although it was barely audible, he still heard me. His head snapped in my direction, his eyes were filled with relief as he smiled. He sat beside me and stroked my hair, moving a few strands out of my face.

"Shhhh, everything's going to be okay. Go to sleep, I'm right here and I'm not leaving your side. I promise." His voice was a whisper as he played with my hair. Once I knew he wasn't leaving, I gladly let myself, once again, fall into darkness.

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I don't know how much longer I was out for, but it was dark outside. I looked around and couldn't see Nathan. I wanted him here with me. I slowly sat up, momentarily feeling dizzy. After a few moments the dizziness subsided, I moved slowly and stood up, wobbling slightly. Once I got my balance I walked to the bathroom, turned on the light and saw my reflection. I looked like someone out of the Walking Dead! When I was done, I went back to my room. I was still in my uniform, and although it was quite comfortable I still wanted to get out of it.

Once I had changed into my pastel butterfly pyjamas, I went to find Nathan. I walked down the hall way and felt dizzy again. I stumbled and collapsed at the top of the stairs, but a pair of strong arms caught me and picked me up before I could hit the ground. Taking me into my room I was laid onto my bed and a sheet was put over me. Nathan went to walk away but I grabbed his hand.

"Stay. Please?"

"Baby, your bed isn't big enough for the both of us. Besides, it's better for you to sleep on your own."

"But, but I want to cuddle" I whined.

"Cuddling with me might make your fever worse. You don't want that do you?"

"I don't care! I wanna cuddle" I didn't care if I was being childish. I just wanted Nathan to stay and cuddle with me. He sighed, and seemed to reluctantly pick me up and carry me to his room.

I was gently laid down on his bed, and the man I had come to grow attached to lay beside me, pulling the covers over the two of us. I moved closer to him, his body radiating heat. Nath's arms wrapped around my small figure protectively, holding me close.

"Go to sleep baby, I've got you." I heard him whisper into my ear as sleep reclaimed me.

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It was morning, the sunlight streaming into the bedroom through the curtains. I opened my eyes slightly, and was greeted with the sight of Nathan's blue-green eyes.

"Good morning Baby girl"

"Morning" I mumbled rubbing my eyes.

"How are you feeling?"

"A bit better... What time is it?"

"Ten. Rachel's given me the day off so I could stay home with you."

"Okay" My voice was barely above a whisper, my throat sore.

I snuggled up to him more, my head resting on his chest. Nathan's arm was still wrapped around my waist, playing with the ends of my long, dark blonde hair. It was a peaceful and relaxing silence. I smiled slightly, although I felt terrible, I liked being cuddled up with Nathan, and I've missed it a lot. But my smile soon faulted. A sharp pain ripped through my right calf muscle. My eyes began to fill with tears and my head started to spin, only to make the feeling worse. I griped Nathan's shirt, my eyes tightly shut, teeth gritting together, tears rolling down my face and wetting Nath's shirt. I shook and Nathan's grip tightened around me, he moved my hair out of my face and looked down at me.