Turn Away | c.h

Chapter 35 - Closer

I woke from a loud bang, sending me right awake. I slightly sat up, glancing around the room, before checking the time; 10:27 am. Shit, I slept in.

I glanced beside me, watching Calum's brown eyes meet mine, a warm smile spreading on his lips. I couldn't help but smile back, forgetting completely about the noises in the background- how could I focus on anything but him?

"Good morning, sleepy." He said, voice raspy. I curled into him, letting his warm embrace wrap back around me. I felt as though I only ever belonged in his arms, no where else. Only beside him.

"Morning."

"How'd you sleep?" He softly asked.

"Good." I mumbled back, his fingers running up and down my back. "How'd you?"

"I didn't." He whispered in return.

"I have to pee." I mumbled, letting out a small groan. Calum softly chuckled, slightly pulling away.

"Go pee."

"I'm too comfy."

"Go pee, then I'll make you even more comfier." He persuaded, moving his arm from around me. I let out yet another groan, before rolling onto my side, sitting up.

I stretched out, letting out a tired yawn as the sheet slipped from my body. Calum still laid beside me, hand running down my back before I finally willed myself to stand up. But, my knees buckled and gave way as my hips stung out of pain. I fell back down, quietly cursing as my eyes closed.

"Are you okay?" Calum asked, sitting up and shifting over to me. I nodded, running a hand through my hair as I tried to ignore the pain.

"My hips... Still a little bit sore."

"Baby," he sympathetically said, ending with a soft chuckle. I let out a groan as his hand pushed my hair back, lips moving to my neck.

"Don't laugh, I'm immobile because of you!"

"I'm sorry, I just find it cute." He mumbled, still smiling. I shook my head.

"Cute, Cal, I'm in pain."

"Okay, I'm sorry," he chuckled, pulling away. I felt him slowly shift off the bed, standing up. "I'll help you."

I looked up at him, feeling my cheeks flush as I stared up at him. He held his hands out, a smile still on his lips. I took his hands, letting him pull me up. Cal wrapped his arm around my waist, over exaggerating how immobile I actually was. I was positive if I was given a few seconds to gain my balance, and toughen up with the pain, I could easily walk myself to the bathroom. But the fact he was so willing and so gentle, I couldn't pull away. I was putty in his hands.

"Still sore?" He asked, watching as I softly nodded up at him.

"Nothing panadol won't fix." I softly said.

"I'll do it." He lowly said, hands suddenly moving under my top. I shook my head, moving my hands to his wrists.

"no, Cal, it's fine."

"It'll be quicker."

"Don't, seriously," I said, pulling away. "It's fine."

"Stella, please come here."

"I'll have panadol later, I really don't need you to help me with this." I softly spoke, watching as he took a step back towards me, eyes searching my face for reassurance.

"Why won't you let me help you?"

"I just don't want you using your energy on something that can be easily fixed. I saw how weak you got last time you healed me." I said, causing Calum to shake his head.