The Wanderers

Chapter 12

When I woke in the morning I had the worst headache. My head throbbed and pounded. It felt like a ping pong was bouncing around in my brain. Memories of the hang-over I endured my first weekend here came flooding back. Only a date with Tristan would end in a massive migraine. I sat up slowly and made my way to my dresser to search for some aspirin. "Hey Josie," I called out. When I didn't receive an answer, I craned my neck to look over my shoulder only now noticing she wasn't here. I scratched my head confused looking around for clues as to where she was.

My search was brief due to the wrapping on the door. I opened it to find Tristan on the other side. He was dressed, as usual, his hair the normal messy arrangement, and smelling ever so deliciously good. I looked back over my shoulder at my clock that read seven am. "What are you doing up this early?"

I could feel him gawking. His eyes lingered longer than they should have. I stepped further behind the door trying to keep myself covered. "I thought I'd take you to breakfast," he offered with a smile. He leaned up against the door frame, one leg crossed over the other. I could tell he was trying to get a better look at me through the door. I wouldn't have cared, but I was in my pajamas, and no bra.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I think I'm going to sleep in a little longer. I kind of have a headache."

"You don't look so well, are you okay?" he asked a little concerned.

"Yeah, just a headache," I said. "Did I...did I drink last night?" I was almost positive I didn't, but it was the only reasonable explanation for my headache.

"Not while you were with me," he said, frowning. "Are you sure you're okay? You look kind of pale."

"I'll be fine. Just need some rest," I assured him and closed the door. The longer I stood the worst my headache got. I felt guilty for abruptly ending the conversation, but the bright lights were blinding. My vision started to get blurry as my head started to spin. I slipped and knocked my books off my desk producing a loud thump. "Ella, are you alright?" I heard Tristan call. I knew if I just made it to my bed I would be fine. I pushed off my desk forcing my legs to work. "Ella?" Tristan knocked.

I took a step on shaky legs and collapsed onto the floor.

I hadn't realized I had blacked out until I opened my eyes to see a troubled Josie and Tristan standing over me. I lifted my hand to my head and felt a damp washcloth. "Here," Josie said, handing me two pills and a glass of water.

"What happened?" Tristan asked. Concern plagued his expression. I looked up and noticed the dismantled door. There was a large splinter in the middle and it was barely hanging on by one of the hinges. He followed the direction of my eyes and turned around looking guilty. "Uh, sorry about that," he bowed his head. "I kicked it down when you didn't respond."

I nodded slowly. Tristan sat patiently while he waited for my answer as to why he found me passed out. Josie pushed the pills at me again and I took them knowing well what happened. "I had a bad migraine," I told him.