I Fell Sick in the Rain, But I Also Fell in Love

Chapter 3

I woke up at 9:00 AM the next morning, feeling slightly better until I went to take a deep breathe. Instead, I choked because air didn't rush into my nose for it was stuffed with mucus. I released a few coughs but not a terrible fit like last night. With a sore throat and stuffy nose, this was not a good start to my Sunday. At least my headache was gone.

I forced myself out of bed to do my morning bathroom routine and made myself breakfast, staying in my pajamas. The cold milk and cereal actually cooled my throat. I took some cold medicine and made myself peppermint tea, Austin's version.

Having no homework, I decided to read a book in my bed. But after a few hours of that, it dawned on me that I'm spending my Sunday inside, stuck in bed, sick, with a book. As great as this novel is, I couldn't concentrate anymore now that the thought that I'm bored settled in my mind.

My eyes wandered to my phone on my nightstand. The idea was so tempting, and he did say to call him if I needed anything. I don't like being alone for a long time. Erica won't be back until later tonight anyway.

"Screw it," I grumbled, boredom growing into desperation for something to do. I grabbed my phone and called up Austin.

He answered after just two rings with a cheerful voice. "'Sup, Avery!"

Instantly a wide smile grew on my face. I'm already feeling better. "Hey, Austin!"

Austin made the sound effect that he's cringing, probably because of my voice. "Eek, you sound absolutely terrible."

No sympathy in those words, whatsoever. "Gee, thanks. Anyway, um, are you busy?"

"Nope. You're bored, I'm guessing."

"Being stuck in my room all day was not how I imagined spending my Sunday."

I heard some shuffling in the background before he answered, "Hmm pick: Nutella or strawberry jam?"

That was such a weird question and I don't know where this is going. But I do know the answer to that...ridiculous question. "Austin, you're cruel."

"What did I do?"

"I can't believe you're making me choose between two heavenly foods!"

"Uh, duh, so that you can have one while I have the other."

"But that's like an impossible choice," I whined.

"Fine, fine," he laughed, "the princess can have both."

"Hold up," I said, suddenly feeling bad. "A-are you at the store?" I couldn't let him buy me stuff like this.

"Nah. I already had this stuff at house."

"Sooo," I drawled out, predicting his plans, "you're coming over?"

"Do you want me to?"

"Well," I don't know why I'm being shy again, "y-yeah. I-I mean if you can." Oh curse my stuttering.

"Good. Because I'm at the door."

I didn't even respond because I was too surprised. I hopped out out bed and ran to the door with energy I didn't know I had. Sure enough, when I looked out the peephole, it was Austin. I opened the door to find him standing there with my two favorite foods in hand, still with wide eyes.

I took a good look at him and partly wished I didn't invite him over. He pulled off the casual look really well: dark washed jeans, a thin navy blue hoodie with the sleeves pulled up, a black Nike snapback worn backwards, and gray Jordans. He definitely seemed like the sporty, badass type. And I'm just standing here in my pajamas with a tired face and barely combed hair.