I don't bite, I nibble.

I don't bite, I nibble. chapter 2

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When I woke up I felt weaker than I normally did. It took some effort to get in and out of my shower. I dressed in the hospital pants and shirt they always gave me, since I refused to wear the open back gown.

Slipping on my slippers I left my room to find out a name and I headed to the nurses’ station. I described him and she nodded with a smile, “Oh the kind doctor, his name is Ryan Steele.”

I nodded with a smile, “Thanks.”

Walking down the hallway I coughed into my elbow. I got to the kitchen and took out my cake. I found frosting and wrote happy birthday old fart. I couldn't find a lot of candles so I just found one and put it in the middle.

Putting the matches in my bra and a knife with forks on the plate; I took the cake up to my room and set it on the rolling table as I sat on my bed.

I lay back reading my book until I heard knocking, “Hope?” He questioned as he walked in.

“Wait close your eyes!” I told him and shoved the book under the pillow.

He stopped walking, “What is it?” He asked sounding concerned

I lit the match to light the candle, “Hold on…” I told him and he waited as I lit them.

“Why do I smell smoke?” He asked more concerned. Sliding from the bed I pulled the table in front of him with the cake waiting.

“Ok open your eyes.” I told him and he blinked. His eyes landed on the cake then looked to me.

With a big smile and my hands spread out I shouted, “Happy birthday, Greg.”

He smiled softly and took a step, bending down to blow out the candles. He held his eyes closed as he made a wish.

I giggled holding out the knife, “Here you get to have first slice.” I told him happily.

He grabbed the knife and looked at the cake with a sad smile, “You know I can’t eat that right…” He spoke softly like he wishes he could eat it.

I shrugged, “So, doesn't mean you can’t cut the cake and celebrate your birthday anyways.”

I looked up at him and saw he had his head bow, “Greg?” I asked touching his arm.

He sniffed setting the knife down. He rubbed his eyes making me smile slightly, “Are you crying?”

He cleared his throat turning around, “No.” His voice cracked showing he was crying.

I laughed slightly and walked so I was in front of him, “Don't lie to me.” I pulled his hands from his face and saw he was crying but his tears were blood red.

I grabbed a tissue and cleaned his face, “Why are you crying?”

He shrugged acting like a little child. I smiled when he stopped crying, “Do you want a hug?”

He nodded and I stepped closer hugging him. His body was cold and hard like it was made of stone. His arms wrapped around me and he hugged me close. I don't care I have known him for two days; he was the most awesome person I have ever met.

He cleared his throat and pulled back. He let out a small laugh, “I can’t believe an old fart like me cried.”

I giggled grabbing the knife, “I can.” I teased and he scowled playfully.

He took the knife cutting it into pieces, “You eat it ok?”

I laughed, “Trying to make me fat so you can eat me up?” I teased and he smiled.