「 The Professor & I 」VOLUME II

(237) See The Stars

Lynn's POV

It was sore, then it was scary. It was blur, then it was black, completely.

From the obscured realm where my body was engulfed in a luxurious heat, I felt a warm towel delicately grazing my skin of my face. My lips twitched slightly at the refreshing sensation but that was seemingly the only move I could make without experiencing any misery.

Any marginal shifts on the bed promptly triggered waves of dull throbbing to roar through my maimed back and impaired thigh, not to mention the acute scream of protest elicited the moment I attempted to lift my damaged wrist. With my nose mostly clogged up by tears and mucus, even breathing became a laborious task that had trapped my throat and mouth in a pricking drought.

Strenuously fluttering my eyes open, they were welcomed by a perpetual and excruciating sting but the splendid sight was surely worth the suffering as Charles dominated my view of the rather dim surroundings.

"Lynn," he whispered gently, flashing that signature kind smile in my face, as he set the moist napkin to the nightstand.

"Charles," I croaked, almost inaudibly, and swallowed some saliva to nurse the disturbing parchedness.

"What happened?" I investigated faintly as Charles sneaked his hand under the covers and gingerly took my hand.

"You passed out," Charles revealed calmly as he caressed my face.

"I think you were dehydrated," he conveyed in a joking tone and I chuckled, albeit with every one escaping painfully.

"No kidding, Xavier," I retorted sarcastically and coughed mildly from the dryness.

"C'mon, Lynn," Charles beckoned softly.

Slowly guiding me up from my supine position, Charles actively fitted himself behind my body and as he rested me nicely into his embrace, there was a gradual relief to the slimy congestion in my airway. He conscientiously supported all of my weight throughout the entire tedious procedure so that I refrained from using any strength, not that I had any to spare, but even when I was totally relaxed, it was grueling nevertheless, with the strains that only grew more intense.

"I made you a something. It's still a little cold but I think you'd like it," Charles informed politely, presenting a glass of vaguely yellow solution before me.

"Would you have some?" He appealed expectantly as he stroked my hair and I nodded subtly.

Prudently directing the tip of the straw into my mouth, Charles courteously held onto the glass as I sipped on my drink and it was indeed highly pleasing.

The moderate dose of orange juice laced into the isotonic beverage gave the unique medley its peculiar colour and a truly enticing texture. Perking up the otherwise bland flavor, the essence of my favourite fruit was sweet, but not starchy or overwhelming, it was soothing. It was sour, but not biting or overpowering, it was invigorating.

Readily, the steady intake of cool liquid pacified the aridities of my guts and the effective return of its comfort certainly warranted the chills that were raging through my insides, literally sending shivers down my spine that necessitated a pause to my consumption halfway, despite the duvet that was messily draped over my front.

Attentively noticing, Charles set away the glass and swiftly removed his cardigan. Meticulously easing my arms through the oversized sleeves, he cloaked me under the heavy knit that lingered with his alluring scent and reclined me back into his arms.

"Better?" Charles prodded proudly, looping his arm around my waist and served me the remaining of my drink.

"Perfect," I remarked, chuckling.