Just a Cold

Chapter 1- Sickness

(Jesse's POV)

       It all started with a pounding headache. I woke up feeling like a million drills were penetrating the side of my skull. The bright morning light was seeping through my curtains, and I groaned, shutting my eyes immediately to ease the pain. I pulled the covers over my head and gritted my teeth. It's just a headache, you get them all the time. It'll be gone later. Right now, you've got work to do. Eventually, I dragged myself from bed, and prepared for the day.

I pulled my signature red and white t-shirt over my head, and slipped into a pair of denim overalls, making sure the straps were snug. Then, I brushed my hair and fixed my yellow hair barrette so that it fit just right. Despite my efforts to appear presentable, I looked like a mess.

       What else is new?

Giving up on my looks, I trudged out of my bedroom and headed to the kitchen. I tried to massage my forehead along the way, but the effort was fruitless. Before rounding the corner into the kitchen, I made sure that I put on a smile.

"Axel, you're supposed to crack the eggs before putting them in the batter!"

Great. There goes Axel and Olivia again. I really didn't need this right now.

"Ooh. That would make a lot more sense."

Olivia sighed as I approached. She gave no indication that she noticed my presence. "Now we've gotta start all over. Do you remember what step one was?"

"Uhh..."

"Axel, how am I supposed to teach you how to make a cake if you don't even pay attention?!"

"No, wait, I got this... give me a second..."

"What goes on the bottom?"

"Uhh... wheat!"

"Right, which turns into?"

"Uhh... bread?"

       Olivia face palmed.

       I shrugged, smiling feebly. "At least he was half right? Wheat does turn into bread."

       "Thank you." Axel said.

       "The correct answer, Axel, is flour," Olivia deadpanned.

       "Okay, okay, geez..."

       "Okay, so if you did listen... what's step two?" Olivia asked, raising an eyebrow.

       "Uhh..."

       Olivia exploded. My head pulsed with pain, and I winced. "That's it! I've had enough!"

       "Okay, calm down! I'll listen, I promise," Axel begged. Olivia shook her head, face red with anger.

        "No! I said, I'm done, Axel! You're not even bothering to listen to something- which, by the way- you asked me to teach you to do! And second- you never listen to anything I have to say! I'M SICK AND TIRED OF IT!"

      "Well, it's not my fault I have trouble paying attention when you're so boring!"

      "Why are you fighting? Can't you two shut up for two seconds?!" I blurted angrily, slamming my palm down hard enough that stinging spread throughout my hand . They silenced immediately, staring at me with shock and surprise.

       "Jesse... you okay?" Olivia asked, her sudden shift in tone making me feel a little uneasy. The room began to tilt a bit... I needed to get out of there. I nodded. I began to walk outside, trying to keep steady.