Red Love

Chapter 32

"I'm worried. She's been sick all week, and I'm wondering should I call in a doctor." I hear Aunt Kathleen say from the couch where she sits wrapped in Mark's arms.

"Would you like me to look her over?" Mr. Wilson, Antonio's dad, volunteers.

"No, no. I'll give her a couple of more days. Maybe some more rest will help." Aunt Kathleen declines the offer.

I ignore their voices and snuggle up under the blanket that sits on top of my body, keeping my eyes closed. I had been home all week because Jason requested that Aunt Kathleen keep me away from the school. He had told her that I was sick and didn't feel good, which was somewhat true. I still hadn't told anyone about my attempt, and I'm hoping to keep it that way.

This morning I had decided to drag myself out of my room for the first time in almost a week only to find Mark and his family and Antonio and his family down in my living room. I had simply ignored them and placed myself in a chair, then I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. They have been talking about me ever since on account that I look terrible. My hair is tangled and thrown in a messy bun, my skin is paler than usual, and there are large bags under my bloodshot eyes. I look like a dead person, and I feel like one. I haven't gotten any sleep in a week and have barely eaten anything.

"I'm starting to wonder did something happen between her and Jason. Maybe they got in a fight, and it's shaking her up." Aunt Kathleen says.

I know why she would expect that. Jason hadn't been to the house since he dropped my off after my episode. He told me he was going to give me space this week. No texting or calling, give me time to myself. I agreed that was probably best, that the idea would help me feel better. I hadn't heard from Jason all week.

"Look, Kathleen, baby, you shouldn't worry about it. I'm sure whatever this will blow over soon enough, and she'll be just fine." Mark comforts Aunt Kathleen.

"You're right. I shouldn't worry so much." Aunt Kathleen sighs.

Just then, a knock comes from the door. I hear shuffling, then the door opens. I hear Aunt Kathleen's soft, quiet voice welcome whoever's at the door, and after a second, two sets of footsteps come back towards the room. I hear more shuffling, then feel a strong hand on my forehead. I turn and open my eyes to find Jason kneeling in front of me. He holds a bouquet of flowers and a thermos in one hand.

"Hey." He whispers.

I nod towards him. I haven't spoken in a week, and I'm sure my voice is weak.

"How you feeling?" He questions next.

I cast my eyes down and shrug.

"Has she eaten anything?" Jason turns his head, directing the question at Aunt Kathleen.

"She drank a protein shake I gave her earlier, but that's it." She answers.

"You're going to eat this soup Alfred made. You'll love it, trust me." Jason stands, and I go to grab his arm but stop myself. I know I need this soup, it'll help me feel better, and Jason probably won't leave me alone until I eat it.

I hear Jason rustle around in the kitchen. I hear the sound of the bowls, clanking as they make contact. I hear the sound of the soup as it splashes in the bowl, then as the spoon drops down into the soup. Finally, Jason emerges from the kitchen, the steaming hot soup in hand. He smiles at me and helps me sit up before handing me the bowl of vegetable soup.

"You don't have to eat it all, but at least try to eat half of it." Jason says.

I nod, taking the spoon in my hands and weakly shoveling in a bit of soup. I sigh as the warm liquid slides down my throat, filling my entire body with a warm, fuzzy feeling, a feeling a hadn't felt all week. I can feel the soup repairing my broken voice, and I open my mouth to speak.

"T-t-thank y-you-u." My voice fades and breaks, but Jason smiles nonetheless, understanding what I'm trying to say.

He nods and coaxes another spoonful into my mouth.

"Jason, do you know why she's sick?" Antonio ask. I can hear the concern in his voice, the type of concern that is used when you love someone. I look over at Antonio and see his eyes casting a loving glance at me. I quickly turn my head and try to ignore what I now know.

"Uh, there was a virus going around my house, and we didn't know it. And in a house of eleven, viruses travel fast. She probably caught it." Jason lies.

"It will blow over soon, and she'll back to normal?" Dina ask.

"It should go away very soon. She just needs some time to heal and the proper amount of attention." Jason rubs my thigh and smiles as I raise the spoon to my mouth once again.

"Oh, thank god." Aunt Kathleen sighs.

"See? Nothing to worry about." Mark kisses Aunt Kathleen delicately.

I finish off the soup with a small slurp, and Jason takes the bowl from me.

"Feel better?" Jason ask gently.

"A-a-a lit-t-tle." I still stumble over my words.

"Good." Jason sets the bowl down. "When was the last time you got some sleep?"

"L-last-t n-n-n-ni-i-ght." I avert my eyes, making sure to not make eye contact with Jason.

I can't close my eyes. Whenever I do, all I see is hateful notes, knifes, and nightmarish demons all coming for me. I haven't gotten any sleep because of that. I couldn't even get a moment of peace in the one place that peace came easily. And if I did fall asleep, it was only for about ten minutes at the most.

Jason shakes his head. "No, I mean when was the last time you got actual sleep, at least five hours worth?"

I lower my head and hug the blanket tighter around my shoulders.

"That answers my question. Come on, I'm taking you get some sleep." Jason scoops me up bridal style and begins to head for the stairs.

I lean my head on his shoulder, breathing in his scent and letting it calm me. As we head up the stairs, I catch Dina's eye. She looks at me sympathetically, but she also looks curious and almost upset. Does she know? I hope she doesn't.

Jason continues up the stairs, then takes the few steps to my bedroom. He pushes the door open and walks towards the bed. He sets me down gently and crawls in next to me, bringing me into his chest, letting my ear fall right over his heart. Jason must know that I like it there.

"Now, how are you really?" Jason ask, stroking my hair.

"I-i-it still h-h-hurts." I mumble, feeling tears well up in my eyes.

"Hey, it's ok. You're doing good, and I'll know you'll get through this. I'll help you."

"Together?" I whisper.

"Together." Jason promises. He kisses my forehead. "Get some sleep."

I nod and close my eyes. It takes me a while to finally fall asleep because of all the things that live in my imagination, but with Jason constant comforting, and his strong and steady heartbeat, I finally manage to fall into a deep comforting sleep.

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And...I'm back!!

What's up, guys? How are you doing? What did you guys think of the last chapter? So, I wanted to let you guys know that I am currently on vacation because it's summer, and my updating schedule might be crazy because of that. But thanks for your patience in the meantime.

Until next time