Charming Charlie | ✔

6. Sick

Charlie didn't go to school the next day, she stayed home since she didn't get back home until almost four in the morning. This morning Charlie was not feeling too well. Her head was throbbing and she had trouble breathing through her nose. She also had random silent cough attacks.

Her Grams took one look at Charlie's rosy cheeks and told her to go to bed. A cold during summer. Charlie got sick very easily and her adventure last night didn't do her any justice. Of course, she didn't explain anything to her Grams. Her Grams blamed it on stress about Charlie moving so suddenly. The recent events of things, and the fact that Charlie has not yet grieved over her parents. Grams thought this was her body's way of telling her to stop bottling everything. But Charlie knew that even if she expressed her grief then she'd still be sick. She often was. She tried to explain but Grams didn't understand sign language and she didn't have anything to write on near her.

So now Charlie was now confined to her room with her Grams bringing her a glass of water every thirty minutes. She expected it to be empty every time she came back and soup. Though it was hot outside it was very cold inside so the soup helped warm Charlie up. She also had a fever and her Grams was stubborn and determined to break it soon.

Now, Charlie didn't forget what Holden asked her last night, if she would meet him at the coffee shop. She was going to text him to explain but she fell asleep. She could ask Holden to pick up her work, that would be helpful. But Holden couldn't possibly know the address and Charlie still wasn't too sure what it was. Charlie picked up her phone and went to her texts and clicked on Holden's name.

'Sorry, not feeling well. Do you think you can bring my work? If not I understand, thank you.' She texted and dropped her phone on the bed next to her. Grams came in with another large glass of water and set it on her nightstand. She pulled out a thermometer and handed it to Charlie to put in her mouth. She did so without a fuss and Grams sat on the edge of her bed. It was silent as they both waited for the thermometer to beep. When it did Charlie's phone went off at the same time, which amused Grams.

She left without another word so Charlie picked up her phone and read what he said.

'Of course. I waited this morning but thought you stood me up, thanks for explaining. I'll be over in a few." His text said. Charlie sat up and widened her eyes. She threw her covers off of her body and ignored the aching pain as she went to her dresser to brush her wild mess of brown hair. That was the only thing she did before she got into bed and grabbed her water, sipping it. She paused mid sip and set the glass down before getting back up and rushing to the bathroom down the hall.

"Charlie what- oh." Grams paused as Charlie rushed past her and heaved everything she had. Which was only soup, into the toilet. Grams came in and sat on the edge of the tub, holding Charlie's hair back with one hand. With her other hand she rubbed circles on her back.

Charlie stayed in the bathroom heaving everything she previously eaten and bile. The feeling of her throwing up made her heave once again.

The doorbell rang and Charlie rested her forehead against her arm as Grams got up to answer it. Charlie was too weak to move from where she was and closed her eyes. Her stomach wasn't turning anymore though. She closed the toilet lid and flushed the toilet, staying down. She could hear footsteps approaching the bathroom. She tried to get up but the ache in her muscles proved too much.

Grams came in with Holden behind her. He looked winded and his eyes widened at the sight of Charlie sitting of the floor.

"I told him to stay at the door but he didn't listen. He wanted to see you." Grams explained, giving Charlie a hand to stand up. Charlie moved to the sink and washed her mouth out before brushing her teeth a few times.

"I thought you were joking when you said you were sick. I thought you wanted to talk and that's why you invited me over. I brought your work though. Holy shit." Holden said softly. Charlie shrugged and pulled away from her Grams before stumbling out of the bathroom. She couldn't tell them to go away because one she couldn't say anything. And two because she did invite Holden over and Grams was only being nice while taking care of her.

Holden set a stack of papers on her dresser and sat on the edge of Charlie's bed. Grams gave one lingering look between the two of them and left without another word.

"You seemed fine last night." He commented, his hazel eyes darting around her face. Charlie only shrugged. Holden seemed to realize and reached for Charlie's school bag that was beside her bed. He rummaged through it and pulled out the notepad and pen and handed it to her.

'I get sick easily.' She wrote and showed him.

He nodded, "Is there anything you need? Anything I can get you?" Holden asked, concern laced in his voice. Charlie shook her head and laid back, closing her eyes.

"Oh, you're tired. I'll let you rest. I'll be back tomorrow for your work and hand you your other assignments." He said. Charlie only nodded and felt him get off of her bed as he stood up. She paid no other mind as she felt drowsiness take over her body.