Zugzwang

Chapter 20- Day Three

Day Three

        “What time is your final?” Chris repeated annoyingly until I opened my eyes.

        I looked at the clock which stated that it was 8AM.It took me a moment to think about the day and what final I had. “Ten, now leave me alone to sleep.” I mumbled and shut my eyes, hiding my face under the blankets.

        “I can’t do that. I need you to stand so I can give you a clean bandage. Now get your ass up, baby girl.” I could hear the friendliness in Chris’ voice. He was standing beside the bed and held his hand out.

        I took Chris’ hand and stood up slowly. He was wearing boxers and no shirt. It was a great sight to see. The pain flowed through my body as I stood but I was used to it now. I hardly winced and held my arms up. Chris took off the bandage with a smile on his face. “I bet you like what you see.” I said motioning to my chest which still only had a bra.

        Chris chuckled and looked at my chest. “You bet I am. If only you weren’t wearing a bra.” He dramatically sighed and placed his hand on the side of my bra and moved his hand towards my back.

        I slapped his hand away. “You wish. Now bandage me up.” I demanded with a smile on my face. Chris did what he was told and gently bandaged me back up.

        “I called Scott and told him what happened. After the final, he’s picking you up and driving you straight home.” Chris kissed my forehead.

        I pushed him away and started to yell. “You told Scott what happened! How could you?”

        He took a step towards me and sighed and spoke softly, “He’s your brother and my friend. He deserves to know what’s going on.”

        I took a deep breath and put my hands over my face. I don’t have the time to be angry. “Could you get me water?” I rubbed my eyes and watched Chris leave the room without a word.

        I sat down on the bed and put my hand over the bandage. I wish I could go back to my old life. I so much prefer being able to go places without the risk of someone trying to kill me. That’s not the life of a normal teenager. I hate it. I hate living like this. I prefer being my own person and not having anyone bring me down. And lately, it seems like all anyone has done was bring me down.

        “Here.” Chris handed a glass of water. I snatched it out of his hand, spilling some of it on myself.

        “Thanks.” I mumbled. I finished the glass of water in what felt like .5 seconds.

        “I’m sorry.” Chris held my hand in his.

        I looked up at him. “What’re you talking about?”

        “Everything that’s going on, I wish I could have swept you off your feet when I had the chance.” Chris wrapped his arms around me.

“If I get hurt or die or anything like that, promise you won’t forget me, love.” Nick’s pleading eyes pierced my soul.

“You won’t get hurt!” I slapped his bare chest.

“In case I do.” His hand ran across my skin as we lay in bed after really laying in bed.

My face got serious. “You’re someone I could never forget, Nick.” I smiled weakly and kissed him softly.

        I rolled my eyes and whispered, “Me too.” The more time that went by without any word from Nick or the other, the more I began to doubt my love for him. Given, it had only been three days I thought to myself that maybe I didn’t love him in the first place. But I knew that wasn’t true. If I didn’t actually love him, I wouldn’t have gotten stabbed for him.