My Protecter

Chapter 32

*KAT*

I step into the hotel that I work in and go behind the counter. My hands were shaky, and my breaths came out in short puffs. I don't know how I was supposed to go through the day like I wasn't scared shitless, but I have to figure out some way to do it.

Every time the phone rang I almost jumped out of my skin. Every time the bell rang at the desk, I wanted to crawl to the back room. I didn't want to be at the hotel today. I didn't want to be anywhere today except back at home. I felt sick to my stomach. I'm sure everyone who saw me today thought I was either sick or insane.

I was almost done with my shift. I was folding towels to put in rooms and by the pool, and then the phone rang.

"Charmont Hotel, how may I help you?" I say as polite as I could.

"I'll find you, you lil' shit! I'll-" I hung up the phone as quick as I could.

I run to the restroom and lean over the toilet. I stay in that position for a while until I know I won't be sick again. I walk back out to the counter and Tammy, my co-worker, is standing there helping a family of four.

"Kat, are you all right? You ran to the restrooms pretty fast." she said once the family was gone with their key.

"Yeah, I just, I'm not feeling that well this morning. I'm sure it'll pass." just after I finished my sentence I started to feel nauseas again.

"Maybe you should go home. You're looking pale." she said.

"But what about my shift?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll cover for you. It's no big deal."

"Thanks." I said and gave her a hug.

"That's what friends are for."

I walk out to where my car is parked and sit down. I know I should just go home and stay there, but I feel like I should go to the gym where Harry is.

After sitting there and waiting for my stomach to settle down a bit, I decided to just go home and call Harry.

I drove as fast as could without getting pulled over. I get home, unlock the door, and run to the bathroom. I stay there for a good 10 minutes and come back to the living room and lay on the couch. I don't think I can handle talking on the phone, so I text Harry. I put my phone down on the table and fall asleep on the couch.

***

When I wake up it's 5:03 pm. I sit up and look at my phone. I haven't gotten a text from Harry. I put my phone down and stand up. I feel better than I did earlier but still not well enough to eat or drink anything.

There was a knock at the door. I was wary about going to answer it. It's definitely not Harry, because he has a key. I go to the door and jump to see out of the window at the top of the door. I jumped up about ten times to see who it was. I unlock the door and peek out. I was surprised when I recognized the person.

"Oh, hey, Liam. I didn't recognize you at first."

"Hey. May I come in?"

"Oh, um, yeah." I step aside to he can come through the door.

"So, uh, not to be rude or anything but, um, why are you here, exactly?"

"Harry told me to come and keep you company while he was away. Is that alright with you?"

"Uh, yeah. That's fine. Where is Harry?"

"He has to stay late at the gym tonight." he said.

"Oh,"

I guess Harry and Liam have been friends for some time because Liam walks in and sit down like he lives here. I slowly walk back over to where I was previously laying and sit facing Liam. We sit in silence for what seems like an eternity.

"So, um, is there any specific reason Harry had to, stay late?" I ask.

"No. Not that I know of anyway. I guess the manager thinks he's just been skipping out on us a lot lately."

"Oh. Have you and Harry been friends for long?"

"Not for a long, long time. About four years I'd say. And what's with all these questions? I mean, I knew you'd be curious, but not this curious." he laughed.

"Sorry,"

"I'm only joking, love. Don't take things so seriously."

I try to laugh it off like everything was normal. But I just couldn't do it. Nobody would understand why I was so scared. All I could say was 'it's complicated'. I can't tell anybody for that reason. I could just pull off that I'm sick. That should work seen as how I run to the bathroom every hour to vomit.

"You all right? You look rather ill." Liam said.

"Yeah, just caught something going around I guess."

"Do you need me to do anything?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Is there anyway I can help you at all?"

"No, I'm good for now. But thanks for caring."

"That's what friends are for." he said.

Wow. I've made two friends in one day and didn't even try. It must be because of everything that's going on right now. When everything goes back to normal they'll probably stop caring. Just go back to being my acquaintances. But, there's always that small speck of hope saying, maybe they're different.

"Um, I think I'll just head off to bed." I say.

"Alright. Just yell if you need something."

I nod and head to the bathroom. Maybe a shower might make my stomach settle down a bit.

I stand in the stream of steaming water and let it run off my body. I slowly finish up and wrap and fluffy towel around me. I dry off and pick up one of Harry's T-shirts and put it on. The shirt smelled like him and it made me feel safe.

My phone buzzed. I look at the name and it was Harry. I smile.

"Hello?" I answer.

"Hey, how are you? Are you feeling well?"

"I'm not sure if I would say well,"

"Just take it easy. I'll be there in a little while. Is Liam there?"

"Yeah, he came no more than five minutes ago. Why?"

"Just wondering. Alright, I have to go now. I'll see you in a bit. I love you."

"I love you, too."

I set my phone down, bury myself in the covers and let sleep take over my body.