Love Found

Chapter Thirteen

(Two Weeks Later)

Jasper

     I ride in the back of Hunter's car, laying across the seats. I didn't get much sleep last night and didn't want to close my eyes.

     "Not ready for school?"

     I shake my head. "No..."

     "I'm sorry, lovely." He parks and gets out. He opens the back door when I don't move. "Jasper? Are you okay?"

     "Yeah...I just need another minute..."

     He sits next to me and put my head on his thigh. "Whatever you need..." He holds my hand, just being here with me.

     I smile and sit up. "Are you here for me?"

     "Whenever you need me, yes." He kisses my forehead, longer than usual. He presses his forehead to mine and sighs as his eyes close. "I will fight for you..."

     I squeeze his hand and kiss his knuckles. "You don't have to..."

     "I want to."

     I make him look at me. "Alright." I whisper.

     He kisses me, long and slow, shaking a little.

     I stop him. "Why are you shaking?"

     "I'm okay, just...scared to lose you."

     "We're doing just fine right now and that's what you need to focus on." I kiss him and break it, sighing. "We need to get to class."

     "You're making me crazy..." He gets out and keeps our fingers locked. "C'mon." He says after helping me out and locking the car doors. He pulls me to our first class, smiling to himself.

     I walk next to him, ignoring the looks we get. No way am I going to get scared with a 90% chance of me leaving in a month. I sit next to Hunter and lean on him once he lets go of my hand. "Are you happy?" I ask, looking up at him.

     He pecks my lips. "Most definitely. How are you doing?"

     "Pretty damn good at this moment." I kiss his cheek and slightly move when the teacher comes in.

     Hunter understands and lets go as we get to work.

     I sit across from Hunter at lunch, picking at my food.

     "Babe, you need to eat...I know you're worried, but please..." Hunter pleads.

     I finally take a bite and clench my fists. I get up and rush to the farthest bathroom I can before running into a stall and puking up what I had for breakfast.

     Hunter soon finds me. "Jasper?" He sits next to me and rubs my back. "I'm sorry, I didn't-"

     I grip his hand and he shuts up. I puke once more before letting myself fall into his arms and pass out.

Hunter

     I sit on the couch at home after taking Jasper to my house and in my room. I rock myself back and forth.

     Mom rushes in and goes upstairs.

     I stare at the tv, not knowing what to do.

     "Hunter! Get a cold wet rag and some ice!"

     I get up and follow my moms orders and get upstairs.

     "Sit here with him. Put the ice on his stomach and the rag on his forehead."

     "Shouldn't heat be on the stomach?"

     She just glares at me and calls someone.

     I sit next to him and do as she says. I hold his hand, still not focusing. I let my knee bounce and look at our hands, scared.

     "Hu...nter..." Jazz mumbles as his eyes start to open.

     "Mom!" I move closer to him. "Shh, shh, shh..." I touch his cheek, which he leans into. I sigh in relief as she comes back and checks on him. "Is he okay?"

     "Yes, he just has a bug." She sighs. "I'll get you some water for when you think you can stomach something." She quickly leaves and returns with water, setting it on the desk next to the bed.

     "Go back to work, I can handle this." I tell her, finally starting to get my head back in the game.

     She nods and leaves.

     I sniffle as I smile at Jazz. "You feeling any better?"

     "Not really..." He tightens his grip on my hand. "But thank you for looking out for me..."

     "Any time." I kiss his forehead and try not to cry. "I'm scared, Jasper...of you being like this and you leaving..."

     "I know, but I will come back...it won't be for long-"

     "Don't say that...maybe you'll like it there."

     "Doesn't mean I won't come back." He pouts and kisses my knuckles.

     He's so cute when he does that... I shake myself and sigh as I pull my hands to my lap once he sits up. "Maybe...we should break up while you're gone...and see if-" My head snaps to the side as I earn a slap from him. It wasn't hard, but it still shocked and hurt me. I stop talking, not looking at him.

     "Let's talk about that when we win."

     We?

     "Hunter? Did I hurt you? I'm sorry, I didn't-"

     I kiss him. Hard.

     He holds onto my shoulders in surprise, not expecting it. He joins in, shaking, and trying not to cry.

     I stop and press my forehead to his, taking deep breaths. "Dammit, Jazz..."