Sounds like a Fantasy

Chapter 18

Addison's POV

The whole weekend was a blur and the Cheer Championship went better than I could have expected. Even though we only had a few days to change the routine, everyone meshed so well together that everything just fell right into place. Eliza had revamped the light show and Bonzo helped add some mixing to the music. It was spectacular!

We were all waving our pom poms with pride as we finished. The crowd was clapping and cheering wildly. I smile the widest smile I think I could have until it hits me. My face falls and I scramble to my feet to sprint backstage.

"Addy?" I hear Zed call in concern, but I can't stop to talk to him. "Addison!" He yells as he chases after me.

I finally reach a big garbage can and throw my face over it just in time before my lunch comes up and joins the trash. I'm standing there for over a minute puking before I feel Zed come up beside me and pull my hair back.

"Oh man." He mutters, but gently kisses the back of my head. "Are you ok Addy?" He asks.

"No." I admit with tears in my eyes. I glance up at him, still bent over the can. He gives me a synthetic smile.

"You're ok Baby. I'll get you home to rest." He tells me.

"No! The awards ceremony! I can't just-" I protest, but another wave of nausea hits me and I'm cut off by my own vomit. Zed rubs my back comfortingly.

"Again. Isn't as important as your health." He tells me softly. "I'll make sure Bree knows she's in charge then we'll leave." I nod in agreement and stay with my new friend the trash can while Zed rushes to find Bree in all the commotion.

He's not gone long. I've stopped vomiting up my lunch and decided to sit with my back against the wall.

"Feel any better?" He asks as he kneels down in front of me, placing our bags beside him. I shake my head no, afraid to open my mouth in fear I'll barf again. "I'll carry you, hop on my back." He turns and I climb slowly on his back, resting my head on his shoulder. It feels good to hold onto him. His scent calming my nerves which also settles my stomach slightly.

We make our way towards the exit when my parents find and stop us. I groan quietly against Zed's back and he rubs his thumbs over my thighs lovingly.

"Zed! Addison?" I hear Mom yell. I lift my head to look at them approaching.

"Are you ok Addy?" Dad asks worriedly. I weakly smile at them.

"Yeah, I'm just not feeling so good again." I tell them, I'm surprised how rough my voice sounds. Zed gently nudges my cheek with his and I lay my head back down against his shoulder.

"I was just gonna take her back home to rest. She must have caught the stomach flu the other cheerleaders had." Zed explains. My parents look very concerned. "Is that a problem?" He asks in confusion. I speak up.

"My parents are supposed to go out of town this week for work." I tell him quietly. My mom looks at me very worried and steps beside me to rub my back.

"We can cancel the trip to take care of you Honey. We wouldn't leave you alone being sick like this." She assures me.

"I can take care of her! You guys don't need to cancel your work trip since I'll be around." Zed cuts in. My dad takes a step closer to lay a heavy hand on Zed's shoulder.

"Are you sure about that Son? You don't have plans?" Dad asks. Zed smiled and shakes his head.

"Nope! Addy trumps any plans I could possibly have! And since school's out this week anyways, I can stay with her to make sure she's alright." He assures them.