Not Falling Apart

Chapter 4

Blake’s POV

It was Friday evening, and Blake had just gotten home. He couldn’t stop thinking about Adam. He knew he probably shouldn’t worry as much as he was, but he couldn’t help it. He couldn’t get the thought out of his head that something was more seriously wrong with Adam than what he and his doctor believed. A person just doesn’t drop all that weight in a few days without trying. Granted, he didn’t think Adam had been eating that much, but it still irked him.

When he told the others on the set, they understood his staying home and were worried, but he told them that Adam would be fine. Whether he actually believed that or not was the question. He just hoped he was right.

***

(Next day) The house felt very empty with Miranda gone on tour. She wouldn’t be back for another couple days. He decided to call Adam to see how he was feeling. When he didn’t pick up after the second call, Blake became worried. He glanced at his clock, realizing that it was still early. Adam was probably still sleeping. Which was a good thing, because he would get well faster if he rested properly. He decided to wait and try him again later in the day.

Adam’s POV

His phone showed 12:35 when he awoke from a deep sleep. It also showed three missed calls from Blake. Shit, after noon? Then he remembered that it was Saturday, and he was supposed to be resting, even if it meant sleeping this late.

He rolled over and got out of bed. This time, he didn’t stop to look in the mirror. He went straight to the bathroom toilet and threw up. He had felt a tiny bit better last night, so had decided to eat a small meal, but somehow felt very full after it. Apparently that was a bad idea. He stood up and splashed some water on his face. The reflection in the mirror above the sink stared back at him. It hurt to look. He was as pale as ever. He felt terrible. His stomach hurt, he was nauseous, tired, and dizzy. His body was slowly deteriorating. He left the bathroom and crawled back into bed.

***

Sunday passed by with a blur, with Adam alternating between sleeping for a few hours, drinking small sips of water, and taking short walks around his house and out in his yard. He used the bathroom a few times, but never got sick again. Probably because he didn’t eat.  

***

It was 10:00 when he got in bed and chose to stay for the night. A little after midnight, he woke up, drenched in sweat. He had to get up and find a towel to dry himself off with. He got back into bed, but the sweating wouldn’t stop. He was hot and clammy, even with the AC on full blast. He stripped off his shorts and t-shirt, but that did little to help. He tossed and turned for hours, until he finally fell back to sleep.

***

“Hey, it’s me. Haven’t heard from you in a while, just wanting to make sure you’re okay. Call me when you get this.”

Adam heard the beep as the voicemail came to a close. He was lying on his back with an arm draped across his face. He was dry now, but still hot. He reached over and picked up his phone. Shit, Shelton, it’s 6 a.m.! He dropped it back on the table. He knew he would have to get up and face the world soon, but for now he would close his eyes, for just a little while longer…

He was awakened by his ringing cell phone. The caller ID showed Blake’s name, but he already knew who it was based on the ringtone. He figured he should probably answer it. No use worrying Blake any longer.

“Hello?” He was sure he sounded drunk.

“ADAM, where have you been, man?! I’ve been calling you all weekend, and now it’s 9:00 and you’re supposed to be at work!” Adam was rarely early, but it was unlike him to be this late.

Adam knew it looked bad. But Blake knew just how bad he felt. Actually, no, he didn’t. He had played it off like it was just the effects of stress, and that he would be okay, but judging by how he still felt after three days of sleeping, he wasn’t sure if he would.

“I’m sorry, okay? I’ve just been trying to rest and wasn’t in the mood...” he trailed off.

“I know, but one call would have been nice!”

Adam didn’t respond.

“Look, forget about that. Just get your ass up here before everyone gets any more pissed.” Then he added, with a softened tone, “Are you feeling better?”

He wasn’t, but he didn’t tell Blake that. “Yeah, I think so. I’ll be there in a half hour.”

He hung up before Blake had a chance to say anything more.