Not Falling Apart

Chapter 9

Blake's POV

Blake was reluctant to leave Adam's room. Hugging him for that long, and with that much meaning, he didn't want to let go. He stopped himself. He couldn't let his stupid feelings get in the way at a time like this.

He knew he had to call the others back at the studio. He pulled out his phone and dialed Carson's number. He picked up quickly, and Blake told him everything. Carson was devastated.

"We're coming up there," Carson said.

"No, just stay there. He's in pretty bad shape. Not sure if he'd want to see anybody, or if you'd want to see him."

"I understand."

They talked a bit more concerning Adam, then Carson mentioned postponing the blind auditions. Crap, Blake had forgotten about that. That was where all this had started.

Carson asked, "So, what are they going to do now? With Adam, I mean?"

"He's going to be released here in a little while, and I'll drive him home. He has to come back tomorrow for surgery."

"Tell him we're all thinking about him."

"I will."

They hung up.

***

It wasn't long before Adam was released from the hospital. He was to be back at 9:00 a.m. the next morning for surgery. Blake offered to drive him home.

"But my car's back at the studio."

Blake had forgotten about that. "I'll get it to you, promise."

"You'd better, Shelton. And no pranks."

Blake smiled. Wow, the first joking around he'd done in a week.

The drive back to Adam's was a different story. Adam returned to his state of shock, or disbelief, or sadness, or whatever it was. Blake wasn't sure.
He looked over at Adam sitting in the passenger seat. He had his sweats and t-shirt back on. He was slumped down in the seat, staring out the window. They'd shared many car rides together, and Blake remembered how they'd always joke around and cuss at each other. He remembered Adam's smile, and that adorable little giggle he'd do every once in a while. Wait, adorable? Did he just call Adam adorable? No, he said his laugh was adorable. There was a difference.

He wanted so badly for Adam to feel better, but he knew this was just the beginning of the long and difficult road ahead. Just how long and difficult, no one knew for certain.

Blake reached over and put his hand on Adam's. He felt Adam flinch, but he didn't move. They remained that way for the rest of the drive.

***

They arrived at Adam's house, and they both went inside. Blake looked around. Typical Adam. Clothes strewn about, things left out. Blake didn't mind, but he had to admit his friend was pretty messy.

"When I first met you, I wouldn't have pegged you as the messy type, Levine."

"And I wouldn't have thought you were funny. You're still not."

"Ha-ha." Blake fake laughed.

Adam smiled. He loved getting satisfaction out of his own jokes, Blake knew. As competitive as Blake was, he had to admit, he liked seeing Adam when he was like that. It was cute.

Damn it, not cute! He tried to convince himself. But it was a lost battle. It was indeed cute.

Blake followed Adam as he went to his bedroom closet and rummaged through some clothes.