The Stoic And The Beast

Jealousy

Jake's POV:

I listened to her soft breathing as she lay there on my chest. The arm I had wrapped around beneath her was going numb from sitting there pinned so long. But I didn't care. She was safe in my arms where I desperately wanted her. I wondered how long I would get to stay like this with her snuggled cozily up against me. Her relaxed face was still pretty pale but she was still remarkably beautiful. Her tiny but powerful fists were barely clutching at my shirt as she slept. Her black hair smelled of strawberries. I muffled a small cough while I tried not to wake her. The small shake of my body caused her to stir. I held my breath as she pushed her head impossibly closer into my neck and then she gripped my shirt tightly once more. Then she let out a small sigh and stilled again. I rest my chin on the top of her head after planting a kiss on the part of her hair. I watched the second-hand tick..tick..tick around the clock on the wall while I found myself wondering how much time I would have with her before someone would come to visit her.

I knew at any moment someone could walk in. A nurse or one of her friends or family. I didn't want anyone to disturb her or this peaceful moment to end either. But most of all I didn't want her parents to walk in and see me laying in bed with their sleeping daughter. An image of her father dragging me out of the bed to my feet and beating me senseless popped into my head. I probably shouldn't make myself more of an enemy than I already felt that I was to him so I slowly and carefully pulled my arm from behind the peacefully sleeping beauty beside me. I stopped moving for a moment when she shifted. When she stilled again I freed my arm and gently laid her head on the pillow and pulled her covers up so she would not miss the warmth of my body. I walked over to the counter and pulled the pink bunny from its egg capsule. I held him up to my face and gave him a silent shake.

"I dare you to try to steal her from me, Danny. Take care of her for me. Okay?" I whispered to the smiling stuffed rabbit.

I walked back to the side of her bed and placed the rabbit under her chin. I pulled a sheet of paper and a pen from the notepad on the side table and scribbled a note to Alicia.

--------------------------------------

Only hug Danny

when you miss me.

XoXo

♡J.♡

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I folded the paper up and quietly tucked it into the ribbon wrapped around Danny's neck. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I quickly stepped away from the bed to the door. I pulled my phone from my pocket as I took one last look at her still sleeping. I looked at the screen of my phone, stepped out of the room and then swiped the green circle.

Luke.

Hey brother, any news?

Yeah, I was just with her. She's asleep.

Oh... So she hasn't woke up yet?

No, I mean yeah. She was awake earlier. But she's sleeping again now.

Really? How is she? Luke blurted out.

Shes better I guess. But they're not releasing her any time soon. I scratched at my head and sighed.

So.. You got to see her? How did you get allowed in her room?

His many questions about Alicia were starting to get on my nerves.

I waited outside the hospital and watched for her parents to leave. I replied flatly.

Oh, I thought you said that they haven't left her room all week. I guess you got lucky.