Pro Guardian - (B.M.)

Chapter 11

Cold Sweats

Elianne was shivering. She couldn't sleep the night before because she couldn't stop thinking about her night with Billy. She had the beginnings of a common cold a few days ago, but she didn't think much of it. She did, however, regret not taking medication as soon as the symptoms began. So there she was, on the day of Billy's performance, barely able to move.

It was around 9 a.m., the sun was shining brightly, and the scenery outside was absolutely stunning. It wasn't a good day to be unwell, she reasoned. Margot was on the phone with Miss Stevens, trying to inform her about Elianne's "serious" condition. Only a runny nose, a high temperature, and chilly chills were present. It wasn't anything she hadn't dealt with previously.

After finishing her call, Margot returned the phone to the nightstand and strolled over to the sick girl in bed. She had a troubled expression on her face, but Elianne could see she was also feeling sorry for herself. She was well aware of Elianne's excitement for today.

"Miss Stevens is on her way, Eli." She covered Elianne with another blanket, bringing a lot of comfort to the younger girl. "I think you should just rest for today."

The door opened abruptly, interrupting Margot. Miss Stevens and Sam stepped in with Billy nowhere to be found, causing a little sadness to Elianne.

"Sweetie, are you alright?" Miss Stevens asked, coming closer to the bed, Sam following close behind.

Elianne mustered up a small smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm doing okay, thank you for coming."

"It's my job, I'm the teacher, remember?" Miss Stevens laughed and patted Elianne's back lightly. "I don't think you'll be able to attend Billy's performance."

Elianne nodded her head slowly, closing her eyes and then smiling again. "I know."

***

Billy was dressed elegantly in a grey tuxedo. He couldn't recall the last time he dressed so extravagantly. Maybe he was trying to impress Elianne, or maybe he just wanted to give it his all during the show. In any case, he was eager to see the girl of his dreams.

Regardless of what may have happened the night before, he was still quick to try and forget about it.

Walking over to the theatre, Billy bumped into Miss Stevens, causing papers to fall out of her hands. 

"I'm so sorry!" They both said in unison. Billy bent down and helped pick up the pile of papers.

"Oh Billy, how are you today?" Miss Stevens asked, taking the paper from the student's hands. "Nervous?"

"I mean, yeah. I get nervous sometimes." He stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Doesn't everyone?"

The teacher nodded understandingly. "Well, I wish you the best of luck."

He gave an uneasy smile, and it was only then that he remembered what he had planned to ask. He hadn't seen Elianne in a while and figured he'd ask the teacher. "Have you seen Elianne anywhere?"

"Yeah, she's in her room."

Billy furrowed his brows, clearly confused. He glanced at the watch wrapped around his wrist. "It's almost performance time, and she's still in her room?"

"Oh, right," Miss Stevens exclaimed, standing up from her crouched place. "You weren't here this morning. Elianne's caught a fever, so she can't make it today."

Billy's smile falters, he fiddles with his fingers. "A fever? Is she okay, I mean⸺"

"Yeah, don't worry." The teacher smiled at her nervous student. "She'll get well soon."

Seeming to have completely ignored the comment, he then recalled the statement after finding out about the fever. "S-She can't make it? Out of all days, she can't make it today?"

"Billy⸺" Before the teacher could continue, however, the student rushed away quickly into the theatre room, his expression blank.

Miss Stevens shrugged and took a deep breath, handling the paper in her arms and continuing to her previous destination.