His Perfect Love

Chapter 3

After Clayton left the table Allison cleaned up the mess she had made. She wondered whether Riley would be up for some oatmeal. She decided to wait and ask Riley what she would prefer. Allison scrubbed down the table and put some water on the stove to boil so she could wash the dishes. She sighed as she surveyed her work. The kitchen was almost clean. I'll finish it later, she thought. Allison made her way down the hall to the room where Riley was staying in. She opened the door and walked in.

A putrid scent hit her nose. Allison looked to the chamber pot on the floor. Then she eyed Riley whose eyes were closed as she leaned back onto the pillows.

"Were you sick again last night?" she asked the girl.

She nodded, her eyes still closed.

"Are you feeling better now?"

This time Riley opened her eyes.

"Yes. It was the middle of the night and my stomach was feeling unpleasantly queasy, so I reached down and grabbed the chamber pot. Then, I'm afraid I retched in it. But, I really do feel better now," she responded.

Allison sighed and said, "Maybe I should pay a visit to Doc Brown. I'm not so sure this is normal for you to be sick like this."

"No! I'm fine now. It was probably just the aftermath of all the food I ate," Riley was quick to say.

"I just want to make sure you're okay. If this happens again I will get Doc Brown involved. Is that understood?"

"Yes," was her quiet response.

"Good. Now would you like to try some food? I have oatmeal if you think you are up for it. And you should drink some water to keep hydrated," Allison told her.

"I guess I could try some. Thank you."

"Sure thing. I will be right back."

Allison went back to the kitchen and gathered a small amount of plain oatmeal for Riley and a glass of water. She really hoped it would stay down. She made her way back to Riley's room.

"Here you go. Now, remember to stop if you feel sick," she chided.

"Yes, Dr. Allison," Riley teased.

While Riley was eating, Allison went about the room making sure everything was in order. She picked up the hairbrush on the vanity and made her way to Riley.

"Would you like me to brush your hair?" she asked.

"That would be lovely, thank you."

Allison settled into the chair beside the bed and began stroking Riley's long, thick hair with the brush.

"You have very beautiful brown hair," she commented.

"Thank you, but it's not as nice as your blonde hair. I've always wanted to have hair the color of corn silk."

"Oh, nonsense. God made us each special in our own ways and we should be happy with the way we look," Allison told her.

Riley didn't respond. Allison finished brushing her hair out, then began to put it up.

"I was talking to Clayton, and we came up with an idea. Since you don't have any clothes with you, I thought I would pick up some fabric at the mercantile so you can make yourself some new dresses. How does that sound?"

"No, you don't have to do that. I couldn't possibly repay you. You've done so much for me already," Riley told her.

Allison finished with Riley's hair, "You don't have to repay us. This is a gift. Plus, I wouldn't be a very good hostess if I didn't provide you with something to do. This can keep you busy and you would be less bored. Anything specific you want?"