Upside Down

Chapter 2

For the rest of the night, Simon and Cheryl decided to not discuss anything about Cheryl's current situation and just watch some television to keep them preoccupied.

"What do you want to watch?" Simon asked Cheryl. He turned to her and saw her rubbing her eye and yawning. He smiled slightly at her cuteness and switched the television off.

"Why did you switch the TV off?" Cheryl asked.

"Why don't we get you to sleep?" Simon suggested.

"You sound like my mum."

"That's because you look like a little child."

"Oh, thanks. That made me feel a lot better."

"In a cute way."

"Whatever."

"Come here."

Simon held his arms out and wrapped them around Cheryl. He buried his face in her neck and closed his eyes as he relished in her warmth. They stayed in that position for a few seconds before Simon lifted her in his lap and cradled her as if she were a baby. Her face was resting on his chest and Simon's face was resting on Cheryl's head. He stroked the side of Cheryl's face with his hand and placed a tender kiss on her head.

Cheryl eventually found herself dozing off and didn't attempt to fight her tiredness away. Her body gave in to sleep and soon she was fully asleep in Simon's protective arms.

When Simon was certain that Cheryl was asleep, he lifted her up bridal style and carried her into his bedroom. He knew that that probably wasn't the best of choices but selfishly decided that he would get better sleep if she was in the same bed as him. He wouldn't dare do anything unacceptable to her.

He placed the sleeping beauty in his large, king sized bed and lay down beside her. They were both facing each other and Simon marvelled at her beauty. She looked so peaceful when she was asleep. Like an angel.

Simon inched ever so slightly closer towards Cheryl and could about feel her warm breathe blow on his cheek. It triggered an electric feeling to shoot through his body and knew then and there that the women laying before him wasn't just 'a friend'. She was so much more in Simon's heart.

He let his eyelids close over his eyes as he too fell into sleep once again. He was sure that he would have sweet dreams.

*

Simon awoke to a bright light hitting his face. He was blinded by the light at first and it took a few moments for him to adjust to the light. He looked at the digital clock which showed that the time was 10:46 in the morning. That was reasonably early for Simon.

He looked beside him and saw that Cheryl was still in a deep sleep. He smiled. She was still in the exact position as she was when Simon brought her into the room.

Poor thing must be exhausted, Simon thought. He gently stepped out of his bed, trying to make the least sound as possible so that he didn't disturb Cheryl. He successfully got out of bed, grabbed some clothes and a towel and made his way to the en suite bathroom. There he took twenty minutes in the shower and getting himself dressed up in his usual jeans and grey, v-neck t-shirt.

When he exited the en suite bathroom it was 22:12 and Cheryl was still asleep. He decided to leave her be and left the room to go and make himself some breakfast.

He toasted a slice of bread and prepared himself some coffee. When the bread jumped out of the toaster, Simon buttered it whilst mixing the coffee with a tea spoon at the same time. This was his usual morning routine that he had become accustomed to over the years.

By the time he had finished eating his slice of toast and had downed most of his coffee, it was just over half eleven and Cheryl hadn't woken up. She was lucky that neither of them had any work today so they can have a nice day in.

Simon decided to watch some television so made himself comfortable on his couch after drinking the last of his coffee. He grabbed the remote control off the coffee table and switched the television on. He switched through programmes and opted on watching BBC News.

*

The time was now nearly two in the afternoon and Cheryl still hadn't woken up. Simon was becoming increasingly concerned so he went up to check up on her. When he arrived in his bedroom he saw Cheryl sleeping, still in the exact same position as before. Simon moved closer towards her and noticed her cheeks were more coloured than usual. He gently placed the back of his hand on her cheek and was surprised at how high her temperature was. He touched her hand and neck which was also very hot.

He wanted to wake her up but couldn't find the heart to do so. However, unable to fight off the temptation any longer, he shook her slightly.

"Cheryl?" He said. Cheryl hadn't stirred so Simon repeated his actions but made sure to shake her a bit harder. This time, Cheryl finally opened her eyes, which were slightly red and puffy. She grimaced and quickly closed her eyes, a pained look on her face.

"Are you ok?" Simon asked in a hushed voice.

"Yeah I just feel hungover. Which is weird since I didn't even drink anything yesterday." Cheryl croaked.

"Well your obviously not hungover. But you do have a temperature."

"What's the time?"

"Two o'clock."

"In the afternoon?"

"Yeah."

"Oh God. Did I really sleep that long?"

"I was surprised too. You slept like a rock."

"Ugh well I'm going to have a shower. Oh, wait I haven't got any clothes."

"Oh. Well you can wear one of my t-shirts and a pair of my boxers."

"Simon. Boxers, really?"

"It's better than nothing."

"It's fine, but thanks for the offer. If you have a spare toothbrush I can just brush my teeth and I'll wash my face. Then I'll go back home and collect my stuff from there."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I'll have to go back sometime anyways so I might as well do it now."

"Do you mind if I come with you?"

"I'd love you to but he might get the wrong idea and start accusing me of cheating on him with you."

"Don't worry I'll stay out in the car so he doesn't see me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep."

"Thank you Simon, honestly, I don't know what I'll do without you."

"My pleasure."

Cheryl carefully moved herself out of Simon's bed and just as she was about to walk, her vision became back and she head began to spin. She immediately sat - or shall we say fell - on the bed again. After a few moments, her vision slowly came back to her and Simon started to fuss over her.

"Cheryl what happened? Are you alright?" The worry in his voice was evident so Cheryl tried laughing it off.

"I'm fine, just a dizzy spell. I am pregnant." She said. Simon, who was kneeling down in front of her, placed his head on her lap and closed his eyes. Cheryl stoked his head with her soft hands. Simon felt an comforting feeling build up inside of him. He felt safe. Even though it was him that was meant to be protecting her.

"Simon, babe..." Cheryl said, her voice soft and calming.

"I love you Cheryl." He whispered.

"And I love you." She replied.

Simon lifted his head and looked directly in her eyes. He felt as if she was staring straight at him. Looking at all his flaws and imperfections. But then she smiled him and stroked his cheeks lovingly. His heart felt like it was going to explode in his chest.

He truly did love the women in front of him. And he knew she knew he loved her more than how he would love a friend.