"I'm dying!"
"You're not dying."
"I'm going to be dead in 12 hours, guaranteed!"
"Drink this." Mercedes was holding a glass of what seemed to be orange juice towards a sniffily, red nosed Sam. Sam eyed it suspiciously; the fact Mercedes had been giving him foul tasting medicine disguised as food all day, nibbling in the back of his mind.
"What is it?" Sam asked, cautiously reaching out to take the beverage from his girlfriend.
"Orange juice." Mercy replied before turning to tidy up her bedroom but Sam grabbed her wrist. Sam had come over early that Saturday morning, telling Mr and Mrs Jones that he and Mercy were studying but as soon as he was in Mercedes' room, he grabbed a tissue box and curled up under the covers, telling Mercedes that study was the only reason he was allowed out of the house.
Sam made a sound that resembled a puppy whining and Mercedes sighed before climbing over him and sitting next to him on her bed as he continued to examine the orange juice. She smiled when she felt his hand find hers and tangle their fingers together in their familiar and comfortable knot.
"Sam, just drink the juice."
"Fine." One deep breathe, a few gulps, an exclamation of disgust and a tickle attack later and the juice was drunk and Mercedes was resting her head on Sam's shoulder as he played with her hair.
"Sammy." Mercedes voice was soft and gentle. "Why did you come here when you knew you were sick?" Sam shifted slightly until he was on his side, and was holding Mercy with both arms and could see her face clearly.
"Because I always feel better when I'm with you."
Mercedes smiled up at Sam and lent to kiss him but he pulled away.
"We don't want you to get sick." He smiled.
"If I get sick, you can take care of me." Mercedes smiled as a look of fear swept across Sam's face. "Don't worry, I'm better than you at taking medicine." And before Sam could protest about her health anymore Mercedes kissed him.
Mercedes pulled away. A satisfied smirk spread across her face, as she looked at Sam with his eyes still closed and mouth still slightly open. Her failed attempt to smother a giggle caused him to snap out of his 'post-kiss' daze. Mercedes moved to get up and Sam held her tighter.
"I'm just going to get you medicine free food." Mercedes whispered in his ear before giving him a peck on the cheek and leaving. A few minutes later she re-appeared with a tray. She placed it in front of Sam and he smiled. Two bowls of chicken and vegetable soup with bread rolls. Mercedes climbed into bed next to Sam, pulling the covers over her lap. She grabbed the remote to the tiny retro style T.V she had in her room and switched it on.
Sam smiled as both him and Mercy ate their bowl soup, watching bad soap opera's, mocking the characters and unrealistic storylines. And in a moment between Mercedes laughing at his impression of a character and her teaching him the best bread dunking technique Sam realised that Mercedes Jones was the best medicine he could ever need.
Later as Mercedes stroked Sam's once feverish forehead as he slept, she realised that she would always be there to take care of him. She would always be his medicine.
