I stared into my almost empty cup of hot chocolate. All the events in the past 24 hours raced through my mind. I tried not to think about it, but the pain from my wounds kept reminding me that it was real…that it really happened.
Sam- now it's really late…almost midnight. And you really need to rest. So you can sleep here in my bed.
My mind suddenly stopped. I finished my hot chocolate and set the cup on the nightstand. I looked at him, feeling guilty for taking his bed.
Me- what about you? Where are you going to sleep?
Sam- on the couch over there. I'll only be a few feet away if you need me.
I turned away and felt my face get hot. I didn't want to ask him…but I was scared to sleep alone. I needed someone to be next to me.
Sam- what is it? What's wrong?
Me- Sam…it's ok if you say no…and this is going to sound really weird…but do you think you could sleep with me? In the bed I mean…? It's just I'd feel a little safer…and I'm not really used to sleeping alone.
He went totally silent. I didn't know what to do. I saw him open his mouth to say something out of the corner of my eye, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to hear it. So I turned to him smiling.
Me- it's ok. I was only kidding.
Sam- yes.
Me- what?
Sam- yes…I will.
My heart skipped a beat and my face felt hot again. I stuttered the question out.
Me- …w-why?
Sam- because I'd feel better knowing that it makes you feel better…and safer. Now scoot over please.
I didn't know what else to do. I looked away as I moved over to the other side of the bed, giving him room to lay down. I pulled the blankets up to my chin, then I finally gave up on trying to avoid his gaze.
Me- good night.
Sam- *smiles* good night.
I closed my eyes and immediately felt a rush of tiredness come over me. I began to fall asleep almost instantly. But as I was about to fully fall asleep, I felt something warm touch my face. My body flinched at the sudden touch, but relaxed almost immediately. I wanted more of the warmth…and I knew the one thing I had to do to get it. I moved closer to Sam, putting myself up against his body. His skin was so warm I could feel it through my shirt. Suddenly, I felt it get even warmer as he put his arm around me and pulled me even closer. I fell asleep to the rhythm of his heartbeat.
My eyes shot open to a sudden pain in my stomach. I was about to cry out in pain, but then remembered I was still in Sam's arms. Being extra careful not to wake him, I slithered myself out from under his arm and out of the bed. I could feel the pain building in my stomach and knew what was about to happen…I was about to be sick. I looked around the room desperately and spotted a half open door. I moved quickly across the room and opened the door to find exactly what I was looking for…the bathroom. I closed the door behind me and was about to lock it, but decided not to in case I were to collapse for some reason. My body arched and I couldn't hold it anymore. I rushed to the toilet and opened the seat. My entire body burned as whatever was in my stomach came up my throat and out of my mouth. I continued throwing up for what felt like five minutes, then I just sat there, too weak to move. Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door.
Sam- Erica? Are you in there?
I tried to say yes, but my body was hurting too much so it sounded more like a cry. I heard him start to open the door and began to panic. I didn't want him to see me like this and worry even more then he already was. I slowly stood up, but dizziness still rushed to my head.
Sam- are you ok? Do you need me to come in?
Me- no…don't come in.
Sam- are you sure? What's the matter?
I flushed the toilet and made my way over to the sink. I turned on the cold water and splashed some on my face, then turned it off. I stumbled to the door and opened it. Knowing that I must look awful, I forced a smile.
Me- yeah. I'm fine.
Sam- did you…did you just get sick?
Me- *looks away* yes…but I'm alright now. My stomach was just a little upset.
Sam- you sure? Do you need to lay down again? I can get you some breakfast and bring it to you.
Me- Sam…I'm ok. You don't need to do that for me.
Sam- well…if you sure you're ok…let's go upstairs and get some breakfast together then.
Me- alright.
He turned and walked towards the stairs. I took a deep breath and took one step. Suddenly, everything was spinning and my legs gave out. I collapsed onto the floor. I heard Sam run to my side and I pushed myself up onto my hands and knees.
Me- I'm sorry…I went to take a step…and my legs gave out…
I felt his arms go around me and I cried out as he lifted me off of the floor and into his arms. He took me to the bed and set me down. I looked into his amazing hazel eyes and immediately felt sorry. I opened my mouth to apologize, but he interrupted.
Sam- not a word. It's ok. I'm going to go upstairs and make us some pancakes. And you're going to sit right here and watch T.V. with no ifs, ands, or buts. Got it?
Me- but—
Sam- got it?
Me- yes…
Sam- ok…now I'll be back in a little while to check on you. And when I do, you better be in that same spot. Promise?
Me- I promise.
He handed me a T.V. remote and walked upstairs, leaving me in his room alone. Out of instinct, I turned on the T.V. and immediately switched the channel to Saturday morning cartoons to find Sonic the Hedgehog. I couldn't help but smile.
Me- oh cartoons…I love you.
I watched a full episode of Sonic before I noticed Sam still hasn't come back. I looked at the clock, it was almost one. I was about to get out of the bed when I heard the basement door open. I looked at the stairs to see Sam coming down holding two bowls full of mac&cheese and a large backpack on his back.
Me- what happened to pancakes?
Sam- I figured this would be more appropriate for lunch since we slept through breakfast.
He handed me the bowl and I took a deep breath, taking in the aroma of the cheese. I took a bite and practically collapsed as I tasted it. I took several more bites and heard Sam laugh slightly.
Sam- jeez Erica…when's the last time you ate?
Me- um…well I spent most of the time yesterday and last night walking…but I don't remember eating anything yesterday…
Sam stopped laughing. I looked at him to see him frowning at me.
Me- what?
Sam- Erica…look at you…you're a twig! You can't afford to not eat!
I drew back slightly as he raised his voice. He realized what he was doing and took a deep breath.
Sam- I'm sorry…I didn't mean to scare you…I'm just worried about you. Here…take mine too.
Me- but I still have some…
Sam- Erica…yours is empty.
I looked at my bowl surprised. He was right…I had already eaten it all. But I could still feel the pain of extreme hunger in my stomach. Sam removed my empty bowl from my hands and replaced his full one with it.
Me- …thank you.
Sam- *smiles* you're welcome Erica.
