Chapter 9
"Embarrassment"
I awoke with a horrid headache.
I groaned, bringing my palm to my head. I sat up slowly, pain rushing to my forehead. I groaned again.
"Glad to hear you are awake."
I turned around to see Gunther. He sat a few feet in front, though was sitting with his back to me. He did not turn around to look at me as he continued. "How are you feeling?"
"Horrible." I moaned. "What happened?"
"You fainted. I had to drag you from the river, you could have drowned. You have been out for at least two hours."
I felt like screaming at myself. The way he put it, it sounded like I was some desperate, helpless child. I had an excuse, of course. I was so sick. But at the time, I had only felt anger at myself.
"Why will you not look at me while you are talking?" I asked. He responded with silence, and then an awkward cough.
I felt so stupid. Looking down at myself, I realized I was only in my underclothes.
I wore different underclothes than other girls. Because of my different wardrobe of britches, mother made me short britches that rested below my thighs. I also wore a snug blouse that had short sleeves. They were made out of linen and white, though not see through (thank goodness).
I felt my neck suddenly grow hot. The words he said earlier rang through my head, "If you were to stay in wet cloths, you could easily catch something…"
Gunther had to strip me of my outer clothing.
I felt so embarrassed. I hugged my knees, trying my best to cover myself. I knew that Gunther had done it because he had to. If he had not, I could have easily gotten sick. Still, the thought of him unclothing me as I lay motionless was a horrible image to picture.
We sat in silence. I spent the time cursing myself.
I finally broke the quiet by asking, awkwardly, "Do you think my clothes are dry now?"
He shrugged, "I am not sure. You can check."
Swallowing hard, I stood and walked over to where my clothes laid. They were only a damp, but still too wet to walk around in then. I sighed. This most likely meant that we had to sit embarrassed for another two hours or so. On top of that, the sun would be setting soon.
I went back to my spot. I hugged my knees against me and rested my head, shutting my eyes. I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I felt was a hand on my shoulder. I snapped up my head with a start, causing my head pain. Gunther stood, keeping his eyes locked with mine. He had my bundle of clothes under his arm, and said, "Your clothes are dry."
I stood up quickly. I regretted it, though, for I was now exposed. Gunther continued to just stare at my face, and though I was thankful for that, it made me embarrassed all the more. I took my bundle, and walked off behind the nearest tree as fast as I could. I through my clothes on as hurriedly as possible—and I accidently put my shirt inside out, but fixed it—and came out. Gunther was looking at the setting sun.
"We will have to rest here for the night." He sighed. "But if we leave at dawn tomorrow, we will be at the docks by noon."
I sat down beside the tree, suddenly feeling exhausted.
"Good to see that you are, erm," he rubbed his neck, nervously.
I glared, obviously not in the mood. He shook his head, and then went on.
"I looked around for berries, but found nothing. It is too late to fish, so we will have to go without super, I am afraid. I will make us a fire, though, and I have already collected the sticks while you were sleeping."
Normally, I would have yelled at him for gloating the way he just did. But then, I felt so tired. I felt as if I could never lift my arms again, and my head was throbbing.
And I was so cold.
I felt my shoulders heave as I shivered over and over again. It seemed like forever when Gunther finally got the fire started. I went over to the growing embers as fast as my body would allow. I made myself into the smallest ball possible, trying to warm up.
"Jane," Gunther said, slowly, "You look terrible. How do you feel?"
I did not want to answer him. I wanted to lie and say I was fine. I did not want to give him the satisfaction of treating my like a mere child. But it was his voice that led me to do otherwise. He almost sounded concern. I said in my muffed voice, "Just that. Terrible."
A few moments later, I felt Gunther beside me.
"Jane, please lift your head."
I obeyed, though I wished not to. He used the back of his hand to feel his forehead. He frowned, and then brought his cheek up to my forehead. I knew I was blushing.
"Jane," he looked at me with concern in his eyes, "you have a fever."
Disclaimer: I do not own Jane and the Dragon. (But, oh! How I wish I did...)
A/N: Wow. You guys are gonna kill me...
BUT THIS TIME I HAVE A GOOD EXCUSE! My dad's laptop--the only computer where I can upload my chapters--was not working! And it's still not working very good, so I refuse to use his.
But my dad downloaded some type of WORD thing, because before I couldn't open my WORD files!
Yay! So do you forgive me?
There are only two more chapters left! I guess I better start on my next story...
