Chapter Nine

The sun peeked through the tiny cracks in the wall. My eyelids fluttered open and my head was foggy from last night. I rubbed my eyes and felt my way around. My head ached as I tried to recall the other day. I abruptly felt a warm body pressed against my arm. I swirled to my right and made out a face. Benvolio was fast asleep, his mouth partially open and his head leaning against a wall. I suddenly remembered the gentle hand petting my head, the soft murmuring against my cheek. I blushed as the memories slowly came back to me. In his sleep, Benvolio made a face as if he'd been poked, then mumbled something I couldn't hear. Poor Benvolio. It must've been so uncomfortable for him to sleep in a dusty place such as this one. I couldn't wake him, I decided.

Instead I watched him sleep. His boyish face had such fair skin. His hair was messy with soot. I involuntarily put a hand against his cheek. It was so soft and warm. He softly mumbled something again and then I watched him take deep breaths as he fell back into his deep slumber. My eyes lingered on his lips. So beautiful and soft, I thought. I slowly started to lean closer.

"No I mustn't," I urged.

I couldn't let my feelings take over. I starred at his face again. He was so young and perfect I couldn't hold back anymore. Slowly I started to lean forward again. Just one. Just a small quick one. He wouldn't notice. I placed my hands against my heart as my forehead touched his. He was so close. I could feel my heart pulsating and his warm breath dwelling on mine. I closed my eyes….

"Cordelia?" I heard him say.

My eyes flew open to see Benvolio staring directly at me. My whole body immediately grew hot as I stepped back. I felt myself stumble backwards through the cluttered goods and my back slammed into the wall. I could feel my head throbbing again as I struggled to come up with an excuse.

"What were you doing?" he asked curiously as he got up and started to trudge over to me.

"I-I-I…" I stuttered.

I didn't know what to say. What could I tell him? That I was trying to kiss him? That my feelings were forcing me to do these things that I normally wouldn't do? I struggled to come up with something to say.

"Cordelia," he said concerned, "you don't look too well."

An idea burst through my head.

"Um, actually I was just thinking that you didn't look well either."

Benvolio gave his famous confused look.

"I was… just checking your temperature! Um yes, I was… Good grief," I mumbled.

I wearily sunk to the floor. My breathing became shallow and my head pounded through my ears. I felt Benvolio catch me around the waist before my face plummeted to the ground.

"Cordelia…," he said worriedly.

"I-I-I'm fine," I lied in a raspy voice.

My whole support was weighted against Benvolio's arms. My body felt weak. I couldn't move. I felt my throat breathe rapidly. Benvolio set me against a wall and stagger toward the door.

"Please wait," he told me.

He grabbed a long sturdy board and began slamming it against the door. I heard a grunt as he put all his strength against the door.

After a few moments--wham! I heard a loud crunch as Benvolio successfully made a large hole through the doorway. I felt myself lift off the ground. My eyes squinted as I was met with sunlight. Benvolio laid me on the couch and collapse next to me on the floor, gasping. I felt so proud of him. He finally seemed my prince, someone to admire. I gave a weak smile as he glanced back at me.

"I apologize for my rude actions. I just couldn't bare for us to stay there any longer, especially since you're beginning to look ill."

"Thank you…" I said softly.

I tried to control my breathing. My head just hurt so much.

In an instant, Benvolio's face was so close to mine. He leaned over to touch his forehead against mine. I felt heat circulate my body all over again.

"It looks like you've caught a fever," he presumed.

My speechless voice couldn't express the impact I felt when he touched my forehead. All I could do was nod foolishly. He pulled back and gave me his childish, determined grin.

"Looks like I'll have to take care of you now."

He pushed me back until my head rested on a pillow. I struggled to tell him not to, but I felt too weak to move.

"You just stay here. Leave anything to me."

He went into the kitchen and emerged with a wet towel. He placed it gently on my head. I felt the cool rush as the cold water trickled down my forehead. I suddenly felt relaxed.

"Now, get some sleep," he said in a fatherly tone.

I didn't want to obey, but my eyes were already starting to feel droopy. I saw Benvolio get up and watch back to the kitchen. I heard pots and pans clashing as he rummaged through the cabinets. The last thing I could determine was Benvolio humming to himself and then I submerged into a deep sleep.

When I woke up again, I saw a blurry image of Benvolio. As I began to regain my focus, he turned toward me with a loving grin.

"Ah good! You're awake!" he exclaimed, beaming down at me.

I could see him hold a broom as he was tidying up the room. I noticed the place dramatically better with only a few litter here and there. He set the broom down and hurried toward the kitchen.

"Just a minute I just have to bring it out," he called over his shoulder. A few moments later, he came back carrying a big bowl with his mitts. He also seemed to have found an apron, I thought to myself. His white apron looked rather decent on him, like he was born to cook. He set the bowl down next to me.

"I made this while you were asleep. It's vegetable stew!"

My eyes widened. He made the stew again? For me?

"I can't believe it! You did it!" I blurted out.

He put on his shy look.

"Well, it took me a few tries to get it right. I hope this tastes fine," he replied.

Benvolio glanced nervously at the bowl as I took a spoonful and brought it to my lips. It wasn't bad, I concluded, but it wasn't how it was supposed to taste. I savored the flavor in my mouth. Even though it tasted bland, there was something about the soup that made me want more. I wasn't sure if any normal person would feel the same way. I looked back at Benvolio who was waiting anxiously for an answer.

"It's delicious, thank you," I said with a smile.

His face brightened as he looked like it was the greatest day of his life.

"I'm so glad!" he proclaimed.

I took another sip of the stew. And another and another. I couldn't stop eating it. I found it strange how the vegetable stew was so irresistible to me, even though it was completely bland. Finally after a few last slurps, I finished it.

"Thank you again. I've never had food taste so fine to me before," I praised him.

Benvolio gave another bashful grin.

"And you've been cleaning the hideout too. It must've have taken a long time."

"Yes, it has. After all, you've been asleep all day! It's nearly evening."

I looked out the window to see shades of reds and oranges outside. The sun was already setting, casting long shadows over the window pane. Benvolio began to stoke up the fireplace, carefully trying not to burn himself. I sighed because of how comfortable I was and drifted into thought. I remembered it seemed almost impossible to teach Benvolio how to do any chores. It certainly paid off, however. It seems like he now knew how to take care of himself. I shifted to watch him poking at the firewood. I wonder how Juliet would react if she saw me now. I chuckled at the thought. Benvolio was, after all, taking good care of me.

Everyday I was slowly regaining back my strength. Like a true gentleman, Benvolio would always be at my side, bringing my meals and asking if I was cold. I'd wish to never become healthy again. However, I couldn't let that desire get to my mind. I was needed to run errands around the house, and I couldn't let Benvolio do everything.

"Is everything fine?" Benvolio asked, interrupting my thoughts.

I shook my head and dug into my blanket.

"I think I'm getting better," I said.

"You're recovering fairly quick. Probably from exhaustion," he commented.

I smiled because it was true. I have been working around this place for 14 years now. Only twice have I gotten sick. Benvolio turned around to rearrange the flowers. By my side was an iris, the symbol of the Capulet family.

"Thank you for everything," I said quietly.

"Hmm? Did you say something?" Benvolio said as he turned around again.

"No, nothing at all," I said, forcing a grin.

I was used to it by now. After trying to confess for quite sometime, I realized that I wasn't progressing at all. I was just on the brink of giving up. Benvolio studied my face then finally said something.

"Ok then… if you say so."

He turned to look out the window; a blanket of darkness began to overtake the sun. The first few stars started to light up.

"Well, looks like you should get some sleep," he told me.

"Yes," I said rather disappointed that he was going to leave.

Benvolio made sure my pillow was fluffed up and I was comfortable. He glanced at me one more time. He began to lean forward. My heart started it's unnaturally high rhythm.

"I think after resting, you'll be completely healthy again," he said quietly. His forehead touched mine leaving me breathless as I closed my eyes. I didn't have the heart to tell him that touching foreheads was not the way to tell if someone was sick. But I couldn't tell him now, not while he was so close to me.

Then he did something he's never done before. I felt his forehead replace with another unfamiliar warm feature. He patted my head and kissed my forehead. He watched me as another sudden rush of heat hit me so hard that I started to get dizzy. I still was utterly speechless. He just kissed me, he just kissed me, right here on my head, my mind was playing over and over in my head. Was this a dream? Why did he kiss me? Did he love me too? I had so many questions, still unanswered. Benvolio suddenly gave a shy glance.

"Sorry. I shouldn't have done that," he said sheepishly.

He raced out of the room leaving me silent as I watched him disappear.