Title: Anytime
Chapter 2
Disclaimer: I still don't own any of these characters.
A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed my story! I hope you like chapter two.
The parking garage at Pennbrook University was notorious for being chaotic, as the masses of college students whizzed in and out, day and night. Today was no exception as Eric led Jack through the rows of parked cars and students.
As they maneuvered around the parking garage, Eric glanced concernedly over at his oblivious best friend, who was concentrating on walking in a straight line.
By the time the two of them had reached Eric's car, Jack was panting as if he had just run a marathon. He leaned heavily against his friend, and realized that Eric was watching him as if he were about to drop dead.
"I look that bad, huh?" Jack said miserably as he tried to catch his breath.
"You'll be ok, buddy. Let's just get you back to the apartment," Eric said evading his question, as he shifted Jack's weight against the car. By the worried glances Eric kept sending his way, Jack could surmise that he didn't appear well at all.
As Eric struggled for his keys in his right pocket, Jack wondered whether now would be a good time to bring up the change in his friend's behavior recently. In the end his curiosity won out.
"Eric, can I ask you something?" Jack was surprised by how hoarse his voice sounded, even to his own ears.
Eric sensing anxiety in Jack's voice gave him a reassuring smile as he unlocked the car doors. "It's ok man. I won't tell Rachel. Imagine if she knew you were sick...she'd never let you live it down."
"Oh no, actually...never mind." Jack's speech began to fail him as the pain in his forehead doubled.
"Whatever you say," Eric said obliviously as he helped him into the car.
The car ride back to the apartment was fairly silent except for Eric asking Jack how he was feeling every few blocks. For the most part, he laid his head back on the passenger seat with his eyes closed.
By the time they had reached the apartment, Jack only seemed to have gotten worse. He felt as if his head would explode from the pain.
Eric led him quickly to the couch before his legs could collapse below him. Jack tried to give him a reassuring smile, but only managed to turn the corners of his mouth up slightly through his chattering teeth.
"Thanks for getting me home, I would still be in the student union right now if you hadn't taken me back." Eric smiled and ruffled his friend's hair affectionately.
"Anytime, buddy. I'm going to call the Student Health Center, maybe they can give you an appointment today." As Eric moved to the kitchen area, Jack gripped his arm weakly.
"Eric? Something's been bothering you, man. Do you want to tell me what's up?" Eric's face showed surprise and Jack almost immediately regretted asking him.
TBC