Chapter 3:

Eric drove Tim's truck and Tami drove the kids. Tim was still groggy but was able to get in and sit in the car fine. He had a button up shirt on now. Julie had gotten it from his truck. Julie sat in the back with him and when her mom wasn't looking she interlaced her fingers with Tim's. He stared at her for a minute but made no move to let go.

"Uh… Mrs. Coach?"

"Yeah hun?"

"Did they tell you how long I'd have to wait to practice or even work out?"

Julie tightened her grip and looked out her window.

Tim didn't like that. It probably was bad news.

"Uh… Not exactly hun. We can talk about it with Eric at home. Do y'all want Alamo Burger or Fran's?"

"Alamo." They both said together.

Tim gently rested his head on the headrest and closed his eyes. He wasn't exactly sure what was going on with Julie but he knew today was a rough day and holding her hand was comforting him and he kinda figured it was comfort for her too. He knew she was scared today. He figured he would have plenty of time to think later so he drifted into a short nap.

In the driveway, Julie nudged Tim gently and tried to wake him.

"Mom! He's not waking up." Julie hollered.

Eric opened Tim's door and grabbed his shoulder.

Tim's eyes snapped open and he sat up.

"Come on son, let's get you inside so you can rest."

"Julie, can you get the door?" He asked.

"Sure, dad."

She then pulled Tim in by his wrist and her father went to help her mother with the food.

Tim wasn't even remotely hungry just tired.

He looked at Julie still holding his arm.

"Jules… I'm tired…" He whispered.

"Ok… come on."

She pulled him into her room and sat him on the bed.

"Julie I shouldn't be in here."

"Shhh." She took off his boots and unsnapped his shirt and pulled it off carefully. She knows he usually sleeps without pants too but no way is she going that far.

"Relax and get comfortable Tim. I'll talk to my parents. You just try to rest. Okay?"

He nodded.

She felt bold and kissed his forehead and left. She closed the door most of the way but left it open a crack.

Tim climbed under the covers, carefully laying on his right side. Within two minutes he fell asleep surrounded by the sweet vanilla scent of Julie Taylor.

"Jules, Where is Tim? Bathroom?"

"No… um… Dad, he is in my room all tucked in."

Eric's eyebrows could have hit the roof they rose so high.

"Excuse me? He is where?"

"I put him in my bed. He needs to rest in a real bed and not our couch. Obviously I'll sleep out here or with Aunt Shelly. He doesn't really have a choice. He can't lay on his back."

Eric and Tami both pondered this.

"Plus… He literally saved my life today. I think we all owe him for that. Right?"

Tami was nodding and Eric just pondered.

"I think Julie is right hun." Tami spoke up. "Tim needs a good night rest. Jules… just… I don't want you in there with him… seriously. okay?"

"Okay mom. I do have to get my pajamas though and then I'm gonna take a shower."

Eric finally spoke. "After dinner Julie. Let's eat first."

"Hey Hun, Does Tim need to eat?"

"No Eric, let him sleep. If he wakes up and is hungry he knows where things are. I have all his meds and we can talk to him at breakfast about his instructions."

"He's supposed to stay home tomorrow but can't be alone. How are we going to manage that one?"

"Shelly." Tami stated calmly.

"Okay."

They ate their dinner and then Julie slipped into her room to get her PJs and a blanket and hopefully one of her pillows.

The pjs were easy and the blanket too… the pillow was not. Julie kept 4 pillows on her bed. Currently, two are under Tim's head. One is being cuddled to his chest. And uh… one is missing. Julie lifted the cover and found the fourth pillow sticking out between his thighs.

"Ugh. Seriously dude, I put my face on those." She thought to herself and made a mental note to wash all the pillow cases tomorrow.

Julie heads to the bathroom and showers and changes and brushes her teeth. She then settles in on the couch cuddled under her soft blanket.

After a few minutes of silence, Julie falls into an uneasy sleep... she is reliving her night. It's going to be a long night.

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