Gifted Connections: Book 2(40)
Collin snorted, “You know her well enough by now. She’s a touch stubborn.”
Gavin opened his mouth to speak once more, but Will was quick to intercede. “Boys, I think Blake’s had enough excitement for one day. I think it’s time we left so she can get more rest. If her temperature stays down, she can be released tomorrow morning.” He stood up and walked to the door, holding it open.
“But I just got here, can’t I spend a few moments with her, by myself?” Collin looked over at Gavin pointedly. “I was worried sick for my girlfriend all day.”
Will looked torn for a moment. “If it’s alright with Blake, but only for a few moments.”
I nodded reluctantly. “That’s fine. I’m really tired and I would love to go back to sleep.”
“I’ll get you some food,” Gavin said as he went to follow Will out the door. “You need to eat,” he said firmly when I was about to protest.
I knew I had to eat, but food sounded so unappetizing now and I really did want to fall asleep once more.
My heart was racing as the door closed and Collin turned to me. Gone was the worried boyfriend. His eyes transformed into one of anger.
“Do you know what I went through today? I went to all your classes and you only showed up to the first one. I went back home, and you were nowhere to be found. I called you constantly, only to find you didn’t even have the courtesy to keep your phone on you. I didn’t even find out you were here until Stacey informed me.” He was pacing back and forth. “This crap needs to stop. You need to start taking our relationship more seriously.”
I could only gape at him. Talk about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. “You do realize I’m sick right?” I rolled my eyes at him. “You act like I intentionally got sick so that I could enjoy a stay in the hospital.”
His eyes narrowed even further. “Well, technically, it is your fault for not taking care of yourself.”
I snorted, tired of this conversation and exhausted from everything. I rolled over and pulled the white sheets around my shoulders. “Maybe it’s time we call it quits then since I’m such a burden to you.”
He was quickly by my side once more. “Blake, babe, I’m sorry. Don’t say that. I was just worried sick. How about I pick you up from here tomorrow morning, pick up some movies on the way? We can relax on the sofa all day long, just you and me.”
I yawned and closed my eyes. Debating whether I should just follow through with my threats. We did have the hi-tech gear installed on his phone. I technically no longer needed to subject myself to his company. Gavin had the capability of viewing all his activity from his lap top at this point and time. “Give me tonight,” I said wearily. “I think it’s important for me to think about.”
He sighed and ran his hand over my head. I had to will myself not to flinch. I no longer liked all his casual touches. After connecting with Noah last night, it only increased my desire to be with my connections.
I had reached my limit of sleep by the time midnight rolled around. I woke up feeling weak, but a lot better. My skin felt clammy, and I longed for a shower. I knew I needed a shower and looked around my room, spotting my duffel bag. I went to get up, only to realize I couldn’t use bathroom with my hand still attached to the iv machine. I pushed my button for the nurse and waited patiently.
After waiting for over 10 minutes, I took matters into my own hands. I disconnected my tubes, wincing at the slight twinge of pain. I then walked gingerly across the room. When the room spun, I realized I was starving and looked over to table near my bedside. I noticed a large sub wrapped in white deli paper and knew immediately what it was. I sat back down and tore open the paper with gusto.
Gavin and I had a mutual liking of the little sub shop on campus, and I craved the fresh turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on a weekly basis—if not daily. I normally ordered a small, but I had a large one in front of me, and I was going to try my hardest to eat it all. There was also a bag of jalapeno kettle chips next to a bottle of Dr. Pepper. I opened both after shoving 5 bites of my sub in my mouth. I knew I looked ravenous, bordering on homeless, but I didn’t care. I was hungry!
I tried in vain to eat the whole sub, but I still had a half left when I finally threw in the towel. I burped when the carbonation of the pop hit me, and I giggled at myself. I would be appalled at my behavior and appearance if others were around.
Finally, I decided to get up and attempt to take a shower. I wasn’t dizzy any longer, and my stomach wasn’t gnawing on itself, but I felt extremely frail. I turned on the water and waited for it to warm up while I took in the inventory of the bathroom. I realized my bladder was going to burst, so I quickly sat down and sighed. I noticed the tiny white, thin towels folded neatly on the back of the toilet and a small pouch of tiny shampoo, conditioner, and liquid soap, along with a cheap tooth brush and a small tube of tooth paste. I wasn’t complaining. It was something. It wasn’t what I had grown accustomed to lately, but it was still a heck of a lot better than when I lived with my stepmom. I let out a sound of relief when I noticed clean gowns on the back of the door.
I hoped whoever brought me my duffel bag packed a clean pair of underwear in there.
I leaned against the handicap bar in the shower as I let the water run over me. I used the entire bottle of the shampoo and conditioner on my raven curly locks due to its length and thickness. I knew my hair wouldn’t feel soft, but at least it would be clean. I washed my body and didn’t linger too much longer. I wasn’t tired, but I knew I should lay back down.