I eventually have to drag myself off the couch to get dressed. I toss my hair up in a messy bun and throw on my rainbow leggings with an oversized hoodie of Killian’s. I keep freezing then burning up. Being sick sucks.
I get to the clinic and sign in. I fill out the necessary paperwork and return the clipboard to the receptionist. The front door chimes and in parades Jackie of all people. If I wasn’t sick, I would jump up and choke her for the crap she pulled with Killian. I roll my eyes and pick up a magazine.
“Morning sickness is a real bitch, but just because you’re pregnant it doesn’t mean he will stay with you.”
“Unlike you I don’t have to get pregnant to get a boyfriend. I can’t help that Killian thinks you’re trash. He told me all about your pathetic attempt to give him a blow job. How desperate and pitiful the whole scene was.” Talking to her hurts my throat, but I’m not going to sit here and listen to her bitchy comments.
“Did he tell you he was hard, and he hesitated to push me away?” She beams, satisfied with herself when I pale at her words.
“One day we won’t be in public, Jackie, and when that day comes, I’m going to give you the ass kicking you are so desperately asking for.”
Her mouth opens and the nurse comes out to call me back before she can reply.
Turns out I am running a fever and have strep. She didn’t bother with the swab and prescribed me antibiotics. Thank God for small favors because Jackie isn’t in the waiting room when I leave. The clinic filled my prescription in office, so I don’t have to run by the pharmacy. I can go straight home to my spot on the couch and resume my binge-watching ritual.
I try to slurp down some broth to prevent taking my antibiotic on an empty stomach. I shoot off a quick text to Killian.
Liri: It’s strep, I just took my antibiotics and had a run in with Jackie. Going to take a nap. Love you.
Killian: In class talk later. LY2
I awaken after dark to Killian crouched down by my head caressing my face and moving my hair back. “Hey,” I croak.
“How you feeling?”
“Terrible.”
“Mom made you some of her veggie soup. You need to eat and take more of your meds.”
I sit up and wipe at my eyes. When I yawn, it is miserably painful. Killian is in the kitchen getting me a bowl of soup. I scroll through my missed notifications. I have some texts from Noelle checking up on me and one from my mother asking if I will be home for Thanksgiving. I should make her stew, but I go ahead and give her my answer.
Liri: No, I will not be there. I already made plans with Killian’s family. Maybe Christmas.
Mom: I understand you are upset with us, but Thanksgiving is a family holiday meant to be spent with YOUR family.
Liri: Not going to argue I am in bed sick with strep throat. Don’t worry, I have been to the doctor and Killian’s mom made me some soup.
Mom: I would have made you soup had I known.
I roll my eyes and put my phone on the coffee table. Killian brings me my soup and it’s really good. “Be sure to thank your mom for me. This is really good.”
“I also came home armed with popsicles, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, ice cream, and more soup.”
“Maybe I should get sick more often.”
“That’s not funny, Liri.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it. I was only teasing because you are taking such good care me.”
“I’m sorry, baby it’s not you. Dad got a call and they may need to remove more tissue or something. Mom was telling me about it and it basically sucks, you know.”
“That’s terrible. I really want to kiss you, but I don’t want to pass my germs off to you.”
“Nothing could keep me from that mouth of yours.” He give me a peck on the lips. “Now eat up and take your meds. I’m going to run you a bath.”
“Will you be joining me for this bath?”
“I’ll keep you company while you soak.”