Our First Christmas (Penalty Kill 1.50)

I close my eyes as she continuously runs her fingers through my hair. Even though I told her no more talking, while I’m half asleep, I hear her talking softly.

“You’re still burning up.” After a few moments, she says something again. “My poor Levi.” And then, “You’re not supposed to get sick during Christmas.”

“Presley.” I cough. “Christmas is over and I told you to quit talking.”

“You are nothing but a grouchy grizzly when you’re sick, you know that?”

To keep from giving her more to say, I keep my mouth shut. Burying my face in the covers, I cough until my throat is sore and then I’m super tired and my head is still hurting. I try to sleep, but it’s near to impossible to be comfortable long enough to fall asleep and stay that way. Presley is seriously the best girlfriend ever right now, even though she will say something here and there. All day, she lets me rest on her as she pumps me full of meds and fluids.

“Levi, you owe me so many naps for this.”

“Whatever you want, Smarty. Just stay here with me,” I say, squeezing her thigh. Did I just beg her? It sounded like a beg. I need to get better and soon. The last thing I need is to babble weak nonsense while I’m sick for Presley to use against me later. But before I can stop myself, I open my mouth again. “Don’t ever go anywhere, but here.” I hug her to me and drift to sleep.

Four more days pass like this. Four miserable days, but I am so thankful that I have Presley. The days would have been worse without her. I hadn’t been that sick in a long time. I hope I’m never that sick again because I was a wimp! The entire time, I moaned and groaned and said things to Presley like I was a lovesick puppy that was about to die. She was amazing as always though. Hopefully, I can make up for her having to take care of me for New Year’s.

Chapter Nine

Presley

I roll over in the bed and the sun shines in my face. I groan. I don’t want to get up yet. Levi had been sick and was restless the last few nights. As I’m laying here, I can hear Levi and Victor downstairs. I stretch and head to the bathroom. Even though I’m happy that Levi is feeling better, I’m sad because we have to leave soon.

I push the sad thoughts out of my mind and think about tonight. It’s New Year’s Eve and my first with Levi. I wonder what he has planned for tonight. I’m hoping that we will go out, but I don’t know if Levi will leave Victor.

After I finish up, I head downstairs to the amazing smells coming from the kitchen. Victor is cooking and Levi is pouting in the corner.

“Why do you look like a little kid just took your toy?” I sit down next to him .

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“He is mad at me, Presley.” Victor sits a plate of eggs in front of me.

“May I ask why?” I look up at Victor and he starts laughing.

“Pops doesn’t want us to stay home and watch movies with him tonight.” He gives Victor a mean look.

“Levi.” He laughs. “You’re young and you sure as heck aren’t staying home on New Year’s Eve.”

“I don’t mind staying in.” Okay, I’m lying because I really want a night with Levi, but Victor is important to the both of us.

“Enough.” Victor slams his silverware down and I jump. “This conversation is over. You both are going out and going to have fun. You will not, under any circumstances, worry about me tonight. I’m not saying it again.”

r /> I just nod because I don’t want Victor mad at me and I’m not about to say anything. Levi huffs and runs his hands through his hair.

No one says anything through the rest of breakfast. Levi and I clean up the kitchen, still not talking. When we finish, Levi heads upstairs. I figure that he needs some time alone, so I join Victor in the living room. He is sitting in his chair, watching a football game. I just sit there because for the first time, I’m not sure what to do.

“Presley, don’t act uncomfortable. My son is stubborn,” Victor finally says, looking away from the TV and at me.

“I just don’t like seeing Levi or you upset.” I look down at my hands.

“We aren’t upset. Levi is acting like I’m a helpless child and I’m not. He needs to live his life instead of babying me. I am a grown adult and I don’t need my son doing it all.”

“He’s just worried, that’s all.”

Victor nods. “I know that and I’m so thankful that my son cares so much about me. But he needs to go and live his life, just like I am.”

This time, I nod. I understand where he is coming from, but I know that Levi isn’t going to like it. I continue to sit there and watch the game on the TV. When halftime starts, and I still haven’t seen Levi, I excuse myself and go upstairs to check on him.

He’s on the bed with his arm covering his eyes. For a moment, my eyes don’t leave his washboard abs. Gosh, they are amazing.