Will gasped. His face turn red. “Do you think this is a joke? You know I had a check done on you as well and I see that you have been an excellent student and seemed to be rather well adjusted, but I’m not amused by your latest antics. Trespassing in the music hall. Stealing a student from her class. What game are you playing? Has Horatio sunk his claws into you?”
Gavin looked like an avenging body guard as he stood from his chair on the opposite side of me. “Show him Blake. Show him your mark.”
I sighed as I leaned forward and revealed th e ?on the back of my neck, under my hairline.
Will nearly fell out of his chair as he turned a disconcerting shade of white.
Chapter 11
Collin chose to come rushing through the doors at that time.
“Blake, babe,” he looked anxiously at Will and I, but his eyes narrowed at the sight of Gavin, who was still holding my hand in reassurance. It was a purely platonic touch between friends. Our fingers weren’t intertwined.
“What’s going on?” he bit out, although I could still see the panic lingering in his gaze. “I couldn’t find you anywhere today and you weren’t answering your phone.” He placed my phone in my lap. “Someone found this and turned it in to lost and found. I’m glad they didn’t try to pawn it.”
Likely story. I tried to give him a smile. “It seems like you were correct. I’ve been pushing myself too hard lately and when I caught a bug, it kind of wiped me out.”
“She had a temp of over 104 degrees and she was dehydrated,” Will informed him as he casually sat back down.
Collin leaned over my side, effectively disconnecting Gavin’s touch. “And your…friend was there for you,” Collin said bitingly, although his touch was gentle as he pushed my hair from my face.
I gave him a painstaking sigh. “He’s just my friend. I’m really tired of explaining myself.”
“I did what any guy would do for a friend—I made sure she obtained the proper treatment.” Gavin stood from his chair, bristling. “You knew she was sick this morning. Why would you allow her to go to school in her condition?”
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 ba
throom with my hand still attached to the iv machine. I pushed my button for the nurse and waited patiently.