The Two of Us (Love in Isolation 1)

I decide to message Ryan and check on him.

Cameron: Hey, big bro. You doing okay?

I watched the news last night before I cleansed my thoughts with Netflix. It was heartbreaking and depressing to see what was happening in the world and terrifying that New York City is the epicenter of the virus outbreak in the US. It scares me even more that Ryan’s in the middle of it.

Ryan: I’m about to leave for a 36-hour shift. It’s been pretty rough.

Cameron: The news says things haven’t peaked yet and that hospitals are running out of protective gear. That true?

Ryan: Unfortunately, yes. Don’t watch that, though. It’ll make you more anxious.

Cameron: I’m already there.

Ryan: Exactly. How are things going at Mom and Dad’s?

His abrupt subject change doesn’t go unnoticed, but that’s how Ryan is. Blunt and to the point.

Cameron: I didn’t go home. Decided to stay at the Roxbury cabin so I can focus on my classes. But then an unexpected visitor arrived…

Ryan: Hahaha.

Cameron: I hate you.

Ryan: You love me.

Cameron: Yeah, yeah. Well anyway, he brought his big ass dog and scared the shit out of me and Chanel.

Ryan: So, where did Eli go then?

Cameron: What do you mean?

Ryan: I assume you sent him packing…

Cameron: Well, I tried. But he refused and said we could “share” the cabin. So we are.

Ryan: I’m glad you let him stay because he had nowhere safe to go. Though, I’m not sure being quarantined with you is much safer.

Cameron: Okay, jerk. I’m getting enough shitty remarks from Eli. I don’t need it from you, too.

Ryan: Oh, come on. As your older brother, it’s my job to pick on you. He just does it to get a rise and response from you.

Cameron: I’ve noticed the last ten years.

Ryan: Well, I gotta go. Glad you two are isolating together. Be nice!

Cameron: Tell that to him!

Ryan: I’ll get right on that ;)

Cameron: Ha, I’m sure! Please be careful. I love you.

Ryan: Love you too, sis. Stay there so I don’t have to worry about you.

Cameron: I will.

I laugh, knowing Ryan is purposely keeping things light so I don’t freak out even more. Losing a sense of control as a perfectionist only fuels my uneasiness. I managed to get a refill of my anxiety medication before I left, but I’m trying to save it for when I really need it.

Once I’ve showered and dressed for the day, I go downstairs.

“Good morning,” I sing-song when I find Eli in the kitchen and head to the fridge for the OJ. “How’d you sleep last night?”

He turns toward me, one eyebrow arched as if I’ve grown a second head. Fortunately, he’s wearing a shirt this morning, so there’s zero temptation to ogle him.

Walking around him, I reach inside the cabinet and grab a glass, then pour myself some juice. Silently, Eli closes the gap between us, and my breath hitches as he leans in closer. He places his palm on my forehead and squints.

“What’re you doing?” I ask, confused.

“Checking to see if you have a fever.” He steps back, dropping his hand as he examines my face.

“Why?”

“Because I’m concerned that you’re sick.”

I immediately touch my cheeks. Then I slide my palm down my neck to see if my glands are swollen. “I don’t think so.” I feel fine, anyway.

“Hmm…then perhaps you were possessed by a friendly ghost while you slept because you skipped down here way too cheerfully.” He smirks, and then I realize what he’s doing.

Grinding my teeth, I narrow my eyes and bump him with my hip so he’s forced to take a step back. “You’re such an ass. For a second, I thought I was dying.”

“Yeah, I hear Jekyll and Hyde is a symptom. Better be careful.”

I take a sip of juice, then scowl. “And to think I was going to apologize to you. Never mind.”

Eli dramatically puts a palm on his chest over his heart and widens his eyes. “Oh, God. Don’t do that. I might stroke out.”

“At the thought of me saying sorry?” I ask as he moves around the space, grabbing a pan and items from the fridge.

“At you admitting you were wrong about something,” he confirms, cracking an egg into a bowl.

“I never said that.”

He shakes his head and smirks. “Alright. I’m all ears.”

Sucking in a deep breath, I lean against the counter and mentally prepare myself for his sarcastic remarks.

“Okay, well first…” I lick my lips and watch as he continues to prepare breakfast. “I’m sorry for how I reacted after you helped me with the toilet seat. I should’ve said thank you and that I appreciated you checking on me when you heard me fall. I was angry with Zane and took it out on you, and it wasn’t right. It won’t happen again.”

“Apology accepted.” He grins. “You hungry? I’m making scrambled eggs and hash browns.”