We Took A Chance

The first week of classes has been hectic. I can already tell this masters program will drain the life out of me. I'm excited when it's finally Friday and I step out of my last class around 2 in the afternoon to head to the comfort of my tiny twin size bed. I'm walking down the sidewalk that leads to the halls and admire the large green trees overshadowing the path creating a nice shade. There is no students around so I reach for my phone to snap a picture. This scene resembles that of a fairy tale or an expensive canvas painting. I'm about to put away my phone when I feel it vibrate with a notification.

Niall: I'm afraid I'll have to take you to the London eye another time . I woke up feeling funky and now it's turned into a mean cold . I'm sorry . :(

After movie night at his place on Monday, Niall has been texting me daily. On Wednesday we agreed that he'd take me to the London eye on Friday which is today. My anxiety gets the best of me and I begin to cloud my mind with the idea of him not having a cold and instead making excuses to not go.

Zoe: I'm sorry, is there anything I can do?

I ask hoping that he will reveal his lie.

Niall: Well if you don't mind I could care for some company and soup . :)

Wait, so he really has a cold? That's surely it otherwise he wouldn't invite me over if he was lying. I'd be able to tell right away.

Zoe: Hmmm... Text me your address.

I can't believe I'm actually doing this, taking up his offer to go to his apartment. After he texts me his address, I walk to a small restaurant a couple blocks from uni and order a large chicken soup to go. I'm given a large size styrofoam cup with a lid. I make my way back to the halls to leave my backpack and switch over to my crossbody purse. This is so unlike me but I can't shake the feeling that I need to go and visit him.

Once back outside I catch glimpse of an Addison Lee approaching the curve side and I know this is my cab. I show the driver the address from my phone and soon I'm on my way to Niall's. For some reason this time the drive didn't seem so long. Before I knew it we were paralleled parked outside his large white building.

"Thank you." I tell the driver as I give him the money and then he proceeds to drive off. I take a deep breath and punch in the code that Niall gave to open the lobby door. I'm pleasant to see that it opened right up. The climb up the stairs was excruciating. I'm really out of shape and the climb left me a little breathless. I stand in front of the door trying to recollect myself before entering. Niall said the door will be open and to come straight in.

I turn the knob and let myself in to the dim lighted apartment. The place is empty and all curtains are closed shut not allowing natural light. Niall is nowhere to be found until I can hear coughing from one of the doors to my right. I set down the hot cup of soup on the island in the kitchen and throw my crossbody on the sofa before knocking on the door the sound is coming from.

"Niall, are you in here?" I speak after knocking ligtly.
"Yes, come in." His voice hoarse and it induces another coughing fit.

Opening the door I find Niall laying on his side wrapped in blankets in his bed. He's shirtless and tissues are all over his nightstand. His eyes are swollen and look tired upon meeting mine. Poor guy really is sick, I shouldn't have doubted him even if it was only in my mind.

"You look... terrible." I tell him giving him a sympathetic wince.
"Gee thanks." he tries to chuckle but his cough gets the best of him.
"I'll be right back with your soup." I step out momentarily back to his kitchen.

It's my first time in this strange kitchen so I'm not sure where anything is but I begin opening cabinet after cabinet until I find what I need. I pour the steamy soup into a large white bowl and add a stainless steel spoon to rest against the edge. Next I open his fridge where he thankfully has orange juice so I pour him some in a tall glass cup. Lastly, I see he has a tray for eating in bed and it is perfect for the occassion. I place all the items on the tray and make my way to his room. I sit on the edge of his bedside and watch him as he devours the soup I brought for him. I can't help but wonder if he would have starved had I not come to him, he looks too sick to even get out of bed.

"How do you feel?" I ask as I remove the tray from his lap and place is on a desk by the wall.
"Like shite but at the same time happy." he relays and smiles at me. He's leaning against the headboard of the bed and looks very tired.
"Like shite but happy? hm weird combo." I tease and wonder why he'd be happy being this sick.
"Thank you for coming, Zoe. You saved my life." he closes his eyes momentarily and clears his throat.
"You're welcome although I don't think you would have died." I laugh a little hoping to get another smile from him which he does.
"What do you want to do? Do you need anything else?" I question, getting off the bed and moving closer to the dirty dishes on the tray.
"Zoe... I just want to sleep." he responds looking drowsy. "I took cold medicine." he continues before settling back down in his bed cacooned by the blankets.
"Ok, well, I'll be washing these dishes." I say but he quickly stops me.
"Wait! Zoe, will you lay with me? Rub my hair?" He asks me like a whiny sick kid.

I've always heard the man cold was the worst there is but I hadn't experienced it first hand until now. Although Niall's request seems a bit weird and personal, I agree anyway. The dirty dishes can wait and instead I climb on top of his bed and prop the pillows to lay my back against them. His torso is facing me and he snuggles into the pillows under him. I place my hand on his blonde locks and begins to play with the silky smooth hair. I thought his hair would be rough from the bleaching but it had a very pleasant texture. In a few minutes I can hear a light snore coming from Niall and I take this as the opportunity to get up and do the dishes. I begin to slowly shift my weight to get off the bed but I'm surprised by Niall's arms surrounding my waist not allowing movement. Great. I settle back in my spot and notice he's still fast asleep but his hold is tight on me. He must think I'm a pillow and now I'm stuck.

I sit there tapping my chin wondering what to do. I could try to get up and risk waking him or I could lay here until he wakes up. Poor guy is so sick I wouldn't want to wake him. It's not hard to make my decision and I relax into his arms and try to get comfortable. It isn't hard to do when this bed feels like a cloud. It isn't long until I feel my lids become heavy with sleep, my early morning finally catching up to me. I can feel myself drifting into slumber and I do nothing to stop it.

Notes

Sick Niall. Poor bby let Zoe pamper you.