Chapter Twenty-Two
(Edited by: Sara_Lovee1D. Thank you so much :D)
Arran's POV:
After parking my car, I got out and lifted her carefully. I won't lie and say that she is as light as a feather. I guess the curves I admire so much add a little extra weight. Or maybe it's because I feel like absolute shit. My whole body was aching. Who ever thinks dancing and kissing in the rain is cute, then wait for the effects afterward. They are fucking adorable.
She nuzzled her head in my neck causing me to still. Why is she making this so hard? I'm trying my best to stay as far away as I can yet here she is, in my arms. It seems like it is impossible to stay away from her. As weird it sounds, I feel like there is a strong pull towards her.
With hazy vision, I laid her on my bed softly. After calling the doctor, I called Martin to cancel the appointment. I was really looking forward to this appointment. Martin was going to tell me if the land I had in mind was worth this dream project or not. I wanted to help children who are suffering from Autism and Asperger syndrome. Ever since we found out Belle, my niece, is suffering from Asperger Syndrome, I wanted to do something for her. Not many people are aware of autism and this project was to raise awareness and help the children. Some people might consider children with autism as freaks or mental when the reality is they are just as normal as we all are. They just need some more time to process the information in their brain.
I sighed irately and rescheduled the appointment. Martha came in shortly after and told me that our family doctor, Dr Welch, is here. He is one of my father's closest friends. When we were little, my brother and I used to visit him a lot just for sweets and candy. He used to treat us like his own sons so we were very fond of him. I allowed him and his assistant inside my room and his eyes widened when he saw Emberly in my bed. I briefly told him how she fainted and how her body felt like it was on fire.
"You've not knocked her up, have you son?" He chuckled, taking his thermometer out of his briefcase. Classic Dr Welch.
I narrowed my eyes yet stopped myself from saying anything. I was glad he was here in such short notice. He soon turned serious and checked her pulses and eyes. He kept saying something to his assistant, which I couldn't comprehend. I sat down on the couch feeling my head hurt. I closed my eyes briefly when I felt a soft hand on my forehead. Acting purely on my instincts, I held the hand tightly. I opened my eyes only to find Dr Welch's assistant smiling down at me. I let go of her hand and sighed. I don't feel like dealing with her right now. She muttered something under her breath and took another thermometer and before I could object, she shoved it under my tongue.
"Seems like you both have the fever." Dr Welch told me, after checking the thermometer that was inside my mouth.
"Why did she faint?" I questioned him, worriedly. He smiled and shook his head.
"Nothing to worry about son, she didn't take any medicines and she worked her body way too much. You both need plenty of rest. Keep drinking clear fluid to prevent the body becoming dehydrated. I'm prescribing you some tablets; keep taking them every two hours. I'll get someone to deliver it to you. Just take care and keep her comfortable." He instructed me and I nodded my head.
"Thank you for your time and sorry for such a short notice." I smiled as I felt relief.
"No need to thank me son, look after her. She is a beautiful lady." His words had a double meaning and I knew it. I didn't reply and kept my face passive.
Soon, they both left and I made my way to the kitchen. I told Martha to prepare chicken soup for Emberly. Everyone in the house was shocked to hear I had a girl in my bedroom, especially this time of day. They knew about my lifestyle but they never had a chance to witness it. Fortunately, I kept my 'lifestyle' outside the house. Last thing I want is a clingy girl stalking me. Been there, done that!
When I went to my room, I changed into grey sweatpants and a T-shirt. I called the office to let them know I wasn't in and told the receptionist to cancel all the appointments for today. Coming back to Emberly, I took her heels off. Never thought I would be taking a girl's heels off without the intention of fucking her senselessly.
Then again, it's Emberly. Everything worked differently around her. She looked so peaceful sleeping. I noticed her eyes were puffy. All because of me. She doesn't deserve any of the pain she is going through.
'That's what you always do Arran. You push me away just when I start to think I'm getting to know you.'
It's true, I pushed her away as soon as she started to get to know me better. She doesn't realise that just her smile can change my whole day. Every day I will wake up hoping to see her as soon as I can. She manages to bring out the feelings that I am unaware of. She has started to understand me so much better that it worries me. Slowly yet steadily she is making a place in my life. I admit it feels great spending time with her. I enjoy her company. However, I also know we both like each other more than we are supposed to.
But I also know I am capable of hurting her. I know how hard it is for me to say this, but I don't deserve her. She should be with someone who keeps her happy all the time. Someone who manages to make her laugh, even in the worst of situations. Someone who won't hurt her. Most importantly, someone who will love her. How can I love someone knowing I love someone else? I have hurt her more than I should. Forget laughing, I can't even make her smile. I will always say something to hurt her and fuck the whole thing.
Her soft whimper brought my attention back to her. I looked at her and decided to make her more comfortable. If I wanted I could've changed her clothes myself but I doubt she would appreciate it, not after I told her about Lucy. Its so frustrating how she makes me feel. Even though I had Lucy under me, all I could think of was, is she okay? What a fucking idiot I am. I led her on without thinking about it. I know she gets emotional easily yet I am fucking with her feelings.
Why did she have to come in my life and mess everything up? Why can't I hurt her? I felt my head pounding. However, I quickly made a decision. If I can't keep her happy then I will at least try not to hurt her. I will respect whatever her decision is. She shouldn't be upset because I can't figure out my feelings. Whatever she does with her life, I just want her to feel happy. Nothing more.
I went to the kitchen again, where Martha was preparing chicken soup and some bread rolls. I told her to come with me and she followed me silently. Once we were in my room, I handed her a large shirt and pointed at Emberly. I respected her privacy. I told her to get her changed and to let me know once she was done. To say she was shocked would be an understatement.
She nodded her head quickly and I turned around. I went back to kitchen where Mandy, Martha's daughter, handed me the prescriptions. I took it and with her help, I filled an empty bowl with cold water. I asked for a clean cloth and went back to my room. Suddenly all this walking was making me dizzy and I felt like I will pass out if I don't lie down soon. I found Martha placing Emberly's clothes on a hanger. She was lying on the middle of the bed with blankets covering her frame. I put the medicines and the bowl on the table and sat down on the side of the bed.
I wet the cloth in a bowl, squeezed all the water out and placed it on her forehead. Her eyes fluttered and she sighed peacefully. I remember my mom doing this to me when I was little. Plus, Google suggested me when I searched for ways to bring down temperature. I rested my head on the bed's headboard and closed my eyes.
"Arran, you must rest too." Martha said it slowly. I totally forgot about her. She was watching me cautiously.
"Then who will look after her?" I muttered under my breath.
I smiled and told her to continue whatever she was doing. After repeating the process a couple of times I threw the damp cloth back in the bowl. By now, my whole body felt stiff and I grew very tired every minute passing. Mandy came to my room with soup and I motioned for her to come inside. I had to make sure something went inside before I could give her the medicines. I waited for the soup to cool. I didn't want to wake her up but I had to. Slowly nudging her, I helped her to sit up. She had her eyes half opened. I took a spoonful and placed it on her lips. She parted her lips and took a sip. I did this a couple of times until she shook her head. I gave her two tablets and she swallowed them. She looked at me and was about to say something when I shushed her. Making her lay back again and closing the curtains so the whole room was dark, I took two tablets for myself. I was about to go to the guest room when her hand on my arm halted me. She patted the empty place next to her.
I sighed and thought about it. Not knowing what to do, I slid under the blankets and closed my eyes. I know she will give me hell when she finds out where she is. Right now, I just want her to get better. I stayed on my side of the bed, away from her to give her space. After a while, I felt her warm arm around my torso, pulling me closer to her, her warm breaths fanning my neck. She soon wrapped her legs around mine and I realised she was only wearing a t-shirt; I sighed and placed my hand on top of hers.
What is she doing to me...?
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Dedicated to a very special person. Seriously your comment made me so happy. Please don't be late because of me.