I nodded once.
“You’ll start school soon, won’t you?” I did a half shrug, half nod thing. Yes, I would, but what I did was a lot different than what most would call school. I probably knew more than regular kids would know from a school setting, having watched so many documentaries and reading articles and books. Yet, I was surely viewed as dumber because I wasn’t normal.
Even after three years, I still didn’t think going to a public place to learn was the bestoption for me. The threat of panicking was, and always would be, there. People in general tended to trigger me, although it was getting better.
I wasn’t freaking out right now, sort of having a conversation with Jasper. So that was a massive win. He didn’t cause my heart to race and thoughts to freeze now.
I also, today, had my emotions more in check than I’d have before.
“I think Dawn had said something about you being home schooled?” I nodded. “So, I guess if I get off early during the weekday, I can bribe you to come keep me company while I sort through stuff.” He gave me a wide smile, showing off a slightly dented tooth.
I lifted a shoulder once more. It would certainly depend on the day if I’d agree. But the idea was tempting. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to last for more than a few minutes in a house with him, but I’d rather it be Jasper than some other strange man.
Chapter 24
“Nope. Back to bed you go,” Dawn made a hand motion, shooing me away.
All she had to do was give me one look, and knew instantly I wasn’t well. My throat was on fire, my head was pounding with my heartbeat, and my entire body ached.
I couldn’t remember the last time I was sick, or at least sick enough to be sent back to bed. There weren’t many times I was told to stay in bed, even when I had a cold or the flu. Most of the time, the clients never cared, as long as I didn’t puke on them. But sometimes, that’s exactly what they wanted. A few men wanted me to puke my guts out while shoving their cock down my throat.
“Go on. I’ll bring you some warm tea with honey and meds.”
It took a moment to get my feet to move from where they were glued to the floor between the hallway and the kitchen.
I had planned to wait in the bedroom for Dawn to go into work before making my way down here, but my burning throat felt raw. I had hoped to just grab a cold bottle of water and sneak back to bed without her noticing.
Apparently, I had no such luck.
Swallowing, then grimacing as fire rained down over my throat, I got my feet to move.
I didn’t bother to close the door, instead shuffling to the bed and crawling back under the warm blankets that did little to help heat my shivering body.
It took effort to keep my body still and teeth from chattering together as I found a comfortable position in bed. Before I had gone downstairs, I had been in the perfect place, curled up and warm. Now, the bed wasn’t as soft or warm.
Huffing, I gave up, and just laid how I was with my knees pulled up against my stomach as I laid on a side.
It didn’t take too long for Dawn to come up, her shoes clicking against wooden floorboards.
Having gotten used to wearing glasses, I had to squint to see her as she entered my room.
“Cold water and meds.” She handed them over to me before sitting a cup of steaming tea on my bedside table. As I took two red pills, the cold water giving me a tiny brief bit of relief, Dawn moved a few things around in my room. She brought the computer chair next to the bed. Put a trash can and a box of Kleenex in reach, then made sure my tablet was in reach along with all the cords I’d possibly need.
“Give the tea a few minutes to cool off. I added some honey to it, which will coat your throat.”
I signed ‘thank you’ to her, forcing my body to sit up against the headboard.
“No chores. No cleaning. You are to rest for the entire day.”
I dipped my chin, half hating the idea of me being lazy and halfway thankful that she took it all out of my hands.
Dawn knew me too well. I knew I wouldn’t get in trouble for helping with tasks around the house, but at the same time, I always felt like I had to do something. She was doing so much for me. It was all I had to offer in return.
“Jasper will stop in later to check on you, since I have a meeting I really can’t cancel on. Or I would.”
I shot her a look that I hoped she understood. I’d be fine on my own. I wasn’t dying, even though my brain was trying to tell me that I was.
It was just a simple cold. Or something. I’d be fine.
