Good. There’s no way she can drink that without spilling it all over herself. She’s practically having a seizure with how violently she’s shaking.
“Do ya want me to take ya home?” my mom asked, patting Shiloh’s knee in that comforting way all mothers do when they encounter a sick child.
“N-no. I’m okay. I feel b-better already. Is it okay if-f-f-f I stay?”
My mom looked up at me, silently telling me that she was worried and didn’t believe Shiloh.
“Of course, honey. But I’d prefer it if ya slept upstairs in Nox’s room.” She gave me a‘don’t even think of protestin’, Nox’face, before giving Shiloh her full attention. “It’ll be more comfortable, and I’ll be able to hear ya if ya get sick in the night.”
“That-that’s not necessary. Really. I’m f-f-fine here.”
“Shiloh, you’ll be much comfier upstairs, and I don’t mind. Please, just take my bed,” I persuaded, staring into her eyes to show her I meant it.
She let out a small grumble but nodded.
“Good,” my mom smiled, pleased with Shiloh’s willingness. I knew she’d mother her into it regardless. She’d never be able to sleep if she knew one of us was alone and sick all night. “I’ll gochange the sheets. Just give me five minutes and it’ll be ready. Nox,” my mom turned to look at me, “get her some crackers.”
I nodded and headed for the kitchen pantry when Jae abruptly stopped me with a hand on my shoulder.
“I’ll get it.”
I nodded thanks, rolling my eyes at the heart shape he made with his fingers from the doorway.
“Are you sure you’re feeling better?” I asked Shiloh, taking all of her in. Her face was pale, and her lips stood out bright red. Thankfully it looked like her eyes had healed from the allergic reaction and were only slightly pink. Seeing her slouched over with such a lifeless expression made her look haunting.
“I’ll be f-f-fine. I just need to g-go back to sle-ep,” Shiloh finally responded.
I nodded and offered her my hand to lead her upstairs. I noticed the phone on the sofa that wasn’t mine or Jae’s and grabbed it. I guessed she’d gotten her phone back. Maybe it’d gotten wrecked in the car accident, and she got a new one? I’d have to ask her for her number when she was feeling better.
I was genuinely concerned about her well-being. She looked like she felt awful, and I wanted to know for sure it really was just a migraine. Seeing her so sick made my chest hurt.
My mom reminded Shiloh that she was just down the hall if she needed anything and left my room once she was satisfied that Shiloh was settled and didn’t need her. Shiloh sat on the bed and immediately curled up beneath the comforter, her body still shaking.
“Goodnight.” I set the phone on my nightstand and switched the light off. I hesitated to leave. “If you need me, I’ll be downstairs in the living room.”
Shiloh didn’t say anything back, and my shadow in the doorway was casting her in darkness. I turned to leave and was closing the door when Shiloh called my name.
“Yeah?”
“I don’t want to be alone,” she chattered, barely audibly.
I licked my lips and looked down the hall to my parents’ room.
“Okay, I’ll be right back. Two minutes,” I said.
I strode down to their room and knocked softly. My dad called for me to come in. When I walked in, he was shaking out his hair with a towel, standing in just a pair of sweats.
“Hey, is it okay if I sleep in my room with Shiloh. She says she doesn’t want to be alone.”
I looked between my dad and my mom who peeked her head out from the bathroom, her toothbrush hanging from her mouth.
“Yeah,” she nodded, toothpaste dripping down her chin and she chuckled as she wiped it, stepping back into the bathroom.
“We trust you,” my dad added. “Just come get us if you need help.”
I nodded and he shooed me out of his room, whipping his towel in my direction. I chuckled and headed back down the hall.
Shit. Jae.
