In school they talked about this guy outing thing in a week or two. Nick didn't think too much of it, but it was for all the guys in our grade. He thinks it's some sort of a husband talk or something. Nick even joked that this could be a way to sneak in sex-ed for the guys. I didn't appreciate his joke. I kept trying though to make Nick go to it, thinking it would be a nice break for him.
The next few days I couldn't eat anything, my stomach was bothering me so much. I couldn't concentrate in class, but I had to be there. At times it was difficult to stand up because I felt dizzy. I would brush my hair and find more strands of long blond hair in the brush than there usually was. I felt so nauseated at all times that I couldn't figure out why when I only drank iced tea and ate nothing because when I did I just threw it up. Even some food commercials made me feel sick.
I felt like my body was falling apart. I could almost cry with every moment that passed. That was when I told Nick I was just taking a resting day and stayed home from school. He just gave me a weird look then went to school saying he would bring home the work I missed for me. I eventually got up and went to couch, which seemed to take forever by the time I got to the couch and collapsed, unable to move from that spot for the rest of the day.
I just fell asleep and didn't wake up until Nick came home and I felt his hand on my forehead.
"What are you doing?" I questioned, not even opening my eyes.
"I'm checking to see if you have a temperature, which, Rachel, you do."
"Thank you, Dr. March," I replied sarcastically.
He just gave me a look and sat next to me. I moved over from lying down to sitting up and leaning against him. I curled up against him and I put my arms around him so my hands rested on his other shoulder. I nuzzled my head against his shoulder and never wanted to leave.
"Nick, what are our plans if we can't get rid of these marriages?" It hurt to ask, but I needed to hear something a little happy because of the way I felt. I could feel Nick slowly put his arms around me with his head on top of mine as my eyes were trying to close. This minus the pain would be heaven for me. His body heat against mine was added comfort.
"Well after we graduate high school, I guess we'll go to college together, maybe find a place to be together there. I'll try to stop myself from strangling you during midterm and final seasons. Then when we get full-time jobs we'll move into our own real home."
"How about a house that is far from this one? It should also have a back porch for us to sit and look at the stars together."
"Yeah, that sounds good, Rachel. We could have a little white fence so the dog won't get loose."
"Would the dog be a big one?"
"Of course, what other kind is there. Travel a little like you wanted. And we'll finally live the way we want."
I sighed. That sounded too good to be true. "Maybe have a kid or two. Isn't that right Nick?"
"If that's really what you want and you're okay with that."
That actually didn't sound too bad. Having children with Nick and raising them together. Teaching our kids to walk and talk. Seeing their happy faces as they learn to ride a bike or get tissues for when they cried. "How about when we have children we have a little boy and a little girl."
Nick smiled. He started to hold me tighter to him like he was enjoying this little dream world too. Why did I feel like this wasn't going to happen? "We have a long time until then so relax, Rach. The only goal right now is to get you better."
I wanted to say something, anything, but nothing would come out. Yet, I just kissed Nick lightly on the lips and didn't know why. Was I so afraid that I was dying that I wanted to enjoy life to the fullest even though it wasn't normal for me? Feeling like I needed to actually know that Nick was there and I wasn't about to lose him forever.
"I'm feeling better though. I think the day away from school really helped Nick."
So I was lying to him, no big deal. It would help him stop worrying about me. He didn't need to know that. So I kissed him again and put my arms around his neck. Why was I acting like this?
"Rach-"
But he didn't finish saying what he was going to because instead he kissed me back. What was happening? Nick picked me up gently in bridal style and walked to his room slowly. I kissed him quickly.
"Rach, you know I love you right?"
"Yes I do, Nick, don't worry I know that you do. I love you too."
Nick and I smiled at this as he leaned his forehead on mine for a split second before he kissed me on the lips. That was when he carried me into his room and closed the door behind us.
30
Nick
I leisurely opened my eyes and heard the rain hit the window with its own soft tune. Then last night came back to me and I turned my head to see Rachel sound asleep and I still couldn't believe it. I grinned as I brought the covers closer to us and cuddled closer to her. Rachel was curled up next to me with an arm across my chest. I could lay like this forever, just her and me forever. Right now, I
