sixty six

2.7K 104 151
                                    

i wake up in the morning, burning hot. my throat is dry and painful, my nose is stuffed and my skin is on fire.

"you're up, finally," ethan says.

"i feel horrible," i croak, trying to swallow to ease the painful dryness of my throat. 

"you were burning up, but i didn't want to wake you," he says. he hands me a thermometer. "put this in your mouth." 

i comply, the cool metal of the stick soothing on my tongue. a few minutes later, the thermometer beeps and ethan takes it from my mouth, reading it quickly. 

"102," he says, placing it on the bedside table.

"you're not going anywhere today." 

"but it's monday," i say. "we have work-" 

"there is no way in hell you're going to work," ethan says instantly. 

"is everything alright?" grayson opens the door a crack, peeking in. 

"emma has a one hundred and two degree fever," ethan states and i roll my eyes. "so, we're staying home from work today," he says. 

"no, you're going to work, ethan," i say. 

"i'm not leaving you here by yourself," he says sternly. 

"i could take care of her," grayson says. 

"no," ethan says instantly. 

"why not?" 

"because... because..." ethan struggles for a liable excuse and i smirk. 

"get in your work clothes ethan, i'll make emma some tea," grayson says, smirking as well.

ethan huffs, knowing he's outnumbered. grayson turns on his heel and walks out of the room.

"i guess i'll go then," he sighs. 

i nod. 

"i'll tell grayson where i keep my medicine, and get lots of sleep," he says, leaning down and kissing my burning forehead. 

"god, you sound like my mother," i say. 

he rolls his eyes. "don't do anything stupid and if you steal my snickers i will know." 

"and how will you know?" 

"trust me, i'll know." he smirks and kisses my cheek before straightening up. 

"have fun at work!" i call after him. 

"not likely!" he calls back.

grayson enters the room just after he leaves, bearing toast and tea. i smile at him thankfully as he sits beside me on the bed. 

"i'm so sorry you're sick," he says as i take a careful sip of tea. "ethan mentioned having ibuprofen, i'll go see if i can find it." he exits the room. 

hidden | ethma Where stories live. Discover now