34.

I woke up feeling worse than when I had gone to bed. Indecision was making my stomach hurt and uncertainty had given me a headache. My vision is swimming, and my throat feels tight. My mouth feels dryer than usual and a disgusting feeling was at the back of my mouth.

I stand up, and my stomach drops. I start to cough, and then a few minutes later, I'm sprinting to the bathroom. Hand over my mouth as I try to hold back my gagging. I throw myself down next to the toilet, and waves of nausea hit me like a pound of bricks. Things I don't even want to think if rise up n my throat, and I just heave it all up. I hear a few meaningful steps, and then someone is holding my hair out of my face. A few strands are stuck to my forehead, and a thin layer of sweat coats my skin even though I feel extremely cold.

"Mellie, let's get you back to bed." My dad helps me up, his arms support me, and I use him as a crutch. For the moment, all is forgiven. I collapse into my bed, pulling my blankets up to my neck and curling into a fetal position. "Let's get you something to eat. Maybe some saltines, or something dry and not super flavor filled to keep your gag reflex down. I'll call my boss, and let him know I'm taking a sick day, to be here for you. Now get some sleep. When you wake up, I'll give you something to eat."

My eyes close before he is gone.

- - - - - - - - - - -

It feels like I stuck a leaf blower in my mouth and turned it all the way up. My lips are dry, and my throat feels like it closing in. It hurts to swallow. My eyes are watery, and it feels like I have stuff in the corner of my mouth, I'm pretty sure it is a dribble of drool. I swipe at my eyes and sit up, slowly. This time, I luckily don't throw up. I grab my phone and look at my messages. I have way more than usual, and I get a warm feeling. I feel so loved.

From Ninja Hater:

Where are you?

I'll some with Em.

Come*

From Em:

Did you miss the bus?

Why aren't you here?

Are you sick?

I'll see you after school, and you better be awake or we're gonna have problems. :/

From Riley:

I called your dad, he said that you were sick. I'll bring some cns from my mum. See you after school.

From Archer:

How come I've gotten a bunch of texts from random people asking where you were?

I'd visit later but, ya know, can't. Feel better.

From Harris:

Should I come visit you later, after school?

I could bring soup.

From Mum:

Feel better, honey. I'll see you soon. Couldn't get off work.

I don't even know how to respond to all of them. I look at the time and panic because it is after four. Which means there is a small chance that some people will be here who won't mix well with others. I stand up and ignore my plummeting stomach. I don't even think about my ratty hair, weird shirt and shorts, and horrible breath until after I reach the end of the stairs.

Em is lounging on the couch, with Riley sitting next to her. Tyler is sitting on the floor, and they seem engaged in an easygoing conversation. My dad stands in the kitchen, he has two different thermoses in front of him. He looks tired.

"Look who is finally up," Em says, trying very hard to look angry.

"God took you long up. You look like walking death, and I mean that as a compliment." Riley says, but she's smiling. She looks refreshed, and she happier than I've seen her for a while.

"Guys, leave her alone. It's not Morgans fault all the mirrors broke on her way here." Tyler says, a small smirk on his face. I stick my tongue out at them.

"It's not my fault you guys can't appreciate the gorgeousness of my current appearance." I walk over and collapse on the other couch. They're watching Say Yes to the Dress.

I glance meaningfully at the T.V and then to Tyler and back again.

"What? They're pretty." Tyler mumbles.

"The dress or the girls?" Riley asks, she's draped, half leaning up against Em. They look like they're getting along, and it makes me so happy.

"Both?" He mumbles. He looks embarrassed.

"You horn dog, are you only watching this to see the girls boobs? Gross!" Em exclaims.

"I'm so ashamed of you. And I thought you were here to see me. But noooo, it's just for girls about to get married." I exaggerate and roll my eyes. He scowls at all of us. He gets up and moves to lean against the couch by me.

"Hey, sickie. I couldn't get your friends to leave. Even though I told them, that you needed to sleep to get better." My dad pointedly scowls at them. "I've got a few soups, and some crackers for you to eat." He sets down a warm soup and hands me a spoon. He also sets the crackers down for me. He rustles my hair and turns to head in the kitchen.

"Wait, dad. Another guy is gonna be stopping by. Can you tell him I'm sleeping?" I ask.

"Yeah, whatever you need honey." My dad says. He walks away, probably to his room.

I readjust and scoop up some soup and noodles. It smells delicious and runs down my dry throat.

"Harrass?" Riley asks, making everyone laugh.

"Yeah, he texted me saying that he was gonna stop by."

"At least he's acting like a good boyfriend," Tyler says bitterly. Riley and Em nod in agreement.

"That's almost worse, it just makes it so much harder. I'm almost having second doubts." I admit and see them all act in alarm.

"You aren't gaining feelings for him, are you?" Tyler asks.

"No, way. He is a dick. Just close your eyes and imagine him as a dick. Wait a minute... have you seen his..." Em asked at the same time. Riley mimes gagging.

"EEEEEWWWWW. Em, gross. Yes, but gross. I am not imagining him as, that. And, I don't think I'm regrowing feelings. I mean, it's not like he's my type." I try not to look at Tyler. "I just, don't know if I can go through hurting him." Tyler looks frustrated. He's giving off more of the serial killer vibe than normal.

"Does that mean I can castrate him if you don't?" Em asks.

"I'll help." Riley chimes in.

"Ugh, no. That would be messy." I say, and they look so sad I start to feel bad. "You guys will be there for me, when I do it, right? You can see his pain and everything?"

"Of course," Riley says immediately.

"There is no way we'd miss it," Em adds.

I feel very relieved, however, Tyler looks stormy.

"I can't believe you're having second doubts," Tyler grumbles. I reach down and gently tug on his hair. He looks up and meets my eyes.

"I won't let any doubt stop me, okay?"

"Alright."

I turn and look at my friends. Each of them makes me so happy, all in different ways.

A knock at the door makes me jump. My dad comes running from the other room. He motions for us to be quiet and we all freeze.

"Hello, Mr. Marigold. How is Melody doing? I brought her some soup." Harris' voice washes over the halls.

"No, Melody is in bed. She, would rather not see anybody."

At that moment, Em decides to start giggling. And them so does Riley because of it infectious and because I chucked a pillow at them.

"It's the T.V. I'll take the soup, and let her know you stopped by." My dad says, promptly closing the door. Tyler burst out laughing and the rest of us broke down too. I wonder if Harris has a group like this. It's almost enough to make me feel bad for the guy.