--Previously--

Before going to sleep, Dad poured me a glass of water and set it on the bedside table. He pecked my cheek, whispering a 'goodnight' before gently closing the door, allowing the hallway to be the only source of light. If only I had known that this little act of mine would soon turn out to be a reality...
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It was ironic how I woke up with an upset stomach. I never knew the cause of it, but guessed it was the food I ate last night despite its lovely taste. It was another school day, and so I got woken up by my Dad barging into my room. He'd gotten more sleep than ever yet he still looked tired, even if he wasn't acting like it. Dad seemed happy to have a break from his work for the next week or so before we move and he came into my room buzzing with excitement.
I, still half asleep, turned over when he opened the blinds. It had been ages since he'd woken me up like this and I hadn't missed it one bit! On a morning like this, whilst I was feeling sick?! To make it worse, I felt a sudden breeze hit my body. One minute, it was bundled up in countless spare blankets and sheets I found around my room; the next, they had been unravelled. Even if I wore thick, comfy pyjamas, it still didn't help - must've been a cold morning.

"Good morning!" Dad shook me violently awake, causing me to curl into a ball. I knew he never meant it and usually it wouldn't be a problem, but it made my stomach feel even worse. Dad noticed this, feeling confused as to why I scrunched up into a ball (it's unusual of me to do this) and quizzed me. "Are you still feeling sick?"
I only nodded, having no energy to vocally respond to his question.
"My my..." He frowned. The temperature of my forehead had drastically changed since yesterday. My forehead felt hot; my body - cold. "Oh, you definitely have a temperature now..." He added, voice fully concerned.
Dad was thankful to send us back home early since staying later would've probably made it worse. Last night, I was a little sad about leaving but today I'm just glad I did. So eventually - seeing as there wasn't another option - I had the day off. One thing that made me slightly irritated was the continuous rambling about Dads career. It only annoyed me (and made feel guilty) because I knew what I had done; I knew that he hadn't sent off his proper article - Zim had it with him! I only hoped that when I move, nobody will find it...

I received a knock on the door later that day. School would have just finished for me so you could only guess who wanted to see me. It wasn't even me who answered it; I was still on the couch watching TV like I had been doing all day. Dad was quite pleased to see who was at the door - a friend of mine! It was Gaz (just Gaz, no Dib) and she walked inside holding a bar of chocolate. Gaz knew I was ill, Professor Membrane told her and Dib that. I was happy to know that at least someone cared enough to show up. 
She raised an eyebrow, looking at me sprawled on the couch; many tissues had been scattered across the floor and an empty bucket beside me. I'd been sick once before then, but Dad obviously cleaned the bucket out. I never noticed her place the chocolate bar on the coffee table. Only when she said hello had I noticed any guests were here. I perked up.
"Oh, hi Gaz!" I sounded happy (which was the truth anyway).
"How are you feeling?" She asked, sitting down on the floor in front of the TV.
"..Not great, but better than this morning..." I chuckled a bit, that soon turning into a cough. Gaz smiled awkwardly before looking over at the TV. I wasn't watching any show I liked, but it was a game show that I was only watching to keep me occupied. Honestly, it was rather boring. Gaz didn't pay too much attention to the television and turned back over to me.
"If you're wondering, Dib and I got you the chocolate. Well, I asked him if he knew what chocolate you liked and he said (Favourite chocolate)..."
"Thanks Gaz.!" Hearing that made me smile. At least I knew Dib somewhat cared, maybe he was busy with Zim and that's why he didn't come over with Gaz. I mean, they do fight a lot.
"Oh, and Zim wouldn't stop bugging Dib all day - it was actually funny." Gaz commented, which left me feeling confused. "Zim was worried about you. Makes sense, he didn't know you were ill. But oh well. I mean, they're fighting now over it..." 
That must be entertaining to watch; two boys - Dib and Zim - fighting because I'm ill. At least Gaz had a laugh whilst I've been gone. It did make me wonder: Why does Zim suddenly care? My guess had to be because I've helped him out so much in the past. Even then, this doesn't make sense - this is Zim we're talking about!

With a smile, I struggled to get up from the couch and reached over to the chocolate bar. I unwrapped the bar and started to munch on the chocolate. Eventually, Gaz got annoyed by the background noise of the TV and muted it, walking over to me. She sat on the couch (which had much more space on it now since I got up) and took out her Game Slave. After turning it on, she offered me the chance to play.
"You can have a go if you want." She shrugged.
"Nah, I'd probably suck. Plus, I'd rather watch you play at the moment." I replied, declining the offer. It left her happier; she would never usually lend her things (especially her Game Slave) to others, so seeing as I didn't even want to have a go, she felt more content - even if she didn't want to admit it. I'm like that with most of my things anyway.

She was quite a professional at these little games of hers that she kept. I wouldn't assume otherwise, she'd always have her Game Slave on her, occasionally clutching onto it for dear life! I could tell that was one of the many things that kept her happy. She was quite the loner.
Watching her now just seemed like a huge compliment. Usually, she'd hate company! Only finding it amusing when it was nothing to do with her, but her brother. -Not to say she was never concerned about him- but she'd never feel the need to be. Half of the time, it's been Zim fighting with Dib. Until the florpus incident (which I'd came to learn a lot about), she never believed Zim was capable of taking over the world.
I disagree.
Zim has some pretty good and complex ideas, he just doesn't understand how to put it all into action. I'm sure if someone were to get through to him, he'd actually manage to successfully take over the world. Now, I'm much like Gaz, I wouldn't believe that would happen. I don't want Zim to take over Earth; with Gir on his hands, I don't think that Zim could even bring himself to do it.

"That's a good point. Dib can handle himself though." Gaz replied to our latest conversation.
"Yeah... Just be sure to tell Zim afterwards that Dib had nothing to do with me being ill."
With that, Gaz grabbed onto her belongings and put on a coat she carried with her. She was bundled up in a thick scarf, a big hat and some red mittens. It was time for her to take her leave. I do admit now, I really wanted a turn playing on her Game Slave.

Looking back, I laughed a little too hard. I found it really funny - the things she told me. That Dib and Zim fought; Zim accused Dib of poisoning me since he knew about the meal. Maybe Zim was caring after all.
"Stupid aliens!" I calmed my laughter by talking in my insanely annoying high-pitched voice that I hate so much. "My goodness..."
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A/N: Guess what? More art:

Word count: 1416 words

Amberzoeheart~