Semi-Edited

Song Above is....Fallin' By Dylan Brady (I think this fits Alex and Riley so well!!)

Happy Reading!! :)

I'm dying. Like really dying this time. When I said I was over the weekend I lied. Pretty certain I jinxed myself by saying that cause now I really felt like I was.

I went to bed perfectly fine but woke up in the middle of the night shaking like a leaf with a pounding headache and a clogged nose. I instantly knew I was sick. I had hoped that being out in the cold rain wouldn't have bit me in the ass but it did.

So what was a really good night turned into a crappy one. It was like as soon as I woke up at 2 in the morning it was game over. The cold inside decided to come out in full force in that moment.

Next thing I knew I was coughing, wheezing through my mouth with a stuffy nose, and the worst pounding headache ever. I couldn't even move to get up and get some medicine. It was like I was suddenly hit by a freight train.

I spent the rest of the night huddled under my covers shivering and being beyond miserable. Laying there at 3 in the morning feeling so sick I wished my parents were home. That all I had to do was call out and one of them would come and make me feel better. I found myself almost calling out before reminding myself that I was alone. The thought making me cry into my pillow.

But here I was now around 9 o'clock in the morning feeling just as miserable. I didn't even bother trying to go to school. I somehow managed to get myself out of bed to use the bathroom and grab some medicine from the cabinet and some water. One plus side to having doctors as parents there was always medicine in the cabinets.

And on top of feeling like crap, mother nature decided to stop by for a visit. So with a massive head cold I now also had cramps. Of course it was just my luck two of the worst things decided to collide.

Taking two cold pills I laid there in my bed trying to fall back asleep while cradling my stomach. I had forgotten how horrible it was to get sick. The stuffed but runny nose, the sore throat, the cough, the weakness. It all sucked. I just prayed I didn't get Alex or Harper sick when I saw them yesterday. Especially Alex seeing as that we kissed....a lot.

For the next half hour I drifted in an out of sleep. The cold pill finally helping a little bit to clear my nose. I was just flipping over to go back to sleep when I heard my phone start to ring.

I decided to ignore it and closed my eyes hoping to get a bit more sleep but as soon as my phone stopped ringing it started up again. It went two more times before I groaned and flopped over onto my back. I blindly reached out for my phone on my nightstand and hit answer without even opening my eyes.

"Hello." I croaked. It was the first time I had spoken and my voice sounded horrible.

"Where are you? You missed your first two classes and now third period is about to start." Olivia's voice came through the phone. "I assumed you were with Alex playing hooky but I just saw him pull up a few minutes ago and you are no where to be found. Please tell me you aren't dead in a ditch somewhere."

I started to laugh at Liv's word, wanting to reply back that if I was dead in a ditch I wouldn't have answered, but instead of a laugh coming out a loud cough did. My throat burned as I coughed loudly.

"I'm home. Sick." I said once my coughing fit was over.

"Why didn't you call me! I would have come over and helped you feel better." Even though Liv was studying to be a nurse and was probably the best person to come over and take care of me, I couldn't let her.

"You have a huge exam in 5th period, remember?" Liv has been going on for days about this exam and how worried she's been about it. She's been studying her ass off for it too. I wasn't going to let her miss the exam to be here with me.

"Doesn't matter." Liv started to say but my coughing interrupted her.

"You're not coming over, that's final." I shook my head even though she couldn't see me. "So get to class, I'll be fine. I already took some medicine and I'm going to try and sleep it off."

"Riley!"

"No I'm hanging up now."

"Fine. God you are a stubborn ass no wonder you and Alex get along well." Liv muttered into the phone. "Just make sure to drink lots of water. Take some more medicine here in a little bit and try to eat something." She instructed.

"Yes doctor." I mumbled.

"I'll call you when school is over. If you need anything, and I mean anything Riley call or text me." The concern in her voice made me tear up.

"I will."

"Feel better." I could tell Olivia wasn't happy but she let me go. I knew without a doubt she would be calling me the second the final bell rang and would be here in minutes. The fact that she cared, even after only knowing me a few short months, meant a lot.

Putting my phone down on my bed I turned onto my side and curled into a ball. I still had a throbbing headache and the cramps going on in my stomach were horrible.

Groaning I closed my eyes and tried to get my mind off of it. I thought about last night with Alex and Harper. The thought of Harper's laughter and her bright smile made the tension in my shoulders relax a little. I swore that little girl was an angel. You couldn't help but be in a great mood when she was around.

I felt a bit sorry for Alex when she grows up. The boys were going to be all over her for sure and poor Alex was going to have his work cut out for him. I could already see him scaring off any boys that so much as looked at his little sister.

The relationship between Alex and his sister was adorable. It reminded me of Trent and I growing up. Trent and Alex had quite a few similarities in that sense. Both protective of their sisters. I knew if my brother ever met Alex they would get along fine, no doubt bonding over soccer.

As my mind drifted off, imagining the scenario of my brother and boyfriend meeting, I felt myself finally falling asleep.

It only felt like five minutes my eyes were closed when I heard the sound of my doorbell followed by a knock. I let out a loud groan and snuggled deeper in my bed. Whoever it is can come back later.

A good minute passed before it sounded all over again. I was pretty certain it wasn't any of my friends seeing that school was still in. I was hoping by not answering they would be the memo that no one was home. But as another minute passed they knocked once more.

Cursing under my breath I flung my covers off and slid out of bed. I was beyond grumpy. With no sleep, a cold and cramps, I was not a happy camper. So whoever was at my door was about to face my wrath.

I grumbled under my breath the entire way down the stairs as I reached the door. Without a care of what I looked like I unlocked the door and flung it open.

"When someone doesn't answer means they don't want to." I spat out angrily.

"Good morning to you too."

I snapped out of my angry haze as I realized it was Alex at the door.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice coming out low and raspy like I had just smoked a 6 pack.

"I was told you were sick so," He held his hands up to show off two bags. "I brought some soup, crackers, medicine, chocolate, candy bars, ice cream."

Besides the fact that I was already emotional, the fact that he skipped classes and went to the store to buy me snacks brought literal tears to my eyes.

"You didn't have to." I croaked. I was seconds away from crying despite trying my hardest not to.

"As you boyfriend it is my job to take care of you." Alex gave me one of the cutest smiles as he spoke. It was one of the most boyish smiles I've ever seen on him and it was doing something to my insides.

"But I don't want to get you sick."

"I've got an immune system as strong as an ox, don't worry about me." He waved me off.

"What about Harper? I won't get her sick." I shook my head. What if I give it to Alex and he gives it to his sister.

"All that matters right now is you freckles. We need to get you in bed." He didn't give me another second to argue as he stepped into the house, pushing past me. Alex walked towards the kitchen while I shut and locked the door.

Because I was moving in such slow motion by time I turned back around Alex was coming back towards me.

"You look seconds away from passing out."

"Thanks." I said dryly. "You look good too." The laugh he made was music to my ears.

"At least being sick hasn't taken away your humor." With such gentleness, he placed my arm around his elbow like they did back in the day. He slowly lead me towards the stairs, making sure to keep a grip on me.

"You didn't have to come you know."

"I know but I wanted to.

We made it up the stairs and as embarrassing as it was I was panting when we reached the top. The fact that I couldn't breathe through my nose didn't help.

As we got to my room I left him to use the bathroom and when I got back he had my tv on and my bed turned down waiting for me.

"You haven't eaten today have you?" I shook my head I crawled back under the covers. The thought of eating right now made my stomach roll. "Even if its just crackers you need something. Just stay here and I'll be right back."

"Alex you don't-" He immediately cut me off.

"I am here to take care of you Riley." His voice was firm. "So relax and let me do that."

I wasn't even going to lie the tone he just used was very attractive. I knew Alex could be firm seeing him with Harper, and I knew he could be unyielding about things but it's never been directed at me before. And as weird as it sounded I didn't mind it.

Seeing that I wasn't going to argue he nodded.

"I'll be right back." I sat there and stared at his back as he left to go downstairs. I was still trying to comprehend that Alex was actually here and going to take care of me. I was happy someone else was here with me, especially Alex, despite the situation.

It was probably selfish of me but I wanted to spend more time with Alex although we've spent the last 4 days together. I know it isn't healthy to spend every waking second with your boyfriend, but with Alex it never felt like too much almost the exact opposite.

Whenever we were together time flies by and when he drops me off every part of me wants him to stay. To make it last just that much longer. It could be just me that wanted to spend more time and I wouldn't lie that the thought of Alex thinking we were hanging out too much has crossed my mind. The last thing I wanted was to come off as clingy.

The sound of a familiar tv show theme song met my ears and drew my attention back to my tv. I looked over to see Drake & Josh playing. I use to love this show. My brother Trent and I use to watch it everyday constantly. I hummed along to the theme song as I got more comfortable in bed.

"Since it is still early I got you crackers to snack on and a gatorade." Alex announced as he came back in the room. "But you will eat some soup in a bit."

The grin stayed on my voice as he gently placed the packet of saltines on the bed besides me and then unscrewed the gatorade for me.

"Drink this." Not having the energy to try and fight him on it I reached out and grabbed the drink of him, taking small sips.

Alex stood there to the side of my bed watching me awkwardly. I watched him look around the room like he was trying to see if he should stay. Silently I scooted over.

"You can share with me if you want." Not wanting him to say no I put on my best puppy look. I really needed to learn from Harper on how to do it properly. Alex didn't say anything but shook his head and sat down.

Instead of getting under the covers he tucked them around my body then sat on top. I bit back a smile at how gentle he was being. Like me being sick made me fragile. Grabbing the remote I turned to him.

"Anything you want to watch? I have Netflix."

"Are you asking me to Netflix and Chill with you?" Alex raised an eyebrow at me, keeping his face neutral.

My eyes widened at his words and I choked. Sputtering I quickly shook my head.

"N-no." I gripped the remote. "No!" Alex let out a laugh at my expression.

"It sounded like it."An almost smug look appeared on his face. Recovering slightly I narrowed my eyes at him.

"I will kick you out of my bed."

"You enjoy my presence too much." He brought his arms up behind his head, sending me a smirk.

"Uh huh keeping thinking that." I turned my attention back to my tv, while my inner voice was gladly agreeing with what he just said.

From the corner of my eye I could still see the smug look he had on his face. I was half tempted to shove him off the side of the bed but I launched into a coughing fit.

"Freckles here." Alex's hand came into view with the gatorade. The coughing subsided enough for me to get a drink.

I laid back in my pillows with a groan.

"I hate being sick." The coughing once again stuffed my nose up.

"Nice going getting sick." Alex joked as he took the gatorade from me. I cracked a small smile.

"I'll try not to next time."

"Here." He took the remote from me and started flipping through Netflix. "Want to finish watching Avatar?" I perked up and quickly nodded.

"Yes!" Alex chuckled at my reaction as he scrolled to where we left off. Anytime Avatar is involved its great.

I snuggled deeper in my blankets as the episode started. Alex sat on top of my covers still slightly stiff like he didn't want to move too much on the bed. I held back a smile and left him to relax on his own.

I wasn't sure if it was all the medicine I took or if having Alex here but I felt better. I'm pretty sure it was the medicine making me feel better but the boy sitting beside me didn't hurt at all. The fact that he ditched the rest of school and brought stuff over for me means more than I can even express.

We were a good ten minutes into the episode when I felt Alex finally relax beside me. He settled deeper into my bed and moved closer to me, his hand moving down the bed to softly grabbed mine.

Nothing could stop my cheeks from turning red at the gesture. I just hoped he didn't notice and if he did I full on planned to blame it on the fever.

Neither of us said a word as we walked the show. Occasionally we laughed at something Sokka said but we sat in comfortable silence. I didn't feel the urge to have to talk to the fill the silence. When I was with Alex I felt comfortable and safe. Like I could be myself without having to hide.

When the next episode started I felt my eyes start to close. As hard I tried to fight it I couldn't keep my eyes open. The lack of sleep finally catching up with me. Right before I could completely pass out I felt the softest of touchiest on my forehead, pushing my hair back followed by the feel of lips.

I felt my body being pulled against something warm before I passed out.

* * * * * * * * * *

I woke up to stabbing pain in my stomach making me roll over with a groan. I grabbed my stomach as I smashed my face into my pillow, only to turn back over when I couldn't breathe thanks to my still stuffed nose.

"Woah you okay freckles?" I heard the words but I was still half asleep I brushed them off. Feeling like someone was stabbing me I groaned again.

"Okay your scaring me. Are you okay?" I felt a hand touch my forehead at which I swatted at.

I forced my eyes open and found Alex leaning over me with a concern expression. It took me a second to remember that he came over and that I fell asleep while watching Avatar.

"Are you okay? Do I need to take you to the hospital?" He brought his hand back to my forehead and then my cheeks to check my temperature. "You don't feel that hot but I'm not a doctor. Should I call Olivia? Yeah I'll call Olivia she'll know." Alex rattled off.

As funny as it was to hear Alex slightly freak out over nothing I needed to get up and use the bathroom and grab some more Advil. So while he scrambled to find his phone I got out of bed and waddled towards the bathroom.

"Freckles I...wait where are you going?" He called after me.

"To the bathroom." Before he could say anything else I shut the door behind me.

"Don't pass out in there!" He yelled through the door. "I'll knock the door down if you aren't out here in 3 minutes."

I shook my head despite him not seeing me. It was cute that he was concerned though.

I barely finished everything I needed to in the bathroom when a loud knock sounded.
"Freckles."

"Hold your horses." I said, opening the door. His hand was mid-raise to knock again when I opened the door.

"You okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine." I waved him off. Now that I was now awake and washed my face I felt a bit better.

"You sure? Not running a fever or anything?" He questioned.

"I still feel achy and have a stuffed nose but I'm better." There was no way I was going to tell Alex I was actually having horrible cramps. Nope.

"Feeling hungry? You only ate two crackers." The sound of food didn't sound all that appetizing but the look on his face made me nod.

"Okay back in bed while I go make you some soup." It took everything in me not to awe when he gently grabbed my elbow and lead me back to bed. He was walking beside me like I was an old grandma without a walker. But seeing how focused he was I decided not to burst his bubble by saying anything.

As soon as I was in bed and tucked in Alex made his way downstairs to make me some soup, him making me promise I wouldn't get out of bed until he came back.

With him gone I laid back in bed and cradled my stomach. Of course I would end up getting my period while sick as a dog. It was like someone up there had it out for me.

Trying not to focus on the pain I turned my attention to the tv. It was currently playing Drake and Josh again which made me smile. Alex was kind enough to turn it off Avatar when I fell asleep. I had to stifle another urge to awe at the gesture.

As I waited for Alex to come back up I was fully expecting to hear a crash in the kitchen. Not sure why considering Alex was actually a great cook. So when he finally came back with a tray in his hands I shouldn't have been all that surprised.

I had absolutely no clue where he found the tray but it had a bowl of chicken noodle soup, crackers and even a cup filled with gatorade. I felt my eyes actually start to tear up at the sight. No ones ever gone out of the way to do something like this for me. Yeah my brother has once or twice but not someone who wasn't family.

Here Alex was, quite possibly letting himself get sick, to take care of me. To actually make me a bowl of soup just because I didn't feel well. I honestly did not know what I did to deserve someone like Alex. He was more than I even thought when we first met. The rude ass that he was when we first met was nothing like who he really is. Who he was being right now.

After Mitch I didn't feel...worthy of someone. That I really wasn't good enough for anyone else. Mitch's words always lingering at the back of my mind. Even when I met Alex I didn't think anything would good would come of it.

Thought 'oh the 'bad boy' of Central High was also going to add onto my shitty year. Never did I think I would become friends with him and his friends. To wiggle my way into their close knit group. And never in a million years did I think I would date Alex Kinley of all people.

Having him in my life was something I didn't even know I needed. I guess I never noticed just how lonely my life had become. No one home. No friends. Just work and homework. That was all my life had become until Alex.

Until the stupid grey eyed boy in front of me stopped on his motorcycle to comment about my trashed car. From that moment on my life had become...well better. I finally had people who were friends with me because they wanted to be, not because we had classes together or because they needed one more person in their 'group'.

And I now knew that if things got bad none of them would leave. Even after Mitch put the stupid naked picture around Alex and his friends didn't leave. They didn't care how it looked being around me.

The fact that I now had people in my life that cared was now suddenly hitting me. I felt the tears filling up my eyes and I knew there was no stopping them. I was about to literally start crying front of Alex.

The first tear fell when Alex went to place the tray on the bed only to pause when he saw my face. One look in his eyes was all it took to suddenly start crying. I started sobbing in bed while Alex scrambled around, not knowing what to do.

I rolled over into my pillow as I cried, at least having a bit of sense not to show Alex my ugly crying face. Hands on my shoulders gently rolled my back over and pulled me into a chest.

My hands came up and gripped the front of Alex's shirt tightly as I cried into him. I cried for the fact that I was home sick with no one to take care of me. For the fact that even if I did call my parents they wouldn't rush home to be here with me. Cried for the fact that my life had become so horrible until Alex. And I also cried that I finally had someone in my life that was here for me when I needed them to be.

I couldn't be more grateful that Alex was here right now with me. I may have seemed okay to be home alone while sick but in reality I wanted someone here. And Alex knew that without even trying. Just made me feel even more grateful that he was here and that he was in my life.

Despite feeling embarrassed at my meltdown, stupid hormones, I clung to Alex as I finally let out my feelings.

A good five minutes passed before I started to calm down. I let out a little hiccup as my tears subsided but I didn't once let go of Alex and neither did he. His arm were still wrapped tightly around my waist keeping me pressed into him. His other hand was softly rubbing the back of my head.

When I managed to calm down and my body to stop shaking Alex softly spoke.

"Are you okay?" Seemed to be the phrase for today. I just nodded in response. "You can always talk to me." He whispered while his thumb rubbed at the patch of skin between my shirt and pants.

"I know." I croaked.

We were quiet for a moment. Just laying there in his arms I felt better, like Alex chased away all the negative feelings inside of me just by being here.

Once more I felt my eyes grow heavy. The warmth and comfort of Alex seeping into my tired body.

"I'm thankful your in my life Alex." I whispered as my eyes fluttered shut.

"I'm thankful your in my life too Freckles." 

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! Surprise! I somehow managed to finish writing this chapter this morning before the chaos of Thanksgiving started in my house. A little something for you guys to read after being with family or for those that don't celebrate Thanksgiving then something for you to enjoy as well!

I am sorry about the wait! I have been focusing on a special surprise for you guys and it's kind of taken all of my attention! BUT you will know more about that in just a few days. Make sure you are following my Instagram so you know what the special surprise is!!! 

Thank you guys so much for all the support on this book! We have reached 311k reads! How insane is that! So thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so thankful to have you guys in my life and to be my readers. It means the world to me <3 <3 <3

LOVE YOU GUYS!

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-Ken