Page 42 of Wildest Forever

“Feel a little off today,” he grumbles as he tosses the covers back and swings his legs with a groan.

“Want me to call the doctor?” my brows furrow as I help him to his feet, my eyes scanning over his face. He looks a little gray. Placing my hand against his forehead he is burning up.“Whydon't you stay in bed? I'll get you breakfast brought up and I'll call Doctor Carlos.”

He nods, as I lower him back down and tuck him in.

“I'll get your meds,” I place a kiss on his forehead and make my way downstairs.

Pacey's eyes follow me and I am muttering incoherent words.

“All okay?” he asks as he stands, hands in the pockets of his pyjama pants.

“Pops isn't feeling well, I'm going to take him some breakfast up then call the doctor,” I don't look at him, I am too busy setting out his tablets.

“Need me to do anything?”

I want to say no, but I need to learn to use him for help.

“Could you cut a large blood-orange in half and sprinkle it with brown sugar?” my voice is soft. “Then fill a glass of tap water?”

He doesn't reply.

Just does as I ask.

He is in the fridge and slicing the blood orange before he plates it up then fills the glass up.Before I can even ask, he is getting the lap tray out and places it on the work surface.

“Thank you,” I whisper as I lay the plates down and place a hot cup of coffee on it. I go to lift it but Pacey shakes his head from side to side.

“I'll take it, you get his meds,” he gives me a sympathetic smile and I don't know why, but it makes my chest ache.

He waits for me to walk out of the kitchen before I climb the stairs,him following as I walk into my pops’ room, plastering a fake smile across my lips as I tilt my head, looking at him then placing his meds on the bedside table with his water. He thanks me with a soft nod as Pacey tiptoes behind with his tray of food. I step aside as Pacey places it down and he gives Pacey a small smile.

“Take your meds pops,” I say as I sit on the edge of the bed. I know he wouldn't not take them, but I always feel better when I have seen him swallow them.

His trembling hand skates across as he reaches for his water then scoops the tablets up, tossing them back in one mouthful as he swallows them down with the water.

His playful manner doesn't go unnoticed as he sticks his tongue out before lifting it so I can see that he has in fact taken his meds.

“Thank you,” I mutter, then place my hand over his and the coldness of his skin shocks me.

“Doctor will be here soon,” Pacey slips in and I smile at him before turning my attention back to my pops.

“Eat your blood orange first, then eat the rest if you feel up to it.I'll be back soon,” I say as I stand then lean over and give him a kiss on the forehead, his feverish skin warming my lips and my heart twists.

“No problem sweetheart,” he rumbles, and I feel Pacey's hand rest on my lower back as I stand up and I want to break down in front of him, but I don't. I keep as positive as I can that he will break the fever and he will be back to himself after a full belly and a good sleep.

“Come,” Pacey whispers, ushering me out of the room and then slips the door two behind me.

“I'm worried,” my words dance on a whisper as we make our way downstairs, Pacey close to me and I know he can pick up on my mood.

“It'll be okay,” and I know he is trying his best to reassure me, but my heart still skips a beat or two.

Walking back into the kitchen, a heavy sigh has my shoulders sagging at the now spoiled food on the side.

Pacey keeps moving, grabbing his plate from the table as he does and begins scooping the food onto his plate.

“Don't eat that, it's cold.”

“You cooked it, I'll eat it... always,” his eyes meet mine over my shoulder and I can't stop the small smile that tugs at the corners.

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