Page 56 of Petals of Blue: Part Two
Tiptoeing, I put Violet's water bottle on the night table Blue is furthest from. It clinks when I set it down, but Blue doesn't twitch. Worry fills me, so I silently rush to her side, put her bottle weapon down, and kneel.
Looking closely, I see the blankets moving up and down with her breaths. My own whooshes out of me in relief. I make a mental note to call my uncle and double-check what symptoms we should watch out for.
Fuck, I don't want to leave. I would sit here all night long if it weren't going against what was asked of me.
A sweet sigh puffs from Blue's parted lips, making me smile. I hope someday soon I can hold her while she sleeps. I'll know she's okay, and she'll feel safe too.
"Sweet dreams, sweetheart," I whisper, and kiss the corner of her mouth. Please don't let that be the closest I ever get to tasting her lips again. "I'll be back to make you breakfast." That's an easy promise, but I don't add that it will be oatmeal and fruit. My woman loves her bacon, but her throat isn't ready for that yet.
Moving from her bedside is so fucking hard, and it doesn't get any easier on the way home.
"The soup was good. Do you think they'll like it?" Jared murmurs in the backseat. Roman assures him they will.
Declan fidgets next to me. "Maybe we can clean her apartment tomorrow."
"Good idea," Jared agrees, and Roman makes a sound while looking out the window.
It's dreary in Chicago. Perfectly matching our mood. I don't know how many times we will allow this kind of separation because my patience only extends so fucking far.
Don't get used to this, sweetheart.
Forty
DECLAN
We had an early start to our morning. Felix and I were up before the sun, shaving, showering, doing laundry, and just generally getting our shit together so we can full force help Blue.
While I was up, I chatted with my store manager, double-checked some numbers that confused my staff, and sent out messages of appreciation. I feel bad that I've been so distracted from work when people need me, but my family comes first. Blue comes first.
Jared was moving around shortly after we woke up. He came down just as the sun was rising with a clean face, clean clothes, and a sparkly smile. Like a breath of fresh air, it felt like a normal morning.
You know, besides the underlying anxious need to get to Blue.
Levi texted me this morning, letting us know that he and Kevin would be visiting Blue around noon today,which I relayed to Felix. Who, you guessed it, didn't care and said we would be there too.
Roman made banana bread at two in the morning, which he now has tucked against his chest as we ride the elevator up to Blue's level.
It's just past seven a.m., so as we enter the code to the apartment, we attempt to stay quiet. Blue and Violet should still be sleeping, and our plan isn't to wake them up.
Except, our assumption was not the case. At least half of it.
"Bee?" Jared murmurs, rushing forward when we see Blue slumped against her kitchen table.
She lifts her head, bloodshot eyes on full display as she blinks at us. "Oh," Blue breathes, sounding pained and exhausted.
"What are you doing awake?" Felix snaps, setting his bag of our sweatshirts down beside her bare feet.Yes, he's been reading the same books I have, and yes, he came prepared to douse her in our scents.
Jared pushes my boyfriend aside and crouches beside Blue. "It's early, Blue. You okay?" he asks, brushing the hair away from her face.
"Couldn't sleep," she wheezes and swallows, making Felix stiffen and cross his arms. "Then fell asleep." Blue points at the small drool spot on the table.
"How long have you been out here?" Jared continues to prod.
Probably for the best too because the vein in Felix's neck is about to burst, Roman doesn't look much better,and I enjoy watching how we all interact differently with her. If this is going to work, we each need to have our space with her. Right now, it's Jared's turn to take the lead.
Blue shrugs and rubs her eye, careful not to touch the yellow bruise on her cheekbone and the cut on her eyebrow.
Jared lays a hand on her thigh. "Hungry?" She nods. "Thirsty?" Another nod this time accompanied with a sigh.
