Page 164 of If Ever

While in the kitchen for a refill, Dominic is filling a bowl with cold water. "How long has she been like this?" I ask.

"All day. She's been steadily worse since she showed up Tuesday night."

So, she's been here the whole time. I open the freezer and drop ice into the glass. Part of me wants to smack him, but he did finally break his word to Chelsea and come to the theatre.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. She was adamant that she didn't want to see you." He puts a clean dishcloth in the bowl.

"Yeah, I fucked up." I fill the glass with tap water.

Dominic hesitates for a minute. "She told me you left with an old girlfriend. Chelsea didn't think you wanted to see her again."

I hang my head. "Barbie showed up out of nowhere. She dropped a bomb that I didn't expect and then threw herself at me thinking I'd fall for her old tricks. Barbie was a mistake. She was always a mistake. I'll fix things with Chelsea."

Dominic nods and hands me the bowl. "Try to cool her down with a damp washcloth. Maybe it'll help."

"Thanks. I'd like to stay here with her if you don't mind."

"Sure. There are more blankets in the closet if you need them. I fly out early tomorrow, but I talked to my buddy Paul, and you guys are welcome to stay as long as you need.

I nod. "That's great, but if I have anything to do with it, I'll have her home soon."

He nods. "I'll leave keys on the kitchen counter. Good to see you."

"Thanks again." I smile sadly and return to Chelsea.

I brush a strand of hair off her cheek. "Chelsea, honey. I need you to take some Tylenol."

She tosses her head, deep in a faraway place.

I slide my hands beneath her back, it's like slipping them into a hot oven. "Let's get you upright." She's pliant in my arms as I raise her up. "Come on. It'll help you feel better."

Her eyes crack open a sliver. I place the cool glass to her lips. Her hands automatically come up to lift it, and she gulps greedily, cringing after each swallow. She pushes the glass away.

"Good girl. Now give me your hand." I place two pills in her palm, she slowly manages them into her mouth, and I raise the glass again. She drinks deeply, heaving a breath between each gulp.

"That's good." I set the glass down when she's had her fill, pull her close, and kiss her hot forehead. "I'm so sorry."

My voice must have finally registered. Her eyes open but don't focus. "Chelsea, it's all going to be okay," I whisper, but I feel like an ass for making her so miserable she thought the only option was to run.

I lower her back to her pillow and lay the damp cloth on her forehead. "There you go." I dab it over her cheeks and mouth and chin. Her body relaxes. I wring it out again in the cool water then lightly wipe it down her neck and arms.

She doesn't fight me, and honestly, I'm not even sure she's aware I'm here, but her breathing slows, which must be a good sign. I place a fresh cloth on her forehead hoping this will help lower her temperature.

When I heard a bad flu was going around, I had no idea. The last time I fell sick with the flu I was a teenager. I lean forward and brush her hair away from her neck and shoulders. I whisper in her ear. "I love you, Chelsea, from the first day I set eyes on you." She doesn't argue, so I'll call it a victory.

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