Page 62 of His Sunshine Baby

“It’s not like I’m going to attack you!” he replies with a laugh.

“You know what I mean!”

“Seriously, Elena, you’re making a fuss for nothing. So just take that damn pill and sleep!”

I want to protest again, but he hands me the mug and the pill first. That stubborn man… I swallow it with a frown. I can’t believe this man’s nerve.

“I am not sleeping.”

“Well, you can watch TV then.”

Ignoring my grouchy face, he turns the TV on to some stupid show, before leaving the room again. Why the hell is he going to the kitchen?

“Nate, what are you doing?” I ask, exasperated.

“Just making myself a coffee.”

I don’t believe him. I can hear him rummaging through the fridge and using the sink. What is he doing? I want to check, but I’m too tired to move. That idiot…

I slowly wake up, feeling drowsy. I’m still on the couch… but someone covered me with another thicker blanket. The TV is turned off, and gentle music is echoing through the stereo. I recognize an old jazz classic. Something feels different. I move my head a bit and notice someone cleaned up the mess from earlier. No clothes lying around, and my papers are stacked more orderly on the table. The whole room seems a lot brighter now.

I finally see Nate, actually sitting right beside me but on the carpet, his back resting against the couch. He is working on his laptop, but notices that I’m awake right away. He gives me his gentle smile.

“Hey. How are you feeling?”

“Better… Did I sleep long?”

“Only about an hour or so.”

It felt longer than that… The medicine totally knocked me out. I sigh and sit up, keeping the blanket wrapped around me.I feel bad, but not because of my period this time. My crappy attitude with Nate earlier wasn’t right at all.

“Sorry about earlier.”

He shakes his head.

“It’s fine. I was prepared for a lot worse, considering what you’re going through.”

“Still…”

But Nate leans over to kiss my forehead, putting me at a loss for words. Why does he have to be so painfully gentle…?

“Don’t worry. Do you want to sleep more? You still look tired.”

“No… I need to go to the bathroom. And I want to change too, I’m all sweaty.”

“Okay.”

I get up and walk to my room, going through my wardrobe to find something comfortable to wear. After hesitating a few seconds, I pick an oversized top and some cotton leggings. It’s not like Nate cares much about what I’m wearing at this point… I also take a few minutes to brush my hair and put it in a proper bun. At least I look a bit better now, despite the eye bags and sickly complexion.

However, when I go back to the bathroom, I’m surprised to see Nate there.

“You prepared me a bath?”

The hot water is still running, but the bathtub is almost full. I can’t believe him. Nate turns it off and nods.

“Yeah, I read that it was good for you. You don’t want it?”

“No, it’s great actually... thanks.”

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