Page 123 of The Breaking Pointe
Before he can reply more, he lunges his head into the toilet again, chucking up more.
“My honey…” I rub his head softly. “I’m gonna get cold water, okay?I’ll be right back.”I trail my nails along his back, looking at the sweat beads form.
“Okay…” he groans.
At this point, I feel like I probably should’ve listened to Lauren, only to spare his poor stomach.The first time he eats a complete meal—multiple helpings of it—and he can’t even keep it down.A bunch of fun, playing together, and then he ends it off by losing his entire dinner. Not only that, but he’s obviously feeling guilty, and for what, I don’t know. I do know why, though.But I hate the bitch who made him feel like he needs to apologize for living like a normal person, and enjoying the simple fruits that this life has to offer. She ruined what joy means to him, and it’s not okay with me.If I could face her, I would target her on sight.I’d love to see how she would feel having all of her favorite things about herself made out to be her biggest flaws. I’m fine with cleaning up the glass she left behind, but it would make my day brighter
if he could rub us in her face.
Danielcanjoinherintheex-factorclub.
Walking back into the bedroom, I quickly grab a t-shirt from a drawer of lazy clothing, and throw it on to cover my
body for my quick kitchen trip.No thoughts break through to me except my main goal: Colton needs water. I creep down the hall in a rush, pretty much teleporting to the kitchen, finding Tony at the sink, washing out a bowl.
“Hey,” I announce myself, pausing for a few seconds to think of my next move.
He turns his head, barely, to glance at me. “What’s up… surprised you’re showing your face.” He chuckles.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”I furrow my brows, remembering the water bottles in the refrigerator and going over to it.
“It means that you and your boyfriend aren’t very good at being quiet,” he says, turning the faucet off and setting the bowl in the dish rack before turning around.
I avoid eye contact, feeling flushed in the face. “Why are you listening?”
“I—” He stops himself, now laughing softly.“I’m not listening. I’m…giving you a heads up.”
I half smile, opening the fridge and taking a few bottles out, then closing it.
“I know,” I say, looking at him. “Where’s Steven?” I ask, as it dawns on me.
He points to the living room, and I follow his finger, seeing Steven curled in a ball on the couch with a cover over him.
“Good.” I nod once, smiling at the resemblance he has to his brother.
He half smiles. “You seem truly happy, Noelle. It’s nice to see.”
I bite my lip, quickly looking down before sighing and looking at him again.“I am.I mean—it still feels like a hoax, but I am.” He shakes his head, holding onto his smile.
“So is it settled? You taking him to Chicago next month? For Christmas?” Leave it to Tony to remind me that I keep procrastinating.“Um…I haven’t gotten that far.He’s got a lot on his plate.He probably won’t say yes…” I respond, resuming my avoidance of eye contact.
“After tonight, something tells me that’s not true,” he says, beginning to walk back to Lauren’s room.“Just ask, Elle. It might help him,” he suggests. “Goodnight,” he adds, walking down the hall.
Since when is he ever right? They must’ve bonded some- thing serious during the party.
Clutching the water bottles, I jog back to my bedroom, using my shoulder to push the door open, seeing Colton already in bed with his back facing the door and his boxers back on. Half the job finished.
“I’m sorry,” I say, quickly closing the door before hurrying to the bed. “Cole?” I pry, crawling on the bed and rubbing his arm.His steady breathing is an indication of sleeping soundly.Looking over his shoulder, I see his eyes, locked shut, and one of his hands on his stomach. Looking further, I notice my bathroom garbage can on the side of the bed, andI half smile.
Mypreparedman.
Using one hand, I switch the lamp off, and with my other, I pull a throw blanket from the foot of the bed up to us, unfolding it and draping it over our bodies, then wrap my arms around his clammy, yet soft torso, hugging him.This is what being with someone means. Having a partner is having someone to feel comfortable with, even in your lowest of times.I could take care of him forever.He makes me unashamed to do so.
Dare I say—I think I love him?I shouldn’t, but it’s too late.
30
family matters
