Page 12 of Norah

Oh!Ow… I’m jolted out of my relaxed state as an unpleasant but familiar pain explodes in my belly. I try to fight past it, but my body instinctively tenses up.Not now!

I try to breathe through the pain, desperate not to ruin this otherwise perfect moment with Ethan. The pain in my abdomen flares again, this time radiating outwards to the rest of my body. I know what’s coming, and there’s no escaping it now.

“Norah, are you OK?” Ethan is still holding me but he’s pulled away a bit to look at my face. His expression is full of concern.

“I’m… OK.”I will be. “I’m just not feeling that well.”

“Do you need a doctor? What can I do?”

No doctor.“No, no, it’ll be fine.” I force a weak smile that probably looks more like a grimace. “This happens sometimes. It’ll pass by tomorrow. I just need to sleep it off.”

Ethan frowns. “I don’t like the idea of you being alone if you’re sick. Why don’t you stay here?”

Oh, I wish I could. Unfortunately, it’s not an option. By now, my entire stomach feels like it’s on fire. “I have something at home to take. Once I do that and get some sleep, I’ll be fine.”

“Norah, I don’t like this.”

I don’t like it either.“I’m sorry, but I promise I’m fine. You can text to check in and make sure I’m doing OK.”

It looks like Ethan is going to fight me about it, but thankfully he agrees, albeit unhappily. “Promise to answer my texts, or I’ll be back at your apartment banging on your door.”

“I promise.”

Within twenty minutes, I’m back at my apartment. Ethan didn’t want to leave, and I feel terrible about making him go. But it’s impossible for him to be with me because of what will happen next. I waited too long this time.So stupid.Being wrapped up with Ethan has pushed all other concerns to the back burner.

Sighing, cursing myself, I rummage in my closet to find something to wear. These clothes aren’t my usual style, much more revealing than I like to wear. But a necessary evil tonight. My gut flares again, reminding me to stop delaying. And the little dark voice gets louder.

You don’t deserve happiness. You know that, right?

ETHAN

All day I’ve been trying to get work done, but my thoughts are full of Norah.

I hated leaving her alone last night. As much as I wanted to refuse, I knew it wasn’t my right. Not when our relationship is still so new. But the mental image of Norah, sick and hurting, all alone… I want to scream at the unfairness.

I should have been taking care of her. She answered all my texts, both last night and this morning, which reassures me she’s at least conscious. I was halfway to my car at least four times last night, fighting my need to drive over and see her.

I’m going over to her apartment tonight. I already told her I was bringing a care package, but my mind is thinking beyond that.I want Norah to live with me. I can take care of her. Bring her soup when she’s sick, or medicine, or just rub her feet.

My apartment is a lot safer than hers, with a doorman and enhanced security. I can make sure she gets enough food. I haven’t missed the lack of food in her kitchen, or how she picks at things when we’re eating. If Norah is living with me, I can make her happy.

It’ll be a tough sell, given that we haven’t been dating for much more than a month. Isn’t there a saying, though: when you know, you know? Well, Iknowabout Norah. She’s theone. And I think she might be feeling the same about me.

While I doodle on a notepad, a new idea comes to mind. I don’t have to actually ask Norah to move in. At least not yet. But what if I add some things to the apartment to make her feel more at home? Maybe she’ll want to stay more often.

“Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Roberts. Your next appointment is here.” My assistant, Melanie, hovers in the doorway. She’s been working as my assistant for a year now, and I don’t think I’ve heard her say anything beyond what’s absolutely necessary. But her quiet demeanor bears a similarity to the way Norah was when I first met her, and I suddenly wonder if Melanie is battling demons of her own.

“Can I get you any coffee for your meeting? Is there anything else you need?”

This whole thing with Norah has me distracted. I shake off my musings and give Melanie a polite smile. “I’m all set, Melanie. Please show Mr. Amberly in. Thanks.”

Melanie ducks out, and the pompous head of IT strolls in. I grit my teeth. I’ve been a VP of Anderson, Andrews, and Baxter, a large consulting firm in the city, for over two years now. Yet some department heads still try to claim superiority over me. It’s tiresome on a good day, and grating today, when all I want to do is see Norah and make sure she’s alright.

The day seems to move in reverse, each hour feeling longer than the last. Finally, I escape the clutches of work and burst onto the street, heading towards Norah. She works from home, so she’ll already be at her apartment by the time I get there.

As much as I’d like to sprint to her place, I remind myself that flat out running will only result in me looking foolish and showing up drenched in sweat. Not quite the look I’m hoping for. I swing by a few stores to pick up some treats that I hope will make her happy.

Norah is standing in her doorway waiting for me, and I swing her up into a hug. She lets out a little squeak of surprise, but wraps her arms around me and nuzzles my neck. It feels amazing, like all the stress of the day is gone once she’s in my arms. I savor all the sensations hitting me at once- her orange-vanilla scent, the brush of her hair against my cheek, her soft body tucked into mine.

---