Page 32 of Two Is Better Than One

"I will," he said. "I am."

I looked at my phone and saw a text come onto the screen with his uncle's address, and an hour later, I was there. I was let in by the doctor who was expecting me. He explained that he had come back to change the IV and put a second bag on for AJ. He pointed me to AJ's room and said he would be back in a couple of hours to check on him again and take out the IV.

"AJ has my telephone number," he said. "I believe you're the only one here, now, so do please let me know if he needs anything. Otherwise, I'll be back in a while."

"Yes, sir," I said, confidently even though this was all foreign to me and I wasn't expecting to be left in charge. I walked through the house, which was large but full of furniture which made it cozy.

"Hello?" I said as I reached the hallway.

"Allie?"

I heard a voice, and I headed that way, and by the time I was able to look into the room, AJ had stood up. I rounded the corner and saw him standing there weakly with one hand on a sleek silver rolling IV cart.

"What are you doing? Get back in bed," I said in a worried tone.

"I'm okay," he said, reassuring me.

But he wasn't okay. He was pale and he somehow looked thinner than he was yesterday. I put my head down and timidly went in for a gentle hug. I couldn't help but feel guilty. This wasn't directly my fault, but I had been worried about it all morning and I was convinced Garrett had something to do with it. That made me feel like it was my fault.

"I changed bedrooms and took a shower when the doctor came and took that first bag off a minute ago. This is a fresh bed, and I'm clean, if you want to come watch a movie with me while I finish this thing." He glanced at the rolling temporary appendage, and when he glanced back at me, I was nodding.

"Yes. I would love to watch a movie. Let's please do that. Can I get you anything before I sit down? Are you able to eat or drink anything?"

"No. Thank you."

He gave me a sweet smile. He was a gorgeous human, even in his pale, sick state.

I took off my shoes and stashed my bag. I stayed in my clothes and on top of the covers, but I curled up with AJ on that bed and was in no hurry to leave.

Chapter 14

Allie

I sat next to AJ, and we watched a movie together. We talked for a little of it, and then he reached out for my hand and fell asleep a few minutes later. There were about twenty minutes left in the movie, and I caught myself looking at him as he slept, his hand resting in mine. The movie played in my periphery and I stared at AJ, wishing I could do something to help him feel better.

There was something to be said for human touch. He was sleeping, but I prayed for him as I held his hand, and I felt a connection with him in those moments that he knew nothing about.

The movie ended, and I didn't move other than to use the remote to start a new one. Even those minimal movements were performed with care and patience on my part. I turned the volume down some and used subtitles, and it was an hour later when AJ woke up.

I saw movement from the corner of my eyes, and by the time I glanced his way, his eyes were opening. I watched as he blinked, trying to comprehend his surroundings.

"Hey," I whispered.

"Hey," he said. "Did I sleep?"

"Yes."

He gave my hand a squeeze before letting it go and then sitting up. "How long?" he asked.

"An hour or so. Two?"

"Really?" He glanced up at the IV bag, which was close to empty. "Hang on, he's texting me," he said, looking at the phone.

I didn't know who AJ was talking about, but I didn't need an explanation.

"That was the doctor, he's coming back in thirty minutes," he said as he set his phone to the side again.

"How are you?" I asked.

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