Page 53 of A Grecian Getaway

Claire’s phone buzzed, and a message from MTDH flashed across her screen. Noelle was sitting next to her and noticed the text. “Who is MTDH? Is that your school where you teach?”

“Something like that. Nothing important. No big deal.” She ignored the text and went about their preparations for their night out with Eli. “I am so excited to be here with you, Noelle! Are you ready to go have some fun?” Claire leaned across the counter and grabbed her crossbody.

“I am. I am happy you are all here. As much as I love a beach town, I have really missed all of you.”

“Well, we’re here now and we are ready to party all night!” Caroline replied with a huge smile.

Eli showed up at Noelle’s apartment about 10 p.m. “Everyone, this is my friend, Eli. Eli, this is everyone... Claire, Caroline, and my brother, Niko.”

“Nice to meet all of you.” Eli smiled and shook all of their hands.

Caroline, Claire, and Niko offered hellos.

After a little small talk, Caroline and Noelle grabbed their purses, and Eli drove them all to the club. When Eli walked away to get them some drinks, Claire looked at Noelle. “He’s adorable.”

Noelle agreed. He did look good. He always looked good.Why can’t I feel for him what I did for Dem…? No stop. Don’t think about him. Just have fun with your friends.

They went to the dance floor and danced into the night. Noelle’s smile lingered most of the night, happy her brother and friends were with her in Florida.

After a drink and lots of dancing, Noelle’s head spun. She had eaten little like usual, so the one alcoholic beverage she had was hitting her fast. “Hey guys, I’m going to go outside for some fresh air.”

“I’ll come with you to keep you company.” Eli followed Noelle out of the club.

“Your friends and brother are really nice and a ton of fun!” he said.

“Thanks. They are the best!” she said as she fanned herself to cool down.

Before Noelle knew what was happening, Eli leaned in and kissed her. When his tongue swept inside her mouth, she pulled away and touched her mouth. This kiss was more intense than any they had shared before.I can’t do this and lead him on. I don’t have those kinds of feelings for Eli.

“Eli, I…” Noelle began.

Claire, Niko, and Caroline walked out and interrupted her train of thought.

Noelle’s head was spinning. She rubbed her hand over her eyes and swayed on her feet.I don’t know what to…I don’t feel so... I’m so hot…and my head…The walls were closing in on her. Then, suddenly, there was darkness.

***

Noelle stirred. “Where… am I?” Noelle closed and shielded her eyes from the sunlight streaming into the room?

“Hi sweetie, how are you feeling?” said a voice Noelle knew well.

“Mom, is that you? What are you doing here?” Noelle opened her eyes. Her parents stood beside her bed.

“It’s okay, honey. Your mother and I arrived earlier this morning. You fainted last night. We came as soon as Nikolas called us.” Noelle’s dad heldher hand.

“I, what?” Noelle asked. “I don’t understand.”

“Noelle, you fainted last night at the club,” Claire began as she walked up to Noelle. “Eli caught you and then I called an ambulance and they brought you here. Your mom and dad came to be with you.”

“You’re okay, kid. The doctor was just in. You’re anemic, but they gave you a blood transfusion, and it’s helping.” Niko motioned to the IV.

“Anemic?” Noelle yawned.

“Why don’t you close your eyes and rest? We can explain the rest later. Just rest and know you are going to be fine.” Noelle’s dad squeezed her hand. “Your mother and I are going to go get something to eat. I’m starving. They charge a fortune for snacks on the plane. We didn’t have time to pack any food for the trip. Do any of you want anything?”

“Honey, I don’t think we should leave her. I don’t want to…” Noelle’s mom interjected.

“Maria, she needs to rest and won’t be able to if we’re in here jabbering away. We’ll come back in a little while. And honey, my stomach is growling.” Noelle’s dad took her mother’s hand, and they walked towards the door. “Rest, sweetheart. We’ll be back soon. If you guys want anything, text Mrs. T. I don’t like to use my phone very much. The buttons are too small for my fat fingers.” Noelle’s dad wiggled his fingers, and they walked out the door.

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