Chapter 8- You've got me all fevered

"Wakey, wakey, guys."

I opened my eyes and saw Logan smiling down at me. I looked around and realized I was in the backseat of the car with Aiden sleeping in my lap. How did this happen?

"We got pizza and we're here at the motel," he said.

"Ok," I said groggily and nudged Aiden off me. He woke up and looked around confused.

"I was so hyped; how did I sleep?" he said rubbing his eyes.

"You're like an overly excited puppy that falls asleep after exerting himself," I said and got out.

"You think of me as a puppy? I'm more of a grown Pitbull," he said.

"It's too late for this," I groaned not bothering to retort.

"The pizza looks so good, guys! Come on," Lexi called. I smiled and was thankful I had these guys in my life.

The next morning, we explored San Diego a little bit by heading to La Jolla, and then we head back home, feeling content and happy.

*****

"Everything sucks," I groaned pouring myself coffee.

"Well, aren't you a sour-puss? Like more so than usual. You okay?" Aiden asked me. I decided to glare as a response. He laughed.

"I'm glad I could amuse you," I said and tried to eat something even though it was super early.

"I don't feel like going to work," I clarified.

"Oh boo hoo," he said stuffing his face with cereal. I was not in the mood to do anything today. I groaned and walked over to the living room to crash on the couch. I'd just close my eyes for a couple of minutes.

"A! Are you up?" Aiden asked jolting me up.

"Oh, am I late for work?" I groaned jolting up.

"I just came back from work," he said sitting down next to me.

"I slept all that time on this couch? Why didn't you wake me up before you left?" I asked.

"You looked super tired. It's okay I told the boss you were deadly ill," he said shrugging.

"I feel like shit," I said putting my hand through my hair.

"Yeah, you look it," he said.

"Aiden!" I exclaimed but didn't have the energy to hit him with a pillow. I was feeling pretty bad. I felt exhausted and I think I had a slight fever.

"I didn't mean it like that! I think you actually are sick," he said and put his hand on my forehead.

"Dude! You have a fever," he said.

"Thank you Captain Obvious," I grumbled. Suddenly, I started crying. Aiden looked freaked out.

"Was I mean? I'm sorry! You know I can be a bit of a dumb-ass," Aiden said frantically ranting. I shook my head. He hugged me.

"No, no. I'm not even sad at all. I have no idea why I'm crying. Honestly, I'm just as confused as you probably are," I said after calming down a bit and pulling away.

"You need to get to bed," he finally said.

"Too far; I'm okay here."

"Nope," Aiden said and carried me bridal style towards my room.

"Aiden, why?" I said too tired to complain much. I closed my eyes while being carried and dozed off.

I slept the whole day and night, only waking up when Aiden or my dad would force food or medicine down my mouth. I remember him putting cold towels on my head a couple of times, but it was a blur.

Thankfully, I felt much better when I woke up in the morning. I showered and went to the living room where Aiden sat watching TV.

"Hey, thanks for helping out," I said smiling at him.

"Of course," he said brushing my thanks off. It was pretty quiet as he continued watching TV while I was getting some water. I haven't really reflected on this summer so far, but a lot had changed. I felt much closer to Aiden. And it was really weird to have someone looking after me without expecting anything in return. There wasn't a lot of people in my life like that. Besides Lexi and my dad, everyone (including my friends) felt temporary. Aiden does as well. Well, he is, I suppose. He'd be gone after summer ended.

"You're feeling better?" he asked breaking the silence. I snapped out of my slightly depressing thoughts and nodded in response.

"I talked to Lexi; turns out she got sick too. Are you guys that in sync?" Aiden asked. I chuckled at that.

"I guess there's a virus going around. Is she okay, though? Is her mom home?" I asked.

"I asked if she needed anything, but she said she's fine just that she may die soon, so to make sure her will was written? I didn't know if she was serious or not. Her mom's working a double shift apparently, so she's alone," he explained.

"She's alone? We need to head over there!"

"Whoa, relax you just got out of bed," Aiden said but I ignored him and went to get ready.

"Wait," Aiden said grabbing my arm stopping me from heading out. I glared.

"What?" I asked impatiently.

"Let's make soup to bring to her, and maybe we can buy some chocolate or tea or something," he said. My heart completely warmed up at his suggestion. It was so sweet and I just wanted to let out a huge "AW".

"Good idea," I said instead, but I was smiling.

*****

"I hate my life," Lexi moaned in her bed.

"There, there," Aiden said attempting to comfort Lex. She could be a little over dramatic, especially when sick.

"Tell me Ari, am I still beautiful?" she asked, her voice sounding to be on the verge of tears. I opened my mouth to assure her, but she interrupted me.

"OF COURSE NOT! I'M DYING!" she exclaimed with her raspy voice.

"You're not dying- just sick," I said.

"Why do the beautiful and pure die so young?" she said and dramatically turned her head.

"You're not dying," I repeated.

"Pure?" Aiden whispered in disbelief. I smacked his arm to shut him up. Lexi let out another sob when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!" Aides explained, seeming way too happy to get away from the situation. Meanwhile I was attempting to put a cold towel on Lexi's forehead.

"Have no fear, fair maiden! I'm here for the rescue!" a booming voice interrupted.

"Logan, why are you always so loud," I groaned.

"I don't need a rescue," Lexi mumbled, but didn't stop him from entering her room.

"My grandmother made her magical chicken soup that heals pretty much anything. I've got some medicine and some of my favorite movies that always make me feel better," he said. I was impressed. That was sweet, as well as dramatic.

"Hey, we already brought soup," Aiden said.

"But it's not as great as my grandmother's soup," Logan said simply.

"I specifically mentioned what we were bringing and you brought the same thing?"

"It's not the same-"

"Guys! It really does not matter," I said. It was weird to see other people bicker with Aiden. Like, that was our thing. Not that it matters, but you know, I did think I was special I guess. It must be this illness; I can't think straight.

"How about we put it to the test? Your soup versus mine?" Aiden challenged.

"I accept this duel! To win this fair maiden's heart!" Logan said and the boys went to the kitchen to put the soup in the same bowl so it'd be "fair".

"I'm not a fair maiden, god damn it!" Lexi managed to yell as they walked away.

"They're dumb, huh?" I said chuckling.

"Are you okay?" I asked when she didn't reply.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just wish my mom could be here. I know that's lame, I just- she's always working, you know? And I feel like I don't have that bond with her," she said and she just started crying.

"Oh babe," I whispered and got in bed to hug her.

"I'm not even that sad. Why am I crying?" she sobbed out.

"I had the same moment when I was sick! It's annoying," I said. She nodded.

"You'll get better soon. We're here, and despite the boys being annoying, you know they care for you as well," I consoled.

I knew Lexi always went through way more than she led on, and joked about everything while I was the one who complained in this friendship, so I was glad to be given the shot to take care of her for a change.

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Wow, it has been forever, but are we really shocked at this point? This is the story I write summer to summer, I suppose. Anyways, at least admire my drive not to give up lmao I try.... Hope if anyone's read it you have enjoyed. I have started writing again, so I'm pretty happy with myself. My goal is to finish this story. At this point, I don't mind if nobody reads it, but if you take the time to do so, I still appreciate it as always. Any feedback is welcome.

I like to talk about current obsessions at the end of my chapters, because why not? Right now I love listening to Hamilton and attempting to scrapbook. Random, but there you go.