Natalie Miller

Sunday 19th February

Time Unknown- Toronto

I wake up with the worst headache I have ever gotten in my life. Feeling queasy, I look around to notice that I was sweating, and I felt red-hot despite seeing the aircon turned on. Looking at myself, I realised that I wasn't wearing my overall outfit and rather a man's clothes with no bra and new underwear. I see my suitcase open and moved and my carry on and handbag.

My insides wanted to come out and I saw a bucket nearby. I ended up puking in the bucket and cramping at the same time. As I puke, I could hear footsteps, the door opens then feel a hand pat me on the back. When I finish, I look up to see Josh of all people helping me out.

I was so confused of what was happening as he hoisted me up in a bridal carry. My arms around his neck as he carries me to his kitchen, leaving me on sitting on his counter. Josh didn't have his usual resting face rather concern. He takes out a mug and pours hot water from the kettle. He then turns on the tap, letting the water pour into the mug; almost filling it up full.

Josh passes me the warm water and I slowly drink the water. Only finishing half the mug before getting dizzy. I smack the mug onto the counter before fainting in his arms.

I wake up later with an ice pack on my head, thermometer in my mouth and wearing different man clothes. I realise after a second that I was resting my head on Josh's legs. I look up at him before hoarsely saying, "I don't know what's happening. But I hate you"

"Well, whilst drinking a crazy amount of alcohol you ended up also getting food poisoning from a tomato. Not shellfish surprisingly." He answers while adjusting the thermometer in my mouth.

I sigh.

"I'm stupid."

"Don't need to tell me that twice."

I change my gaze to in front of me when I realise that Elliot was standing in front of us. He wasn't wearing his usual clothes but rather a doctor's uniform and coat.

Elliot starts asking me questions like how much I ate at the reunion and how much alcohol I drank. As I answer each question, I feel Josh delicately rubbing my arm. He was being more caring and intimate to me than the whole time that I knew him. And for some reason, I kinda liked it.

This result clearly shows how sick I am.

There's no way that I like Josh.

I reach for his hand and start playing with his fingers. He doesn't even refuse and lets me fiddle with his hand.

"Josh, how much of my body did you see?" I ask.

"All of it, Hazelnut." He answers.

I don't even have the energy to panic or get mad.

"Ok. I'll beat you up when I have the energy again."

"Understandable. Recover first though."

My eyelids start to get heavy as I tune out the conversation between Elliot and Josh.

"Hey Josh, have you been looking after Natalie for the last two days?" Elliot asks Josh.

"Yeah, I have been." Josh answers nonchalantly.

"Why are you asking?"

"No reason. I was just curious." Elliot answers closing his notebook.

I was curious of why Josh would go as far as to look after me for two days too. Maybe he felt bad for me and wanted me to be okay.

Emily could be right about the fact that Josh is nice.