After a warm shower, I feel better for getting cleaned up but a wave of exhaustion hits me. My hair’s back to smelling like apples rather than oyster vom and as I step out of the bathroom, Zach strides in with some bathroom cleaner and starts scrubbing the loo. I’m both mortified and bowled over by his thoughtfulness.
‘You really don’t have to …’
‘It’s not a problem,’ he says. ‘I’ve put some comfy looking stuff on your bed.’
I pad into my bedroom and find a pair of soft cotton joggers and an oversized T-shirt there, along with another icy glass of water.
There’s nothing else for it. I sit down and cry.
‘Hey, what’s the matter?’ Zach rushes in and crouches at my feet. ‘Do you need to be sick again?’
‘No,’ I sob. ‘I’m just … this is so sweet of you.’
‘Alice, you’re not feeling very well. I’m just taking care of you.’
‘Exactly!’ I sniff, and we can add snot to the bodily fluids Zach has had to witness this evening.
‘Being sick’s the worst,’ he says.
‘Surely cleaning up someone else’s sick is the worst?’ I ask and Zach smiles. ‘I think I might need to crash out now, I’m really sorry tonight didn’t go to plan. Please feel free to head home.’
‘I’m definitely not going to leave you when you’re not feeling well,’ he says. ‘It’s part of the job description as your boyfriend. No arguments.’
It strikes me that this is the first time in my adult life that someone has taken care of me when I felt sick. I’ve grown used to taking care of myself as a way of self-preservation, not letting anyone get too close for fear that it would be too claustrophobic, too involved. Too dangerous. But now, as Zach lies down next to me and gently draws circles on my forehead with his fingers, I can see that there are so many things I’ve been missing out on. Having him by my side when I’m feeling unwell is new, and very comforting.
Relaxed by his gentle touch and reassured by his presence I fall asleep in his arms.
Ping Pong
Zach
With bowls of yoghurt and two cups of tea balanced on a tray, I reverse through Alice’s bedroom door, trying not to spill anything as I set the tray down on her bed. Sunlight streams through, casting her in an ethereal light where she’s propped up in bed.
When she sees me she pulls a pillow over her face and pretends to hide.
‘If you’re looking for the girl who spent last night throwing up, she’s not here,’ she cringes. ‘In fact, it never happened. Erase it from your memory!’
‘Happens to the best of us,’ I smile as she peeps at me over the pillow. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘So much better. I slept like a baby. Thanks for taking care of me, Zach.’
‘It’s what I’m here for.’ I say, handing her a cup of tea. I’ve never seen her vulnerable like that before, but even when she was hurling her guts up she was trying to crack jokes minutes afterwards. She is one tough cookie. She has a couple of spoons of yoghurt and yawns.
‘Want me to head to the pharmacy? I’m not sure what I could get but I bet they could offer advice.’
‘Thank you but honestly there’s no need. I’m just going to take it easy today and drink a lot of water.’
‘Sounds like an excellent plan. Can I stay, keep an eye on you?’
‘That’s really thoughtful but I know you’d planned to get into the studio today so you should go and work on that new painting. I’ll be fine, honestly. I promise I’ll take it easy and I’ll probably end up napping for most of the day.’
The last time I had food poisoning I’m sure I was out of action for at least a couple of days, but Alice is a force to be reckoned with. Satisfied that she’s had some food and plans to rest, I kiss her goodbye and on the walk to my studio I use my time wisely, planning our next date. What I need is something that will cheer her up and put that smile back on her face. She went to loads of effort for our O date, pulling out all the stops with a romantic meal only for it to massively backfire, so it seems right that I should opt for something that I know she’ll love. And given that Alice is the life and soul of a party, I figure a big group hang out could be a winner.
Later, I check in with her.
How are you feeling? Fancy being cheered up on Friday night, if you’re free?
Bit bored. I hate being stuck at home! But miles better, thank you. And YES I AM FREE! Is it time for our P date? As long as it has nothing to do with Puke, I’m in .
