Page 66 of Romantic

“But I want to stay here in this bed. It’s just a bad man cold.”

“With a fever of 103°? I don’t think so.”

“If Annie drives us home, she could help me pick out my first day of school outfit!” say Pepper with glee.

“Don’t you wear a uniform?” I ask.

“I have to accessorize,” she answers.

“I’m certain you don’t need my help—you have such great style! But I’d love to see what you pick out.”

“Cool, I vote we go home tonight.”

“I do too,” I say.

“I vote we never leave this bed,” says an obstinate and groggy Brandon.

“That’s not an option.”

“I don’t think you should drive with your ankle.”

“I checked with my doctor, and she said I would be fine. All you need to do is rest while I pack up.”

“My head is splitting,” Brandon says.

“That’s why we are taking you to a doctor. Your mom has already made an appointment for tomorrow morning.”

“Are you two ganging up on me?”

“Yes! And when you’re all better, you’ll thank me.”

***

I’m so grateful that Brandon’s parents are waiting for me at Brandon’s home when I reach there a little after midnight. Wendy James gives me a big hug before whisking Pepper off to bed. Brandon’s dad tries to coax a sick, grumpy Brandon out of the passenger seat. I’m grateful they don’t hold it against me that I’m the reason their son is sick. In fact, they seem genuinely pleased to see me.

“Leave me alone. I’ll sleep here.” He sounds like a petulant teenager.

“Brandon,” I say a little sternly. “You’ve got to go to bed and get some sleep.”

“Annie? You’re still here?” My heart squeezes at the unfiltered joy in his voice.

“Yes, and I’m staying the night. Stop being difficult and go to bed.”

“You’re staying?” he sounds so hopeful.

“Only if you cooperate.”

He nods slowly and gets out of his Bronco with some effort. It’s clear he really doesn’t feel well. I question waiting till tomorrow to go to the doctor, but his mom has already made an appointment with their family doctor. I’m just so worried. I know he should be okay. It’s just that after losing my dad, I’m a lot more aware that sometimes the worst happens. And if the worst were to happen to Brandon . . . I can’t bear to think of it.

I wish again that I hadn’t wasted the summer dating Jack.

I’m so worried, I sleep fitfully. At three a.m. my alarm goes off. I set it to check on him. I pad down the hall to the room next door. Brandon’s sleeping soundly. I glance around the dark room to see if anyone’s watching. Confident that we are alone, I bend down and place a light kiss on his brow. I clunk back to my room, feeling lighter, and sleep soundly the rest of the night.

But it was too late. Hope had already entered. —Sense and Sensibility

21

Brandon