Chapter two hundred and twenty-nine:

Christy and Becky walked out to the waiting room where Isaac and Taylor were sitting and having a hushed conversation.

Christy curled up next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. “Ike, I don’t feel to well… Can you take me home?”

“Sure, C. How’s Jen doing?”

“They’re running some tests to make sure she’s ready to go home.” Becky replied. “I called Luke and he’s on his way and she’s pretty tired. I think I’d like to go back to the house, as well.”

“Okay.” Taylor replied. “I’ll give you a ride.”

“Will you be in the studio later today?” Isaac asked his brother.

“Yeah, most likely.”

“I’ll meet you there later this afternoon.”

“Alright.” Taylor agreed. “Come on, Becky. Zac’s probably wondering where you are anyway.”

“See you later.” Becky waved to Christy and left with Taylor.

Christy remained still, with her head on Isaac’s shoulder still.

“You okay? Are you going to throw up?” He asked worriedly.

Christy smiled slightly. “I think I’ll be able to make it home before that happens…”

“Okay good.” He smiled. “Is Jen doing okay?”

“I guess so. She was pretty tired.” Christy replied, finally standing.

“I thought she might be. It’s been kind of a big ordeal for her… Taylor said she’ll be going home soon. That’s good. We’ll be able to resume the tour with no problems.”

“Yeah… except that I’ll be in the bathroom puking every five minutes.” She replied, as he pressed the button for the elevator.

“Yeah, Taylor won’t be happy about that.” He laughed, following her inside.

“I actually like touring… it’ll be hard when the baby comes-“ She gasped as the elevator dropped with a jerk and her hand flew to her mouth.

“You okay?!” He demanded immediately, “Are you sure you won’t be sick?”

“I’ll be okay… once we get out of this elevator.”

“Alright.” He smiled. “Just please don’t throw up in my car, I just had it detailed.”

********************************************************************

Becky returned to the house to find it empty. Taylor had gone straight to the studio, and Becky was a little relieved that he did. Now she and Zac had the house to themselves.

She knocked gently on his bedroom door and only pushed it open when she heard him call out from inside.

She found him sitting at the desk, hard at work on his laptop. When he looked up to see Becky, he shut the laptop and wheeled his chair around. He had showered, but failed to get dressed; remaining in a pair of boxers and his hair was dripping down onto his bare shoulders.

Becky smiled and pushed the door closed behind her. “Come here. I have something for you.”

Zac smiled to himself and pushed himself up from his chair, crossing to the door in two long strides. “What’s that?” He asked curiously, his arms slowly circling her waist.

“Did you ever pick up that box of condoms?” She asked curiously, walking him back toward his bed.

“Yeah, why?” He asked, his smile never fading.

She smiled still, and Zac clued in.

“What? Now!?” He asked. “Right now?”

“Yeah.” She bit her lower lip.

Zac tripped over the foot of the bed and found himself in a sitting position, looking up at her. “I’ve never seen you like this.” He smiled. “It’s actually kind of hot.”

“Good,” She teased, lifting her t-shirt up and over her head, tossing it to the floor.

His arms moved around her waist, pulling her closer.

She bent and kissed him deeply, pushing him backward onto the bed. She moved on top of him, still kissing him, and placed one knee on either side of his body.

He groaned deep in his throat and moved his hands up her denim clad thighs.

She broke the kiss, but let her lips remain close to his. “I want to try something new…”

“Yeah?” His voice cracked slightly.

She began a slow trail of kisses down his neck, and moved her kisses even slower down his chest.

-------------------------------------------------

When Luke finally arrived at the hospital, it was after dark, and long after visiting hours were over.

He walked into Jen’s room and found her lying with her eyes closed. Taylor had called earlier to say that she had awaken and was asking for him.

He gently sat on the edge of her bed, in order to not wake her, but he was unsuccessful. As soon as his extra weight touched the bed, she turned her head and opened her eyes. “Luke!” She cried, and tried to sit up.

“No, no.” He urged, “Don’t sit up; you’ll hurt yourself, love.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “Listen, I’m sorry I didn’t come earlier, I had classes all day and I had to meet with some of my professors…”

“Don’t apologize. This is my fault, I’m sorry.”

He could clearly see the tears that were forming in the corners of her eyes.

“No, no. You were sick. And you’re going to get better now, okay?” He forced a smile.

She nodded slowly “Why didn’t you come and see me before?”

“I…” Luke didn’t exactly have an answer. “Because I blamed myself for letting you get this way, and I couldn’t stand to see you so sick. But I was here every day, and I promise I’ll be here for you now.” He took her hand in his.

“Thank you.” She whispered.

He bent and gently kissed her forehead. “Why don’t you get some sleep. I’ll be right here in this chair.”

“No, stay here with me.” She urged. “There’s plenty of room for both of us.”

Before he could stop her, she had slid over almost a foot to make room for him. She was right; with her tiny frame, there was room for both of them to squeeze in.

Luke smiled. “Okay, but only until you fall asleep.”

She nodded.

 

NEXT>>