Chapter 7

Everleigh's POV.

Felix sat next to me on the bed with a damp cloth on his hand, placed on my head.  "I thought the doctor said you've recovered. I don't understand why you had to throw up everything you ate. 

"I have recovered," I answered, shutting my eyes. The room spun like a merry go round and the bed felt like a moving vehicle. 

I tried my best to stay calm. "I'll be fine, I promise. I just need to rest."

"I'm worried. You fell on your way to the bathroom. I suppose it's because you were dizzy. 

We need to know what is causing you weakness. Secondly, that is your favorite meal in the world, yet you threw it all up. I think we should go to a hospital. Maybe a different one, this time."

"The food was nice, just that it was not spicy enough." 

"And the collapsing?" 

"Leave me alone, Felix. I'm just tired. I'm tired and I'm hungry." I felt bad that I was lying to him, especially because he showed genuine concern. 

But how could I tell him the truth? He hated Clyde so much, I couldn't possibly imagine what his reaction would be.

"Don't you think we should go back to the hospital? If something bad happens to you while you're here, I'm going to get blamed."

"I'm not going back to the hospital and nothing bad will happen to me. You don't have to worry about me because I'll only be spending a few days here." 

I opened my eyes and looked at him, taking his hands. "I promise you, Felix. I'll be fine."

Felix looked at me, concern lingered in his eyes. "Is this about Laura and what happened the last time?"

I had forgotten about the claim that I was responsible for Laura's kidnap. But now that Felix mentioned, I had an excuse. I gave a slow nod. 

"Yes. I have a feeling that they still want to damage my image, whoever is behind that."

"You don't have to worry about that because we'll be going to a private hospital. 

And you don't have to worry about Laura, because you have my word. I'll make sure I get rid of her. I'll make sure that I get to the root of this whole thing, I'll make sure that you're protected."

"Leave me alone!" This time, I was louder. I felt a nerve in my head ring as I yelled at him. "I said I'm fine."

"Alright, Everleigh. I believe you. However, I won't let you go to bed on an empty stomach. What do we do? I want you to eat something."

"I told you already. I'm not hungry, I just want to rest. Given what just happened, I need to take my meds and then go to sleep." 

It was almost time for me to take my drugs but I couldn't get myself up to stand. I felt very weak and dizzy, I was unable to even sit straight on the bed.  

"Would you please help me get my drugs? It should be somewhere inside my bag. 

Felix gave me a reassuring smile. "No problem at all, I'll be happy to do that. But first, you'll have to eat something. 

Anything. You can't take drugs without having any food, unless the doctor asks you to do so."

"I want to eat ice."

"What?"

"I'm craving ice." I said to him, finally looking straight into his eyes. I saw his pupils widen in surprise. 

"Ice is not food. Do you mean ice cubes?"

"Yes, ice cubes."

"That's not a decent meal. It's equivalent to taking water, except that it isn't even healthy for you to take. You're ill. Please think of something else you'd love to take."

"I want to eat very spicy red meat. I want it boiled, nothing else should be done to it. Just season and boil it."

"I'll get it ready by myself in a few minutes, Ever. Don't worry." He was gone before I could blink and was back before I noticed his absence. 

He returned with red meat so spicy, I began to sneeze before he got near. Once again, the smell made my mouth water. 

And this time, the taste was beyond pleasant. I ate slowly while he watched me curiously, hoping I wouldn't feel nauseous.

When I was done eating, Felix got my meds from my bag and then he got me slightly cold water. "I'd have gotten you ice, but you can't use that to take drugs. I hope that this works, too."

"It does," I responded with a smile, grateful for how much help he had been. I couldn't imagine myself alone in a hotel with all the pressure. "Thank you."

"Is there anything else you would want me to do for you?" 

I shook my head, a look of relief washing over my face. "No, you have done enough already. Thanks again, Felix. You're always so thoughtful."

Felix shrugged and blushed, a beam of smile washing over his face. It was the first time in a while I complimented and acknowledged his kindness so well.  

"It's the least I can do. After all, that's what friends are for. Besides, it's the least I can do, after how I treated you, years back."

Felix came over and took my meds. He moved them to my wardrobe and began to arrange them. 

As he studied the medicine, he turned to give me a curious look. "These are some interesting pills," he said, raising an eyebrow. 

"I'm not familiar with them. What are they for, if you don't mind me asking?"

I hesitated for a moment, my expression turning slightly guarded. "Oh, they're just for a minor health issue. Nothing serious," I said, my voice shaking slightly. 

I recalled that he was once a premed student but didn't further the career path after he failed his exams. 

I hoped there was no drug there that wouldn't hint him about my condition. "Thanks for helping me get them." 

Felix nodded, giving me another suspicious glance. He walked over to my bedside and gave me a forehead kiss. He then walked to the exit.  "Just let me know if there's anything else I can help you with."