Forever Yours

Chapter 6

Rhys' POV

Kai and I were on our way back to the dorms after our classes. The weather was nice and Kai was telling me about his day.

"Oh I forgot to tell you, the freshman was in my lecture today." Kai laughed. "Dude she's such a nerd, taking notes the whole time and shit."

I roll my eyes. Kai wasn't exactly keen on note taking, or really school, but he needed this. Kai had a rough life before we met and I made him promise that he'd stay in school and that I'd help him.

"You could learn from her," I laughed.

"As if, she'll probably drop out soon enough. You've seen her, she's not built for college."

"Be nice Kai. She's probably still adjusting." We needed to work on his attitude. He was rude to Rain this morning in the kitchen and I told him we would be having a discussion tonight about it. Kai can be harsh to people he doesn't know, especially now since we have a stranger living with us. He has some issues with new people, but we are trying to work on it.

We had just entered the dorm when we could hear coughing and gagging coming from the bathroom. We shared a concerned look and rushed to the bathroom. There on the floor was Rain, curled over the toilet bowl, crying and throwing up. I approached slowly and put my hand on her back, attempting to comfort her. However as soon as my hand touched her, she scrambled away, fear evident on her puffy face.

"Hey, you're okay, we heard you and wanted to make sure you were okay." I spoke softly, trying not to scare her more. I didn't know exactly how to handle the situation, I barely know her, but she just seemed so scared and small.

"She was probably drinking or some s**t, you know these freshmen can't handle their alcohol," Kai groaned, voice thick with attention. He was just asking for a punishment tonight. I don't get why he's being such a d**k.

"Dude, shut up!" I hissed back. He wasn't helping and I needed to focus on Rain. I turn my attention back to her, "Did you eat something?" I asked keeping my voice calm and my eyes trained on her. She just stared at me as she started crying harder, she pushed past me and right back to the bowl, throwing up yet again.

I decided to try and comfort her again, placing my hand on her back, rubbing slow circles. "Sweetheart, I need you to take some deep breaths," I spoke quietly. I didn't want to scare her again, but she needed to calm down. The panic and crying were just going to continue making her sick.

I turned to Kai who still stood in the doorway, looking concerned. "Kai go get her a water, please." Kai gave a nod and left to the kitchen. Once he was back I held the glass to Rain.

"Can you drink this for me, it'll help you feel better." I waited for her to take the glass, she reached up with shaky hands and took a few small sips. I'd make sure she drinks more later in the night. We sat for a few minutes, Rain taking some deep breaths, and Kai and I just sat there.

"Can you tell me what happened?" I broke the silence, "Do you know what made you so sick?" She looked at me, her hazel eyes wide and watery. Suddenly she started crying again, sobbing hard as she spoke.

"I'm so sorry, I'm sorry," Rain apologized. "I stole your food, I'm sorry, I won't do it again!" Her words were quick, like she was trying her hardest to make sure we knew she was sorry. Like she was scared if she didn't something would happen. "I promise - I promise I'll be better!" She hiccuped. Rain seemed terrified, like she was going to get hurt.

"Hey, hey, it's okay, no one's mad." I tried to console the sobbing girl in front of me.

"Speak for yourself, she stole my f*****g food. Talk about karma." Kai laughed spitefully.

I swear he was testing my patience. It's like he was asking for me to get mad, to make sure he knows this behavior is unacceptable.

I turn to him, "Kai. Out. Now." I spoke evenly, my tone dropping to the voice that makes it so he knows I mean business. I watched his face drop, the guilt covering him. He leaves closing the door behind him.

I turn back to Rain, my face softening when I look at her. "You're not in trouble, we just need to get you cleaned up, okay?" I spoke softly, trying to make sure not to scare her. She just looks down at her lap.

"I'm sorry I stole, and I'm sorry for getting sick," Rain whispered shyly. Her face turning red from embarrassment. Honestly I didn't care about her eating our food, or the mess, but I do care about her being healthy. I don't know what it is but seeing her, all small and scared, brings out my daddy side. I just want to hold her and make her feel better. But now's not the time for that, we need to clean her up and get her to bed.

"We'll deal with that later, right now let's get you cleaned up and changed. How does that sound?" I watched as she searched my face, looking for something, probably a reason to not trust me. I just looked back at her, hoping she'd see that I was concerned. She gives me a small nod and that's all I need. I stand up, reaching my hand for her to take. I stand her up and we walk over to the sink. I reach for a washcloth and run it under the faucet.

I reach for Rain's hand and wipe them gently with the cloth. I watch as her face burns in embarrassment, I have to keep myself from letting out a chuckle. Once her hands are cleaned, I move to her face, wiping around her mouth and chin. I step back and let her brush her teeth. I notice the lilac color of her toothbrush, it has small polka dots on it, very cute. Very Rain.

After brushing her teeth, I began leading her back to her room. We stop in front of the door and she turns to me.

"Um. . . Thank you, but I'm okay now, you should probably do schoolwork or whatever." Rain grumbled, looking down at her feet. Her voice smaller than usual.

"Are you sure? I don't mind, I want to make sure you're okay," I said, hoping she'd let me help her.

"Yup, all good!" She said quickly and disappeared into her room. I stood in the hallway for a second, confused and worried. She clearly wasn't okay and she still needed water after that.

I head to the kitchen and grab her a glass of water, knowing her throat probably hurts and she's risking becoming dehydrated.

I knocked on her door softly and was greeted by Rain in nothing but an oversized hoodie and thigh high socks. She looked so precious, I peeped behind her into her room, seeing her bed filled with a few stuffed animals, her laptop opened on the edge. She quickly grabs the water, muttering a small thank you before disappearing once again. Clearly she wanted to be alone, which is fine because I have to go handle Kai now.

I walk into his room, not bothering to knock. I was pissed and he was about to find out.

"Come here, now." I hissed, my eyes burning with anger. Kai sulked over to me, eyes down, not daring to look at me. "Mind telling me what the f**k has gotten into you?"

"I'm sorry, but she shouldn't f*****g be here!" Kai raised his voice, his feelings getting the best of him. He was acting like a child right now.

"I'd fix the attitude if I was you, you are walking on very thin ice." I remind him. "Rain is our roommate, I don't care if that upsets you! She was sick and you were more concerned about keeping this stupid little persona up instead of helping." I said disappointedly. Kai and I had been working on bringing his walls down, and we were making real progress, but ever since Rain moved in he's been more agitated.

"But-" Kai starts. But I cut him off.

"No. I have clear expectations, we agreed on these rules and there will be more added concerning our new roommate. Now I want to see 100 lines by the end of the night. You will not be heartless to Rain. I want to see that written and if you get sloppy we start over." I explained, Kai needed to know that this was not how we treated our housemates, and I didn't feel like a physical punishment would be good for this.

I leave Kai to his room and head back to mine. I couldn't stop thinking about Rain. How scared and sad she looked in the bathroom. Her dressed all cute ready for bed. Her pile of stuffed animals. She just seemed like a little, but obviously I can't be sure. She was probably just scared tonight and it was nothing.

Throwing the thoughts to the side, I pull out my schoolwork and start for the night.