Forever Yours

Chapter 5

I had worked on my assignments for about half an hour when I felt myself start to slip into little space. I guess the first day was stressful and my brain needed a break. Deciding not to fight it, I put my books away and grabbed my stuffies.

I was curled up with my stuffies when suddenly I felt my stomach churn. I tried to ignore it but I could feel the nausea rising in my throat.

Oh no. It's been so long since I had a proper meal that I guess I forgot about my diary allergy. Not just lactose intolerance, no but like full on food poisoning from freaking diary.

Not wasting another second I hurry out my bedroom and across the hall to the bathroom. I didn't even have time to close the door before I was on the ground, puking into the toilet.

I hated throwing up, it felt horrible and it made me feel like I was dying. Like every inch of me was on fire and screaming for help.

I cried as I threw up the little I had eaten today, my cries turning into sobs as I continued gagging into the toilet bowl. My throat burning and soured. I was so preoccupied with my current condition that I guess I didn't hear Kia and Rhys come back to the dorm. It wasn't till I felt a hand on my back, startling me.

I freak out, scooting away from the touch.

"Hey, you're okay, we heard you and wanted to make sure you were okay." Rhys spoke softly. He was crouched on the floor in front of me, looking at me like he didn't know what to do.

"She was probably drinking or some s**t, you know these freshman can't handle their alcohol." Kai groaned from the doorway.

"Dude, shut up!" Rhys hissed back. "Did you eat something?" He turned his attention back to me. I felt small under his gaze, and guilty for stealing their food, I didn't wanna get in trouble! I just got here and I'm already messing up. I could hear my foster mom - you little thief - she said that frequently. I started crying harder which in turn made my nausea worse.

I pushed past Rhys and back to the toilet, throwing up yet again. I could hear Rhys tell Kai something, but I wasn't listening. I just wanted this all to stop.

"Sweetheart, I need you to take some deep breaths," Rhys said softly as he rubbed my back again. I tried to slow my breathing, but every few minutes I was puking again. At some point there was water in front of me, and Rhys telling me to drink it, that it'll help me feel better. I shakily took the cup and a few small sips.

After a few more minutes of deep breathing the nausea had passed for the most, so now I'm just sitting here crying. I want my stuffies and I want a bath, I feel gross.

After a moment Rhys speaks again, "Can you tell me what happened? Do you know what made you so sick?" I looked at him and just broke. The guilt of stealing and the scariness of throwing up got to me and I just started sobbing.

"I'm so sorry, I'm sorry, I stole your food I'm sorry, I won't do it again." I sobbed. I was scared they'd kick me out, or hate me forever. It felt like being back in foster care, being caught stealing food at night, begging them to not beat me for it. "I promise- I promise I'll be better."

"Hey, hey it's okay, no one's mad." Rhys starts.

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

"Kai. Out. Now." Rhys spoke in a low tone that sent fear down my spine. Kai didn't argue and left, closing the door behind him.

Rhys turned back to me. "You're not in trouble, we just need to get you cleaned up, okay?" He said softly, his face gentle.

"I'm sorry I stole, and I'm sorry I got sick," I said, embarrassed and looking down at my lap. I hated that I was little right now, I felt too small to handle this. But Rhys was being so nice, almost like a caregiver.

"We'll deal with that later, right now let's get you cleaned up and changed. How does that sound?" I looked at him, searching his face for something menacing, but all I see is concern, like genuine concern.

Not trusting my voice, I just nod. Rhys stands, reaching his hand to me. I grab on and let him pull me up. He walks me over to the sink and helps me wash my face. I feel myself blush in embarrassment. He's treating me like a little kid who's sick, and like I know I'm little but he doesn't know that. After I brushed my teeth, we walked back to my room.

Shoot. He's gonna see all my stuffies. I panic at the thought.

"Um. . . Thank you, but I'm okay now, you should probably do your schoolwork or whatever," I grumble looking down.

"Are you sure? I don't mind, I want to make sure you're okay."

"Yup, all good!" I said as I slipped into my room.

I felt gross so I decided to change into my pajamas. I still felt sick so I threw on an old oversized hoodie, shorts, and some thigh high socks. I was about to get back in bed when I heard a knock at my door.

I opened it and was met with Rhys once again, this time he had a glass of water in his hand. "I thought you should drink something, don't want you getting dehydrated." He smiled.

I looked down and said a small thank you before grabbing the glass and closing the door. I didn't wanna talk to him right now, he was very nice but I just wanted to stay alone in little space.