Chapter 06
The wind whipped through her hair as the Dumbo ride came to a slow stop, her stomach still shaky from the ride, a day of sweets, and the gentle touch of Nick’s arm against hers. Already he’d been spotted a countless number of times, but he refused to disguise himself in anything other than a pair of Mickey ears. “This is our day,” he’d told her with a smile. “I’m not going to hide it.”
Halle felt uneasy being photographed with him in such a public avenue. As a 16 year old herself, she harbored all of the usual insecurities a girl her age might have. It would be devastating to walk into the local grocery store and see her face splashed against the cover of a tabloid, picky and judgmental comments scrolled beneath.
“Why is Nick Jonas wasting his time with her?”
“Will their friendship ruin his reputation?”
It wasn’t like she didn’t ask herself those questions everyday as it was, and not to mention these pictures could fuel more rumors about a relationship that wasn’t there.
“Stop worrying,” he interrupted her thoughts. “You’re my best friend and I want to spend the day with you. I don’t care who sees or what they think….” Nick paused, readjusted his shirt, and slung his arm around her shoulder. “Besides, you’re going to give yourself an ulcer.”
Touching her belly lightly, Halle winced. Her stomach was already in knots, she did not need something else to come along and make things more uncomfortable.
They casually strolled through the park, posing with the characters and creating their own little world of inside jokes. Nick had more things to say today than ever before and she welcomed the conversation, hoping that it didn’t route back to what had happened the night before. Halle shivered at the thought of his lips brushing against hers before trailing down to her neck, his eyelashes kissing her skin.
“See, I told you it was chilly out. Aren’t you glad you have a sweater?”
“What?” She snapped back to reality, blushing that Nick had noticed her goose bumps. “Oh, yeah. Thanks.” Halle winked at him before frowning. Her stomach still hadn’t settled and the discomfort was increasing. “Do you mind if we go to the castle next? We’re not feeling so good,” she said patting her waistband.
“Anything you wish, princess.” Halle rolled her eyes and giggled, linking arms with him as they changed their direction.
In the back of his mind, Nick wondered why she was being so quiet all of a sudden. Things had been fine at the vineyard; better than fine, actually. Now, Halle was acting a bit rigid and distant, as if her mind was hundreds of miles away. He knew it was a risk to try and do anything with her, but everything inside of him said it was worth a try. Nick loved Halle, but maybe it was a mistake. Maybe he had jeopardized their friendship. “Do you just want to go home?” he asked when her demeanor had still not improved. “We can hang out there.”
“I think I could use a nap,” she agreed with hesitation.
The two were completely silent on the ride back, Halle’s head resting on his shoulder. As she drifted in and out of sleep, Nick noticed her complexion turn flushed and clamming, and it felt like she may have a slight fever.
“Just get me when it’s time for the barbeque,” she replied hoarsely, gripping the railing weakly as she climbed the stairs. Masking all fear, he agreed and waited for Halle’s door to close before sneaking off to scribble down a few lyrics that had been stuck in his head all morning.
The roar of laughter outside was not enough to wake her, nor was the barking of the neighbor’s dog as it chased the birds across the beach. From the moment her head hit the pillow she was out, no longer caring about the pictures that may be taken of her or the lip lock that would never be. Beneath the sheets she rubbed her feet together, her brow furrowed in distress with a few beads of sweat still dripping down her face.
Nick watched her from the doorway and smiled. Even when she was completely sick and completely miserable, she still looked beautiful. “Halle,” he whispered, running his hand down her cheek. “The food is ready and everyone’s waiting for you.”
Her eyelids felt heavy as she tried to open them, groaning lightly as his weight settled onto the bed next to her. Halle was still not feeling well but she needed to put on a strong front for him; Nick was quick to worry and she’d already done enough to send him over the edge for the night. “Lay with me for a minute?” she asked, stretching to reveal her bare stomach. He nodded and pulled her into his chest, kissing the top of her head as she curled up against him. “Erin and Christine got in all right?”
“Just fine,” he assured. “They were a little late, but you know how those things go.
Collecting all of her energy, she sat up and peered down at him, her light blonde hair falling over her shoulder and brushing against his chest. If she were at home, or with anyone else, Halle would have apologized and said she wasn’t up to seeing people, but this wasn’t a time to be sick. She had few chances to see the boys and it was important to make the most of it. “Ready?” Although she was asking Nick, it was almost as if she were asking herself.
Nick rolled out of bed and extended his hand to her, smiling as she pulled a thick sweatshirt over her head. “Let me just change into jeans.” Halle scuttled behind the closet door and pulled on warmer attire; familiar with the notion that contrary to the Kenny Chesney/Uncle Kracker duet, when the sun goes down… it actually gets much cooler. Slipping on her flip-flops, Halle hustled across the room and slipped her palm into his.
Just as they reached the top of the stairs, Halle latched onto the banister and released a loud yelp. Hunching over, she grabbed her stomach, knees feeling weak beneath her. “Oh my God,” she wailed, wincing in pain. Nick stepped backward, frightened. He was about to call his mother for help when Halle realized her muscles, the pain relinquishing. She paused to take a few deep breaths. “I’m okay,” she promised, though her words were unconvincing. “Let’s get this party started.”
