He is kinda obsessed with her in a ‘if you touch her, you’ll die’ kind of way but the scary thing is, I’m not sure how far he would actually go on that statement. Stop it Jesse, he wouldn’t actually kill someone … But how would I know? He is moody enough, his side-eye alone nearly killed me the first time I met him.

When I’m sure she is asleep I roll out of bed and tuck the blankets around her to mimic the pressure of my hold. I close the curtains to allow her to sleep and decide to go off in search of foods which not even she can deny.

* * *

Kinsley

My stomach rumbles. Opening my eyes, I see that the curtains are closed, the smallest amount of light filtering in. Jesse is nowhere to be seen, I’m not sure how much time has passed but the other times I’ve glanced around, he’s been sitting in my reading chair or lying next to me. Deciding I don’t want a victory party for actually leaving the bed, I slip out whilst I’m here alone.

I can’t physically lay in that bed any longer, however the sight of the stairs sends a shiver up my spine. I’m not ready to leave the comfort of my little abode up here. Hmm, maybe Jesse has gone to get me food? I think I recall him throwing the blankets off of me earlier, demanding I get up and eat something. I’m not sure what day it is or even the time. All I know is that Jesse has been here, looking out for me, fussing over me. The least I could do is try to pull myself together, even if I’m not ready to walk downstairs in my own apartment yet.

Bath or shower? The shower would hide my tears, but the bathtub will cocoon me, hold me and keep me safe.

“Bubble Bath?” Jesse speaks from behind me. The smell of baked goods follows him. He’s holding two bakery trays in brown paper bags. “I got all your favourites.”

A smile creeps onto my face, I can’t help it. “Yes, please,” I say, taking the trays of food from his hands. The water begins to run, filling the bathtub as I take the food back into the bedroom.

“Hallelujah!” Jesse cries out when he sees me chewing. “She isn’t going to die of starvation.”

I flip him off, unable to speak with my mouth full of pastries. I hold up the tray, gesturing for him to grab something.

“Oh, I wouldn’t dare,” he laughs, holding his hands up in front of himself.

“I can’t physically eat all of this, Jesse; help a girl out here.”

He approaches with caution. “Fine, but only if you go and get in the bath.”

I stand, giving him the best version of a smile I can muster.