+chapter.five+

"I'll be fine. I guess I just need some rest or something," Noelle replied, not wanting to worry Isaac.

"Okay, well, I can do that much for you," he replied.

"Thanks," Noe said quietly.

"No problem," Isaac replied and held the door for her.

Noelle was so tired that she fell asleep within minutes of getting into the car. Isaac felt really bad for Noelle. He knew she was really looking forward to that dance. Ike stopped for a red light. He looked over at Noelle. She looked so pale. He made a vow to himself that he would make this up to her. Maybe take her to a movie and lunch. The light turned green and Isaac continued his drive.

After a few seconds, it dawned on Isaac that Zachary, Taylor, and himself would be travelling again within the next week. 'Of course. Zac finally runs into a good one and we have to go on tour again. Ugh,' Isaac thought as he pulled into Noelle's driveway.

Ike turned to Noelle and gently shook her. "Noelle, you're home," he said softly.

"Hmm? Oh thanks Ike. Sorry for ruining your night," Noelle said and looked at Isaac.

"You didn't ruin my night. Thanks for asking me to go," Ike said as he gave her a gentle hug.

"Bye," Noelle said and got out of the car.

"Bye. Hope you feel better," Isaac replied. He watched Noelle until she got into her house and closed the door. After he was sure everything was okay, he pulled away and headed home.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

No one was home at Noelle's house. She was happy about that because she could get some rest without being interrupted. The one thing she was really wondering about was why she was so sick. Noelle hardly ever got sick. Not once in the past two years had she missed a day of school. She began to recall everything she had eaten that day. Toast for breakfast wouldn't do it. Neither would the sandwich or bowl of cereal that she had for lunch. She didn't have anything at the dance. Just some soda. No one would have spiked her punch, right?

Noelle got undressed and into a pair of boxers and a T-shirt. She didn't have a chance to think anymore because nausea had begun to lick the back of her throat. Noelle rushed to the bathroom, got down on her knees, and was sick almost immediately. After getting sick to her stomach a few times, the nauseous feeling in the pit of her stomach slowly began to disintegrate. It left her weak, aching, and a tremendous headache. She slowly got up and staggered back to her room.

Noelle crept into her bed and curled into a small ball under the covers, shivering, despite the hot, sticky air. She was keen for her parents to return home. Maybe her mom could give her something. Moms always knew what to do or what to give and how much.

Noelle began to drift into a restless sleep, the thought of Isaac passing through her mind. She felt horrible for making him take her home. In mid-thought, Noelle acquired a sharp pain in her stomach. She winced slightly, and tried to put her mind to rest. 'Sleep, Noe, sleep. You'll feel better when you wake up.'