Mount Olympus [8]

Rayah

Sitting at the park in college, I lean against the bench but don't sit on it. My knees up, I start homework, actually doing it this time. My eyes scan my surroundings, five large buildings filled with dorms and on the other side of campus, four with classes. My headphones in, I continue my work and take a deep breath, my boyfriend, Jace at his college.

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Jackie

In my dorm, I sit on my bed and text Nic, exited Winter Break is soon and I get to see him. I throw on my jacket and boots before heading out, looking for Rayah. She better be doing her homework.

Jace

Lying on the bed in my dorm, I regret not getting an apartment and sharing it with Nic instead of the other Yale students. My roommate stumbles in, tipsy, and holds a glass up.

"Dude, party's this way! You coming?" he asks with a dorky smile.

"Nope," I say, sitting up and looking over my already completed homework.

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Nic

I sit in my tutoring session, my dyslexia giving me enough reason to get extra time with the teacher after hours, and wish that I was home or with Jackie. Sighing, I wait for the time to be called and thank the teacher. I gather my things and walk out, taking my phone out and texting Jackie back. Just one more week. One more week and I can get back home to my girl.

Rayah

I yawn and look up at the stars, it dark already. I fall asleep, the snow beneath me freezing. Someone drags me out and I cough, my homework tucked between my arms. Sniffling when they get me to my dorm, they lay me on my bed.

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Jackie

I get Rayah to her dorm and swallow, feeling her forehead before texting Nic again. Rayah's sick. : (

Jace

I get bored and lean against the wall, sighing as I pull out my phone. Hesitating, I start to text Rayah but stop, something within me telling me to wait until morning. Instead, I lie down and try to get some sleep.

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Nic

I sigh and get to my dorm, finding a party going on. Calling Jace, I ask if I can crash at his place and somehow manage to sneak into Yale for the night. I find him curled up and asleep when I get there and flash a smile, scooting him to the foot of the bed and covering him up. I lie at the top and pull out my phone again, texting her back. : ( I think something's up with Jae too. She gonna be okay? Do you want me to tell him for her?

Rayah

My head aching, I wake and flutter my eyes open. I see Jackie and cough, "Where am I?"

She looks at me, "Go back to sleep."

I don't hesitate, passing out.

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Jackie

I hesitate before texting back, She has a low fever, but she'll be fine by morning.

I decide to stay the night and tuck her in, laying beside her.

Jace

I stir in my sleep with a moan and curl up further, my stomach aching.

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Nic

I look up at Jace and feel his forehead, trying not to work him. Finding nothing wrong, I lie back down and turn out the lights before texting her back. I'll tell him tomorrow morning. He's sound asleep.

Rayah

I stay asleep, sniffling.

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Jackie

I take a deep breath and turn a light off. Ight. Night. <3

Jace

I stir again before slipping into a deep deep sleep.

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Nic

I frown, sighing. Night. <3 Call you in the morning before classes?

Rayah

I curl up, coughing again.

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Jackie

I glance at Rayah before smiling and texting back, Sure, baby.

Jace

Curling up, I grip my stomach and stir.

```
Nic

I smile and text back before closing my eyes. Talk to you then. Sweet dreams. <3

Rayah

I wake the next morning, feeling horrible. My eyes can barely open and my nose feels like it's gonna explode. I close them again.

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Jackie

I wake, Rayah looking worse than before, and cringe. I get her some water and coffe before making her breakfast. Yeah...not going to class today...or until she gets better.

Jace

I wake the next morning and stay where I am for a moment before bolting into the bathroom and doubling over. Ugh. No. I have finals this week. I can't miss them.

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Nic

I wake to find Jace in the bathroom. Sighing, I stand and stretch. I check on him, but he assures me he's fine. Within the first few minutes of me being awake, he dresses and dashes out the door for class. Sighing again, I pull out my phone and call Jackie as I head back to my own dorm.

Rayah

I cough and sit up, arms wrapped around my stomach as I moan.

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Jackie

My phone rings and I smile, picking it up and holding it with my shoulder, "Hello?"

Jace

I adjust my bag over my shoulder and sit in my first class early, getting my test as soon as I sit down and hurrying to finish before I have to throw up again.

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Nic

I smile when I hear her voice, "Hey. How are you?"

Rayah

I cough up blood, moving to the floor, and bring my knees to my face, hillucinating.

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Jackie

I swear when Rayah coughs up blood and turn the stove off, rushing to her but holding the phone with my shoulder, "Uh...I have no idea, to be honest. Rayah's gotten worse. She's throwing up blood now and her face is like...pale."