15 chapter 15 (edited)
While out driving Nickola receives a call over the radio to contact her daycare provider. Zara had complained earlier of a sore throat and is now running a mild fever.
"You're leaving early?" Ros ask.
"Zara's not feeling well. I think she's coming down with something."
"Aw. Pobrecita," she frowns. "Mira, someone dropped something off for you yesterday." She hands Nickola a medium sized plant. It has heart shaped green leaves. "Un regalo?" Ros ask curiously.
Nickola reads the writing on the note card. Hope today goes well – Herring.
A smile slowly grows on her face.
"I told him you two should date already," Ros says as she types on the keyboard.
"You did not!" Nickola smiles. "Did he come here?"
"Yesterday morning and dropped it off himself," she stops typing and turns to face Nickola. "How was the football game?"
"The patriots won," Nickola says plainly.
"You know what I mean," squinting her eyes.
"I...kissed him."
Ros turns, faces the computer, and begins to type again. "Herring has two votes from me now."
"I'm getting out of here," Nickola smiles and shakes her head.
After picking up Zara from the daycare provider she goes directly home. Hoping there is medicine in the cabinet. When she arrives home she sets the plant on the floor and leads Zara to her room. She helps her undress and put on her pajamas. Opening the bathroom medicine cabinet she discovers there is not enough Tylenol to give Zara a full dose. She sighs and grabs the thermometer. Sitting on the edge of the bed in Zara's room, she sticks the thermometer under her tongue.
"Close your mouth." She puts the back of her hand against Zara's forehead. The slim stick beeps. 101.2 shows on the digital panel. "I'm gonna make you some tea. How about some soup and crackers?" Zara shakes her head. Nickola turns on the television and pops in a dvd.
"It hurts to swallow," her words come out forcefully through the pain. She touches her throat.
"I know," she says empathetically and hugs Zara.
In the kitchen Nickola fills the kettle with water and turns on the stove. The kettle is set on top of the electric coils. She takes a mug from the cupboard and puts a tea bag in it. Leaning against the island she looks around for a place to put the plant. The bookshelf is a perfect spot. After removing the whistling kettle she pours water into the mug and squeezes a generous helping of honey in. Taking a long handle spoon she stirs the contents. It's four forty-five. She decides to text Herring.
Nickola: Would you be able to pick up some children's Tylenol and drop it off here?
Herring: I'm not available until six o'clock. Is that okay?
Nickola: Yes, thanks.
She brings the tea to Zara. Her eyelids look heavy.
"Zara your tea is ready." She unfolds the snack table and sets the tea on it.
Zara sits up. Taking the spoon she pools the hot liquid onto it and slurps it down. Her face winces and she lies back down.
"I'm gonna shower," Nickola rubs Zara's arm.
She decides to also wash and flat iron her hair. After showering, she peeks in the room to find Zara sleeping. In the living room she flips through the channels finally settling on the electronic dance music channel. Searching through the cupboards she decides on soup for dinner. "Potato and bacon it is," putting the can on the counter. She grabs a Disney themed can of soup for Zara.
There's a knock at the door. She pulls her robe together and ties a bow in the front before opening the door. Herring hands her a small bag as he steps inside.
"I hope this is what you need. I tried to call but there was no answer."
"I'm sorry. I was in the shower." She takes the medicine out of the bag and looks it over. "This is good. Thanks."
"Is Zara in her room?" he takes a seat on the couch.
"Yep. She's sleeping." She puts the Tylenol on the kitchen table.
Herring notices the soup on the counter. "I could have brought you something to eat. Do you want to order something?"
"No thanks. It's gotta get eaten anyway."
He watches as she grabs two bowls and a saucer from the cupboard. Her full length red satin floral kimono flowed gracefully as she moved.
"By the way thanks for the plant. It was a nice surprise."
Herring joins her in the kitchen. "You're welcome."
She gets the can opener from the drawer.
"I like your hair this way," he says now standing only centimeters away from her.
She turns to face him. He pushes her hair behind her ear. She stares into his eyes then quickly turns around. With the can opener she punctures the top and begins twisting the device over the can. Herring starts massaging her shoulders.
"How was your day?" he ask in a low voice.
"It was short since I had to leave early to pick up Zara."
"Fair enough."
He watches as she grabs two bowls and a saucer from the cupboard. Her full length red satin floral kimono flowed gracefully as she moved.
"By the way thanks for the plant. It was a nice surprise."
Herring joins her in the kitchen. "You're welcome."
She gets the can opener from the drawer.
"I like your hair this way," he says now standing only centimeters away from her.
She turns to face him. He pushes her hair behind her ear. She stares into his eyes then quickly turns around. With the can opener she punctures the top and begins twisting the device over the can. Herring starts massaging her shoulders.
"How was your day?" he ask in a low voice.
"It was short since I had to leave early to pick up Zara."
"Fair enough."
Herring pulls the strip of her belt causing the knot to untie. The robe opens and reveals her Victoria secret red satin button down night shirt. Nickola puts the can opener down and rest both palms on the counter. The sound of footsteps grow louder as Zara approaches the kitchen. Nickola quickly pulls her robe together.
"Mommy can you come and lay with me?" her eyes trying to adjust to the sudden light. She looks at Herring. "What are you doing?"
"He came to drop your medicine off. Go back to your room. I'll be there in a minute." Nickola opens the Disney themed can of soup and pours it into a bowl. She puts in in the microwave for one minute.
"Okay," Zara returns to her room.
"Thanks for bringing the Tylenol," she pours her soup into a pot and turns the stove burner on low. When the microwave beeps she removes to soup and places it on the table.
"Anything to help her feel better," he says.
They walk to the front door. Nickola wraps her arms around herself.
He puts his hands on her arms and looks into her eyes. Then leaves her with a peck on the lips.
