“The nausea,” Jessa said, taking a few deep breaths to try to breathe through it.
“Please no, please no, please no,” she muttered, trying to avoid the inevitable. “I’m so sorry,” she said, looking at Noah before bolting up and running to the bathroom.
Noah followed her, reaching for her hair and pulling it back as she started vomiting.
He soothingly stroked her back with the other hand, and when Jessa finally sat back, she looked horrified.
“You shouldn’t see me like this,” she managed to say, trying to avoid his gaze.
Noah rolled his eyes, getting up and wetting a face towel and bringing it back to wipe it over her clammy skin as he sat down beside her again.
“Why? Should I run at the first sign that you’re sick? When I love you?” he asked. “I’ve been with you before; this isn’t the first time,” he added.
“We were twenty-one,” mumbled Jessa, though she smiled. “And you were wonderful and looked after me when I couldn’t hold my liquor,” she said with a chuckle.
Noah smiled. “I would always look after you,” he said, kissing her cheek.
Jessa smiled at him and leaned back against the wall, Noah gently wiping her face.
“You’ve looked after me numerous times when I’ve had the man flu,” Noah reminded her.
“I have.” Jessa smiled. “You’re an adorable patient, even when you’re whining.”
Noah laughed, kissing her temple. “How do you feel?” he asked.
“Nauseated. I think it’s over, not sure yet. That’s why I am staying here for now,” said Jessa.
“Okay, do you need some water?” he asked.
“Not right now, but thank you,” said Jessa.
Noah settled on the wall next to her, wrapping his arm around her, and Jessa lay her head against his shoulder.
“So close to having a vomit-free morning. Being pregnant is truly a trial,” said Jessa.
Noah pressed a kiss into her hair, squeezing her tighter.
“I’m sorry you’re going through all this, and it’s my fault,” said Noah.
“It takes two, Noah,” she said, looking up at him. “This is on both of us.”
“I know. I still hate that you’re so sick. I wish I could make it better,” said Noah.
“You make it better by being here, even if I wish you hadn’t seen me like this,” said Jessa.
“I’m glad, and never worry. I can’t be fazed by anything. This is hard on you, and I just want to be here for you and look after you,” said Noah.
“You’re the best,” said Jessa, looking up at him.
“I think it’s over,” she said after a few more minutes.
Noah helped her up, and she went over to the sink, washing her face and brushing her teeth several times, trying to feel more normal.
“I look so pale,” she complained.
“You are pale, but you’re still the most beautiful woman in the entire world,” Noah said.
Jessa chuckled, shaking her head with a smile.
“And if there’s aliens out there, you’re more beautiful than them too,” he added, trying to make her laugh.
Jessa laughed. “I love you, you goof.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he said with a laugh. “Come get some rest,” he said, taking her hand.
Jessa lay down on her bed, Noah sitting down beside her, stroking her hair.
“Do you need anything?” he asked.
“I’m okay for now,” said Jessa.
“Okay. Can you sleep?” he asked.
“Not tired, I just feel sick,” she said.
Noah settled on the bed next to her, patting his lap with a smile. Jessa grinned, settling her head on his lap, and he put both hands into her silky hair, stroking through it softly.
“This isn’t too bad when you’re here,” she murmured, looking up at him.
“You’ve already done enough on your own; I should have been here from the first moment,” said Noah. “I’m such an idiot.”
“It’s okay; we both needed to think about what we wanted. You’re here now,” said Jessa.
Noah bent to kiss her forehead, his hands continuing to stroke through her hair. He concentrated for a few moments, grasping her hair and putting it into a loose plait before taking it out and starting again.
“I don’t want to leave you,” he said softly. “I don’t want to be away from you. You’re going through so much.”
“I’m not letting you put your career aside for me. Forget that, Noah,” said Jessa.
Noah looked crestfallen at her response, and she quickly reached for his arm, stroking his skin.
“I don’t want you to go either. The idea of not being able to have you here, see you, touch you...it sounds so hard,” she said.
“But you do want me to go,” said Noah, his hand continually stroking her hair.
“I don’t, but I know you have to. I need to deal with that, and sweetie, you must too. We can choose our projects so that we’re not constantly far apart in the future, but your contracts now you have to honor,” said Jessa.
“I know that I do. It’s terrible, Jessa. I don’t suppose you can come with me?” he asked.
Jessa thought about it, going quiet. “My shows?” she asked.
“I don’t want you to give anything up for me either,” said Noah. “I won’t let you, not unless you physically can’t. In which case you need to take care of yourself first.”
“Well, I’ve had to reschedule a few already which I hated doing but not much I can do if I can’t perform. I have one tomorrow night; will you come?” she asked.
“Can I get a ticket?” he asked, smiling at her.
“Oh. I should probably check,” said Jessa, looking thoughtful.
“It might be sold out?” he asked, disappointed.
“I might have some sway; leave it with me,” said Jessa.
“Okay. Are you going to be well enough?” he asked.
“I have to be,” Jessa said determinedly.
THE FOLLOWING DAY, Jessa rehearsed, and Noah consulted with the director of the academy about the Christmas production. He casually mentioned he was hoping to be able to spend more time at home in the following months, putting the feelers out for opportunities to arise for him to do that.
He grinned as he met Jessa for a light lunch, and she beamed, looking tired but happy.
“You should go get some rest for tonight,” said Noah.
“I will. I’ll head home soon,” said Jessa.
“I have to be here until three, but then I can join you,” said Noah.
“Okay, come over,” she said.
“I will,” he murmured, squeezing her hand.
Later that afternoon, Noah went to her apartment, and she let him in with a smile.
“Hi, gorgeous,” he said, kissing her lips softly.
Jessa smiled, shaking her head at the new nickname.
“Hi yourself, handsome,” she responded.
Noah rolled his eyes, grinning.
“Were you napping?” he asked, indicating her pajamas.
Jessa nodded, taking his hand. “I’m so tired; mind if I nap a bit longer?” she asked.