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Griffin and Harper, both seventeen years old, walked hand in hand down the bunker hallway. It was a sunny Friday afternoon, and despite the challenges of another eleventh-grade school day at Sulphur Springs High School, they didn't find it all that dreadful. Just last week, Griffin and Harper were crowned King and Queen of the 2024 SSHS Homecoming. Since then, they've been treated like royalty, which they genuinely loved. However, to unwind, they decided that a small adventure would be their perfect choice.
"Where do you want to go, Lovey?" asked Griffin, opening the bunker door with a sense of adventure.
"I'm not sure, but somewhere fast. I have-"
"Dance" Griffin interrupted, positioning himself in front of the radio, his hands resting gracefully on the table.
"It's a big week, Griffin. We're up against our rivals," Harper remarked.
"I know, and that's why we'll have you back before all your company rehearsals," promised Griffin, reaching for the radio. However, before he could activate it, the radio suddenly sprang to life with a mysterious hum and whirl.
Griffin and Harper exchanged puzzled glances, and in that moment, Nick emerged from the shadows. His body adored in a flannel pajama set.
"Hey," he grumbled, his voice slightly grouchy.
"Hi, bubba. What are you doing here?" Harper inquired, her smile radiating warmth.
"I wanted to come back and learn some stuff about the past for a history project I'm working on, It's on the 2020s," Nick explained softly.
The seventeen-year-olds nodded understandingly. Nick attempted to smile but could only manage a grimace as he clutched his stomach, sniffling.
"Are you okay?" asked Harper, her voice brimming with concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Nick replied, straightening himself up.
"Your sure?" Harper persisted, crouching down in front of him. Before Nick could respond, his mom's hand found its way to his forehead, her eyes slightly widening at the results.
"Nick, you have a fever," informed Harper, concern etched on her face. Nick rolled his eyes.
"Bud, if you're sick, you should head back home," suggested Griffin.
"I'm not sick," Nick declared firmly, his nose wiped as he felt a sneeze escaping.
"I think you are," Harper responded, as Griffin crouched beside her, both teenagers keeping a watchful eye on their son.
"We don't want your sickness to worsen. Please, just go home for us," Griffin pleaded.
"Dad, I'm not sick," Nick whined, shifting his legs uneasily.
Griffin smirked and whispered in Harper's ear, "Aw, He acts just like you when you're sick."
She shot him a look and slapped his thigh.
"Damn! I was kidding," Griffin exclaimed, while Harper rolled her eyes.
"Well, if you're not going to go home, then we're going to take care of you here," Harper declared, standing up, followed by Griffin. Nick coughed, his chest congested, and then he sneezed, with snot flowing in a line down his nostrils.
"Aw, come on, sweets," Griffin said, placing a hand on Nick's back and gently guiding him out of the bunker.
**********
Griffin stood in the kitchen, gently stirring the delectable broth that filled the air with its heavenly aroma. He and Harper had taken the time to set up a cozy spot for Nick upstairs, surrounded by snug blankets and soft pillows. However, desiring to ensure his son received ample nutrients, Griffin decided to prepare a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup.
In the midst of his culinary endeavor, a familiar face entered the kitchen. It was none other than Zoey Campbell. She gazed at Griffin curiously, her eyes filled with intrigue.
"Why are you making chicken noodle soup?" Zoey asked, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
"Cause I feel like it," Griffin, absorbed in his task, replied absentmindedly without turning around. He reached into the cabinet, retrieving a divided plate specially designed for kids, and poured the nourishing soup into its largest compartment.
Zoey's initial confusion gave way to understanding, and she walked over to the fridge, retrieving a blue Gatorade. As she came into view, remembrance flooded Griffin's mind, and he couldn't help but let out a sigh. Harper had company practices today, he recalled, taking in Zoey's attire of red Jordans, black leggings, and a cropped Sulphur Springs Dance Studio shirt.
"Hey, do you know what Harper's doing at dance today?" Griffin asked, rummaging through the fridge to retrieve a tantalizing go-gurt and a delectable apple sauce go-go-squeeze. With care, he arranged them on the plate.
Zoey replied, "I don't know, but I've got a 4-hour Hip Hop today"
"No company?" Griffin inquired, astonished.
Shaking her head, Zoey met Griffin's raised eyebrow.
"But aren't you and Harper on the same team?" Griffin probed.
Zoey explained, "Harper's in a trio this week, I'm doing a duet. We practice on different days."
With that, Zoey bid farewell from the kitchen. Griffin grabbed a spoon, the plate, and headed out of the galley, making his way upstairs. When he opened his room door, Griffin came to see Harper sitting on his bed, with Nick bundled up in blankets in front of her, while she held a tissue to his nose and he blew into it desperately. Upon hearing Griffin's footsteps, Harper quickly got rid of the used tissue. Griffin placed the plate of food on his desk.
"Come on, bubba, Let's try eating," muttered Harper as she reached out her hand. Nick let out a damp cough before taking her palm, getting up from the bed, and stepping down. Griffin motioned for Nick to sit on his lap as he settled into his rolling chair.
"Do I have to eat all of it?" whispered the 10-year-old boy.
"No, just as much as you can, Nick," reassured Griffin, his gentle touch soothing his son's back while delicately scooping a spoonful of savory chicken noodle soup. Guiding it into Nick's mouth, Griffin slowly withdrew the spoon. Nick dutifully chewed and swallowed, yet his visage retained a tense expression. Griffin spoon-fed Nick a couple more delectable bites, but alas, Nick's heed dwindled.
"I don't want anymore" Nick whimpered, casting a sideways glance at the spoon hovering in front of his pouty lips. Griffin let out a sigh of resignation, reluctantly setting the spoon aside. The ensuing groan from Nick and the gentle grip around his tummy spoke volumes. Both Griffin and Harper could sense Nick's persistent hunger, yet his appetite seemed to have abandoned him.
"Do you want a popsicle?" Harper inquired with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Nick's eyes widened with delight as he enthusiastically nodded his head. Harper made her way towards Griffin's nightstand, and a mini fridge revealed itself, brimming with tempting treats.
Amongst the array of frozen delights, she retrieved a vibrant blue otter pop, its icy contents beckoning to be savored.
With nimble fingers, she carefully snipped off the top, revealing the tantalizing sweetness within. Returning to her son, Harper's face lit up with joy as she handed him the transformed popsicle.
"Thank you, Mommy," Nick expressed as his craving for something sweet awakened, gently taking small bites of the frozen dessert.
"Your welcome, love" Harper said while affectionately running her fingers through his exquisite curls.
Griffin gently caressed Nick's back, then carefully lifted him from his lap and guided him back to the comfort of his bed. With a tender touch, he assisted Nick in settling down before retrieving his phone from his pocket. Without hesitation, Griffin tapped the familiar YouTube app icon and handed the device to his son. As if transported to a world of his own, Nick blissfully ignored the noises around him. With one hand holding the delicious popsicle, he absentmindedly brushed his other hand against the sleek screen of the latest iPhone 16, engrossed in his browsing adventure.
With a sigh, Griffin and Harper clasped their hands together. They exited Griffin's bedroom, positioned outside of it, where the door remained wide open.
"Your missing company," Griffin gently reminded.
Harper nodded in agreement, responding, "I know, but it's okay"
Griffin's face lit up with a gentle smile as he lovingly embraced his girlfriend. Harper's head found solace on Griffin's strong shoulder, while Griffin's nose affectionately nestled into the delicate curve of her neck.
"Do you think he's getting better?" Harper inquired, their bodies swaying gently from side to side.
Before Griffin could respond, Nick erupted a painful cough, causing both Harper and Griffin to instinctively draw back and exchange concerned glances.
"I think we should give him some medicine," Harper suggested, her voice filled with worry.
"We don't have any kids medicine here. But, we could get some at CVS," Griffin proposed, his mind racing with thoughts of finding a solution for Nick's discomfort. Harper nodded in agreement.
"Maybe we could pick him up a happy meal too," Griffin added, a warm smile spreading across his face.
Harper chuckled softly before planting a tender kiss on Griffin's cheek. "Your a good dad," she whispered affectionately.
With a contented smile, Griffin leaned in and pressed his lips against Harper's. They pulled away, their eyes locked, before sharing another passionate kiss.
**********
It had been several hours since Nick ingested his popsicle and succumbed to a deep slumber. Griffin and Harper nestled beside him, their comforting presence on either side. With tender care, Griffin's hand gently massaged Nick's back, offering solace while he emitted nothing but trembling breaths, his chest laboring for enough air.
A moment passed, and Nick let out a soft whimper while vigorously rubbing his tired eyes.
"Not so hard, buddy," Griffin whispered in a soothing tone, carefully guiding Nick's hands back down to his side.
Nick coughed once more, his body convulsing with pain, a soft whine escaping his lips.
"Nick, We're gonna go to the store and try to find you some medicine" Harper said, causing Nick to turn his head towards her.
"Medicine? Gross!" Nick exclaimed, his eyes growing wider.
Harper let out a gentle laugh, "We'll try to find some that taste good."
Griffin rose to his feet, with Harper and Nick trailing behind. Nick slipped on his slides and trailed his parents out the door. The trio descended the stairs and vanished from view. The night was chilly and windy as they made their way to Griffin's truck. Griffin took the driver's seat while his family settled in the back. Harper made herself comfortable, and Nick rested in her lap.
Griffin cranked up the car, and began to drive. The car ride seemed to stretch on forever, each sneeze and cough from Nick serving as a painful reminder of his misery. It didn't take them long to arrive at their nearest CVS. The trio stepped out of the car and made their way inside the store.
"I'm going to go find some medicine," Harper said. Griffin simply nodded in response.
"Can we look at the toys?" Nick pleaded, tugging on his dad's hand. Harper glanced at Nick, then exchanged a warm smile with Griffin before taking off.
"Of course, Nick," Griffin replied, his voice filled with affection. Nick beamed with excitement and eagerly led the way.
Harper wandered through the aisles of the children's medicine section, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the array of options. She scanned the shelves, hoping to find the perfect remedy for her son. However, uncertainty clouded her mind, leaving her unsure of which medicine to choose.
Feeling a tad bit lost, Harper decided to seek assistance and made her way towards the friendly face behind the desk counter. The sweet lady greeted her with a warm smile, ready to lend a helping hand.
"Hi! How can I assist you today?" the kind lady asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Harper hesitated for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts before explaining her predicament. "Um, I was wondering if you could recommend the best medicine for children who have like a runny nose, congested coughs, body aches, head aches, and slight shortness of breath," she inquired, hoping for some guidance.
"Aw, The poor kiddo seems to have caught the flu," sympathized the woman.
Harper, the 17-year-old, nodded in agreement, "The flu."
The woman quickly suggested, "For over-the-counter relief, I would recommend Mucinex or Tylenol."
Grateful for the advice, Harper smiled and replied, "Thank you," before heading back to the aisle to find the suggested medicines.
///
Griffin's voice echoed through the aisles as he posed the question to his son, "So, Nick, have you made up your mind yet?" Nick's eyes darted from one shelf to another, his curiosity piqued by the array of choices before him.
Caught in the midst of indecision, Nick replied with a shrug, "I don't know."
"Are you hungry, sweets?" Griffin asked.
Nick's shoulders lifted in a dismissive gesture. Griffin acknowledged the situation with a sympathetic nod. However, all of a sudden, Nick's grip tightened around his abdomen, and the pain that had previously dulled reawakened with a vengeance. A loud and grating cough erupted from his throat, causing Griffin's brows to furrow in concern. Just as he braced himself for another bout of coughing, it unexpectedly transformed into a bout of gagging. Nick couldn't control the uncontrollable urge that surged up his throat, and he vomited unabashedly onto the ground. Tears mingled with the flowing liquids, cascading down his face in a display of sheer misery.
"Daddy," Nick whispered through heaving breaths, his tear-streaked face locked in an intense gaze with Griffin. Traces of heave lingered on Nick's trembling lips before he succumbed to another bout of vomiting. Sensing his son's distress, Griffin immediately went to his side, gently massaging his back.
"Don't worry, Buddy. Let it all out," Griffin murmured soothingly, his comforting words penetrating Nick's troubled heart as he continued to retch with mounting intensity. Moments slipped by, and just as abruptly as it started, Nick's heaves subsided, giving way to anguished sobs that resonated through the air.
"Aw, Don't cry," Griffin comforted his son, lifting him gently and planting a tender kiss on his cheek. With Nick safely cradled in his arms, Griffin glanced at the mess strewn across the floor, all the while soothingly rubbing his back.
"Let's go find Mommy," Griffin whispered, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance, as he moved away from the scene. Spotting Harper amidst the aisles of children's medicine, he wasted no time in making his way towards her.
"He threw up all over the floor" Griffin informed. Harper, understanding the gravity of the situation, gave him a look of acknowledgement.
Meanwhile, Nick, overwhelmed by embarrassment, buried his face in his dad's neck, desperately seeking comfort. Despite the situation, Harper managed to crack a small smile and gently rubbed Nick's back. "Nick," she said softly, causing him to abruptly turn around. His eyes were swollen from crying, and his cheeks were stained with tears.
Griffin reassured Nick with a gentle tone, "Mommy and Daddy aren't mad."
Harper nodded in agreement, showing her support. Nick sniffled and nodded, but then let out another painful cough.
"Did you find some medicine, Lovey?" Griffin inquired, concern etched on his face.
Harper held up two packages, "Mucinex and Tylenol," she declared.
Griffin couldn't help but grimace at the sight of the medicine. He discreetly mouthed, "They look gross."
Harper whispered, "It's cause they fu- they are." She turned and walked away, leaving Griffin chuckling behind her.
The trio strolled towards the checkout area, their mission to acquire the two necessary medicines accomplished. Mindful of their responsibility, they promptly informed the cashier about the incident that occurred in the toy aisle, ensuring that the mess would be promptly attended to. Griffin, Harper, and Nick then retraced their steps out the store and towards the car, finding solace in its comforting embrace. As they settled in, Griffin broke the silence with a proposition.
"Nick, Do you want to go to McDonald's and get a happy meal?" he asked, a glint in his eyes.
Nick's face lit up with excitement as he eagerly nodded in agreement. The two seventeen-year-olds exchanged knowing smiles.
After that, Griffin turned the corner and headed straight to McDonald's. He ordered Nick a chicken nugget happy meal, complete with a refreshing High C fruit punch. As the mouthwatering aroma of the food filled the car, the trio embarked on their journey back home.
**********
"Okay, love, it's time to take it," Harper declared.
It had been a solid hour since the three had returned home, and Nick had triumphantly polished off his entire meal. Now, the three of them were cozily nestled on Griffin's bed. However, Harper's statement elicited a groan from Nick.
"Don't worry, Nick. It'll do you good," Griffin reassured him.
"I'd rather stay sick," Nick grumbled, just as Harper returned to the bed, armed with a spoon and the Mucinex medicine. She delicately twisted off the cap, releasing the scent of the medicine into the surrounding space. With a steady hand, Harper poured a generous spoonful of the syrupy elixir onto the awaiting utensil. Nick's face contorted in discomfort, mirroring Griffin's own expression. Without hesitation, Griffin swiftly reached over to his nightstand and retrieved Harper's baby blue Stanley, skillfully popping up the straw and preparing it for immediate use.
With a slight grimace, Harper deftly maneuvered the spoon into Nick's mouth, extracting it with a flourish. Instantly, a mixture of revulsion and disgust danced across Nick's expressive face, accompanied by a symphony of involuntary coughs. Griffin promptly handed Nick the refreshing water bottle, which he eagerly gulped down without hesitation. Seeking solace and reassurance, Harper tenderly planted a tender kiss upon Nick's fevered forehead.
"We need to have you back early tomorrow morning," Griffin remarked as Harper carefully arranged the used supplies on his nightstand, and Nick met his gaze.
"They think I'm at a friend's house," Nick disclosed, a mischievous smile dancing on his lips.
"That's even better," Harper chimed in, a playful tone lacing her voice, sparking lighthearted chuckles from both of them.
"Tonight, when you go to bed, remember, don't hesitate to let Mommy or Daddy know if you need some water or if you feel like you might throw up again," Harper tenderly explained. Nick nodded, reassured by their loving words.
"How about we go downstairs and have a movie night?" Griffin proposed, brimming with enthusiasm. Nick's face lit up with an immense grin as he eagerly nodded. Pausing for a moment, he took in the sight of his parents, their radiant expressions emanating warmth and comfort.
"You guys are the best parents ever! I love you two," he exclaimed joyfully. Without giving the 17-year-olds a chance to respond, he tenderly planted a kiss on both of their cheeks, expressing his affection.
Griffin flashed a warm smile and said, "We'll meet you downstairs, buddy. Just remember to be quiet so you don't wake anyone up." Griffin playfully whispered the last part, evoking a playful smile from Nick as he carefully left the room.
Griffin and Harper exchanged a knowing look, a silent understanding passing between them. With a tender gesture, Griffin reached out, opening up his arms.
"Can't forget about our cuddle time," he whispered, a soft warmth in his voice. Harper's face lit up with a radiant smile as she settled herself onto Griffin's lap, her head nestled snugly in the curve of his neck.
Griffin gently massaged her back, contemplating within, "Don't we make great parents?"
Harper expressed her agreement, murmuring against his neck, "Damn right"
Griffin smirked, "You know, this whole teen parenting thing was actually kind of fun...maybe we could-"
"Oh hell nah" Harper shook her head, got to her feet, and hurried out of the room. Griffin erupted into laughter.