Chapter 55: Chapter 55

"Muffin, wake up."

I feel Jake's arm slowly move away from my frame, causing me to stir awake from my sleep. I grumble unhappily, prying open my eyes. The smell of food suddenly hit my senses and I immediately sit up straighter, sniffing the air like a police dog on a mission.

"Is that food?" I ask sleepily, rubbing at my eyes. Jake chuckles beside me, leaning forward and unwrapping the food packaging.

"Yep but feel free to go back to sleep. More food for me." Tobias shrugs, grabbing a plate from the coffee table. I glare at him jokingly, shaking my head at how much the man can eat.

"What did you get?" I ask Jake, investigating the boxes of food.

"Pizza and Indian." Jake smirks, handing me a plate of steaming rice and curry along with a pizza box. I let out a little squeal, a grin spreading across my face.

"You're the best!" I praise him, taking the plate in excitement.

"I'm not just a pretty face." Jake chuckles, taking a seat next to me.

"You got that right." I respond, feeling my cravings finally be satisfied. I let out a low moan at the taste of the food, closing my eyes and leaning back against the couch.

"This. Is. Heaven." I state, picking up a slice of extra cheese pizza.

"Careful there Muffin, those moans are for me and me only." Jake comments, his gaze fixed on me.

I instantly drop the pizza from my hand and let out a small gasp. On the other end of the room, Tobias splutters with laughter, face slowly turning red. My mouth hangs open and I quickly shut it, shaking my head at him.

"Jake!" I whine, slapping his arm lightly.

"Stop laughing Tobias! It's not funny!" I yell, throwing a cushion at his head. I don't miss this time and the cushion bounces off Tobias' head, causing him to stop laughing abruptly. His eyes narrow in thin slits towards me before masking over with a mischievous glint. I watch him warily, suspicion written across my face.

My mouth ends up dropping open again as Tobias leans back in his seat and moans, mimicking me. Beside me, Jake breaks down in hysterical laughter, choking on a piece of naan bread.

"You guys!" I scream, glaring at the two of them. Eventually, they both quieten down and Jake leans over towards Tobias, giving him a high-five in the process.

"We are hilarious." Jake grins, turning around to give me an innocent smile. I tilt my head and glare at him further, shaking my head at both of them playfully.

"Admit it Muffin," Jake says, leaning forward until he's inches away from my lips. I can feel his warm breath hitting my bottom lip, he smells like chicken curry.

"Admit what?" I question, pretending to be mad at him. I raise one brow but Jake sees straight through my fake anger.

"Admit that you've missed us," he mumbles, leaning forward to peck my lips quickly. I nod my head, my features softening as my eyes fall over both of them.

"I have missed you both but tell anyone and I'll deny it till the day I die." I respond. Jake and Tobias grin at me before we all turn our attention back to the food, feeling grateful for one another's presence.

*****

"I feel like this place is turning in to my second home." I grumble unhappily, walking through the door. Jake holds my hand tightly and Tobias and Trish are trailing right behind us. We're all meeting up with Ben to go and visit Ivory who's due to come home today.

To say I'm excited is an understatement. . . despite my lack of enthusiasm. I simply really hate hospitals.

It's the mere sight of one that causes my stomach to twist nauseously. The smell is uncomfortable and nobody ever looks happy. My memories of hospitals is nothing but negative and its a struggle for me to re-live those moments.

My grip on Jake's hand tightens as the familiar scent hits me and he pauses, glancing down at me.

"Are you okay Muffin?" He mumbles, stroking his thumb over my hand. I nod silently, glancing around to try and distract myself —

"Bad memories." I murmur an explanation, pulling him gently towards the reception desk. Jake drops my hand and wraps a supportive arm around my waist, pulling me close to him —

"I'm here, don't forget that." He mumbles, placing a gentle kiss on top of my head. I look up at him with love in my eyes, feeling grateful to have such a caring and supportive boyfriend.

"You're amazing Jake, I couldn't do this without you." I smile at him, feeling my painful thoughts drift away at the sight of him.

"Do you two ever pull away from each other? You're like leeches, but cute leeches." Trish laughs, attempting to cover up her insult with a compliment. I turn my head and give her a deathly stare, causing her to stop laughing immediately.

"If only looks could kill." Tobias mutters, his eyes widening at me before looking over at Trish. They both pause for a second, eyes locked together. I take the chance to elbow Jake, signalling at them with my hand.

"They would be so cute together," I whisper, biting down on my bottom lip. They look incredibly good standing next to each other, like a pair of models. I know Trish likes Tobias, the attraction between them is undeniable. I'm waiting for either of them to make the first move, the idea of them being together is exciting.

"I don't think Tobias is ready for a relationship yet," Jake shakes his head. I pout in disagreement, looking up into Jake's eyes.

"But they look so cute together!" I whine, giving him my best puppy dog eyes.

"Can't you just mention it to Tobias and see what he thinks?" I ask, my eyes twinkling with excitement. Trish would kill me if she knew what I was planning right now.

"Emily, don't play Cupid." Jake warns me off, his expression turning into a fixed serious glare. I let out a small groan, my plan crushed before it's even started.

"Fine." I respond unhappily, looking over my shoulder to take a second glance at them.

Trish is giggling at Tobias whilst they talk, a pink tint covering her cheeks. Tobias grins back at her however I can't read him as clearly as Trish. He's always so cool and laid back and never lets his true emotions show easily. I do notice his wondering eyes when Trish walks ahead of him and the look of approval that flashes through them —

Hmm, maybe there is hope for those two after all. . .