My Jealous Stepbrother
FOOD IS FOOD

Despite having a red nose and difficulty breathing due to congestion, I was feeling better than I expected. I guess I'd needed that nap, but it was time to satisfy my hunger. Although the rain was still coming down heavily outside, that didn't bother me in the least. My stomach growled remembering that I hadn't eaten as I should have, maybe I had skipped breakfast and even lunch because of my unexpected nap, but that didn't mean I would do the same with dinner. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand, but noticed that it was off, which was odd. I was sure it had at least 80% battery this morning before I left the house, so I didn't understand why it wouldn't turn on. Still, I didn't think too much of it and plugged it in to charge it quietly.

My nose was runny and I couldn't help sneezing, but I felt full of energy.

A delicious aroma hit my nostrils, or at least what little of it my nose managed to pick up, and I quickly shuffled toward the kitchen, doing my best not to pass out on the way. My stomach growled, reminding me that I had to hurry. I sneakily peeked my head into the kitchen and there was Ryan, today's impromptu chef. I couldn't help but throw him a sarcastic compliment. "Smells delicious, Ryan," I greeted him with a smile. "What culinary delights await us today?" Ryan gave a little bounce in place and turned to me, his eyes bright and a surprised expression on his face. "Sam! I didn't expect to see you awake yet." His cheeks were flushed and he looked nervous. "I'm making some scrambled eggs with bacon and toast. Would you like some?"

I nodded excitedly as I approached feeling the aroma of golden bacon and freshly toasted bread flood my senses. "That smells wonderful. I'm ravenously hungry, you know?"

He smiled, showing his perfect teeth as if it was the most normal thing in the world but I didn't understand how he could look so attractive. It was best not to think too much about it. "Looks like the LITTLE nap gave you renewed energy, you looked like a bear in hibernation. Here's your plate."

I thought it was odd that he emphasized small but I guessed he was just joking as usual. We sat at the small kitchen table as Ryan generously served the eggs and bacon on our plates. The tantalizing smell made my stomach growl in anticipation.

"Mmm, this looks amazing," I commented as I took a bite of the scrambled eggs. The creamy, smooth taste filled me with satisfaction. "Ryan, you have talent in the kitchen. You should quit soccer and open your own restaurant."

He chuckled, enjoying my response, he seemed a little more relaxed. "Thank you, Sam. Although I only have the skills of a college student trying to survive his day to day life with what he has at his fingertips, I know it's not the right food but I did what I could. But maybe someday I'll consider your suggestion," he said modestly.

"Why wouldn't it be suitable," I asked curiously as I shoved a big spoonful of food into my mouth.

"Well, I don't think bacon and eggs is a typical choice for lunch," he replied, looking at me with a mixture of amusement and complicity.

"Lunch? But what are you talking about, surely you meant dinner. And when are bacon and eggs not a good meal?" I retorted, confused by his words. The food was still delicious, no matter what time it was.

"Dinner? Sam, do you even know how long you slept?" His voice was laced with her laughter. Something was going on, something I couldn't quite figure out.

"Just a few hours?" I asked, hoping his answer would confirm my assumption that I had only had a short nap and that he was joking, as he always used to do.

Ryan let out a soft laugh and shook his head. "It's a new day, sleepyhead. You were out the rest of yesterday after taking your medicine, and now it's after noon. You skipped breakfast today, too."

I was stunned, dropping my fork on my plate. Had I slept that long? My eyes widened as I processed the information. "Really? I can't believe I slept that long. Did I take the wrong dose? What day is it today?" Ryan leaned forward, resting his elbow on the table. His look was sympathetic but also amused. "Today is Wednesday. You've missed almost a whole day. I guess the meds really kicked in."

I couldn't believe I had slept so long, feeling like I had missed half a day. My mind struggled to comprehend what Ryan was telling me, while my stomach churned from the combination of disbelief and hunger. "You're seriously not kidding?" I asked, trying to assimilate the information. "Why didn't you wake me up? What about school, what do I do now?"

"I'm not always joking with you," he said in a low tone. Ryan walked over to me, his gaze full of calm and tranquility. "I saw you so calm and peaceful while you were sleeping, I decided to let you rest. And as for your responsibilities, don't worry, I can help you with whatever you need. I'm here for you, if you don't understand something just tell me. Besides..." He seemed to think about it for a moment. "Your father doesn't want you to expose yourself, the last thing he told me was to stay and take care of you."

Had my father called? I held a hand to my head, trying to get my thoughts in order, I seem to remember talking to him slightly before I fell asleep but his words were distorted and I didn't remember what exactly had happened or what we had talked about.

"...so he's forcing you to stay home."

I was distracted for a moment and didn't pay attention to what Ryan was telling me.

"...already notified the school that you're not going to be able to go for a few more days."

"Did he say anything else?" I asked, hoping he had clear answers.

He ran a hand through his hair and looked at the ground for a moment before answering. "He said to stay home until you're fully recovered. He's worried about you, he doesn't want you exposed to anything while you're sick."

I snorted and crossed my arms, feeling a mixture of frustration. "He always has to control everything. Does he think I'm incapable of taking care of myself?"

Ryan tried to reassure me, "Sam, relax. It's not the end of the world. You just need to rest and recover."

"I still can't believe I was out this long."

Ryan nodded, concern showing in his eyes. "You wanted to rest, so I let you sleep. I thought you'd be fine."

A shiver ran down my spine as I tried to remember the last few blurry hours when I felt euphoric and uninhibited, I had a feeling something else had happened. "Wait, what happened after I took the medication?"