Head of the Class

Alex slept for a good hour. Chess shook him awake to tell him that the doctor was back with Alex’s test results. Alex stretched, feeling a little better.

The emergency room doctor determined that Alex did not have a concussion, but he did have a little swelling and a good sized bump. He did not need to stay for observation, but the doctor did suggest that he be woken up at regular intervals throughout the night to make sure, and if there were any problems, he was to be brought right back to the hospital.

That meant Alex could not be alone.

As they were heading out to Chess’s car, she asked him, “Do you have anyone at home to look after you?”

“Not really,” Alex replied slowly. He could call his mom, who lived across town and would gladly help because she was kind, like Chess. But he did not say so.

“Would you like to stay at my house?” Chess asked. “I have everything there, including food.”

Alex laughed. But then he worried. He would love to be in his own bed right now, shutting out the world, shaking off the effects of the needle episode, and sleeping the rest of the night away.

Still, there was Chess...

And she probably had a nice bed that smelled like her.

But what if he snored? What if he farted in his sleep? God, what if he puked?

Still... Chess.

“I’ll tell you what,” Chess said, interrupting his thoughts. “Let’s get a bite to eat first. Where do you want to go?”

“Well, you mentioned Harvey’s a while ago.”

“Yeah? Alright.”

Chess unlocked her car door for Alex and he sat inside. He was able to pull up the seat this time because he no longer felt the need to lie down. Snow had dusted everything by now, and little wisps blew across the parking lot in little frozen swirls. As they drove through the quiet streets of the city, Alex relaxed a little. It was nice being in the car with her on this quiet night, even though a stay at the hospital (where he hadn’t been at his best) wasn’t the most romantic setting for a first date.

They pulled into a deserted Harvey’s and ventured in for a meal. They ordered, got their food, and then sat down.

Chess had only ordered some french fries and she sat dreamily picking away at them. Alex watched her as he munched down his burger. Even in the harsh fluorescent glare of the restaurant lights, her eyes twinkled as she looked out the window. Headlights slid past the windows in the winter night, and each one reflected in her green eyes.

She turned to him. “You OK? How’re you feeling?”

He smiled. “I’m OK.”

“How’s your head?”

“Doesn’t hurt too much.”

“Good.” She went back to looking out the window. This time, Alex could see Chess’s eyes getting heavy.

“You’re tired,” Alex pointed out.

She smiled. “You are too, I’ll bet. I’ll take you home.”

“Uh...” Alex fumbled. “I was thinking that...” He took a deep breath. “Does that offer still stand to crash at your place?”

Chess looked at him and smiled slowly. “Of course.”

They finished their late-night dinner and packed up to go. As they headed out the door and into the snowy parking lot, Alex slipped his hand in Chess’s, and they leaned close together.

Chess’s house was small and tidy, in the southern end of town. They went around back and Chess unlocked a gate to a snow-covered garden.

“Ah, Will’s been here,” she noticed, pointing to her bulky hockey bag dropped at the back door. On top was a box of Smarties and a note.

Chessie-

Hope Alex is OK. I’ll come by tomorrow.

-Willy

“Aw, ain’t he something?” said Chess. “He even brought us dessert. My favourite.”

“Will sure is nice to you,” Alex observed.

“You bet. I wouldn’t be anything without him.”

Chess let them both into the back hallway of her house. Inside smelled homey and warm, fabric softener and cookies. Alex took off his jacket and Chess hung it on the hook beside hers. They both kicked off their shoes and went up the step into the little kitchen.

“Cup of tea?” Chess asked.

“Nah,” said Alex. “I’m pretty tired right now. I’d like to just lie down.”

“Oh, OK.” Chess set the kettle down and went down the hall to what Alex assumed was her bedroom. “I’ll get you something soft to sleep in, OK?” she called. “I think I’ve got pajama pants that aren’t pink.”

Alex laughed. “Whatever. Doesn’t matter.”

Chess re-emerged with a pair of navy plaid pajama pants and a Notre Dame t-shirt. “This oughta do it. You can get changed in the bathroom. There’s a new toothbrush that you can have in the second drawer by the sink.”

Alex smiled at her. “You’re all set to have me, aren’t you.”

Chess smiled back. “Yep.”

Alex reached up and brushed a lock of Chess’s hair off her shoulder. “Thanks for everything you did for me tonight,” he whispered. “You’ve been so good to me.” Alex leaned in and kissed her tenderly on her cheek.

Chess scratched the back of her head, smiled shyly at the floor and squeezed Alex’s hand. “Go get changed,” she said softly. “I’ll make up your bed.”

Alex slipped into the bathroom and changed into the set of clothes Chess had given him. They were a bit baggy (Chess, like Will, was heavier set than Alex, who was skinny), but they were comfortable and they smelled like her. Alex found the toothbrush and cleaned himself up for the night. Wanting to make a good impression, he folded his clothes into a neat pile and set them on the edge of the tub.

Alex came out of the bathroom and headed down the hallway towards the lighted room. Chess was straightening a bed up in a soft green room. The sheets on the bed were white with little green flowers and a white satin border. Chess looked up at Alex and smiled.

“Your clothes are a bit baggy, but are they comfortable?” she asked.

Alex looked down and rubbed the t-shirt between his thumb and forefinger. “Yeah, they’re great,” he said. “Very soft.”

He watched as Chess patted down the sheets and smoothed a quilt over them.

“OK, you’re all set,” she said. “Bathroom’s down the hall, as you know, and if you want anything to eat or drink or whatever, just help yourself. Or you could wake me up.”

“No, I wouldn’t do that,” Alex said.

“Oh, speaking of which,” Chess said carefully, “do you... want me to come wake you up a couple times to make sure you’re OK? The doctor did suggest we should do that to make sure.”

Alex thought about it. “Yeah, maybe. If you don’t mind.”

Chess smiled. “OK. I’ll see you in a few hours.” As she made to slip out the door, she circled her arm around Alex’s waist.

Alex laid his head on her shoulder. “Good night, Cutie. Sleep tight.”

“You too,” Chess whispered, sliding her finger down his cheek as she left the room.

Alex pulled the sheets back on the bed and slipped in between them. They were smooth and cool and smelled clean and fresh. Alex rubbed the satin border under his chin. The bed was soft, and the pillows were deep and comfortable. As he closed his eyes, thoughts of Chess and fields of flowers and birds glowed behind his eyelids. Within a few seconds, he was fast asleep.