Evaluation

When you rewake you're already feeling a bit better, however, you can tell it'll take another day or two before you're back to your full strength. You suppose you can blame your walk in the rain the previous evening for your sudden turn in health. Thankfully, you don't think it's anything more serious than a common cold and shouldn't hold you back. Glancing at your wristwatch you wince as the time flashes back at you, highlighting just how late you are now. You quickly throw back the covers and stumble out of bed unsteadily before looking around for your backpack. You're still searching when the door behind you swings open loudly, startling you visibly.

"Ah, miss Ford." Kaleb greets you cheerfully, his hazel gaze twinkling almost playfully. "You're up again, good."

"Oh, hello." You regard the man cautiously for a moment before remembering what you were doing before he interrupted. "Have you seen my backpack? I'm late for class."

"Class?" He repeats in surprise before stepping through the doorway to reveal he's not alone. "In your condition? Nonsense. In fact, I have someone here to see you."

"To see me?" A small frown wrinkles your brow as you take in the unfamiliar visitor.

You can't help feeling slightly intimidated by the tall, lean man now standing before you. His face is also quite long and slender and just as perplexingly handsome as the house's other occupants. Raven black hair is slicked back against his head, all except a large tuft that's come loose and hangs down covering part of his face. His one pale blue eye that is visible stares down at you in what appears to be slight exacerbation.

"This is Drake." Kaleb explains, seemingly oblivious to the immediate tension. "Another one of our housemates. Next year he'll be leaving for med school but he's already pretty knowledgeable. Especially in human anatomy..."

You ignore the wink he shoots your way just as he ignores the withering glance from the future doctor. The man in question turns his attention back to you before motioning for you to take a seat. You do so reluctantly while throwing Kaleb an anxious glance that also goes unnoticed. Soon you're physically unable to protest as a thermometer is shoved between your lips and you're made to sit still. Grimacing, you reluctantly do as you're told while Drake places a stethoscope in his ears and moves to stand behind you. Your back stiffens reflexively when icy fingers brush against your skin followed by the cold metal of the stethoscope's diaphragm. You obediently follow his directions as you're repeatedly told to breathe and out while his fingers and the instrument continue to travel across your back. Finally, he pulls away and returns to face you.

"Unbutton your blouse." He instructs bluntly, holding the stethoscope out impatiently.

The sound of a figure shifting causes you to look over towards the bedroom door. Drake also turns to follow your gaze before exhaling in exasperation when you both see Kaleb casually leaned against the doorframe. Wordlessly, he walks over and unceremoniously shuts the door in the man's face then turns to you. Frowning, you now hesitate to follow this direction.

"I'm sure all this isn't necessary." You protest as he returns to stand before you.

"I'm here to help you." The man states curtly, looking entirely unamused. "Not get a free peek. Trust me, I have better things to spend my time on."

"Sorry." An embarrassed blush covers your cheeks and you finally comply.

Drake's gaze hardly graces your now exposed bosom as he moves to place the frigid instrument against your left breast. Shivering, you try ignoring the goosebumps forming along your skin and the warm flush that follows his slightly rugged touch. It's hard to concentrate on his words but you manage to follow along and continue breathing in and out at the appropriate times. You're slightly ashamed for the way you're feeling, however, you're certain you're not entirely to blame as you're not sure it was an accident how often the metal diaphragm grazed your sensitive nipples. Regardless of whether you imagined it or not he quickly finishes his exam and you reclothe a moment later.

"I heard you'll be staying here for a while." He remarks affectlessly while reaching into his shirt pocket and retrieving a tongue depressor.

You nod silently and watch for some visible type of reaction from him. Rather than show his feelings he states them plainly.

"I think that's a mistake." When you open your mouth to reply the wooden aperture is swiftly shoved inside. "Say, ahhh ."

Ignoring his sarcastic tone, you stick your tongue out and hope you don't end up with any splinters. You're not sure what his problem is, however, it obviously has something to do with you staying here. You wonder if it would reassure him to know you plan on making the stay as brief as possible. Before you're able to speak up, the door to the room suddenly swings open, startling you again.

"Hey, I wanted to see-" Ash stops short when he sees Drake beside you and inquires darkly. "What are you doing here?"

"Our guest is ill and my services were requested." The man explains indifferently, finally retracting and disposing of the tongue depressor. "And a good thing too, this is an upper respiratory infection not a cold. She'll need antibiotics and shouldn't be going anywhere for a couple of days."

"I can't miss class!" You exclaim in protest, standing up quickly. "I'm fine, really.... oh!"

"Shit!" Ash growls irately and swiftly darts to your side to catch you as you sway unsteadily. Standing so quickly has left you lightheaded and feeling unexpectedly weak again. Perhaps the med student is correct and you should take a little time off from things. Unfortunately, you're certain your professors won't take the word of a yet-to-graduate student and will require something more official. Ash's hand continues to grip your arm tightly and you can't help leaning against his firm side for support. A deep sigh leaves you as you try to come to terms with just how quickly your life continues shifting. Maybe one day you'll have some type of consistency or normalcy. For now it seems you're doomed to keep navigating each new hurdle that continues appearing.