Chapter 81 I Could Cry

Chapter 81 I Could Cry
Jasmine

It is two-thirty in the morning when I arrive home. I am exhausted and sore. I am so tired that I could cry. I am emotionally exhausted. I have been up for nearly twenty-one hours. I had classes until three and then went straight to work. I haven’t eaten since breakfast, but I am too tired to eat. It is probably another reason I felt so bad. I did have a break during my shift, but I wasn’t hungry, so I just had coffee instead. The drive home was not good. I struggled to stay awake. Cody did offer to pick me up, but I told him no because I knew I would finish late. The two of us don’t need to lose sleep. I regret refusing his offer now. I hate driving when I am exhausted. It can be so dangerous. 

I take off my shoes before entering the apartment to avoid waking anyone. They are all likely asleep now. I'm eager to sleep, even if it's only five hours, since I have to do it all over again tomorrow. Fortunately, tomorrow should be a bit easier. I have classes from nine to twelve, then work from one to seven. It probably won't be as tough as today. After three more workdays, I get a day off, but then I work the weekend as well. 

Strolling inside, I carefully close the door and lock up. As I turn around, I notice a light in the living room. Someone must have forgotten to turn it off. I head through to switch it off, but I notice a figure on the sofa, sound asleep. I soon realize it is Cody. 

I kneel in front of the sofa, softly shaking him. “Cody, wake up, my love.” 

He groans but then opens his eyes, smiling the moment he sees me. “You’re home.”

“I am. What are you doing asleep on the sofa?” 

Cody sits up and rubs his face. "I was trying to stay awake until you got home.”

I smile and gently kiss him. “You are very sweet.” 

It only lasts a few seconds before we part. He reaches in and strokes my cheek. “Are you okay, baby girl? You look like you could cry at any moment. Was work not good?” I can hear the concern in his voice and see the creases forming on his forehead.

I sigh. "Work was fine, but I am exhausted.” 

“You’ve had a tiring day, angel; it’s understandable that you’re worn out. Let’s get you to bed. You really don’t have to work such extended hours.”

“Yes, I do. I want us to be able to afford a decent life without you having to work all those hours.”

Cody approaches to protest again, but I give him a firm look to avoid rehashing the same discussion. We’ve had this talk so many times before. He nods silently and keeps his thoughts to himself. Gathering my remaining energy, I stand and extend my hand to him. He accepts it, and with his help, I manage to stand up. 

“Should I carry you to bed?” he says with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. 

“Oh, as tempting as that is, I believe I can handle it." I laugh. 

He places his hand on the small of my back, guiding me toward the bedroom. I lean my head on his shoulder, dragging my feet because I’m really struggling. It will take some time to readjust to all of this. 

He makes sure I'm seated safely on the bed before he fetches some PJs for me, helping me change into them. My stomach grumbles during this, and he raises an eyebrow at me. 

“When was the last time you ate something?”

I look at the ground. “Breakfast.” 

Cody sighs. “Jasmine, that’s not good for you. Get into bed. I’ll make you a sandwich. Don’t even try to refuse because you need to eat, even if it’s something quick.” 

I nod, too exhausted to object. He kisses my forehead and goes to the kitchen. I check I have everything for the morning before getting into bed, setting my alarm, and waiting for him to come back. Cody soon returns, bringing a plate of cheese and ham salad with some potato chips, then climbs into bed beside me. 

“You need to start eating better. I swear, if I have to, I will start packing a lunch for you every day, and dinner too if you are working after classes. You need to eat to keep your energy up, or you will end up passing out,” he says softly. 

“I promise to start eating better,” I say, taking a bite. 

Cody does enough. He doesn’t need to cook all my meals. Usually, I am fine when it comes to eating, but sometimes I just can’t be bothered. 

“Thank you.” 

I nod and concentrate on my food, finishing every bite before finally going to sleep, dreading the alarm ringing in less than five hours. If I had the choice, I would skip classes, but I can’t or won’t, particularly because they were so supportive when I had to take significant time off after the accident. 

Cody wraps his arm around me, pulling me close and ensuring I am tucked in before turning off the lamp. In the darkness, he finds my lips and kisses me gently. “Sleep, beautiful. I love you.” 

I bury my face in his chest. “I love you too…” 

Feeling his arms around me instantly calms me. I always experience this. I close my eyes, and soon my body relaxes, and sleep begins to take over. Hopefully, I will sleep through the night without waking before my alarm. I dislike waking early—it's so frustrating. I need as much rest as possible to get through tomorrow. I plan to be in bed early tomorrow night. Well, it depends on how much work I can send home from classes tomorrow. An early night may not work out, but at least the following day I don’t have any classes, only work, and I am on the dinner shift so I can get a long lie if I need to. 

“I hope you rest well, angel…” 

It is the last words I hear.