****
It took longer than expected for Avon and Jeremy to walk back to the mansion. Jeremy could feel his stomach and leg muscles cramping. They were out of water. "Now I know how you felt last week. I feel like crap," Jeremy groused.
"Try doing it for a week."
"No thanks."
"Let's get you some water and I'll fix you the perfect breakfast," Avon offered. "I've had to nurse Daddy back after a party, a time or two. I know the perfect combination of foods."
"I'm sure I'll be fine."
"No arguments Captain," Avon insisted. "I guarantee you'll feel better within the hour."
Jeremy shook his head in disbelief. "If I get sick again, it's on you."
Avon laughed. She knew she would succeed. As soon as they entered the kitchen, Jeremy headed for the water. Drinking a liter immediately, he sat down. "Here's some coffee and some tomato juice. The juice will settle your stomach and help with the headache."
Jeremy sneered at the juice. "I'm not into tomato juice."
"Drink it!"
Jeremy lifted the glass and down the juice in one gulp. He quickly washed it down with the coffee and then more water. As the food started coming out of the replicator, he started gagging again. "Eat!" Avon commanded.
Jeremy looked down at the plate. The sight of scrambled eggs, hash browns and chunks of ham had him ready to vomit. "Eat!" Avon repeated. "Mix it all together and eat it. I'll make some extra toast. It will also help ."
Jeremy mixed everything together and forced himself to take the first bite. Avon laughed. "I'll be right back." Avon walked out of the kitchen. Jeremy shook his head and forced each bite down. He was starting to feel a little better. He needed food in his stomach or risk the chance of dry heaving.
Avon returned moments later and placed two pills onto the counter. "Take these."
"Bossy, are we?"
"You need to trust me, Captain Hanson. You need to be better soon. We're supposed to start sword lessons today. And I want a fair fight."
"So you're throwing down the gantlet again?"
"You push me every day. I guess it's my day to push you."
"Kicking me again when I'm down. You really don't have a heart do you?"
"My heart is laying there on the counter Captain. Two pain killers. Take it or leave it. "
Iramy was standing in the doorway watching the interaction. "Can't you two take it down a notch or three for just one day?" Iramy asked facetiously. "I don't expect you to declare undying love for one another but how about a truce."
"I feel like shit."
"And I'm just trying to help, but he refuses my help."
"Take the pills Captain Hanson," Iramy commanded. "Unless you want to spend the day back in bed, you need to buck up and do it now. And we need to build up your tolerance for wine. You're a lightweight."
"So I've been told," Jeremy sneered while giving Avon an evil look.
"Take an hour to recover and then we'll start training," Iramy advised. "I have some practice swords we can use. I don't need anyone getting hurt today; at least no blood and guts. I also have a couple of vests for the two of you to use. I don't need anything more than a bruise on either of you. I'll meet you both out back in one hour."
Raising Avon Page 18