SILVER EYES (GXG)

Chapter 34: Fragments of Tomorrow

H is awake. H is awake. H is awake. The words echoed in my mind.

That meant alive. That meant safe and sound. My heart damn near burst out of my chest, fluttering like crazy, like a bird finally set free from its cage. But deep down, I felt this gnawing anxiety, like a knot in my stomach that just wouldn't untangle, threatening to choke me right then and there.

What the heck was I supposed to say to her now? Would she be angry? Sad? What kind of questions would she have? I needed to get to her, make sure she was alright. I needed to tell her I was sorry. I needed to say so many things.

I got to the medical bay as fast as I could, but when I arrived, I found Kate waiting outside Heather's room.

"Have you seen her?" I said, rushing toward the doorknob. Kate slid into my path, blocking my way.

"Slow down, Grace." She said.

"What? Is she okay? Please tell me she is okay!" I said, feeling stressed.

"She is. The doctor told me she was really lucky. The laser only half penetrated because of a metal plaque she had on her ribs." Kate explained.

A wave of relief washed over me. I was definitely starting to see the bright side of the metal prosthesis.

"Thank God. I brought her clothes, a blanket, two towels, some snacks..." I couldn't stop talking; my nerves were the ones speaking.

"Calm down, Grace," I sighed, trying to control myself. "Thanks for the stuff. I'll make sure she gets it." Kate said, gently gripping the handle of my bag.

"What? No way. I'll give it to her myself," I tugged the bag closer to me, hoping Kate would back off. Instead, she took a deep breath and said what I had feared the most.

"She doesn't want to see you."

A sharp pang shot through my chest. There it was. And I understood, I really did. It was something I could have anticipated, but it still hit me like a punch to the gut. Somehow, I had convinced myself that I would get the chance to explain, to make things right. I was sure she had so many questions. But apparently, her anger outweighed any need for answers.

"Listen, I don't know what went down between you two. But she's made it crystal clear. She doesn't want you near her. I'm sorry, Grace," Kate said.

A prick of pain throbbed in my head, and I closed my eyes. I was exhausted, both emotionally and physically. I had waited for this moment all day, afraid of losing her. And now that I was just a few meters from hugging her again, I had to turn and walk away.

"Are you okay?" Kate said, gently putting her hand on my shoulder.

"Seriously, with that stupid question again?" I muttered bitterly.

"Wow, sorry for caring," She said a bit angry.

"Sorry, I... I don't even know how I feel right now..." I covered my face with my hands, trying to alleviate the headache, and dropped the bag to the floor.

"Look, she's upset right now. Give her time. She'll eventually want to see you."

I shook my head. "I'm not so sure. I fucked it up," I said, feeling tears welling up in my eyes again. Kate gave me a searching look, silently asking for more.

"Can you explain what happened?" she said.

I shook my head. "Not now." God, I needed to talk to someone, but it was all too fresh, too raw. I just couldn't bring myself to spill it all to Kate, not yet. After what happened with Mark, how could I trust anyone now?

"Hey," she took a deep breath, waiting until I made eye contact with her. "She's okay. That's what matters now, okay?" Her eyes were kind. I could tell she was hurting too, but in that moment, her focus was solely on easing my pain and she was right. Heather was fine after all; that was the most important thing.