Replay Of Shades

18

CHASE

I arrived back in New York on Tuesday evening. It should have been the day before, but due to some delay of which I contributed to, I couldn't.

Once I was back in the penthouse, the first thing I did was to take a warm shower. That helped to relax my muscles, but it didn't help much with how tired I was feeling right now. Although, I didn't think it was to the extent that I couldn't pay Enid a short visit.

Apparently, while I was gone, she had fallen sick on her birthday and was just getting better. I'd only just found out about this from dad on the phone this morning. Hearing that, I'd asked him to send me her address.

Meanwhile, during the four days that I was in Paris, aside replying the text that she sent me the first day I got there, Enid and I only spoke on the phone once and that happened to be on her birthday which was the Friday of the previous week. We just haven't gotten to that stage yet where we would call each other often.

At the same time, my very tight schedule wouldn't have permitted otherwise. I could vividly recall, too, that she hadn't mentioned anything about being sick to me while we talked.

Still in a bathrobe, I went to take a seat on the armchair in the bedroom. I further picked up my phone from the top of the table and dialled her number. I wanted to know if she was home.

"Hey," I said once she picked up.

"Yes, Chase," She answered half-heartedly, not saying anymore.

I thought that was strange.

"Are you mad at me about something?" I tried to think of what I could possibly have done wrong, but I couldn't think of anything.

"No," She quickly replied, sounding a little bit nervous. "I'm not mad at you. How are you doing?"

"I'm good."

"Cool,"

Remembering right then the reason why I called, I asked, "Are you at home right now?"

There was a shuffling sound right at that moment, undoubtedly coming from her side. This was followed by a distinct clacking sound, "No, I'm actually out. I'm on a date right now."

"I guess you won't be back anytime soon,"

"Maybe. Wait, are you back?"

Was that excitement I heard in her voice?

"Yes, I just got back this evening. I was going to come and check on you. Dad told me you fell sick and that you're just getting better." I wanted to know the reason why she didn't tell me about it, but I knew I couldn't do that right now. I was interrupting her date already as it was.

"I didn't mention it when you called the last time because it was nothing serious. Infant, I'm fully recovered now." She assured me as if she could hear what I was thinking. "Chase, the thing is, where I am right now is not too far from your place so if you're not too tired and wants to get some sleep, I could drop by at your place on my way home."

"That's not necessary. You would be stressing yourself that way, and you just got better."

"What stressing myself!" She exclaimed. "I'll just be dropping by to see you." She was determined.

Knowing it was best not to argue with her, I did just that, "Alright. Let me know when you get here, I'll come down to get you."

"Okay, I'll see you later."

•

I was woken up by the sound of my ringing phone. Without making any effort to sit up or get out of bed yet, I extended my hand towards the bedside table to grab it.