Silent Strangers

SEVEN

Chapter SEVEN:
Tobias

My heart pounded in my chest as I raced up the stairs to Selena's apartment. The urgency in her voice had sent a shiver down my spine. I fumbled with my keys, desperation fueling my movements.

The moment the door swung open, the scene that unfolded before me was a stark contrast to the chaos I'd imagined. Selena was perched on the edge of the couch, a look of concern etched on her face. And there, curled up on the sofa, was Grace, her face pale and drawn.

Recognition hit me like a ton of bricks. It was her. The woman who had stolen my heart the night before. But the sight of her looking so frail and vulnerable was a stark contrast to the vibrant, alluring woman I'd met just hours ago.

"What happened?" I managed to croak out, my voice barely audible.

Selena's gaze flickered between Grace and me before she explained, "Grace was out getting groceries when she suddenly felt sick. She collapsed on the sidewalk, and thankfully, a passerby helped me bring her here."
I moved closer to the couch, my heart aching at the sight of her discomfort. Her skin was clammy, and her breathing was shallow.
"Grace," I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper. She stirred, her eyelids fluttering open.

Our eyes met, and for a brief moment, it was as if the world had stopped turning. There was a flicker of recognition in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a look of confusion.

"Tobias?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"It's me," I replied, my voice filled with concern. "How are you feeling?"
She tried to sit up, but winced in pain. Selena quickly helped her back into a comfortable position.
"I feel terrible," she admitted, her voice weak. "My head is pounding, and my stomach feels like it's on fire."
"I'll get you some water," Selena said, hurrying into the kitchen.
I sat down on the arm of the couch, my gaze fixed on Grace. She looked so small and vulnerable, her usual radiance dimmed by illness. A wave of protectiveness washed over me, and I found myself reaching out to take her hand.

Her hand was warm and soft, and as our fingers intertwined, a jolt of electricity shot through me. I pulled my hand away quickly, my face flushing with embarrassment.
"I'm here for you," I managed to say, my voice barely audible.
She gave me a weak smile. "Thank you," she whispered.

Selena returned with a glass of water, and I helped Grace take small sips. After a few minutes, her color began to return, and she seemed to be feeling slightly better.

"I'm so sorry for causing so much trouble," she apologized to Selena.
"Don't worry about it," Selena replied. "You're lucky I found you when I did."

We sat in silence for a few moments, the only sound the ticking of the clock on the wall. I couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu. It was as if fate had brought us together again, under the most unexpected circumstances.

"I think you should probably stay here for the rest of the day," Selena said to Grace. "I can take care of you."
Grace nodded weakly. "Thank you," she said.
I stood up. "I should probably go," I said, feeling a pang of disappointment. I wanted to stay and take care of her, but I knew I couldn't impose.
"Are you sure?" Selena asked. "You can stay if you want. We could use the extra help."

I hesitated. The truth was, I didn't want to leave Grace's side. But I also didn't want to overstep.

"I'll stay for a little while," I finally said. "But I have to go home eventually."
Selena nodded understandingly. "Okay," she said. "We'll figure something out."

As I sat back down, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe this was the beginning of something special.

Selena cleared her throat, her voice cutting through the silence in the room.
"So, how do you two know each other?" The question hung heavy in the air, every word thick with unspoken meaning. Grace and I exchanged a nervous glance, our faces flushing.

I stammered out a reply, "We... uh... met last night at a club."

Selena raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in her eye. "Oh, really?" she said, drawing out the words. Her gaze flickered between us, and I could feel my cheeks burning hotter. "Well, I'm sure you two have a lot to catch up on. I'll just... be in the other room."

With that, she stood up and left, closing the door softly behind her. A heavy silence settled over the room, broken only by the insistent ticking of the clock. I stole a glance at Grace, and our eyes met, a silent conversation passing between us. The question hung in the air, unanswered.