Between The Notes

The Fevered Confession

The days after the dinner were a confusing whirlwind for Emma. The album work continued, but Adele's behavior toward her grew more intense, more openly affectionate. Adele no longer tried to hide her feelings. Her gaze lingered on Emma with a fierce protectiveness, a longing that Emma could feel even when Adele wasn't looking directly at her. The connection between them was palpable, and yet, nothing was said.

Then, one morning, Emma awoke feeling unwell. At first, it was just an ache in her limbs and a dull headache, but by midday, the ache had morphed into a raging fever. Her head swam, and every movement felt like a struggle. She knew she wouldn't make it to work, so she called Sara.

"I'm sorry, Sara," Emma croaked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm too sick to come in today."

Sara's voice was full of concern. "Don't worry about it, Emma. Just rest and get better. I'll let Adele know."

Emma barely managed to hang up before collapsing back into bed. Her small apartment suddenly felt like a prison as the fever gripped her, sapping her strength and clouding her thoughts. Alone and vulnerable, she drifted in and out of consciousness, her dreams muddled by feverish visions.

At the studio, Adele's worry grew with each passing hour. When Sara told her that Emma was sick, Adele felt an icy dread settle in her stomach. She tried to focus on the day's work, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Emma. Every unanswered call only heightened her anxiety, her imagination running wild with the thought of Emma lying helpless and alone.

By the time the day ended, Adele could no longer stand the uncertainty. She left the studio in a rush and drove straight to Emma's apartment. When she arrived and knocked on the door, the silence on the other side filled her with panic. She knocked again, harder this time, but there was still no response. Heart racing, Adele's fear turned to desperation.

Frantic, she went to the neighbor's door and knocked. An elderly woman answered, looking surprised to see Adele standing there.

"Excuse me, but I'm trying to check on my friend, Emma. She's not answering her door, and I'm really worried. Do you happen to have a key?"

The neighbor's expression softened. "Emma keeps a spare key under the planter by her door. She mentioned it in case of emergencies."

Adele quickly thanked the woman and retrieved the key, her hands shaking as she unlocked the door and stepped inside. The sight that greeted her made her heart nearly stop.

Emma was lying on the couch, pale and drenched in sweat, her breathing shallow and labored. She looked so fragile, so unlike the vibrant woman Adele had come to care for. The fear that had been gnawing at Adele all day now turned into a cold, hard realization-this wasn't just concern for a colleague. She loved Emma, deeply and desperately, and the thought of losing her was unbearable.

"Emma," Adele whispered, her voice trembling as she knelt beside the couch. "Emma, can you hear me?"

Emma's eyes fluttered open, but they were unfocused, clouded by fever. She didn't respond, barely conscious. Panic surged through Adele, but she forced herself to stay calm. She had to help Emma. Without hesitating, she lifted Emma into her arms, shocked by how light and limp she felt.

Adele carried her to the bathroom, her mind racing. She had to bring the fever down. Gently, she placed Emma in the tub and turned on the cool water, adjusting it carefully so it wouldn't be too much of a shock. The water rose around Emma's body, and Adele soaked a washcloth, placing it tenderly on Emma's burning forehead.

Emma shivered under the touch of the cool water, her body reacting to the sudden change in temperature. Adele continued to bathe her, whispering soothing words as she did. "You're going to be okay, Emma. I'm here. I won't leave you."