In the Blink of an Eye

Chapter Three

Continuation—December 11, 2024

Taylor took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom, trying to steady herself as she walked back into the bedroom.

Her gaze swept across the room, searching for something that might make sense of the situation.

She moved toward the shelves, scanning the various pictures. Most were unfamiliar, but then one caught her eye. It was a photo of her, and the man next to her was the same one she had just spoken to.

How could this be? She didn't know him at all. She had gone to bed at home with Joe.

She picked up the frame, her eyes locked on the image. In it, she was beaming, and the man beside her had a huge grin, his arms wrapped around her.

"Breakfast is ready!" he called out, prompting her to carefully set the frame back down.

Taking another deep breath, she steeled herself and stepped out of the bedroom, moving slowly down the hallway as she tried to piece everything together.

When she reached the kitchen, he was seated at the table with two plates in front of him. He pulled out a chair, seemingly inviting her to join him.

For a moment, she was frozen, but then she forced herself to sit down.

"Are you sure you're okay, baby?" he asked, and she felt a chill at the pet name. It sounded so strange coming from this man.

"I'm fine," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady, but he frowned in response.

"I understand if you feel lost, Tay. It's perfectly natural." The man said as he reached for her hand.

For a moment the words seemed to apply. Was this a prank? Did he know why she was here?

"But just think about all the great things you get to work on now," he added after squeezing her hand.

His words didn't make any sense, so she stayed silent. She couldn't figure out what he was talking about.

Taylor barely touched her food. She felt a little guilty that this stranger had cooked for her.

She noticed him glancing at her as he cleaned up, his eyes filled with concern. The silence felt heavy as she watched him wash the dishes.

A phone ringing cut through her thoughts. She watched him walk down the hallway, still unsure of what to do.

When he came back, he handed her the phone. "It's Blake," he said softly, and for the first time, her heart calmed. That was someone she knew.

Taylor grabbed the phone and held it to her ear, watching the stranger move back into the kitchen.

"I told you to call me this morning," Blake's familiar voice came through. "Sorry," Taylor mumbled, it sounded like Blake, but it was off somehow.

"How are you doing?" Blake asked, and Taylor hesitated. "Yeah, I'm good," she replied into the phone.

"I know you must be feeling down," Blake said, and Taylor went quiet for a moment. Why would she feel down?

"Remember, you've got family you can lean on," Blake continued, and Taylor's eyes darted to the kitchen. "And of course, Travis is with you."

Travis? Was that his name?

"I know," Taylor said, trying to keep it casual. "Thanks, Blake."

"I'll let you go, I'm sure you want to rest," Blake said, adding a soft "I love you."

"Love you too," Taylor whispered as she hung up, setting the phone down. She stared at it for a second. It had to be hers.

She picked it up again, her fingers hovering over the messages app. She clicked on it.

Most of the names looked familiar—Mom, Dad, Austin, Tree. But then her finger froze on the pinned contact. Travis.

She glanced at him in the kitchen. He was still doing the dishes. She quickly tapped his icon.

It felt weird, like she was reading someone else's messages, like this wasn't meant for her eyes.

"I love you. I can't wait to see you."

It was from her. She'd pieced it together. She was with Travis. But how?

She scrolled up.

"I really wish I could be there with you, Tay. I got your pictures. Leave that dress on. As soon as you get home, I'm ripping it off."

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly swiped out of their conversation.

With a sigh, she turned the phone off and stared into space. What was she supposed to do now? How had she ended up with someone else? Where was she? How did she get here? And where was Joe?

She tapped on the phone again, lighting up the lock screen. Her heart dropped when she saw the date: 2024. 2024?

A/N: Thank you for reading! If you're enjoying the story, I'd really appreciate your comments.