The Gambler

Aftermath

I jolted awake again, gasping for air. It was the usual routine now.. Only this time there was no stranger comforting me. I looked around, shocked by my surroundings. Pure panic coursed through me. Where was I? I threw the covers back but then stopped, I was in Tyler's room.. that's right I fell asleep here. My chest suddenly ached at the reminder of last nights events. I looked at the corner of the room and jumped.

Veronica stared at me, her eyes wide with interest.

"That was so strange" she tilted her head and I pulled the covers back over me, feeling confused.

"What?" I was afraid to ask.

"It was so quiet. I was listening to your heart beat when out of nowhere it sped up so fast and you started freaking out. Does that always happen to you?" she stood up and gracefully walked over, sitting on the edge of the bed. I nodded slowly.

"Yeah recently for the past like week.." I trailed off and she nodded.

"Well I'm in charge of you for the day. Unfortunately tyler had to take off to deal with other leaders about the rogue issue." I looked at her in confusion

"Why you?" she raised an eyebrow and I stammered awkwardly

"W-w-what I meant was- well you see- that wasn't supposed to sound so rude.." I finished out with a whisper and she nodded.

"It's fine. And I volunteered because I want to see what the big fuss over you is" she spoke bluntly and I looked at her in confusion.

"The fuss over me?"

she nodded quickly. "Yup. everyone is so interested in you ever since tyler brought you here. I've never seen Grayson take such a liking to a human since Haley" she stood up and I crawled over, grabbing her arm

"How is he" I rushed out and she smiled at me

"I'm not sure I've been in here all night. Nobody gave me an update."

She suddenly looked concerned, staring towards the window.

"Can't we go check?" I must've given her a desperate look because she nodded, a small smile forming on her face.

She left the room while I changed back into the clothes I had borrowed last night.

I opened the door and she looked up from filing her nails and raised an eyebrow.

"Come on then"

She sounded irritated.

I nodded and followed behind her sheepishly. I was afraid to see him. Terrified, really.

She led me to the door and I stopped in the doorway, too nervous. He was laying in the bed, looking dead.

"He's ok..right?" I whispered and she nodded slowly. "he should be" she muttered. I stood there quietly when Veronica touched my arm gently and came close to my ear.

"Look I know there's something going on with you two and tyler doesn't like it. He asked me to keep you both apart but who am I to do that? I pity you really... but I'm going to give you some alone time with him" she whispered and I nodded. She smiled at me genuinely and then shut the door, leaving quietly.

I turned and looked at Grayson.. he looked so strange. I walked slowly into the room fiddling with my hands.

I sat down in the chair that was next to the bed and watched him. I scooted closer and folded my arms, resting on the bed. He looked peaceful. Too peaceful. It scared me. I wanted to shake him awake and yell at him to say something to me. Tears were welling up into my eyes.