Caught In The Gray

Chapter Eighteen

When I go to bed I feel Alaric crawl in next to me, when I wake up he's gone. It's been a few days since Alaric started sleeping in the same bed as me. I sigh and stick my earbuds in, I just got off the nightshift at the Medical center.

It was fun, I like the night shift, it was really quiet and then it got fairly busy. Linc gave me some more tests to do and I'm feeling pretty good. I'm going to the Base today to see Eloisa.

The Transit pulls to a stop and I step off, I walk up the stairs and start walking towards the Base. I push open the door and start walking towards Eloisa's office. I readjust my backpack and start walking up the stairs.

I'm almost to Eloisa's office when the Military Commander stops in front of me. I stop and pull my earbuds out. "Adabelle, I didn't expect to see you here," he says and surveys my appearance. I'm not looking my best, coming off a ten hour shift; my hair is starting to frizz up and my pencil skirt and blouse are slightly disarrayed.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Military Commander Reed," I say with a pleasant smile.

"Raymond, please," he says and I nod. His words are polite, but dipped in poison.

"Raymond," I say.

"Can I help you something?" he asks.

"No, but thank you for offering. I'm here to see Eloisa," I say and he nods, his eyes assessing.

"It's fairly early to be here," he says.

"Yes, but I just got off a ten hour shift at the Medical center and it was on my way back." I say and he nods, a smile slipping onto his face.

"How're things going at the Medical center?"

"Great," I say and he smiles.

"It was nice seeing you, Adabelle." The Military Commander says and turns away. As soon as he's gone, I sigh and knock on Eloisa's door before stepping in.

"Travis, I swear to god-" Eloisa starts and looks up, surprise on her face. "Adabelle, what're you doing here?" she asks and stands up.

"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to come and see you," I say and she walks over to where I'm standing.

"I'm glad you did. How're things going at the Medical center?" Eloisa asks, gesturing for us to sit down. I follow her, sitting down on a couch, next to her.

"Things are good at the Medical center, I actually just got off a ten hour shift." I say and she nods. "What's up with you and Travis?" I ask and she shrugs.

"Nothing," she says.

"Than why did you assume that I was him when I came in?" I say and she looks down.

"He's even coming to my office lately and leaving...presents if I can call it that."

"What kind of presents?" I ask, smiling

"Balloons under my seat, a brownie shaped like shit, stuff like that." Eloisa says and I smile.

"That sounds great. He seems really mature." I say and she smiles.

"How are you and Alaric doing?" she asks and I shake my head.

"Not so good," I say and run a hand through my hair. "Do you want to hear the whole story?" I ask and look up at her.

"Yes," she says.

"So, before Alaric and I ever happened, romantically, Sebastian and I kissed a few times and than Alaric and I kissed. I liked kissing Sebastian, but kissing Alaric felt so much different; hot and passionate.