Out
My day at work had been agonizingly slow; more than usual. I felt like every document I completed only slowed down the hand of the clock. I glance at the time on my computer screen and rejoice that the day is finally over. Relief washes through me as I hastily close down the windows on the screen. I turn the computer off and watch the screen turn black. Suddenly, a thought occurs to me. For once, Christian had not bombarded me with distracting - yet gratefully accepted - emails. I pause a moment and wonder if I've missed them somehow, and start retracing my memory of the day. The slam of Jack's office door snaps me out of my thinking. I rush to grab my things and make my way out, hoping to avoid conversation with Jack.
" Ana." Jack's neutral voice hollows from behind me. Damn. I force myself to turn around and smile politely at him.
" Yes?" I reply, my voice high with sincerity. Jack walks over to me and stands too close for my liking, per usual. I get a whiff of cologne off of him that almost makes me choke on the spot.
" There are some documents that need re-editing. I've already sent them to you. Would you be able to stay late tonight?" Jack asks, and I sense something repelling in his voice. I think back to my unusual lack of Christian-ness during my day and the thought worries me. It's so unlike him; I need to phone him as soon as possible.
" I can't tonight Jack, I have plans. Sorry." I say as politely as I can muster. I see a spark of hope extinguish in Jack's eyes, that is soon covered up by something darker.
" Plans. With your boyfriend?" He remarks bitterly. What the hell is his problem?
" Yes, with my boyfriend." I reply back, allowing Jack to hear the warning in my words. He shuffles uncomfortably and tucks his hands in his trousers pockets.
" Alright. I expect you to get it done tomorrow on top of your other work. Understood?" Jack says in a bossy tone. I feel a pang of sadness as I think back to Christian, the most controlling man alive. Why hasn't he contacted me yet? What If he's called me and I've missed it? I scramble for ideas desperately in my head to get away from Jack as soon as possible.
" Yes, I'll stay late tomorrow." I say as a last resort, wishing to get out of the office. I see the familiar glow in Jack's eyes again as he relaxes his broad shoulders. He nods in agreement and says nothing; returning to his office. I sigh and quickly rush out of the door. I grab my phone and check for missed calls. None. disappointment and anxiety fill my body. I know something's not right as panic kicks in. I feel a welcome wave of reassurance as I see Taylor's car parked outside waiting for me. I quickly walk over as Taylor gets out to open up the door for me. I glance at his face for any unusual clues, but his face is completely composed. I silently get in the car and wait for Taylor to climb in the front. I wait until we've started driving to start my investigation.
" Have you heard from Christian today?" I ask. At first, Taylor does not reply. I wonder if he has his iPod on in his pocket. As he stops at a red light, he quickly turns to glance at me. Taylor never communicates with me, and a chill of realisation hits me. Something has happened. Taylor didn't reply to my question, but his facial expression leaves me feeling numb. He looked...strained? I realise he's probably been told not to tell me anything. My heart kick-starts as I realise that perhaps this order was given to him by Christian. Maybe he's okay. I sit back into the seat of the car and think about how I may have over-reacted. Christian probably has a valid reason for not talking to me all day. He'd better have one.
We eventually pull of to Christian's extravagant driveway. I instantly notice that there are more cars parked here than usual. I glance through them and recognise Kate's. My chest suddenly feels heavy and breathing becomes strangely difficult. Before the car completely stops, I swing the door open and jump out. I hastily run towards the elevator, followed by a slightly startled Taylor. A tornado of ideas battle through my mind. Why is Kate here? What's wrong with Taylor? Where's-
The doors of the elevator slide open as my eyes meet with many others. All of the Grey's stand in the room, their faces strangely ashen. As I step closer I see Grace and Carrick standing in a worrying embrace. I see the light reflect off the tears on Grace's cheeks. I feel nauseousness build up inside me; tortuous ideas surfacing. I recognise the various faces of Elliot, Kate and surprisingly Dr Flynn. Carrick hesitantly steps towards me as I feel a high wave of pressure surround me; my ears popping painfully. His saddened eyes meet with mine and the world becomes muted around me.
" It's Christian. He is being held in intensive care as we speak. It..." Carrick's voice cracks as he forces the heartbreaking words out.
" It doesn't look like he's going to...There was a fire-"
The floor evaporates beneath me before I can hear the rest of the sentence. I lose everything...everything... and then I'm out.
