Novel Square
90
The evening had been filled with laughter and camaraderie, a familiar warmth that wrapped around us like a cozy blanket. But as the night wore on, the skies outside darkened and the first rumble of thunder signaled a change in the atmosphere. Raindrops began to pelt against the windows, the sound of their patter growing steadily louder.
Cher and her husband exchanged glances as they glanced out the window, their expressions mirroring the growing concern that had settled over the room. The rain was coming down hard, a torrential downpour that painted the glass with rivulets of water.
“We should probably head home,” Cher said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.
I looked outside, my brow furrowing as I took in the intensity of the rain. “The weather’s really not letting up.”
Cher’s husband nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the rain-soaked street. “Yeah, it’s getting pretty bad out there.”
An idea occurred to me, and I turned to Cher with a hopeful smile. “Why don’t you stay over? It’s raining so hard, and the roads might be slippery.”
Cher hesitated, her gaze shifting between me and her husband. “I appreciate the offer, but we have to be up early tomorrow for the ultrasound.”
Her response carried a sense of responsibility that I understood, but my concern for their safety remained. “Are you sure?” I pressed gently. “The road conditions can be really dangerous in this weather.”
Cher gave me a grateful smile, her eyes reflecting the sincerity of her words. “It’s really kind of you to offer, but we’ll be okay. We’ll drive carefully.”
With a final nod, Cher and her husband began to gather their things, preparing to brave the stormy night. I couldn’t shake off the worry that gnawed at me, the image of them navigating the slippery roads flashing in my mind.
Cher approached me and gave me a warm hug, her gratitude evident in the embrace. “Thank you for everything, and don’t worry. We’ll make it home safe.”
I bit my lip, the concern still present as I watched them head towards the door. “Okay, if you say so.”
As Cher and her husband dashed toward the car, I closed the door behind me and turned to survey the living room. Empty cups and scattered game pieces were remnants of the evening’s festivities. Rain continued to lash against the windows, a backdrop to my thoughts.
“They could’ve just stayed over,” I muttered to myself, still wrestling with the unease that had settled within me.
Ace’s voice broke through my thoughts as he entered the room, carrying a stack of empty cups. “They don’t want to.”
I nodded, my fingers tracing a pattern on the tabletop as I mulled over the situation. “Yeah, I know.”
Ace approached me and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “They’ll be okay, you know.”
I sighed, my concern still tugging at my thoughts. “I know, it’s just… with the roads being so slippery…”
Ace gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “They’ll make it home, and Cher will text us once they’re there.”
The house was finally quiet, the remnants of the evening’s fun packed away, and the lingering rain outside served as a calming lullaby. I ascended the staircase, each step accompanied by a sense of relief and a growing anticipation for the comfort of my bed. The soft glow of warm light spilled from the bedroom, casting a welcoming ambiance in the hallway.
As I reached the bedroom, I gently shut the door behind me, shutting out the worries of the world and embracing the peaceful sanctuary of my own space. The weight of the day seemed to lift with each article of clothing I removed, the simple act of undressing a ritual that marked the transition from the outside world to the haven of my home.
Clad in my cozy pajamas, I approached the mirror and began my nighttime skincare routine. The cool touch of the cleanser on my skin was soothing, and I hummed a soft tune, lost in the rhythm of the familiar motions. The melody that escaped my lips was like a whispered secret, filling the room with a sense of calm and contentment.
But then, without warning, the tranquility was shattered by a piercing scream that cut through the air like a knife. My heart leaped in my chest, the sound tearing through my thoughts and freezing me in place. My hands stilled, the cleanser forgotten as I strained to identify the source of the scream.
Footsteps pounded down the hallway, the urgency of the approaching sound sending a jolt of panic through me. My heart raced, my mind racing to process the sudden chaos that had invaded the serenity of my bedroom.
Before I could react, the bedroom door burst open, the frenzied entry of Ace and Alex turning my world upside down. Their expressions were etched with worry and a raw urgency, their eyes locking onto mine with a gravity that demanded my attention.
“Cher got into a car accident,” Ace blurted out, the words hitting me like a wave of icy cold water. “We need to head to the hospital.”
The room seemed to spin around me, the gravity of the news sinking in like a heavy weight. My heart thundered in my chest, the melody that had filled the air just moments ago now replaced by the deafening echo of concern.
“Wh-what?” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Alex’s hand reached out, grasping mine with a firmness that steadied me. “Cher. She got into an accident. We have to go to the hospital.”