“What the hell is wrong with this man?” Claire hissed to herself.
It had been nearly four days since Claire last spoke with Heath. She called him every night after the first time she tried, but he didn’t answer. She even tried during the day as well, mostly when it was the afternoon, but Heath still didn’t pick up the phone.
Of course, Claire planned on trying again today, but she wasn’t even sure if he would answer the phone or not.
But because he hadn’t been picking up her calls, Claire’s only been getting more and more irritated. If and when she eventually got through to him, and found out that he had purposely ignored her calls, then she was going to let him have it.
And if she found out that he still talked to Julia more than her, she wasn’t going to let him off.
Claire sighed to herself and decided to get out of her office. She had been sitting in there all morning looking through papers. Though admittedly, the amount of papers was much less than she expected. Then again, that was mostly because of Julia.
The whole time, Claire thought perhaps Julia had just been fooling around in Bishop Lodgings. But it turned out that she actually had been doing her job as she was hired to. The work load was lessened because of that, but that didn’t mean her opinion on Julia had changed. The woman was still trouble that needed to be dealt with.
After Claire left her office, she made her usual rounds in the hotel. Today, there were reports about broken machines in the arcade room again, so she went there to check up on what needed to be checked.
However, the moment she entered the room, she was instantly reminded of what happened the last time she was there. Her eyes wandered to the claw machine filled with large stuffed toys.
She still remembered how easily Heath captured the Hello Kitty doll the first time. It was probably the first time she actually felt impressed by him. Who wouldn’t have? What he did was an impressive feat and if she could, she would want to see it again.
Claire’s thoughts were shattered to bits though when she remembered that the bastard wasn’t picking up his phone. She swore internally before finally going to the machine that needed checking.
When she finished there, she went back into her office and reported the problems, making sure they would get fixed. And then she went back and sat at her desk before finishing the rest of the papers.
At least that was what she wanted to do. But thoughts of Heath kept on flooding her mind and her concentration could not be focused on what was in front of her. She wanted to call him again. Her fingers were twitching from it.
But what would be the point of calling when he would most likely not answer? It was the afternoon. He as probably talking business with the contractors and looking at how the construction was going.
In the end, Claire just pulled out her cellphone and dialed his number. She pressed the phone up to her ear as she tapped a finger against the top of her desk. The phone rang a few times, but in the end, no answer again.
It was possible that he had his phone turned off or put to silent so any personal calls wouldn’t disrupt her from work…but shouldn’t he even be anxious for her call, especially with their argument that happened not too long ago?
Then again, that was probably the cause of why he wasn’t answering.
After trying one more time with another fail to be picked up, Claire placed her cellphone back into her pocket.
But suddenly, the hotel phone rang and Claire was startled into a small jump. She stared at it blankly for a second before quickly picking up the phone without bothering to look at the caller ID.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Claire.” It was Elli, and Claire felt her body sag in disappointment. She had been hoping that Heath had finally called.
“Oh, hey Elli.” Claire sighed. “What’s wrong? Is Clay crying again?” These days, her nephew was behaving himself, but she wouldn’t be surprised if he decided to burst into a crying fit again.
“Did you see the news?”
Claire blinked. “What news?”
“There’s been an accident on the construction grounds of the new Bishop Lodgings! You haven’t heard about it yet?”
Her heart sank to the floor and immediately, scenes of the worst case scenarios filled her head. So the reason why Heath never answered his phone or bothered to call back was…
“Claire?” Elli repeated her name worriedly. “Are you okay?”
“H…how did you find out?”
“I was putting in a DVD for the kids and it was on the news.” She answered. “The details weren’t released, but apparently the accident happened two days ago. There hasn’t been any news if anyone got injured or not but…”
Elli didn’t have to say it for Claire to understand. Construction accidents happened all the time, but she never would’ve expected it to happen to someone so close to her. It was possible that Heath could’ve gotten injured since he was overlooking how the construction would be done.
That would also explain why he didn’t pick up her recent phone calls or call back.
“I-I’ll call Logan.” Claire concluded. “I’m sure he’ll know what happened.”
“I’m sorry you had to find out this way, Claire.” Elli said softly. “Maybe we’re just overthinking.”
“Thanks Elli.” She said before they ended the call.
Claire reached for her cellphone and realized that her hand was trembling. She stared at it for a split second before something else crossed her mind.
The whole time, Claire had only tried calling Heath by his personal cell. He had another one solely for business which Claire also knew the number of, but she didn’t bother calling because she had access to his personal one.
Right away, Claire dialed the number of his business cellphone. If he was okay, then he would definitely answer it. Whether he knew her number by heart or not, he should answer no matter what if he was okay.
She pressed the phone up to her ear and waited while holding her breath. By the second ring, the call was picked up and Claire sighed in relief.
“You have reached Heath Bishop’s cell. He’s unavailable right now, but may I take a message or possibly help you?”
Claire’s whole body stiffened from the woman’s voice. She was shocked by two things. One, that it wasn’t Heath who had answered. And two, it was a woman who had instead—a woman who Claire recognized right away.
“Hello?” she said with a soft tone. “Hello?”
“A…” Claire cleared her throat, letting the woman know that she was still on the line.
“May I help you?”
“Ava.” She quickly said, and knew that Ava recognized her voice. “Ava…why are you answering Heath’s phone?”
“Claire.” Ava said with shock. She stuttered for a bit until she finally regained her voice again. “I am Heath’s mother. Is that so weird that I would answer his phone?” she laughed nervously.
“Where is he?” Claire asked. “I heard there was an accident. Did he get hurt?”
The line was silent and Claire frantically repeated Ava’s name, urging her to answer. But Ava wouldn’t speak, and that was only making Claire more and more worried that the possibility that Heath got injured was true.
“Is that Claire?” Logan spoke in the background, shocking Claire even more. Ava confirmed his question and there was crackling on the line before Logan’s voice was more prominent. “Hello, Claire.”
There was plenty of things Claire wanted to ask Logan, most specifically about Julia. But now wasn’t the time for that. She was worried about Heath and Heath alone at the moment. “Logan. Where is Heath?”
“You heard, did you?” he calmly said.
“Did he get injured?”
“Heath? Yes, he’s fine, though he’s still unconscious.”
Claire nearly gawked. “The accident happened two days ago and you’re telling me he’s still unconscious? That doesn’t sound like he’s okay at all!” Quickly, she asked, “What exactly happened?”
“One of the beams slipped off the frame and fell down. Heath helped shove some people away from the beam’s way, but he ended up using too much force and bumped his head against a nearby crane.”
The image ran through Claire’s head and she internally sighed with relief. She was glad that the beam hadn’t actually landed on him—or anyone else for that matter. From the beginning of the story, Claire had feared that he really had gotten injured because of the falling beam. And yet, he still got injured!
Logan spoke in such a calm tone that Claire wondered if he even knew how serious the situation was. “That’s just the consequence of him playing hero. But I’m sure he’ll be fine, Claire.”
“Where is he right now? In the hospital?”
“Yes, but we’re preparing to fly him back up there into a hospital we’re more comfortable with.”
“Isn’t that dangerous?” Transferring Heath while he was practically in a coma didn’t sound like a safe thing to do.
Again, Logan used a calm tone. “He’ll be fine. Besides, if it turns out that he is indeed in a worse condition than presumed, he’ll be closer to home and we’ll have a hospital we can trust.”
Claire didn’t know what to say to that, but she did hope that Heath’s condition wasn’t actually worse than they thought.
“Claire…” Logan called her name in a tone meant to soothe her. But she didn’t want to be babied. She just wanted to see Heath and make sure he was alright with her own eyes. “We’ll be back up there by tonight. You can visit him then. Who knows, he might even be awake by then.”
He read her mind. “I would like that.” Claire answered truthfully. “Just…please let me know when I can see him again.”
“Of course.” He said. “And Claire. He’ll be fine.”
Logan was using that voice he usually used when he tried to get someone to agree to his terms. It was enticing and made Claire want to believe him, even if she knew she was just getting herself into trouble.
But at the same time, she did want to believe Logan because she truly did want Heath to be okay. It was all just mind games in the end though.
They ended the call and Claire sighed before burying her face into her hands. But then she realized that her hands were shaking, so she pulled back to stare at them. Of all the reasons Claire thought of that would explain Heath not answering his phone, she did not expect it to be because he was in a comatose-like state.
Now, she would anticipate for when she would see him again. Though she had expected their reunion would’ve taken longer than today and in different circumstances, Claire couldn’t deny that she was glad to finally be able to see him again.
But the time needed before she could visit him would take a while.
It was going to be a long day.
>>>>><<<<<
At the usual time, Claire went around the hotel to observe and see if everything was fine. At the end of her inspection, she ended up at the daycare. She entered and was greeted by the kids to which she grinned and greeted them all back.
Claire looked around and saw that it was only Jenny and Wyatt in the room. She narrowed her eyes before asking Wyatt, “Where’s Elli?”
“She went to take her break.” He answered.
Now that there was an extra worker, Elli had more time to relax and not worry about taking longer breaks. “Hm.” Claire mrumured lamely before she observed the kids.
Again, she spotted the trio—Clay, Belle, and Denora—huddled together, playing with various toys. Claire couldn’t help but smile at the three. Clay was stacking some blocks but they tilted to one side and his tower broke.
He made a funny face and Belle laughed hysterically at it. Denora on the other hand, just stared at him with wide eyes.
She was such a calm baby. Her demeanor reminded Claire a lot of Heath the first time they met. He was always serious and just observed with his eyes silently.
Hopefully Claire would be able to see her smile soon. It would probably blow her away just like the first time Heath flashed her his tilted smile.
“What are you doing in here?” Wyatt asked curiously.
Claire snapped out of her thoughts and looked away from the trio to Wyatt. “I always come in here during this time.”
“Really?” Wyatt said with surprise. “I didn’t know that.”
She shrugged. “Well, now you do. Expect to see me more on a daily basis. I usually come in here and chat with Elli or watch the kids for a bit during my free time.”
Wyatt raised his brows with interest. “Really? What do you guys talk about?”
Claire gave him a look. “Why’re you so curious?” Then she narrowed her eyes suspiciously, and amazingly, he was able to immediately read her expression before he shook his head.
“I’m not like that. She’s already taken.”
“Oh.” She blinked. “Well, at least you know.” Then the image of his face when he saw both Elli and Chad enter Bishop Lodgings that morning appeared in her mind. Claire sighed and decided to take it easy on the guy. He was probably heartbroken enough as it was. “I’m sure there’re plenty of other girls out there who would like you.”
Wyatt shot her a look full of astonishment. “Are you comforting me?”
“What? I can’t?” she asked defensively. “Then forget it.”
He chuckled. “No, that’s not what I meant.” He slowly stopped with a small smile on his lips and looked into Claire’s eyes. “Thanks, Claire.” She shrugged one shoulder to brush off his appreciation, before he suddenly said, “Being a relationship sure does change a person.”
Claire stiffened and gave him a look with narrowed eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Wyatt grinned in an all-knowing way. “You know. You’re…gentler compared to the first time I met you.” Then he blinked and tilted his head. “Or maybe I’m just being pitied? Yeah. That must be it.”
“Stop overthinking it and just accept my kindness while it lasts.” She retorted, making him chuckle again. After a few seconds, Claire couldn’t help but ask, “It’s not awkward in here, is it?”
“Awkward?” he repeated.
She gave him a look and then glanced at Jenny, who was at the other end of the room, playing with some kids. “You and Elli. You’re not making it awkward for Jenny, are you?” she whispered.
He pursed his lips. “If there’s anyone who’s awkward, that would be me. But since Elli’s the same as usual, I guess I’m getting adjusted to it. I’ll be fine after a few weeks…or months.” He jokingly added.
“Well…thanks for not interfering.” Claire genuinely said. “You’re a pretty nice guy, Wyatt. Should I ask a friend to help hook you up with someone since you’re facing the blues of being single?”
“Friend? You’re not talking about Tori Jones, are you?”
Claire’s eyes popped. “How did you know?”
Wyatt smiled lopsidedly. “Thanks, but no thanks. I don’t think the company Tori keeps is exactly my type.”
“Hey.” Claire defended. “Don’t badmouth her right in front of me. Tori’s my friend, you know?”
He raised an eyebrow. “My point exactly.”
The corner of Claire’s lip twitched, but she stopped herself from smiling. “Oh, you’re so lucky we’re with kids right now.”
“I’ll report you if you abuse your position.” Wyatt used a warning tone. “I’ll go to the big boss if I have to.”
Claire was suddenly reminded of Julia and what she had done previously—which included the photo of her and Wyatt together. She had sent Heath that damn picture which was easily misinterpreted and caused a riff in their relationship.
Quickly, Claire looked to the door of the daycare and saw that it was empty. She walked over to it and looked out the door, scanning the hotel for Julia or any traces of her. Luckily, it seemed like she wasn’t around and hadn’t come around.
For all she knew, Julia was probably hiding in the shadows and waiting for another opportunity to ruin her and Heath’s relationship. Then again, what was she going to do now? Send Heath another picture of her and Wyatt even though he wouldn’t see it since he was in a comatose?
“What? Did you take my teasing seriously?” Wyatt asked with amusement.
Claire looked over her shoulder at him and saw that he was smiling with humor at her actions. She stared back at him with a blank face.
In normal circumstances, she should probably stay away from Wyatt in case Julia really was plotting something. And even if she wasn’t, she shouldn’t get too close to Wyatt in the first place since Claire knew Heath wouldn’t like that.
Even though Claire always talked to plenty of people of the opposite sex, she never cared about it before. Now, she was worried that maybe Heath wouldn’t appreciate her doing so, especially since he wasn’t around.
When she was in previous relationships, Claire would always get annoyed at her boyfriends if they got possessive when she so much as glanced at another guy. So why the hell was she fine with Heath? Didn’t he do the exact same thing they did to her?
Were her previous relationships always this fragile and she just never noticed because she was never into them as much as her ex-boyfriends? Or was her relationship with Heath something more? Something special?
Then again, a relationship required two people, and right now, there was just one head thinking. Claire would have to wait for Heath in order to see where they would go from here.
“Claire?” Wyatt called her name. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She answered before blinking and focusing her gaze on him once more. He was giving her a look full of concern. “Nothing’s wrong. Anyway, I should get going. Nice talking with you, Wyatt.”
“Yeah, you too.” He grinned, and Claire turned around to walk out of the daycare, but he suddenly called her name again. She looked at him and saw that Wyatt was nervously looking at the floor. “Thanks. I really mean it, you know? You’re…a good person.”
She smirked and joked, “Kissing up to the boss won’t get you anywhere, Wyatt. At least, not with those cheesy words.”
>>>>><<<<<
Claire rushed into the hospital and frantically looked around.
Logan had finally called to tell her that Heath was finally back home in a nearby hospital. It seemed that he was also regaining consciousness at the same time. From the news, Claire had immediately left Bishop Lodgings to head straight to the specified hospital.
As Claire was looking around for a desk where she could ask for Heath’s room number, she spotted someone who looked familiar.
Heath’s older brother, Declan Bishop.
“Oh.” He said when they made eye contact. “You’ve arrived.”
She blinked her wide eyes at him as her chest rose and fell from her frantic running. “Declan.”
He grinned. “I’m surprised you remembered my name. Should I feel honored?”
Claire didn’t feel like playing his games and just asked, “Where is he?”
Declan sensed that Claire truly was desperate to see Heath, so he began to lead her through the hospital until they reached a very large room. Two nurses and a doctor were already in the room and they surrounded the bed, along with Logan and Ava.
Both Claire and Declan entered and Ava spotted them.
“Claire!” she said with surprise.
Immediately, Claire went to stand beside the bed and looked down at Heath. His eyes were fluttering open and closed while his breathing was uneven.
“What’s wrong?” she asked and looked at Logan. “I thought you said he had gained consciousness.”
The doctor answered. “He’s losing it again.” Then he motioned to the nurse and she placed an oxygen mask on Heath.
Claire desperately grabbed his hand and looked down at him. “Heath. Heath, it’s Claire. Don’t close your eyes.” She tried to call to him. If he slipped away once more, who knew when the next time would be when he would come to again?
Amazingly, his eyes popped open at the sound of her voice and he stared at Claire. Everyone was surprised at his sudden reaction and the whole room seemed to freeze. Claire continued to try and get her words through to him, but his eyes looked hazy, as if he truly didn’t see what was in front of him.
“Heath.” She repeated. “It’s Claire.
Heath blinked before he slowly smiled. Then he reached up and patted the side of her head. Claire faintly smiled back, but she couldn’t feel any relief or positivity from his smile. He could pass out at any moment again.
“Cl…” he tried to speak and Claire stared with wide eyes. His body relaxed and he smiled drowsily. “Clarissa.” He whispered.
Claire felt as if her whole body experienced gravity for the first time.
Clarissa?
“Clarissa.” He clearly said the name again before whispering in a sweet, soft voice, “You’re back…I missed you.”
Then his hand slowly slipped off of Claire’s head and he lost consciousness.
“Mr. Bishop!” the doctor called, but there was no response from Heath. His heartbeat was steady and so was his breathing, so that meant he was physically fine.
But Claire wasn’t. Her body felt weak and she felt as if she would lose consciousness herself. Slowly, she looked at Heath’s family and saw that they were all surprised as well.
“Clarissa?” Declan murmured. “Why does that name sound so familiar?”
“Claire.” Ava softly said before she reached out and tugged her into a comforting embrace. But Claire couldn’t be comforted. In fact, she couldn’t feel anything. Her body had gone numb, her voice completely disappeared, and her eyesight blurred.
From tears? She didn’t know.
She didn’t know.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I can already guess what’s going through some of your heads: CLICHÉD! DAMMIT!
Does it make me a bad person to giggle at your distress? lol. Sorry. I shouldn’t be mean to my readers.
(Late A/N: LOL. Okay, so I was reading comments, and realized that a lot of people don't know who Clarissa is, so I'll tell you guys who she is...kind of. Clarissa has never been mentioned in the previous chapters of Top Floor before. This is the first time her name has appeared throughout the story. Hope that clears up that question!)
Anyway, thank you for reading/voting/commenting! <3