Whispers Turn

“Don’t touch me!” The moment their skin touched, Sherilyn jerked away from Gilbert as if she’d got an electric shock. 

Gilbert paused, staring at his rejected arm, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes. “Sherilyn, did you just push me away?” 

“L.Sherilyn avoided his gaze, stuttering. “I can walk, just… Ill follow you, okay?” 

“What’s the matter?” Gilbert raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Don’t want me touching you?* 

He stepped closer, his teeth grazing his lip in frustration, muttering, “You think I want to touch you? Do you think I’d bother if it weren’t for your constant whining? I’m not the one with issues here, but now, you’re acting all high and mighty?” All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Sherilyn’s eyes were cast down, her lashes quivering, silent. 

Hmph. Gilbert snorted coldly and turned to walk ahead. “Keep up!” 

“Oh, uh, sure.” Sherilyn followed, taking a deep breath to calm herself. Her reaction had been a bit much but uncontrollable. 

The moment his hand touched hers, it felt like a snake was slithering across her skin. It frightened her and disgusted her, so she reacted pretty strongly. 

Gilbert strode ahead and looked back angrily to see Sherilyn lagging, “Can you move any faster?” 

“Oh, sure!” Sherilyn nodded and started to jog to catch up. 

Gilbert waited for her, squinting his eyes, deep in thought. Sherilyn had pushed him away? 

It reminded him of the past when she would cling to him. It seemed living abroad for a few years did change her. 

Good, that was what he wanted. Sending Sherilyn abroad was the right decision. If she had been this ‘understanding‘ before, maybe he could’ve treated her like a sister, just like his brother Francis. 

As they neared the parking lot, Gilbert’s phone rang. 

He stopped, answering the call. “Hey, Caroline.” 

When hearing that, Sherilyn also paused and stepped aside, giving them privacy for their conversation. Whatever Caroline said made Gilbert’s face darken, and he quickly responded, “Stay put. I’m on my way!” 

After hanging up, he turned to Sherilyn, “Wait here!” 

Then, he took off. 

“Hey…” Sherilyn opened her mouth to call after him but hesitated, letting it go. 

She wanted to tell him she didn’t need a ride and that he should go and take care of Caroline. Now that he asked her to wait, she’d wait a bit longer. Gilbert’s temper seemed worse than four years ago, more intense. 

“Caroline!” Gilbert rushed into the restroom area. He thought she had left with her assistant but found her still there. 

“Gilbert.” Sitting on a bench outside the restroom with her assistant, Caroline waved and smiled at him. 

Gilbert quickly approached. “How are you? How did you hurt your foot?” 

*Just twisted it a bit. I probably had a bit too much to drink. I didn’t see the step coming out of the stall and missed my footing…” Caroline chuckled, shaking her head, “It’s nothing…. 

“How can it be nothing?” Her assistant interjected, “You’re still not telling the truth in front of Mr. Johnson? Your ankle’s swollen!” Saying so, her assistant lifted the hem of Caroline’s dress. “Mr. Johnson, look.” 

Gilbert saw the visible swelling around Caroline’s left ankle, his brow furrowed, clearly upset. 

“And you thought to hide this from me?”