The Twisted Obsession
Chapter 47: Worry

Chapter 47: Worry

Remo’s car screeched to a halt in the driveway. He leaped out of the car, his keys jangling as he fumbled to unlock the front door. Panic coursed through his veins as he envisioned the worst scenarios.

Remo burst into the living room, his breath ragged. "Abby!" he called out, his voice trembling with urgency. When Tony had phoned him, his composure had nearly crumbled.

No response.

He dashed towards the staircase, taking the steps two at a time, his heart pounding in his chest like a drumbeat.

Remo flung open the bedroom door, his eyes scanning the room frantically. And there she was, Abby, sitting on the edge of the bed, a bag of ice pressed against her forehead.

Remo’s relief washed over him in a tidal wave of emotion. "Abby, what happened? Are you okay?" he blurted out, his voice a mixture of concern and relief.

Abby looked up, her eyes crinkling at the corners with a smile. "I’m fine, Remo," she reassured him, her voice soft and soothing. "I—just slipped— and fell down in the kitchen. It —startled me more than anything."

Remo rushed to her side, kneeling in front of her. He gently took the bag of ice from her hands, his touch gentle as he pressed it against her forehead. "I was so worried," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Abby reached out, her fingers brushing against his cheek. "I’m sorry for —scaring you," she said softly, her eyes filled with love and gratitude. "But I’m okay— now. You’re here, and that’s all that matters."

Remo leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss against her forehead.

"I told Tony not to bother you but he is stubborn. He is buying me a soothing balm at the corner of the street. I told him I’m perfectly fine."

Abby sighed, her emotions swirling in a tumultuous sea. She couldn’t deny the warmth blossoming within her. Yet, alongside the burgeoning affection, fear gnawed at her insides. She was afraid to surrender to love, afraid of the vulnerability it entailed. But as Remo’s tender care enveloped her, she couldn’t help but long for the comfort of his embrace. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had cared for her like this, and it both thrilled and terrified her.

Remo’s chuckle carried a mixture of relief and amusement, a weight lifting off his shoulders like a heavy fog dispersing. "Tony’s always been the protective type," he remarked softly, a fondness in his tone. As he held the ice against Abby’s forehead, his worry dissipated, replaced by a tender concern that surprised even him. In that moment, he realized just how deeply he cared for her, more than he ever thought possible.

Abby smiled, her hand finding Remo’s and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I appreciate both of you looking out for me. It’s nice to know I have such caring people in my life."

Just then, the front door creaked open, and Tony entered, holding a small jar of soothing balm. "Got it!" he announced with a grin. "Just in case Abby needs some extra pampering."

Remo smirked at Tony’s enthusiasm and took the balm from him. "Thanks, Tony. Abby, let’s make sure you’re comfortable."

As Remo started to apply the balm gently, Abby couldn’t help but feel a warmth spreading through her. She looked between the two men who cared for her, grateful for their presence and the love that surrounded her. In that moment, the slip in the kitchen seemed like a distant memory, replaced by the comfort of being surrounded by those who genuinely cared. She couldn’t wait to tell her father about the men in her life right now. It would bring comfort to his soul to know she was being well taken care of.

"Are you up for the trip?" Remo asked her.

"Yeah, I’m done packing. I was trying to mop the kitchen and that’s when I fell. I’m clumsy. I guess it made you worried for nothing."

Remo shook his head gently, his eyes filled with affection. "You could never make me worried for nothing, Abby. I’d rather rush home a thousand times over than not be here for you when you need me."

Abby’s heart swelled at his words, the depth of his care touching her deeply. "I’m lucky to have you," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.

Remo met Abby’s grateful gaze with warmth in his eyes. "And I’m lucky to have you," he responded, his voice sincere. As he continued to apply the soothing balm, his fingers gentle against her skin, he could feel a connection strengthening between them, something beyond the fake relationship they started with.

Abby’s heart swelled even more at his words, a mix of emotions surging within her. She couldn’t ignore the growing feelings that were blossoming, transcending the initial charade.

Tony watched the exchange with a soft smile, his heart a mix of warmth and apprehension. Despite understanding that Remo and Abby’s relationship were not real, he couldn’t help but feel genuine happiness for his friend. Yet, beneath the surface, a knot of worry tightened in his chest.

He knew this charade couldn’t last forever, but he dared not voice his concerns. How long could they keep up the facade? How long until reality caught up with them? Tony’s mind swirled with unanswered questions, his fear for the future looming like a shadow over his thoughts.

As he observed Remo and Abby’s tender moments, he couldn’t shake the nagging doubt gnawing at him. Would Abby be able to handle the inevitable truth? Would she stand by Remo’s side when the facade crumbled?

Tony’s smile remained, but beneath it, a silent plea echoed in his heart. A plea for strength, for resilience, for the bonds of friendship to withstand whatever challenges lay ahead. He could only hope that when the time came, Abby would find the courage to stand by Remo, just as he stood by them both, through thick and thin.

Remo helped Abby to her feet, steadying her with a supportive arm around her waist. "Let’s get you all packed up and ready for our trip," he said.