Winchester Heights

Chapter 11 - An Unexpected Call

Greg was just about to step out the door, anticipation bubbling within him for his reunion with Robyn at the ice rink, when his phone rang again. The caller ID made his stomach drop—it was Dr. Pope from the Atlanta hospital. Memories of his parents' accident flooded back, a wave of déjà vu crashing over him.

Taking a deep breath, he answered, trying to steady his racing heart. “Dr. Pope, is everything okay?”

“Greg, I’m afraid I have some concerning news,” Dr. Pope said, his tone serious. “Your father has been admitted to the emergency department. He was found severely intoxicated and has fallen, injuring himself.”

Greg’s heart sank. “How bad is it?” he asked, the worry creeping into his voice.

“He’s stable for now, but we’ll need to monitor him closely. I recommend you come down as soon as you can,” Dr. Pope replied. “We’ll take good care of him.”

“Thank you, Doctor. I’ll be there tomorrow,” Greg said, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. He hung up, the weight of the news settling heavily on his shoulders.

He took a moment to collect himself, his mind racing. He had been looking forward to spending time with Robyn, but family came first, even if he was still angry with his father. He quickly dialed her number, his heart pounding.

“Hey, Greg! I was just thinking about you!” Robyn answered, her voice bright and cheerful.

“Robyn, I’m so sorry, but I have to leave immediately for some business,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady. “My dad’s in the hospital.”

“Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that. Is he okay?” she asked, concern evident in her tone.

“I don’t know yet. He’s injured himself, but I’m be heading down to Atlanta today,” Greg replied, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. “I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be able to make it to the rink today. But I’ll be back in a few days, in time for the skating event.”

“Take care of yourself, Greg. I’ll be thinking of you,” Robyn said softly. “If you need anything, just let me know.”

“Thank you, Robyn. I really appreciate it,” he said, his heart aching at the thought of leaving her behind, even if just for a few days.

After hanging up, Greg shot a quick text to Sam.

*Hey, Sam. I need to head to Atlanta for a family emergency. Can you take over organizing the charity event until I get back? Robyn has all the notes and details. Thanks, man. I owe you one!*

He hit send and took a moment to breathe, feeling the weight of the situation settle in. He knew he needed to focus on his family, but the thought of Robyn waiting for him made it all the more difficult to leave.

Greg quickly packed a small bag, throwing in essentials and a few personal items. As he moved around the house, he felt a sense of urgency and resolve.

Once he was ready, he grabbed his keys and headed out, his thoughts racing. He couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that came with the news about his father, but he also felt a flicker of hope—he would be there for his dad, maybe they could start to rebuild their relationship and he would return to Robyn as soon as he could.

As he drove towards the airport, Greg made a mental note to keep in touch with Robyn. He wanted her to know that despite the distance, she was still very much in his thoughts.

With determination in his heart, he focused on the road ahead, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him in Atlanta.

After hanging up with Greg, Robyn felt a knot of worry tighten in her stomach. The news of his father’s hospitalisation weighed heavily on her heart. She paced her apartment, her mind racing with concern for him.

The thought of Greg dealing with his father’s accident alone made her feel helpless. She wanted to be there for him, to support him through this difficult time, but now he was miles away in Atlanta.

Robyn sank onto her couch, staring blankly at the wall. She couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that settled over her. It was surprising how strongly she felt about Greg after such a short time together. Their connection had blossomed quickly, and now, the thought of being apart felt unbearable.

*Why do I care so much?* she wondered. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring them together, only to pull them apart just as quickly.

As she thought about their time together—the laughter, the warmth of his embrace, the way he made her feel alive—Robyn realised just how much she would miss him. The days ahead felt daunting without Greg by her side.

She wanted to reach out, to comfort him, but he needed space to handle his family issues.

Robyn grabbed her phone, contemplating sending him a message, but she hesitated. She didn’t want to overwhelm him. Instead, she decided to focus on preparing for the charity event, knowing that keeping busy might help distract her from the worry gnawing at her.

She pulled out her notes, reviewing the details for the skating routine. The music played softly in the background as she practiced her moves in her mind. Each glide and spin reminded her of Greg’s encouragement.

As she worked through her routine, Robyn felt a surge of determination. She would make sure everything was perfect for the event. It was the least she could do to honor Greg’s commitment, even in his absence.

With each practice session, she channeled her emotions into her movements, pouring her heart into the performance. It became a way to feel connected to Greg, as if he were right there with her, cheering her on.

After a while, Robyn decided to send Greg a quick text, hoping it would lift his spirits, even if just a little.

*Hey, just wanted to say I’m thinking of you. I hope everything goes well with your dad. I’ll be here, getting ready for the charity event. Can’t wait to see you when you get back!*

She hit send and took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope. Waiting for a reply felt like an eternity, but she knew he was dealing with a lot.

Robyn glanced at the clock, reminding herself that she had to stay focused. There was still so much to do, and she wouldn’t let her worries consume her.

As she practiced her routine, she imagined Greg watching her, his proud smile encouraging her to push through. The thought brought a small smile to her face, a glimmer of joy amidst the uncertainty.

Robyn knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them head-on. She was determined to support Greg from afar and channel her feelings into her performance. The charity event would be a celebration, and she would make sure it honored both her hard work and the connection she had formed with Greg.

With renewed energy, she continued practicing, her heart filled with hope for both her future and Greg’s. She knew that no matter the distance, their bond would remain strong.