Finding Grey

"What! You are joking, right?"

"Do I look I'd joke about something like this?"

"Okay, but do we know who saw him last?"

"I did probably. He arrived later than usual and then he got a phone call and he left in a hurry and went away without Taylor.,"

Andrea responded as she drank water.

Did he go away without Taylor?

That's so weird.

I could have guessed he went to see his grandfather but he would have taken Taylor with Him.

Grace must be so worried.

Maybe there's a slight chance he went to his apartment first then somewhere else?

First, we need to check CCTV footage.

I grab my bag from the office and locked it up and went to Harvey's room.

"Hey, I need you to find footage around the reception around lunchtime."

"Yeah, okay give me a minute. " Harvey typed something onto the PC and it appeared. He fast-forwarded it to before.

Lunchtime. There he was!

He was wearing his usual grey suit, but he seemed pissed and hurried.

I look closely for any detail...

Ah, there it is!! He's using his office cell. The cover is also grey.

When he was at my place, he had a black iPhone. That must be his personal cell. He must've left it at his place.

"Thanks, Harvey!"

I quickly rushed out of there and powered up my laptop to hack into Escala's security cameras.

I texted my friends about hacking. I have to find the footage.

After 45 minutes, I got it.

Fast forward to an hour after lunch, I see him in casuals, and on a closer look there I see him using personal cellphone.

I quickly sent the number to my friend to track him down and

....

I found him!!!

He's stopped around Carkeek park?

What is he doing there?

I ask for Andrea's car keys, as she looked super confused

"Hey, I found something I'll call and let you know soon."

I drive her Hyundai towards the intersection. My GPS showed at least 15 minutes.

What if he's gone.? Or kidnapped?

Can someone like him get kidnapped?

Is he in trouble?

Old memories rush back in....

*"Mom? Where are you? I can't find you!!

Don't go!!! Don't!"*

Hush-hush hush

I tapped my cheek and keep them at bay.

Mr.Grey is just fine, probably.

I am stupid being worried about him

I avoid the traffic as much as possible and speed up on the highway

After 5 more minutes. I reach around the parking area.

I drove, and there's a car in the distance. It's dark outside and as I drive closer.

My heart dropped at the site of the car.

It was his car, almost smashed into the tree.

My legs started shaking. Palms sweaty. He can't be... it's not. I ... turn my torch on.

The front seat is empty!! Is he in the hospital? Is he rescued already? He is okay. But By the looks of the car, it says otherwise. My heart is racing. It is dark around and dead silent. I can only hear an owl in the distance. My throat feels so dry and I feel bile in my throat rising.

"Vincent!!!" I scream, is he nearby??? Is he unconscious?

The street light is not bright enough. I walked back a bit there's some sand and gravel, shrapnels everywhere on the roadside. Super dangerous.

I see something leaning on the tree!

"Vincent!!"

I run to him. Thank God..

He's semi-conscious. There's blood on his t-shirt. I gently touch his face. My heart beating so fast.

"Mr.Grey! Can you hear me?" I quickly called Taylor and sent him my location.

"It's you. Shit!" He pressed his hand over his chest. Should I check?

" are you hurt?" I check his bloodied hand now full of scratches. I pull up his shirt. Blood is gushing out of a wound!!!

Holy shit. There's shrapnel stabbed into his chest. Somebody tried to kill him!!! I speed-dialed 911.

"Who did this!!!"

Tears swirled my vision as I wiped it away. Okay, Cassie focus on now. Don't listen to mom. Listen to your heart. Count.

"1...Inhale..2 exhale...3..inhale...4... exhale Cece."

I dashed to the car and got the first aid kit under the seat and bottled water.

He was losing consciousness, and it was important to keep him talking. I checked his pulse.

"Mr.Grey I'll just do a simple first aid before Taylor comes to pick us up." He's dizzy.

I lifted his t-shirt.

I hold my phone in one hand.

I was about to clean around the shrapnel when he grabbed my hand

"Don't touch me! I hate it!." He growled.

"Please let me fix you, let go of my hand."

He didn't and flinched from the pain, and I was crying next.

" please I can take the pain away. Uhh, I won't touch you. My shirt will, I promise!"

I removed my coat jacket and applied pressure to his hand to control blood loss. He cursed aloud. It seems like a deep cut. "Thank god you're alive!" I prayed and used my head and quickly pushed the cotton against the wound. Next, I put antiseptic and clean up the area and more cotton bandages over it applied pressure gently.

He was looking at me.

"Don't hurt me, don't touch me, fuck!!!!!"

He's in pain. There was blood on his fist. I offered him water, but he was being stubborn. He could suffer from dehydration. It was a hot day. I pulled down his t-shirt back on him.

" Please drink it. You need water."

I inched closer to him and he leaned on me and rested his head on my shoulder as I fed him water from the bottle.

I see a car followed by an ambulance

"Cassie! Mr.Grey!!! " Taylor rushed to us.

" he's hurt. Take him to the hospital right now."

The medic did a quick check before lifting him to the gurney into the ambulance.

The next moments were a blur of vision...

"You did all this?" The medic asked me. "uh yes, I have some experience."

"Yes, it's good to know all the basic aid stuff sometimes ambulance can be late, Miss."

"It's Miss Bennett, I work for Mr.Grey."

"It was good that you found him first, Miss Bennett.'

We reached the Seattle-Grace hospital.

It was chaos. Oh, did I mention how much I hate hospitals? Why, you'd ask?

Well, I have spent half of my childhood days waiting and waiting for mom, hoping finally she's okay.

I feel choked with the clinic hospital scent. Is it the chemicals? I don't know, but those scents bring all those buried memories rushing back again in my head.

My thoughts sporadically change.

NO! Cassie!! Stop it! This is nothing like that at all. I mean, Mr. Grey is just my boss.

Yes, I look up to him; I like him as a person, what's not to like? And I hate his guts sometimes, but that's just it. Well, hate is a very strong word considering our relationship is strictly professional.

Is it? Really? Because many times we both have acted out in a not so strictly professional way.

And honestly, I don't care about him that much! Oh, who am I kidding? I care a lot about him and his opinions on my work. I love it when he shares something, anything with me. I love it when I see his eyes gleam when I show him my design concept.

But if it's all business, why did I just search Seattle to find him. Who the hell am I to be worried sick about this man who already has everything!

My stomach churned. I'm shivering.

I knew my eyes were blotchy from the tears; I don't know why I was crying over Mr.Grey like that. I can't imagine who'd want to hurt him.

Taylor gave me coffee and asked how'd did I find Mr. Grey. The doctor arrived.

"I am Dr. Owen Hunt, Chief of Trauma Surgery. We ran some tests with Mr. Christian Grey. Are you family?"

"Uh, No we both work for Mr. Grey His family are on their way." I said to the Dr.Hunt.

"Mr.Grey is fine. He's under observation. The wound was sharp, but it missed his heart and the first aid you guys did, avoided the blood loss and there's no sign of infection. We are prepping him for the OR. He has to be on medication for a few weeks."

Thank god! I walk to peek inside the room.

He's asleep and an oxygen mask is on his nose.. He should wear colors more pastels it suits him so well.

Stop it, Cassie! don't get close to him. You'll get burned. The pain flashed by. My palms are sweaty and I don't feel good anymore.

Just this hospital scene always gets me.

"Taylor, I'm going home, keep me posted? Good night!"

Taylor asked if I was alright, but I said nothing and asked him if he could get Andrea's car back to her. She must be on her way. As I was leaving, I saw Grace and I panicked and hid behind a plant.

She looks so frail and sad. His entire family came to see Vincent .

God, I should leave now.

I ran out of there and then called for an Uber.

Take deep breaths. You're fine.

"Ma'am, are you okay? You look pale."

"I'm alright could you just drive faster. I need to go home."

This is just perfect. The first time after many years of therapy, I am having a panic attack in a freaking Uber.

"Mommy's just getting her regular checkup and then she'll be as good as new, okay?"

"Cece look!! mom is smiling!!"

No!!! stop! Count Cassie! prime numbers ! 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97, 101, 103, 107, 109, 113, 127, 131, 137, 139, 149, 151, 157, 163, 167, 173, 179, 181, 191, 193, 197, 199

I quickly rush out to my doorstep and lock myself in. The apartment suddenly felt eerily quiet, Tabby is fast asleep. Her bowl is empty. I pick her up and let her. She licked my hand instantly. "I don't know what I'd do without you. You're too adorable!" I need to take her to the vet, she's soon going to give birth to kittens soon I need to be prepared, at first I thought to leave her with Andrea but then Tabby's very choosy and pregnant and I think I need her more, I'll stay for my finals for a whole month.

I felt so solemn at the thought of leaving Seattle. I got so much from this place in a short amount of time. I wash my face.

I look gaunt. The girl in the mirror is not the happy and cool girl Cassie Bennett I see.

I see a stupid lost girl again with dirt on her knees and hands. The lost little girl in a pigtail with dirty jumpers was hiding in the background. Shaking it away, I noticed the dried blood on my clothes. It must be his...

He hates touch.. that explains how he was with his mother. So stiff and formal.

I discarded my clothes quickly and turned on the shower. The strawberries' body washes scent was lifting my mood. I need a lot of ice cream. I must have it in the fridge. I need to talk to Ash.. should I tell her? I can tell her tomorrow.

What do I do now? Its midnight. I turn on the tv and lower the volume to fill the room with some sound. I curl up on the sofa and with Tabby and watch an old English movie.

"Don't we all do everything just to be loved a little more?"

The girl said to her friend, justifying her actions. Her eyes tell a different story, her friend says as she figures out that the girl was hurting from unhappy love. The girl said the boy she likes doesn't even know she exists.

My eyes shut in exhaustion at the thought. That people experience an unhappy love. Is it similar to what I am feeling right now? I can't be. What is the diagnosis of this unhappy love? What are the symptoms? The reactions?

Jesus, I am talking as if this is measles, not love.

My eyes feel weary and my back is stiff. I carefully get up and make some tea. I am worried about him and I don't even know why? Why can't I sleep at 3 am? Why am I still awake even when I feel tired? I drink some chamomile tea.

Well, there's only one thing to help me now as I look at my desk. Books lying down. I open the cabinet and take out my puzzles collection. Puzzles always helped me, just like codes do. Whenever my mind goes crazy, I settle down with a puzzle and shift my focus.

I open one of my favorites. It's the Van Gogh starry night puzzle with 2000 pieces.

I lay them all flat on my coffee table and start putting the pieces together. I want to see this painting in person at the MoMa museum in NYC.

I think I need to distance myself from such things, even if I feel something for Christian; he doesn't. He sees just as an employee, right?? Fine. I made up mind to focus on my books for now. For the next three days, I am going to forget about the world and just focus on myself.

...

"Daddy, my friends at school called mommy crazy."

"Slugger, they are just teasing you, mommy's sick, and she needs us. You love her don't you?"

"I do."

"Okay, how about we open the puzzle set your mommy got for you, hmm?"

"Okay!! I'll go get it and can I have some special milkshake?"

"Okay! I'll go make that."

" Matthew!!!"

"What's wrong, daddy?"

"I don't know, she broke something. You go ahead with the puzzle I'll be right back, your mommy needs me."

"Okay."

...

I felt something wet against my cheek.

Tabby licked my chin as I get up. I stretched my arms.

"Yes, your butler is awake and ready to give you breakfast. Miss Tabitha Kitty Bennett."

In response, she whipped her furry tail and snuggled closer.

Time to make breakfast. I quickly brush my teeth and set a pot of coffee. I check my phone. Made some fried eggs and sandwiches and feed Tabby. Oh, There's a message from Taylor.

Mr.Grey is with his family and recovering well. That's good. I think surrounded by the family will be good for him. I still don't get it. Who'd do that to him? Hurt him like that?

Okay..none of my business.

I quickly get ready into black Denim and t-shirt and grab my tote bag. The vet is close by. So, I'll manage with Gertie.

I place Tabby carefully in the basket. She likes to stay in my canvas tote bag, so I let her. The weather is nice and clear. Maybe I Can cook something nice for me. Ashley will call me in the afternoon. I need to pick up some ingredients and vegetables later; I walk into the vet with Tabby as I make a mental note of what to buy.

"Good morning! How can I help you? Who's this cutie? " the receptionist petted Tabby lightly."This is Tabitha. I have an appointment with Dr. Phillips." I said as the woman to go ahead.

After the checkup, the Doc assured me that Tabby's fine. I cycled to the farmer's market and bought fresh meats to produce.

Tuna for Tabby. I visit the flower shop next to bring some vibrant colors to my living room. I picked out some sunflowers. They lift my mood.

I cooked, danced, and cleaned in complete control and denial about what was happening. I curled up on the couch with my books. Tabby fell asleep on the chair.

I make notes. My apartment felt so sullen. I need some music; I put in some Lo-Fi study music and get back to my chapter.

One hour passed I changed my seat to the desk and continued my study.

I check the time on the phone. Oh! there are 3 voicemails from Ashley.

"Hey, so you will not believe what happened! Call me ASAP!"

2 minutes later

"Okay, why the hell you're not picking up?"

10 minutes later

"Are you okay? Something's up. Call me back, ASAP."

I dial her.

"Hey, Ash!"

"Cut the crap, what's with you. I know something is up. I was waiting for our movie marathon and pint of ice cream but you never called."

Shit, I forgot about that completely.

"Sorry I had to do something urgently, Ash. I totally forgot. ,"

"That's okay. Now tell me what happened. I know you are tensed."

"Well, my boss went missing, and later he was assaulted. "

"Shit! How did that happen? I mean, isn't he a super-rich CEO?"

"Yeah, but I don't know what happened last night. I tracked him down and took him to the hospital with his driver."

"Wait, why d'you have to do that?"

"I don't know I was worried about Mr.Grey because the last night I saw him he seemed just fine."

"Wait, you spent a night with your boss?"

" no, well yeah technically but were just talking random stuff. He dropped me off because I was drunk. Then he got drunk afterward and slept on the couch. ,"

"Okay. So do you like him?"

"What? I like him as a boss, he's generous with my salary."

"No!! I meant non professionally. So you like him?? "

"I don't know. We live in different circles. I can't like him."

"So you do like him very much."

"Okay, fine!! I like him a lot. But I am going to get past that. It's just unhappy love/crush, one-sided."

"Okay, first you're amazing and he's an idiot not to notice that, and I very much doubt it's one-sided. And what's up with this unhappy love analogy? And if your circles differ from just change the circumference or overlap, I don't care if he's super hot or rich if he's an asshole he's not worth your attention. "

"I don't know Ash, he doesn't see me that way, I'm sure he sees me as a typical IT nerd."

" Okay fine, how about you dress up in that cute yellow dress, and I can guarantee you he will SEE you like a hawk "

"His birthday is the day after tomorrow I'll wear it there.,"

"Good!! Now you said that, if you like him then make him a present, let him know your feelings, Cass, If he likes you he'll come to thank you personally.,"

"Cassie Aren't you leaving that same day?"

"Yes, I will leave right after his birthday party. Andrea sent me an invitation."

"Okay, problem solved."

"Enough about me Ashley I am hoping you're staying with Xavier.?"

Ashley chuckled.

"Oh, I am staying in just fine. We sorted it out. ,"

"Uh-huh sounds like you're having a great time and you're just trying to keep it low key."

"Whatever, we are good now. I missed you so much."

"Me too. Maybe after finals, we can plan to go somewhere?"

"Sure! Maybe on a long drive somewhere. Okay, I am getting another call. Talk to you later!! Bye!"

I feel lighter after talking with her. Now, what do you gift someone who has everything already?

I look at the bright sunflowers against my stark white wall.

Something popped in my head. I got it!!

Mr.Grey loves technology. I love it too. So maybe I can...

I brainstorm ideas around the extra mood sensors I have at home. I go over to my spare room and search for my tools, drawers, and junk box to gather knickknacks. I sketch a few sunflowers as an Inspiration. Sunflowers are photoreceptive...

...

"Cece!! Look!!! That sunflower is just as tall as you!!! Hehea. She looks like your friend."

"No! Atty!!! I am taller. Let's take a few of them and plant it in our backyard."

"Okay!!! Maybe mom will be happier seeing them."

"I hope so too, but let's take a picture first!"

Click.

I shake my head to get a hold of my surroundings. A Furry friend is bothering me, Tabby keeps running around my legs and through them. I boil some tea and eat toasted bread and butter.

I texted Dad about my flight timings and turn on Netflix on tv. I feed Tabby who's gaining weight like crazy since she doesn't climb up on her cat ladder anymore but she's still adorably cute, her kittens will be cute too. Maybe I should name them after stars or planets.

I ate the leftovers from lunch and continue with my sunflower mood sensor.

It's like a robot plant that has photo sensors and mood sensors that can detect the mood of the user. If it's the user is happy the metal sunflowers will in full bloom and when sad, the petals can detach and fall down. I wish I could add more, but I don't have any time.

I just focus on the design and work.

And work....

Pee, shower, and work again.

Pack my bags.

Work again.

Have a cup of herbal tea.

Snuggle Tabby

Work again.

Head down for a nap.

...

'Crash'

"Huh?" What happened.

I look over in the kitchen, and Tabby has knocked over a cup.

"Good morning Tabitha, what are you doing?"

I walk up to the kitchen island and bring her down. Tabby has tried to wake me up either by licking or pawing if not then crashing down my kitchen by knocking over the plates and cups. I clean up the mess.

I look over at my desk. My gift is complete. I just have to find a box to put it in.

The metallic yellow sunflower sensor next to the real ones looks so juxtaposed.

I pour some milk for Tabby and myself. I add some apple pieces to my breakfast cereal. I take a shower and do my makeup. I want to go for a dewy neutral look and add some blue color eyeshadow. Andrea had told over the text that Grace is arranging the party at her home and Mr.Grey is looking just like his old self. I put on my Yellow silk slip dress with white strappy heels and a Blue square jacket. I put on my silver bracelet and perfume.

and curl my hair into loose waves.

and put on my lipstick.

and grab my sling bag.

And pack the gift carefully. Andrea is carpooling with David and Chloe, so as I hurriedly gave Tabby's food in her bowl. I grab the keys and bag and head out the door.

David whistled. "Is that you, Bennett?"

"No David, it's your doom in about five seconds!" as I sit in the backseat and smack his head hard.

"Ow okay. Shall we go now?" Andrea was wearing a cute black number and Chloe was wearing a velvet blue dress. We talked about what happened that night and afterward. "Where the hell were you the past two days though?" Chloe asked me as David drove towards the highway intersection.

"I was home, studying for my finals."

"Oh, Yeah. All the best for that. I sometimes forget that you're still a student."

It took us 20 more minutes to reach Grey's residence. It is in a lush green forest area. So beautiful.

The house is fantastic, like the ones we see in magazines. Beautiful garden and fountain. The scenery was so classy and posh but not too much in the face either.

David parked the car at a distance as the girls and I entered the mansion. The housekeepers greeted us, The place is crowded with Uber rich. "Grace shook our hands along with her husband Carrick. "Cassie, can I talk to you in private?" "Of-Course!."

I excuse myself and we both walk towards the balcony.

"You have a lovely home, Dr. Grey,"

"Thank you Cassie.-

"Dear, You do not understand how, how grateful I am for what you did for my Vincent, I cannot thank you enough for that." Grace had tears in her eyes.

"Please don't be. Anyone else would've done the same. We all like him very much. He's a good person."

"Okay, Now let's go find him. Taylor said you'll be leaving early for your flight?"

"yes, they were very few seats and even fewer allows cats on-board." I joked.

We both talked and she handed me a glass of pinot. Grace was talking with me and Chloe.

"Hello Cassiopeia."

I turned around.

"Happy Birthday! Mr.Grey!"