"No, no you go have fun! Honestly it's fine! Really?"

"You sure?"

"YES! YES! Now would you go already or you'll miss the train." Ondine insisted for the thirteenth time that night.

Kason gave her another strange look but finally left. She shut the door behind him listening to his footsteps on the stairs. Once she was sure he was gone she pressed her forehead against the door and let out a heavy sigh.

"It's fine, really," she said again to herself. "It's okay. It's okay. It is going to be okay, eventually." She closed her eyes tightly then covered her mouth and screamed letting out her frustrations.

Everything just felt so horribly awkward now. She was hoping it would all just blow over...but what if it didn't? She wasn't one for confrontation. She had...issues addressing things. She barely stomached her own feelings, repress, repress was the name of the game. Deny and repress anything that didn't fit where it should.

She pushed away from the door and tried to distract herself with chores. She folded laundry, picked up trash and cleaned whatever she bumped into. She couldn't fix her own shit right now but darn it if she couldn't make her stovetop shine. She scrubbed and scrubbed until she swore she could see herself staring back at her. If only she could make problems and uncomfortable situations go away so easily.

The phone rang and she nearly jumped ten feet in the air. She picked it up without thinking and hesitantly asked, "Hello?" Hoping it wasn't 'him.'

"Hey it's me, made it to the station." said Kason.

"Everything okay?

"Yeah, just making sure you're really okay. I could get some soup and we could watch movies, snuggle on the couch all night."

"Maybe when you get back," she said, "But I mean it go."

"Okay," he said she could hear the pout in his voice. "I love you."

"I love you," she said then hung up and continued. "That's why I'm doing this." Whatever it took she was gonna fix this. She was gonna make it work.

She went to the bedroom and made the bed. As she was picking up laundry the phone rang again and she paused. It could be Kason again, but just to be safe, this time she waited. She let the machine get it and thank goodness she had because it was him.

"Yo it's Nik, I'm heading out, just wanted to know if you needed me to bring anything last minute. See you soon."

She swore she could hear the excitement in his voice. Was it for her? Had he hoped she would answer? She shook her head telling herself she was reading too much into this. Maybe he was just in a good mood and yet he hadn't hung up yet, the machine was still recording. He was just sitting on the line. He hung up after another second or two and she collapsed on the end of her bed.

She suppose it had been a normal enough message but how...how could he still sound so...so casual. Or course, he didn't know that she 'knew.' To him nothing had changed, everything was still 'normal' but nothing could ever be normal between them again, now that she knew. She covered her mouth thinking their 'friendship' was over.

She leaned forward, buried her head in her hands and let out a heavy sigh. Everything had started out innocently enough, Finnik, Nik was a friend of a friend or... something. She didn't know anymore, if it was true or not. They met at a get together.

It was at a bar. One of her favorite songs came on. She left the others as they were having a conversation to stand next to the speaker and jam. He'd stepped up to her and the first thing she noticed was his ice blue eyes, followed by his taste in music. He said he loved this song and couldn't resist coming over. They talked and agreed on some other music they liked. From there things were like any other normal friendly conversation. When the song ended she went back to the others didn't think much of it.

The next time her friend group got together, he joined them and she just assumed he knew one of the others. She shouldn't have but he got along so with everyone that she hadn't questioned it. None of them had, they all just assumed he knew someone else. It wasn't long before he was a staple of their group.

The group got together on a weekly basis. Ever since the events, the whole world had been on edge. Great black smoke would appear and disappear throughout the world. Sometimes people got caught up in it but were never seen again. No on knew what happened to them, they were just gone. The news and military had sent in robots then full on crews and soldiers. Some civilians had rushed in but no one ever returned and no one knew why.

There were so many theories swirling around and misinformation. Some people thought it was bio-weapons, terrorist attacks, others, considered it a sign, and some an accident, possibly even a natural disaster. A few people even thought it might be a mass experiment, orchestrated by the government. Everyone seemed to have a theory but honestly, no one really knew what was going on. The only thing that was certain was their world was no longer the same.

From one day to the next no one knew what was going to happen. When the lockdowns ended there were so many people unaccounted for. It was scary. They met up with some friends and tried to figure out who was still around.

They decided to meet up weekly, to stay in touch and make sure everyone was okay. At first it was only a few people but had slowly been growing as others got word of the get together. They met friends of friends and would play games, talk, listen to music, celebrate life milestones together. It was a nice break from all the madness, to be surrounded by friendly faces.

As time passed, and things got back to the 'new' normal they didn't meet up as often. They'd sometimes go a week or two, only hanging out on weekends. They'd catch a movie or a concert. Sometimes they'd meet for dinner or celebrate some special event but they always tried to keep in touch.

Sometimes they'd run into each other out and about in the world. She didn't know when she started to notice, but she eventually realized she ran into Nik, a lot more than any of the others. One time she was at this bookstore, looking at an art book and he just popped up behind her, saying he loved that artist. He loved a lot of things she liked, now that she thought about it.

They got to chatting and ended up getting ice cream after. He invited her to a movie but she had to get back and start dinner. He offered to ride the bus with her and reached out touching her arm. It was strange. That day, the way he looked at her, it just clicked, that there was something more there.

She felt silly at first thinking surely not, she was with Kason. Yet she became more aware of Nik, after that. She noticed how when they got together he was always right next to her. If she got up to get some chips and dip, he'd get up as well, almost hovering. If she ordered a drink and sat at the bar, he'd sit next to her. Even when he wasn't talking to her, he was within ear shot, in a doorway, on some steps. He was rarely far from her. Yet he acted so natural and normal, like nothing weird was going on.

She kept telling herself she was just being paranoid. Normally she'd let it go but she felt this rush, this flutter in her chest and alarm bells kept going off in her head...something was going on here. This was not normal! At first, she tried her best to just ignore it. Deny! Repress! Repress! Repress! She didn't want things to get awkward. She just wanted everything to stay the same. However after a few weeks she couldn't just ignore things.

One day, she was in the mirror aisle, shopping for a new full-length mirror, for the back of their bathroom door. Theirs had some spots on it that just wouldn't wipe off. She caught sight of him in one of the mirrors. With so many of them they were bouncing reflections off one another. She smiled thinking they'd just run into each other or were about to. He was an aisle back. After a minute or two, she noticed he wasn't moving. He was just standing there. Perhaps, he was waiting for someone. She tried to just keep looking at the mirrors but the more time passed, the more unsettled she got. It occurred to her that he might be following her.

Surely not. Surely he was just out and about and they'd happened by one another. Yet she kept catching his reflection in the mirrors as she walked down the aisle. She bit her lip and decided to test the theory. She would continued shopping and pretended like she hadn't noticed him and see what happened.

She got the mirror and a few others things before stopping by a cafe to get something to eat. She sat down by the window like she usually did and acted like she was just enjoying the view but really, she was looking for him. At first she didn't see him and thought she'd just been imagining things. He wasn't following her! Yet after a few minutes she saw him smoking across the street. She hadn't recognized him at first as he had his hood up and was wearing sunglasses. She recognize the green hoodie he'd been wearing from the store.

She turned to her food and still tried to deny what was happening. Maybe he was waiting for a bus? Maybe he just had stuff he was doing in the area, at the same time as her? It could all just be a coincidences...but what if, what if he was actually following her? Then what? She wasn't sure what to do? What did you do when someone was following you, especially someone you knew who hadn't done anything.

In the end she didn't do anything. She just hoped the issue would resolve itself. She didn't understand why he would be following her. What did he want? Yet she had a feeling, that day when they got ice cream and he'd touched her arm asking if he could ride home with her. There was this look in his ice blue eyes. She had seen that look before in Kason's eyes and her own in photos. It was clear Nik was interested in her but this couldn't be happening. She was with Kason and loved him so much. Nik was just a friend and always would be.

She knew another friend of theirs, Aria like him. She had said something about his clothes and looks once. The next time they all got together she encourage Aria to ask him out. She even went over and asked Nik if he was seeing anyone. He quickly said no. He was single and she pointed out Aria was single too before giving him a wink and leaving the two of them together. Aria talked to him most the night and she thought something might come of it but she ended up dating Jeffery a few weeks later.

She debated playing matchmaker again but decided to just leave it. He might have feelings for her but it didn't mean she needed to address them. She tried to just act natural and hoped all of this awkwardness would go away. However a few weeks ago. Shara invited everyone to sushi at Ondine's favorite sushi bar. She was so excited she couldn't wait to go.

She got a call from Nik a few days later saying the day had been moved up. She told Kason but he couldn't go now, he had to work. He had an important meeting with his boss that day but told her to go and eat enough for the both of them. She showed up with Shara's gift but found Nik was the only one that had shown up so far. He sat at a large table and she assumed the others would be along. They sat next to each other while they waited and after a while he suggested they could start ordering a bit of everything for everyone. They filled the table with sushi but no one else showed up.

He guessed that they were running late. He suggested it not go to waste. She felt weird eating without the others but figured they'd be there any moment. She ate until she was stuffed and then he paid for everything. He suggested they go see a movie that she wanted to see. She debated cutting out but Kason hadn't wanted to see it. It was a horror movie and horror wasn't his thing. She did want to see it but didn't know how she felt about it just being the two of them...again. He pointed out he paid for sushi and she'd turned him down last time. She felt like she owed him and paid for their tickets, it only seemed fair.

The movie was good, so good that she'd lost track of herself for a second. She got so into it that she didn't notice his hand brush up against hers or how close he was. At one point she looked over and saw he wasn't even watching the movie but her. She kept catching him staring at her the entire time and it made her feel uneasy. When the movie ended she got up to leave saying she'd better get home. He grabbed her hand and insisted they do something else, his treat. He offered to take her to the arcade, rollerskating or even bowling. She noted those were her favorite things to do but told him she couldn't right now.

She could see the sudden desperation in his eyes. He didn't want her to leave. He squeezed her hand pleaded with her. She told him she really needed to go and he pouted. He told her it was his birthday and he just wanted someone to hang out with. She found it odd that he hadn't said anything until now. She told him he should have told others but he didn't want to make a big deal of it. Shara's had already made birthday plans and he didn't want to disrupt them.

She knew she probably shouldn't spend anymore time with him alone. Her gut was telling her no but she again felt bad. She didn't want to upset him on his birthday. They went to the arcade it was nearby and she thought it would be quick. Admittedly she did have fun and he won her a stuffed animal she liked. When they got out it was dark, he insisted on riding the train back home with her.

At one point he got really close to her, uncomfortably so. She could feel his breath on her and he whispered in her ear that some creep was staring at her. He told her to pretend they were together so the guy wouldn't bother her. She wasn't sure if there really was a creep or not. He put his arms around her and his presence was sort of all encompassing. He leaned in even closer and smelled really good.

She felt something and it scared her. She...she knew she shouldn't feel this way, about him or anyone else who wasn't Kason. They got so close as the train was nearing her stop that she though he was going to kiss. It was bad but what was worse was she might not mind it. When the train stopped she dashed off saying she'd see him later and to have a happy birthday. She said she'd get him a gift next time and she did.

She got him one of those assorted gift boxes of meats, cheeses and wine. She tried not to think about that day...and how far things had almost gone. She swore she'd never let something like that happen again. She'd give him his gift when they all got together again and then make sure they were never ever...ever alone again. She didn't want to like him anymore then she already did. He was just a friend. She loved Kason it was like a mantra in her head.

Before she could give him his gift she ran into Aria at their weekly workout class. She mentioned how it had been Nik's birthday but Aria told her it had been months ago. She found out the jerk had lied to her and that wasn't his only lie. The next time they got together Shara asked where she and Kason had been for her Sushi party. She hadn't rescheduled at all, Nik had manipulated everything...that whole day was a trick! Just so they could hang out together. She felt sick.

She was really upset but she didn't confront him. She was too much of a coward for that. Thankfully Aria asked him what his deal was telling people it was his birthday when he'd already had it. He'd just laughed it off and said it was a 'misunderstanding.' Kason asked about the sushi plans changing and again Nik said it was just a simple 'misunderstanding.' he'd gotten 'confused' on the dates. That might have happened but she seriously doubted it. He told her it was his birthday and he'd told her Shara had changed the dates. He was messing with her.

She already knew he was following her, everything with the sushi and his birthday felt like he an escalation. It...she also shouldn't want anyone to kiss her but Kason. She decided it was time to start distancing herself from him. She tried to act normal the rest of the night and didn't tell anyone her plan. As they were leaving she went to use the bathroom when she got out Nik was there blocking her way. He had his arms crossed and was leaned up against the wall like he'd been waiting for her.

"Are you upset with me?" He asked.

"No," she lied.

"I didn't mean to lie. It's just you and I don't get to spend much time alone together and we have so much in common." Her face flushed. She didn't know what to say. "Did you like spending time together?" He drew in closer. "We could spend more time together."

She swallowed as got inches from her face. She heard a toilet flush, "I need to tell them they're out of toilet paper." They weren't but she needed to get away from him.

She tried to step around him but he got in her way and smiled, "You know, you're cute when your flustered," her eyes got wide but thankfully someone else came along to use the bathroom and they were no longer alone. She dashed off and found Kason.

The whole way home she was quiet. She just kept chewing on her lip thinking about what he'd said. She definitively needed to shut this down and now he was getting brazen. She tried not to think about him and just focus on Kason and work. She didn't go out as much over the next week. Nik started calling like everyday. Thankfully Kason answered it. When it was time to get together again she pretended not to be feeling well.

Kason wanted to cancel but she insisted he still go. She knew how much he loved going. She did too until things had become impossibly awkward! She might be overreacting but she hoped putting enough time and space between Nik would make him back off. She opened her eyes and got up from the bed nodding to herself. She would just avoid him as much as possible until he wasn't a problem or she figured out some other way to hand 'this.'

She went back to doing chores and the phone rang as she was scrubbing the toilet. She bit her lip and waited for the machine to get it. Maybe it was Kason, he should have arrived at the bar by now. The phone stopped after a few rings then started up again. Whoever was calling had hung up and called again. They let the machine pick up this time. "Hey, it's Nik. I heard you're no feeling okay? Just checking on you." He waited for a good minute then hung up.

She let out a heavy sigh. She was glad she hadn't gotten it. Though it was not good, Nik had found out she wasn't coming and called. Most people wouldn't do that right. Most people would be like 'oh that sucks' or 'tell her to get better.' She went back to scrubbing and the phone rang again and then again before it hung up. Barely a second later it started up again. She counted at least a dozen calls before it finally went to the answering machine.

"Hey just checking in. Are you okay?"

She perked up hearing Kason's voice. She quickly rushed to the phone and picked it up. "Hey!

"What's up you okay?" said Kason he sounded worried.
"Yeah, sorry was in the bathroom?"

"Okay, you feeling any better?"

"Some, how goes it?"

"It goes," he said, "I miss you.'
"I miss you too." she said.

"Maybe I'll bring you something."
"You don't have to, I'm not a kid. I'm fine just a little under the weather."

"Okay." said Kason. "I'll be home in another hour, maybe two."

"Take your time, have fun."

"I will," he said, "Love you."

"Love you."

She felt a twinge of sadness that she hadn't gone. She really did like hanging out with him and the others but things were just weird right now. She decided to take a break from all the chores and get something to eat. She went to the frige and got a few things out when the phone rang again. She looked at it but picked it up, "Hello?"

"Hey," said Nik. "I heard you are not feeling well."

"Yeah," she said shifting her gaze from side to side. What the fuck was he doing, calling so much, she definitely wasn't being paranoid.

"Is it your head or stomach? You got the sniffles or are you attached to the toilet." his voice was upbeat but she didn't like it. She shouldn't have picked up. She didn't want to talk to him. The whole point of staying in most the week and skipping their get together was so she wouldn't have to engage with him. From now on she was letting the machine answer all her calls. Until she was certain who it was, she wasn't picking up.

"Ondine?" Nik called.

She realized she hadn't responded. "Uh little bit of everything," she said trying to be polite, "Probably gonna lay down though I'm super tired.'
"Yeah, you feeling light headed, maybe you shouldn't be home alone. I could pop by I'm on my way out."

Fuck no! She stopped herself, "No! No! I'm good! I'm not alone!" She had no idea why she was lying.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Uh the-" Think think, "The neighbor just popped over."

"Which one?"

What did it matter which one. Like he would even known who her neighbors were

"A new one?" she said.

"Since when you get any new neighbors?"

Shit how would he know. Wait did he know? She knew he followed her. Did that mean he was also keeping track of their neighbors to. No that was way too out there.

"She's just down the way, no exactly neighbors, neighbors. Anyway I'm good but gotta go."

"Wait!" he called but she didn't want to know what he had to say. She hung up, threw her head back and let out a long groan of awkward frustration.

She went back to making food and tried not think too hard about what all this ment. She really didn't like complicated situation. She really hoped he didn't come over but just in case she turned off all the lights and hope he'd think she'd gone to bed. She watched a movie for about an hour than Kason came back.

When she heard his key in the door she nearly jumped him she was so happy to see him. He wrapped his arms around her and she said she loved him so much. She had missed him even thought it had only been a short time.

"What have you been up to?" He asked lifting bags of snacks.

She hadn't realized he had anything. She helped him lay everything out. There were so many goodies. He'd even surprised her with her favorite brand of strawberry milk and some honey chicken sticks. "Hope you're not too sick to enjoy!"

"I think I'll manage." She said with a big grin.

He ran his fingers through her hair and checked her forehead as she dug in.

"Hope you like it."

"I love it. So how was it?"

"Good. You were missed."

"Anything weird happen?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Just you called."
"Yeah, well you did say you were sick." he said she could see he was doubting her now as she threw back some chocolate covered nuts.

"I was but I'm feeling better now that you're here."
"You always make me feel better," he said before giving her a soft kiss, "Just don't overdo it if you're not feeling well."

Before she could respond there was a knock at the door. They pulled apart wondering who that could be. It was pretty late. Kason got the door and was surprised to see it was Nik. Her stomach dropped when she saw him standing there. Before anyone could say anything he let himself in carrying a bunch of bags. "Oh hey, you're still up. Good! I thought I'd drop by and see how you were doing."

He'd gotten them some take out from a place she liked. "I got a surprise for you."

"Oh," she said.

"That's cool but you didn't have to man." said Kason. She looked at him wondering if he picked up on any of the weirdness. If he did he didn't show it.

"Nah."said Nik. "I wanted to make sure Ondine was feeling better."

"I'm feeling much better now, really" she said.

"Good good," he said taking out the food. He opened everything up then took some of it and sat down on the couch.

"So what we watching?"

She looked at Kason and he looked back at her and shrugged. "He did get us food."

"Yeah," she said, "But we need to talk."

"About what?" asked Nik. "What's going on?"

"Nothing just suddenly not feeling well again," she said. She knew that was bad to say she was feeling better then not but she needed an excuse to get out of the room. She went to their bedroom and shut the door.

She was hoping Kason would come and check on her but she heard them talking for a while. Eventually she heard Nik leave and Kason came into the bedroom, "You still feeling sick."
"Yeah," she said. She was sick of this whole situation.

He checked her forehead and nodded. "You do feel a little feverish." He swayed a bit and she realized he was drunk.

"Seriously you're drunk."

"Nik brough a few over, thought I'd thow back one or two."

"And how many did you have at the bar tonight," she said shaking her head. She didn't mind him drinking a little but knew he could sometimes have a problem with it.

He didn't respond, he hugged her and she got him undressed and into bed. She started to get ready for bed herself when she heard another knock at the door. She was cautious as she opened it. It was Nik he looked winded and upset. He burst in, "I'm sorry, I know its late but I just missed the last train. Can I stay over?"

She looked at the time still holding the door, "There should be at least two more."
"Nah there was some sign cutting things off or maintenance, I missed it earlier but I'm stuck here until morning. Can I bum on your coach."

"Sure," said Kason coming up behind her.

She jumped then finally shut the door. She thought he was passed out but he must have gotten a second wind. "Kason get your ass back in bed."

"What" she said hugging her from behind.

"He's drunk," said Ondine.

"Yeah," said Nik, "Sorry had a few too many myself tonight.

"Right," she said. She didn't feel comfortable with this but didn't want to throw him out on the street. She...she wasn't heartless. "You can have the couch."

"Thanks." he said, "Can I use your bathroom?"

She didn't want him in her bedroom, or her bathroom. She didn't want him her apartment period but what could she really say. Kason had already said he could stay. "Yeah," she said.

"Can you show me where it is?" he said with a grin.

"I can," said Kason then he stumbled into the bedroom.

She stayed in the kitchen as Kason showed Nik where the bathroom was. She wiped the counters down a few more times as he took what felt like forever. Eventually she heard the toilet flush but he didn't come out right away. She was so hyper aware that she heard the sink turn on for a good minute or two. When he finally gout out he stood in her bedroom doorway, blocking her path and asked, "Do you have any bandages."

He lifted his hand it was bleeding pretty good. She wondered what he'd cut it on but didn't ask. She just opened a kitchen draw then stepped away from it. He stepped up and took out a bandage putting it on the cut. She bit her lip then decided to make her exit.

"Well night," She went around the kitchen island and attempted to go to the bedroom but he grabbed her arm.

"Ondine, wait!"

"Yeah," she said as her entire body stiffened.

"I uh…there is something I've been wanting to tell you for a while."
"It's late! I really should turn in."

He squeezed her hand and unexpectedly pulled her in close "I'm sorry but it can't wait any longer I need you to know."
"We're out of ketchup, yup I ready know that." she said. She hated getting random when things got weird but she did not manage awkward...or intense situations very well.
"No," he said narrowing his eyes "I love you!"

Her entire body lit up and her ears suddenly felt like they were on fire. He let her hand go waiting for a responds but she didn't give one. Her jaw dropped and she just turned and rushed back into the bedroom. She locked the door behind her then fell to her knees on the carpet and covered her face. She had a feeling, more then a feeling something like this was going on. She thought he might like her but he'd said he loved her. WHAT WAS SHE GOING TO DO! She couldn't fix this. It was clear their friendship was over. She had to tell Kason but

this time he was actually passed out. She kept trying to wake him and he just groaned. Of all the times to get drunk. Then again Nik had brought the beers...what had he expected. She saw a shadow under the bedroom door. Was he on the other side listening, waiting...for what?

Honestly what did he expect her to do. She was with Kason, loved Kason, he was in the other room. Did he expect her to leap into her arms and profess her love for him. She nearly tore into her lip biting it as she crouched on the floor. How did she feel about Nik? No she didn't want to feel about Nik? She didn't want to be with anyone else but Kason and yet she felt this rush, this adrenaline. She kept hearing him say he loved her. NO! NO! Something had to be broken in her head or something. She couldn't have feelings for two people at once. No correction she wouldn't. She loved Kason and stared at him for the longest time. In the morning she'd tell him everything and they'd "handle" this situation together.

She nodded then saw the shadow had moved out from under her door. He'd gone away...given up for the night. She ran her hands over her face and through her hair. It was fine..fine everything wasn't fucking fine but it was going to be. She kept nodding to herself and finished getting ready for bed. Eventually she laid down and stared up at the ceiling. She listened for even the slightest of sounds hyper aware of everything that was going on. She couldn't help but think Nik had missed the last train on purpose. Had gotten Kason drunk on purpose. So he could confess but seriously why now! To be fair she didn't want him to ever confess to her but now didn't seem idea, in her apartment, with Kason. Honestly what was he thinking.

No what was she thinking? What was that reaction! She'd just turned and darted off to bed. She could have handled that a lot better. She should have said 'No" or "I'm sorry, I don't feel that way" No! No sorry 'I don't like you like that? I don't like you! I LOVE KASON!" She should have slapped him 'How dare you, sir.' Well maybe that would have been an over reaction. She ran over various scenarios in her head until she passed out.

The next morning she woke to find Kason was already gone. The bed and bathroom were empty and the apartment sounded super quiet. She just sat on the bed for several minutes listening. When she didn't hear anything, she assumed he and Nik were gone. When she mustered up the courage to check she found the apartment empty. She hadn't been able to talk to Kason before he left for work but at least Nik was gone. She wondered why Kason hadn't woken her and debated calling him but decided to wait until he got home. Then she'd tell him everything.

Everything, for a slight moment she'd forgotten about the events of last night and Nik professing his love. She cringed and decided to take a cold shower. She didn't go ice cold but liked the temperature to be just below warm. The slight chill woke her up and refreshed her. She put on a light airy dress as it was summer. She didn't have to go into work until tomorrow. Which was good because she had a lot on her mind. She might even call in sick depending on how tonight went and what Kason wanted to do about it...if anything. Of course, he'd want to do something she groaned.

She really hated this. Why couldn't thinks have just stayed as they were. Why was he escalating so much. Maybe it was because of her and the actions she had taken. She tried to think she'd acted normal but who knows maybe her awkwardness was written all over her face. It sure was in her stomach. She knew she should eat something but didn't know if she could.

She wrapped a towel around her head and stepped out of the bathroom. She thought she smelled french toast, maybe bacon? She paused for a moment then left the bedroom. She saw their small table had been set. There were two plates. One with a french toast, bacon and eggs and the other with some sort of breakfast wrap. Nik was there pouring some milk into a glass. He smiled at her and her jaw dropped. She swore he'd left. No! He had left, he'd just come back! Why hadn't she checked the door. Locked it! Cause who the fuck came back once they left someone house.

"Ah you're out. I was just about to get you. How was your shower?"

She just stood there for a long moment not responding. She felt like a deer caught in headlights. When she finally managed to make out what he'd said she shuddered feeling unnerved. Not only had he come back but he'd been wandering around her apartment, like some creep, while she was in the shower. Wait! Had he said he was just about to get her? Would he have come into the bathroom if she hadn't come out?

"Ondine?" he said when she failed to respond. He set the glass of milk down, "Are you still not feeling well?"

She stoold there for another few seconds then finally mustered, "What's going on? What are you doing?"

His smile got even bigger, "I went out and got breakfast. Your favorite, thick french toast, with gobs of syrup, over-easy eggs, and crispy bacon. I may have taken a piece, to test but don't worry, I got extra of everything just in case you've work up an appetite. I noticed you didn't touch the food I got last night."

She looked at all the food again. How did he know what she liked? No it didn't matter! She looked at him confused at fuck and managed a long. "Why?"

"Why?," he titled his head. "I thought you might be hungry."

He thought she might be hungry. It seemed friendly enough but with everything else. With that confession last night she...she couldn't accept this or anything he did going forward. She realized in this moment she had to...to confront him. She had to make it clear this was not okay. Every fiber of her being felt like it was on fire. She...she really just wanted to slowly back up and lock herself in the bedroom but she needed to address this. Things were only amplifying.

"I!" She began then stopped. Her cheeks flushed the way he was looking at her. It was beyond intense, like she was the only woman in existence. She closed her eyes and focused her thoughts on Kason. He was the only one she wanted to look at her like that. She needed to be clear if not for herself then him! This could not go on any longer.

"Thank you!" she stammered then immediately regretted it. She didn't want to be rude but thanking him would just confuse him, "No!' she said. needed to be stern, "No this is not okay, is-. You can't-. You should go!"

"You wanted to go somewhere? I suppose we could, later."

"What!" she said, he'd twisted her words. She wanted him to go, not to go with him anywhere.

Why did she have to be so socially awkward. Why couldn't she just look him in the eyes and say what she wanted. "No! Finnik! I'm sorry but we can't be friends anymore. I don't feel that way about you and I'm in a relationship, a committed relationship. So please just go!" She knew it was far more polite than she needed to be. He'd made things so awkward! She just wanted him to stop...being weird! Was he being weird or was it her? She hated doubting herself. No he'd confessed last night he said I love you. She couldn't let this stand.

"Finnick!"

"Yes, my love," he said giving her a charming smile.

"Stop it!" she said, "Please just go!"

He pursed his lips for a second then licked his tongue over the top row of his teeth. He pulled a seat out from the table and gestured for her to sit. "After we talk, if you still wish for me to go I will."

"Talk about what?" pulling back.

"You and me."

"What about you and me?"

"That's what were going to talk about." He chuckled.

"There is no you and me!" she said making it clear.

"Not yet," he said, Please sit!"

"No," she said crossing her arms, which made her breast smoosh together and pop up. She quickly moved her hands but caught his gaze wandering.

"It's getting cold." he said with a smirk.

"I'm not hungry!"

"You just woke up and I know this is your favorite Ondine. I know everything about you that is how I know you are the perfect girl for me."

"What!" she said. Didn't he know how...how creepy that sounded. 'I know everything about you that is how I know you're the perfect girl for me'. Stalker much! She shuttered.

"Please, sit we have much to discuss."

"No," she said shaking her head. She backed up into her bedroom, "No we don't"

"We do, I'd like to discuss our future."

"Our future? We have no future!" she said getting super concerned.

"We do! Sit and I'll tell you about it."

"No. You should go."

"Not until we talk."

"I...I gotta go soon, so I really don't have time."

He threw his head back and chuckled, "Has anyone told you you're a bad liar. I know you're schedule Ondine. You don't have to go anywhere and you have no plans."

"I just made them last night."
"Last night when you were sick, with what you're non-existent neighbor. I don't think they will mind if you canceled. Now sit!" He said still holding out the chair.

She bit her lip, she really didn't want to continue this conversation.

"This will only take a moment."
"And then you will leave,"

"If you wish me to."
"I do," she said.

"Let us see after we talk."

She didn't need to talk to know she wanted him gone. She had a feeling she really wasn't going to like this but reluctantly sat hoping he'd just go away once she heard him out.

Once she was seated he also took a seat then insisted, "Please eat."

"I'm not hungry. You said you'd talk if I sat, so talk."

"You can eat while you listen." She didn't want to. They sat there for a good minute or two in awkward silence before he let out a heavy sigh and said "I don't know why you're being so difficult today. I have been nothing but cordial."

"Cordial." she scoffed, "You wont leave."

"Because we need to talk but I have gotten your favorite breakfast and even cleaned your apartment, some gratitude would be nice."
"I cleaned, last night." she said looking around. She could tell some things were different.

"Yes, when you were 'sick." She bit her lip and he continued, "We'll have to work on your 'cleaning' skills later. Now please eat."

She picked up the fork but didn't put anything in her mouth. She just moved things around her plate. It seemed to be enough for him and he began.

"Right, I shall get to the point. As I was saying, I know everything about you Ondine and I think you are the perfect girl for me. I have loved you since the first day I saw you and after this week, I realize I no longer wish to be apart. I had hoped in time you would embrace me, that you would get to know me and realize we were perfect for each other but I no longer wish to wait. I want to start our life together, now, today, right this minute."

Ondine froze, not moving an inch, as she listened to him. He was confessing to her yet again. This was even more awful then the first time. It was clear he'd practiced this and was very...very sure of how he felt but she did not feel the same. She liked him as a friend...had. There were times when she felt something else but she shut it down. She...knew how she felt about him and knew what and who she wanted to be with.

He went on before she could even muster a response. "Since I know you like to know what's going on at all times. Here is the plan. After breakfast, I will help you pack your things. You can call Kason or leave him a letter. I can help you with both but once you break things off you are to have no more contact with him. Once that is taken care of you can quit your job and we can go to our new apartment. I'll give you a tour and we'll work out our new schedule. Then we shall make love all afternoon and in the evening we'll have a romantic candlelight dinner. You will e amazed at the view our place has. We will make love again and come morning we will go to the court house and get married. He pulled out and set a box down on the table. From there we will go on our honeymoon then start our new lift together. If you want we can adopt a dog or get straight to work on kids. Either way you'll stay home and I shall provide you a comfortable if not stable life."

This dude...this dude...for the longest time she just kept repeating 'this dude.' in her head He literately had their whole 'life' planned but had forgotten something major. Her stomach began to boil over as she just sat there. She really did feel sick now.

"I think you forgot something major in all this." she said.

"Yes?" he said, "What?"

"Me,"She turned to look at him and he looked confused. "How I feel in all this.'

"I know we have fun together. I know you like me,"

"Like and love are not the same. I don't feel that way about you."

"Now but-

"No buts," she said shaking her head "I'm with Kason. I love Kason!"

Her voice came out strong, powerful. She normally wasn't good at this sort of thing but she found herself so upset. Yes she was upset. He had just decided all this shit and assumed she'd got with him. She knew she could seem like a push over, she didn't like to rock the boat but when she really didn't want to do something she...she was like an unmovable mountain.

He looked upset but she didn't care he hadn't cared about how she would feel. She steeled herself then said, "You've talked. I listened and now you should go. And we...we can't be friends anymore. You need to get help or something but you're delusional I don't want anything more to do with you."

His gaze darkened and he didn't say anything for several long minutes. When he finally did speak his tone was like vicious vile venom."I'm delusional! I'M DELUSIONAL! You're the one that is delusion. I've seen the way you look at me, taunt me and tease me with your ever word and touch. We've shared moments, glances, conversions, connections that can't be denied. You know you want me! You're just too scared to want something real! To break up with that idiot! He wont even marry you! I've already filled out the licenses and have the ring. I'd do it right here, right now. What's his excuse!"

She got up and pulled away. He was beyond delusion at this point. He was off his fucking rocker. He'd already filled out the marriage license. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs. She, she had no idea he felt this way. She admired she'd felt something but not to this extent ever. She hadn't taunted and teased him at least not intentionally. "Listen whatever you think is going on here, it's not! I don't like you like that. You were just a friend but you're making me feel uncomfortable please go or-"

He didn't let her finish he ran a finger through his head and said, "I make you feel uncomfortable. I have a plan B. Would you like to hear it?"
"No," she spat thinking it was like murder or something.

He stood ignoring her. She watched his body language shift. Before he had his shoulder forward and seemed at ease now he lifted his head titling it up. His stance was strong and powerful as he had this superior expression on his face. "I'll leave," he said, "But one way or another we will be together, Ondine. As I have said I have loved you from the moment I saw you. Not a day has gone by since I have not wished for us to be together. I hoped it could happen naturally but I wont wait any longer. If you wont accept my current proposal. Then I shall simply have to make things truly uncomfortable for you."

"What are you going to do?" she said holding her breath.

She half expected him to lunge at her. She still had the fork in her hand and got ready to defend herself but he stepped back and sighed, "If you will not come with me willingly then I will have to choice-"

"Are you going to kidnap me?" she blurted out.

"No," he said giving her an incredulous look as if he thought the mere suggestion were ridiculous. That made her feel slightly better but then what did he plan to do. Again her thoughts turned to murder. Perhaps she'd seen too many murder mysteries.

"I wont harm you but I will make you wish you had come with me because as I said I know you, I know everything about you and if you should deny our love, then I shall simply have to make things very, uncomfortable for you!"

"More so then right now?" she said

He glared at her and went on "No more gifts! No more nice guy! You wont see me around. I wont make things easy on you. When I am done you shall beg for a relationship."

She stood there confused. "What exactly are you going to do? Like How are you going to make things uncomfortable for me?"

"I just said-"

"What? The no gifts thing and you going away? That is what I want." She suddenly felt lost. Maybe it was because she was so overwhelmed.

He groaned, "Like a magician and his tricks a mastermind never reveals his plans, now will you accept my love or not?"
"No, you...you should go or I'll call someone."

He flared his nostrils but didn't protest. He grabbed his jacket putting it on. Then he went to the door and said, "FINE! FINE! But remember you left me no choice. I dare say neither of us will enjoy the process but as I said we will be together one way or another."

He left without another word and she just stood there for a long minute. When she came to her senses she rushed and locked the door then she just stood there for a very very long time wondering what the fuck that had just been. It had been beyond awkward but it was over now. Done with. She took a step away from the door and the phone rang. She jumped but picked it up, "Hello?"

"Well have you changed your mind I know you do that."
"Nik,"

"Who else would it be?"

She groaned then said, "No I haven't changed my mind. Don't call here again!"

She hung up then shook her head. It would seem she was going to have to tell Kason. She probably should have told him earlier but now things were to a point where they weren't just awkward but crazy. Had he really expected her to just walk out with him. She got upset thinking about it. She looked at the food, he'd left the box on the table.

The ring! She wondered if he'd forgotten or left it on purpose. She threw out the food not wanting anything to do with him. When it came to the box she nearly tossed it but opened it and saw the shiniest ring she'd ever sen in her favorite gemstone. Fuck it must have cost a fortune if it was real. She couldn't throw it out but what was she suppose to do with it. Maybe she could give it to Kason to give it back to him or just mail it.

She put it in a drawer and tried not to think about it. She just went about the rest of her day waiting for Kason to get home. She really hoped Nik had gotten the message and would leave her alone but if he didn't then they needed to be on the same page and figure out what they could do, if anything.

She found it hard to focus on anything all day. At one point, she went out to get the mail from their po boxes. There was a small line when she got there. She had to wait her turn then someone asked for directions. She didn't know where they wanted to go but they got to talking for a good twenty minutes. When she got back in she decided to make dinner.

She had it ready by the time Kason normally got home but he didn't show. After a few hours she got worried. She waited and waited but it felt like days when it started to get close to midnight she made calls looking for him but no one had seen him. She was about ready to call the police when he finally came home. She was so happy to see him she nearly pounced on him but he shoved her away looking upset.

She could smell alcohol on his breath and realized he'd been drinking.

"What's wrong? she asked confused.

"We do need to talk!"

"We do." she said. She went to the couch and sat down but he didn't follow her, standing in the doorway.

"Are you stalking Finnik?"

"What? No?" she gasped standing up from the couch. "He's stalking me!"

Kason looked at her uneasy.

"What's going on!" she demanded.

"I ran into Finnik after work. He was with a few others and his girlfriend."

"Girlfriend!" she said surprised and confused. Since when did he have a girlfriend? Clearly, if he had one what the fuck was with him this morning and last night.

"Yeah, apparently she lives near by and came over, when she found out he stayed with us last night. She says she caught you trying to seduce Finnik!"

"What!" she said thinking that was outrageous.

"Yeah," Kason said slowly. He was really looking at her, like he was trying to gauge her reaction "Finnik said you lost it when he rejected you and admitted to stalking him."

"No way!" she said, "Honestly! He's been following me, that's what I wanted to talk to you about!"

"Really," He shook his head, "Because they have pictures of you following him."

"What." He took some pictures out of his jacket and set them down on the table. They were pictures of Finnik with her in the background. "Now way, he must have taken those when he was stalking me!"

"Since when has he been stalking you?" asked Kason getting upset. "This is the first I've heard of it."
"I know, I should have told you earlier. Things have been just awkward and you know how I don't like confrontations. At first I was denying it and then I couldn't. But like for a few weeks now maybe a little longer I've noticed him...when I'm out an about."

"Why didn't you say anything, until just now!"

"What was I suppose to say? Like at first I thought it was all in my head, then when I realized it wasn't, I didn't know what to do. I mean we know him and technically he hasn't done anything soo I don't know what we could do. Honestly I was hoping he'd just stop."

"Didn't know what to do? You should have told me!" he said.

"I didn't want to upset you,"

"So again why tell me now, all of a sudden?"

Kason made it sound like she was only making this up to counter what Finnik had said. "Last night he confessed. When you said he could sleep over he said he loved me,"

"Seriously!" said Kason "THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!"

"YOU WERE DRUNK!' she said not liking him raising his voice, "LIKE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW!

"I'm not drunk! I'm pissed off! Finnik wasn't the only one claiming you're stalking him. Besides his girlfriend, a few other people were there, people we know."

"Who?"

"Aria and Jeffery, Paxx and Dond and a few others I didn't know. It was like a fucking intervention. They sat me down and told me everything."

"Well they're lying."
"All of them"
"You know me!" she said

"I thought I did but now," he shook his head, "They had proof Ondine, Psyical proof. Besides the photos they had financial paperwork, and letters." He pulled more papers out and put them on the table.

"What is all this?

"You tell me." he said.

"I've never seen any of this before."

"Apparently you got a new apartment and have another bank account I don't know about. If he hadn't rejected you? We're you gonna tell me your were leaving or what?"

"This...what, no." She reached out for him but he brushed her hand aside. He didn't want him touching her.

"It's not true. I don't have another bank account only the one I share with you. I didn't get another apartment. He was the one who go one. He went all crazy this mornings saying he wanted me to dump you and marry him. He said he even filled out a wedding certificate the guy is a psycho."

"You mean this," he said showing her a copy of a wedding certificate. They said you filled it out it has your signature on it not his."

"No, no," she said looking at it, "This is crazy all of it. I realize I should have said something but I hate confrontation you know that. I kept ignoring him and hoped he'd go away. This morning he proposed but I rejected him because I love you and only want to be with you. He said he'd make my life uncomfortable and that she'd make me wish I'd gone with him but I didn't do any of this."

"Right," said Kason he finally move to sit on the couch. "I don't know what to believe Ondine. Do you have anything?"

"Anything."

"Proof," said Kason slapping his hands together. "Proof of any of this. That he's been stalking you"

"I….I...don't know," she said looking around, "Wait, the ring! When he proposed this morning he left the ring behind." She went to get it but it from the drawer but it was gone. She was so confused. She looked and looked but couldn't find it. "I swear. I swear I put it right here. "The food!" She said pointing to the trash from this morning.

"He said you ordered in and that's when you tried to kiss him."

"I didn't try anything." she said, "I don't know what his deal is. I rejected him I told him no. I don't know why he's making this shit up."
"Why they all are?" said Kason

"Yes," she said her eyes began to water and she fell to the ground before him bursting into tears, "Kason you have to believe me.

Hesighed, "I just…."

"Kason," she pleaded, "You know me. I barely left the house this week to stay away from him and I didn't go last night. If I was stalking him wouldn't I have gone last night."

"Aria said she told you he wasn't coming and that if he wasn't going you didn't want to be there."

"SHE'S LYING!" she cried. It wasn't just Nik but Aria too. She couldn't believe her she thought they were friends.
I didn't go because of him. He's made things so awkward. He lied to me about his birthday and about sushi we were all suppose to go and he changed the times."
"He said you changed them and begged him to tell me that he did it."

"No, no, I realized he had feelings for me and I didn't want to make a huge thing with all our friends. I hoped if I just stopped going and like cut contact, he'd get the hint and leave me alone."

"You should have told me, said something anything before this," said Kason, "Then maybe…"
"What? You'd believe me," said Ondine. "I can't believe you don't believe me. When have I ever done something like this?"

He looked at her. "I know it just, it doesn't make sense, even if he's crazy why would the others go along with him."
"I don't know, ask them?"

"And they had all this proof."
"Convenient?" she said, "How did he have all these pictures suddenly and how could they they even gotten my account information?"

"He said you gave him the page to prove you got an apartment, to start your new life with him. As for the pictures after this morning he and his girlfriend started gathering proof to shoe me to get me to talk to you. If you don't stop they're going to call the police."

"I swear to you, on my life I didn't do this. I don't want a new life. You know my account and this isn't it. It's the one we share. Please believe me. I don't know how he's doing all this but he's trying to mess with us. Trying to break us up so I'll be with him-"

"He doesn't want to be with out," said Kason.

"You didn't let me finish. I wanted to say I don't want to be with anyone but you."

She broke down crying for several minutes he didn't say anything. When she finally settled down he said "I'm just-I'm tired," he said. "I don't know what to think. It's a lot to take in and I might be a little drunk let's just leave it for tomorrow."

"There has to be something I can do. Some way I can prove to you."

"We'll figure it out in the morning," said Kason. "I just can't think right now."

They stayed up for a few more hours after that but neither of them were really talking to each other. She couldn't help but think this is what Nik meant by uncomfortable. She wondered where the ring went and realized he must have gotten it back when she was getting the mail but she'd locked the door behind her, hadn't she? She must not have how else did he get in? Unless he had a key? The thought made her sick. She didn't want to think about him having a key to her place.

When they went to bed they slept with their backs to one another. She never felt so angry and unsettled, all it took was some printouts and a bunch of lies to rip her life apart.

She barely slept and found herself on edge the next morning. The phone rang as she was getting ready for work. She picked it up without thinking and it was him.

"So that was just a taste, feel 'uncomfortable' yet?"

"Finnik!" She hissed.

"This is only the beginning Ondine. Just you wait. You know you're even cuter when you're upset." He laughed and she screamed into the phone.

"YOU'RE CRAZY! YOU SICK BASTARD!"

Kason rushed into the room and grabbed the phone.

"It's him! It's him!" she cried.

"Hello," Kason said?

She listened in expecting to hear Nik but a woman's voice came on the line. "Hi I'm sorry," said the woman "I just asked if you'd like to change your long distance service?"

Kason looked at her and said no, then hung up.

"I swear it was him! He asked me if I liked a taste of what he was doing?"

Kason picked up the phone and pushed redial.

It rang then someone picked up "Tella Plan," a gruff man's voice answered. "How can I direct your call?"

"No thanks sorry wrong number." said Kason before hanging up.

"It's the Talla Plan number."

"It was him, I swear," she said.

"Yeah," he said but she could see he doubted her.

"This...this is all apart of is plan, don't you see?"

"Ondine,"

"No! You have to believe me!"

"You should take the day off work, we'll discuss it."

"Discuss it," she said.

She had a bad feeling about this. She couldn't help but think Nik wasn't just going to make things uncomfortable for her, he was going to drive her crazy. She let out a loud scream of frustration. She didn't even tried to hide how upset she was. This all felt like a nightmare and yet from what he'd said, it was only the beginning.

Kason looked at her with such concern. She knew she looked unstable...that was part of his plan. Kason wanted her to call in sick but she wasn't about to let Nik win. No! No! NO! He would not get the best of her! She felt bad, completely awful that she'd let things get to this point. She looked at Kason, the man she loved more then anything and began to question their relationship. All it took was one day, no one night of lies and some paperwork to make him doubt her. If their roles were reversed she'd hope she'd give him the benefit of doubt. It hurt to have the one person you were suppose to be able to depend on, not believe you. Tears welled up in her eyes but she refused to cry again.

"No," she said, "What is there to discuss? Clearly you've already made up your mind. Either I'm a liar or have lost my mind. Perhaps both right?"

"Ondine," he said but she wouldn't hear it.

She just grabbed her bag and took off. Kason went after her but was only in his boxers. He quickly pulled back to get some pants on. She knew he'd chase after her. He'd done it before when they fought but she didn't want to talk to him right now. She didn't want to fight with him. It was pointless. She heard Kason calling after her but she burst into a run. It might be childish but she was good at running from her problems.

Of course Kason wasn't the problem. It was Nik...THE SLIMY SCUM BAG! Up until this point she hadn't taken any real action. She had doubts about everything he was doing and kept denying it. She kept thinking she was over reacting but clearly she wasn't. If anything she'd underestimated him. She would not do that again! She would not give him the satisfaction.

No matter what he said or did THEY WOULD NEVER BE TOGETHER! EVER! NEVER FUCKING EVER! She ran even faster as the sky began to boil over. It looked like it might rain soon. She rushed underground and got to the station. She swiped her card to get through the turnstile and found the station just as crowded as ever with the morning rush. She got on the train and worried Kason might follow after her but she doubted he'd grabbed his wallet and shoes. He'd just have to wait until she got home.

Somehow she managed to find a seat on the train. The doors shut a minute or so latera and the train started up shortly after that. She bit her lip and began thinking of things she could do. She should probably buy a recorder that way if he ever called again or came near her she'd have proof of his madness. Maybe she could get a camera as well. Yeah, keep a full records of everything until she could prove he was the psycho, not her.

She saw an older woman struggling. She quickly offered up her seat and the older woman took it, thanking her. Now on he feet, she saw something out of the corner of her eye, No! Not something ...someone...Nik! He was wearing a hoodie but she could tell it was him. She quickly turned away hoping he didn't realize she'd noticed him. She had half a mind to run up on him and start screaming at him but that would just make her look even more crazy. Instead, she moved through the train car. She didn't want to talk to him until she had a solid plan of attack.

She made it to another train car and the lights began to madly flicker. Then suddenly, without warning the train hit the brakes and everyone went flying forward. Her head hit one of the metal bars and she fell to the ground, passing out. When she came to, she felt sick to her stomach. Had she eaten breakfast? She couldn't remember. She found herself on the floor, no on top of someone who was on the floor and someone was on top of her. It was dark, no dim, the trains emergency lights were on. Her head hurt and felt wet. She realized she was bleeding as she reached for it and her hand got wet.

She struggled to sit up and looked around in the dim light, she could see bodies, dozens of them all laying about the train, none of them were moving and she couldn't hear a sound beyond the trains emergency message. "Please remain calm and seated. A potential obstruction has been reported. Further updates will be provided soon. Please remain calm and seated-"

She forced herself to her feet, grabbing her bag. She looked at the time thinking it was late that she was going to be late for work, then she came to her senses. What a stupid thought! She'd just been in a train wreck and she was going to be late for work. Maybe she was in shock. Yeah, She looked all around but no one was moving.

"Hello...HELLO. Is everyone okay" She called knowing full well they weren't. Was anyone else even awake or were they all just sleeping...not sleeping they're dead. The thought ran through her like being hit with cold water. Surely not! Surely they couldn't all be... She tried not to step on anyone as she moved about the car. She nudged several people but no one was moving. As far as she could tell they weren't breathing either. They were really, she swallowed getting up onto the seats since no one was on them.

"HELLO!" she screamed, "IS ANYONE ALIVE! HELP! HELP"

She grew quiet she heard the sounds of metal and that fucking "Please remain calm message-"

There were no answers, not a single sign of movement. "Fuck, fuck oh fuck!"
She wasn't going to panic. She, she was going to get help. YES! She was going to get help. She tried to make her way through the train even as the sound said, "Please remain calm and seated-"

She had no idea what she was going to do but she couldn't just keep standing here. She tried to go to the next train car but the door wouldn't open. She could see into it and there were more bodies, no one was moving...no one was coming. Was she the only survivor? She tried to go back to the train car she'd just been in, the one with...Nik. She didn't want to run into him but at this point anyone would be nice...anyone living Yet she found the train car was gone! Like the entire train had disconnected or something.

She looked for the emergency button. She found it after a few minutes and pressed it madly. She heard crackling sounds but no one responded. She looked at her watch confused, it was no...the time was, it couldn't be that time. She had been here was while but it was far later then possible. It was like it went backwards it had to because there was no way it had gone forward that far. She looked at all the bodies and felt like she was suffocating. She loosened her coat and freed her scarf from her collar. She wrapped it around her head as it was still bleeding.

Maybe she'd hit her head and was hallucinating. How could she be the only survivor? How? She kept looking around and saw an emery brake and door latch. She knew the train was still somewhere on the track but she pulled it releasing the door. She looked out into the dark, there were some lights but everything was so dim. She looked thought her backpack and found a flashlight. She'd gotten it cause sometimes it was dark when she got home. She turned it on and saw strangeness. There were plants all over the subway tunnel like a lot of vines and roots. She'd never seen the inside of a real tunnel but she assumed it was just clean brick or something.

She bit her lip and called out, "HELP! HELP HELPPPPP!" Then she just screamed. It echoed but there was nothing no one. She was lone, the only survivor. She should wait but what if she needed like medical attention. She looked for a first aid kit. She found one and put a bandage on. She waited and waited her clock just died and had no numbers on. She closed her eyes feeling cold there was this mist in the air, she realized the emergency message had stopped and when the lights went out she was in the dark. She turned on her flashlight and knew she could not stay here.

She moaned then groaned but got to her feet. She was careful where she stepped then nearly jumped onto the tracks but knew some could be electric. So she grabbed someones shoe it was bad but she used it to throw at the tracks just until she could get over them. She managed to get to a small walk way. She walked along the tunnel noticing all the lights she'd seen earlier were now gone it was like the power had gone out everywhere. She walked along the brick wall with her flash light feeling scared out of her mind. Sometimes she'd see doors but they all had rushed locks on them. Finally she got to a platform.

It was empty but it was still a platform. She saw vending machines and coffee. She was thirsty and went to a water fountain but it was broken. She found some stairs going up and quickly rushed to the surface hoping to get help only when she broke through did she see the sky was wrong. It wasn't like her sky and everything wasn't right. The buildings were all in decay, broken and crumbling, like hundreds of years had gone by.

She sniffled looking around the sun was clouded by fog. There was mist everywhere but not another living soul in sight. She wasn't...things weren't suppose to be like this. Had something happened to just her or the world. She shuffled about looking at dirty shop windows, food was rotten and moldy. She expected creatures, rats, bugs birds but nothing lived here...not anymore.

She went home, it was the only thing she could think to do. She didn't know what she was expecting the building wasn't where it was suppose to be there was just empty space and rubble. Everything was gone. She sat in the rubble for the longest time unsure of what to think...what to do. She replayed everything in her head again and again. She'd been on the train and the lights had flickered...and she'd hit the metal pole. Maybe this was some mental... coma or detailed dream No the lights flickered, then she remembered the train stopping suddenly. Yeah it hit the breaks...it must have had a reason.

She held herself and looked up at the sky. After a second she heard a great rumble like steel beams bending. The wind picked up and she saw lighting in the distance. She could see the Terra Fold bridge that went over the Nive River that ran through the city. She watched as a black ominous smoke engulfed a major section of the bridge. She'd seen this before on the news. She gashed knowing what this was...it had been a long time but it was an event!

She's seen enough on the news. One had been near their apartment once. They had stood on their balcony watching it. The wind had picked up and she remembered feeling this sense of overwhelming dread. It only lasted a few minutes and then disappeared. Sometimes there would be roots or vines now that she thought about it afterwards but they would be cleared away within hours...days. She watched it now as the smoke began to fade and the lights on the bridge were on. There was no other power in the city but the bridge lit up...just like the subway had.

She dropped her bag on the ground, realizing she...this must be the inside of an event. The train must have gone through one. Maybe when she'd black out they'd been hit with the smoke. But everyone had died. Why? How had she survived? Maybe because she was knocked out? She didn't know. She crouched down feeling sick again then suddenly she heard movement. She stood and turned realizing she wasn't alone.

She saw a shadowy figure approaching her in the distance. It looked hurt holding itself as it hobbled toward her. After a few seconds, she recognized the figure. It was Finnik. He looked at her and smiled. She wasn't alone...someone else was alive but of all people! She bit her lip and turned back to look at the bridge knowing things were about to get very, very, uncomfortable.