Fairytale - Chapters One and Two

Chapters One

Natalia Emerson was twenty-four years old, a reporter and photographer for Daily News in New York City. She had a natural talent for writing, and had perfected her photographing skills. She took her job very seriously, and absolutely loved it. Though, she was definitely not withdrawn from having a personal life.

She had several friends, all of which were in some kind of relationship. Natalia, on the other hand, had been single since senior year of high school. She had graduated among the top ten of her class, proudly, and went straight to college. She graduated a few years later, ready to begin her career. The last thing on her mind was men.
She'd had but a few boyfriends throughout high school, simply by choice. She certainly wasn't unattractive, quite the opposite, actually. She just refused to spend her time on some 'fling', as she told her friends. She told herself that she didn't, and never would want children. If she were to ever marry, it would have to be just that.

On that particular Autumn evening, she was on her way to visit a friend of hers, Cindy Greene, who'd been married for three years. Cindy's relationship with her husband had taken a quick turn-around after, about a year of marriage. David, Cindy's husband, usually came home late, if he even decided to come home, and when he did, he smelt of alcohol. David was a successful lawyer at age thirty that had first met Cindy when she had been jury to a case he was working.

Cindy admits to being thrown off when he had asked her to dinner that night. She usually wasn't so keen on the 'lawyer type', thinking them nothing but lying cheaters. Her mind had been changed... Until now. She suspected that David was cheating on her with one of his clients, spending his late nights with her, rather than his doting wife.
As Natalia entered the elevator, she let out a sigh. Cindy had been quite distraught when she had pleaded with Natalia over the phone. Occupied with her own worries and concerns, she hardly noticed the man who began to run towards her.

"Hold the door!" He shouted, a long, guitar-shaped case strapped to his back, notebooks and pen in his hand. He put one hand on his hat as he trotted forward. Natalia quickly put her hand in between the doors, stopping them from sliding shut. The man let out a sigh of relief as he entered the elevator, tipping his head in greeting. "Thank you very much, Ma'am," Natalia simply smiled, gesturing to the buttons. He quickly reached across, mindful of his items, as he pushed the buttons. On the back of his right hand, between his thumb and forefinger, was a tattoo, a message written in another language. She guess it was latin, but wasn't exactly sure.

The man held out that same hand to her, "Adrian. Adrian Hart." He had the slightest British accent, but didn't look the part. He had rough, tanned skin, dark curly hair that draped over the tops of his ears and down to his collar, dark green eyes, and stubble all along his jaw and upper lip. He had a little bit of facial hair over his top lip, making the smallest, and cutest, mustache. But it was hardly classified as such.

His eyelashes were long and dark, and his features chiseled and masculine. His build was firm and muscular, though not nearly over done. He wore a red and tan plaid shirt, with about five buttons up the top, the top button undone, and a collar, folded down. Over that, he wore a brown coat, with a silver ring on his right middle finger. He wore just regular, tattered jeans, and brown, leather boots, hidden under his jeans. On his head was a brown fedora with a black stripe around the middle. Another tattoo, very much like the first, only different characters, was inked on the left side of his lower neck. The case on his back had a strap that went diagonally across his torso and hooked back onto the bottom. It was quite obviously a guitar case.

Natalia hesitantly shook his hand, "Natalia Emerson. But it really doesn't matter what you call me, I haven't a care." She smiled warmly, clutching her purse strap with her other hand as she leant forward. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Adrian."
"And you, too, miss Natalia."

He flashed a smile, showing off pearly white teeth. He took a moment to gaze over her as she had done to him. She had light, tanned skin, and straight brown hair that cascaded to her shoulders, parted in the middle, and layered softly at the sides. Eyeliner lined half of the bottom of her dark blue eyes, with mascara lengthening her lashes, and a shiny light brown eyeshadow over the lids. On her lips was a soft pink lipstick, shining ever so slightly.

She was very slim, toned from running, and just a little taller than average. Her hands were well taken care of, her nails short and clean. She wore a blue blouse, cinched at the middle, dark jeans, and black cloth flats. Around her neck was half of a silver heart, hanging from a silver chain, other than that, she wore no jewelry.

"I don't believe, I've seen you before. Do you live here?" Adrian asked her, keeping a small, lopsided grin.
"I don't, actually. I'm visiting a friend, Cindy." She dropped her hand back beside her.
"Ah, poor Cindy. Husband's never 'round, is he?" Natalia gave a small laugh.
"No. Seems he isn't. You know them?"
Adrian nodded, shifting his weight to where he was leaning more forward than back, "I live in the room beside them. Poor couple, they are."
"I'm afraid I agree... Cindy called me up, quite fretful," Natalia tucked her hair back behind her ear.

"Poor girl, she ought to rid herself of the man. I've never liked lawyers," Adrian fished around in his pocket, drawing out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, "Do you mind?"
"Uhm... No, not at all." Although, Natalia did care. She hated cigarettes, but she didn't want to be rude.
"Would you like one?" He offered her the pack, one resting between his lips out the corner of his mouth. Natalia simply shook her head.
"Just... If you wouldn't mind until we're off the elevator? It should be any minute now," he nodded.

"Fair enough." And so they waited the next few seconds in silence. As soon as the doors opened, Adrian let her pass, and they went to their respective doors, with just a wave for farewell. Natalia let herself in to Cindy's apartment, surprised to find it unlocked.

"Cindy?" She called, setting her purse down on the table. She carefully walked throughout the apartment, softly calling her friend's name. "Are you here? Cindy?" She heard a sniffle come from the bedroom, mentally smacking herself for not checking there first. She carefully opened the door, only to find her friend leaning against her bed, cigarette out the side of her mouth, mascara smudged down her face, and hair a mess. Her eyes were red and puffy. Natalia didn't like seeing her friend this way.

"Oh, Cindy. What are you doing? Smoking?" Cindy looked up at her pulling the cigarette from her mouth.
"Th-the neighbor gave it to me... Said it'd help.. It does, Lia, it really does." She laughed sourly.
"Do you know what the worst part is? Not that this could kill me. Oh, no. I've been drinking, too. Scotch, whiskey, cheap beer. David's buying. Who cares?" She sniffed, "I've got a crush."
"A crush!" Natalia exclaimed, sitting next to her friend. She wrapped her arm around her, "Who's this, now?"

"The clerk at the liquor store!" She wailed, sobbing into Natalia's blouse.
"Oh, Cindy. Don't be ashamed, if he's a cutie, he's a cutie. There's no shame to taking a liking to a man. Especially one you happens to see... I hope not every day?"
"Oh, yes. Every day. Even when they close, he lets me in. Sometimes, I go just to see him. He's really sweet you know, and he doesn't like what's going on here, at all."
"You've told him, have you?"
"I have, Lia, and he understands, of all things!"
Natalia quirk a brow, "Does he know?"

"He does. He was in a similar situation. He wasn't married, mind you, but I said similar. Not exact."
"I heard you."
"Of course, you do. You never misunderstand, never. I love you, Lia."

"You're a great friend," She hugged onto Natalia, calmly. Natalia hushed her, comforting her. After about half an hour she drifted off. And was put to bed by her friend. Natalia then decided on some fresh air, the smoke was killing her. She let herself out onto the small balcony, simply metal floor with metal railing. A few potted plants were scattered here and there. Most of the apartments had them, but they really weren't much.

She rubbed her forehead, inhaling deeply. She set her palms on the railing, resting her weight there. She was facing the setting sun, the wind calmly pushing her hair around behind her. She felt at peace, no longer held up inside, in that hostile environment.

"How is she?" Adrian's voice startled her, causing her to jump. She gazed over at him, drawing on his cigarette.
"You started her on that, you know." She frowned over at him.
He blinked, "She actually used them? I didn't think she would. But, that's her life. Her choice."
"I wasn't saying." He cut her off, smirking.
"I know. I was simply reminding you." He walked over to the railing, climbing over. He held his cigarette between two fingers, coming close to her. He breathed the smoke out before he closed in, setting his hands on either side of her, their faces only inches apart. She glared weakly at him.

"Do you dislike me, Alia?" He questioned, tilting his head to the side as he gazed curiously at her.
"Well, no -."
"You don't seem to like me very much." He had a genuine frown on his face, now.
"I don't know you. That's all." She looked away, turning her head to the side. The wind was now blowing her hair to her right. He put a coarse hand to her face, pushing her hair back behind her ear.
"Would you mind to?" He looked hopeful, placing the cigarette back in his mouth, taking a long drag.

"I'm not looking for a lover right now, Adrian," She leaned back against the railing.
He laughed, "Neither am I. I've got a lover, Alia, I'm asking if I could be your friend." He turned his head away as he exhaled, keeping his spot beside her, one arm nearly touching her side as he leaned on it, touching his lips to her ear as her whispered, "You don't mind an extra friend, do you?"

"N-no.." She stuttered, quickly composing herself. She was blushing madly, "Friends are fine." She whispered back, turning her face to his. She gazed right up into his curious eyes. He studied her for a moment before stepping back, taking another drag.
"Good." He turned his back to her, pulling his cigarette back out of his mouth. He put it out using the railing, dropping it between the bars. Natalia scowled, turning around. She stared down at the streets, eyes scanning the sidewalks.

Adrian came up beside her as she shivered, the breeze hitting her coldly. He removed his coat, draping it around her shoulders. Under his jacket, his sleeves had been rolled up to his elbows, simple black tattoos covering his arms here and there. She snuggled into the coat's warmth, countering her own protest. "Won't you be cold?"

"No." He put it simply, cutting the conversation short. They stood in a comfortable silence, the smoke clearing over time. As the sun slipped farther behind the city, Natalia pulled the coat tighter over herself. It somehow didn't reek of smoke. It smelled more like a mix of men's deodorant and aftershave, although it was clear he didn't shave often.

As the stars began to shine overhead, Natalia was shivering again, the coat wrapped completely around her. The light coming through the crack at the bottom of the door was inviting, but she just couldn't pull herself away. Her debating mind was silence as Adrian wrapped his arm around her shoulder, drawing her closer.

"What do you do with yourself?" He asked, still staring out over the sleeping city.
"I'm a reporter. What are you?" She shot the question right back at him, leaning against his side.
"I'm a musician," He stated, rubbing her outer arm. "I sing and play on the streets, making a name for myself."
"You enjoy it?" She asked quietly, resting her head against his shoulder.
"I wouldn't do anything else." He answered.

"Adrian!" Came a squeal, light pouring out from his apartment. A small, frail woman stood, bottle in hand, leaning out the door. She had sleek, raven-black hair, curled just to her shoulders, with side swept bangs across the right of her face. Her brown eyes were thickly outlined in black, and her eyelashes were just as thick and black. Her lips were glossy with natural color, pulled up in a fleeting grin. She wore mid-thigh denim shorts, a black spaghetti-strap tank top, with a short denim jacket over it. It was falling over the arm holding the bottle, exposing her upper arm, as well as her shirt and bra straps. Black cowboy boots came to her knees, and her free hand had a fishnet glove over it. She looked none too happy.

"Who's this?" She inquired, gesturing roughly to Natalia. Adrian calmly looked over at her, keeping the comfortable position he was in.
"This is my new friend, Natalia. Natalia, this is my girlfriend, Michelle. But she prefers to be called Micky." He guided her over to the railing separating the two from Micky.
Natalia was panicked, "Uhm.. It's a pleasure to meet you, Micky." She held out a hand.
Micky shrugged, "You too." She countered rudely, reaching across to plant her lips over Adrian's, making it a very uncomfortable scene for Natalia, who pulled out of Adrian's grasp, backing up.

"Well... I'd better get going.. Here's your-"
"Keep it." Adrian interrupted, pulling away from Micky. Micky looked highly upset by this, her mouth dropping open.
"What? Your favorite coat? Who's she to just take it, Adri?!" She crossed her arms, bottle still in hand.
"Really, take it," Natalia insisted, pulling it off her shoulders.

"No, keep it. It isn't my favorite. Not that one." He climbed over the rail, taking Micky in his arms. He kissed her quickly, but deeply, directing her back inside. She had a tattoo on her lower back, exposed to the Fall air. He quickly smiled back at Natalia before pulling Micky inside with him, giggling and all.

Natalia wanted to scream, but held it in, pulling the coat back over her shoulders. She let herself back inside, checking on Cindy, who still slept, before grabbing her purse, exiting the apartment. As she closed the door behind her, Adrian's opened. He quickly let himself out, letting the begging voice inside know that it would only be a moment. He rushed over, hugging Natalia comfortingly before pulling back.
"Goodnight, Natalia Emerson," He smiled.

"Sleep well, Adrian Hart." She smiled back, reaching up to kiss his forehead before leaving, climbing into the elevator. She hit the buttons, waving as the doors slid shut. He waved back, lingering a moment after she had departed. He slowly returned to his apartment, clouded with smoke and booming with music. Bob Marley played. Micky came up to him without her boots. She wrapped her thin arms around his neck, pushing his hat off, and curly hair back out of his eyes. "Let's get hitched." She grinned, her breath reeking of alcohol.

"What?" He was purely taken aback, regretting placing his arms around her waist. He quickly pulled away, sitting on the sofa with his head in his hands.
"Let's get hitched. Right now, you and I. Forever and always, right?" She plopped down beside him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, "Right?"
"Micky..."
"Don't 'Micky' me, Adri. You told me you'd love me forever, damn it! You can't change your mind now!" She pulled back, tears running down her cheeks.
"Well, I might've lied! I made a stupid mistake, ok? I can't promise you that. And you're drunk, Micky, you don't know what you're saying!"
"And you're as high as a kite!"

"I told you, I quit."
"Is it because of that girl? That Natalie?"
"Natalia. And no, it has nothing to do with her." He paused, "Have you seen the couple next door? Do you want to be like them?" He stood, turning to the door.
"We wouldn't have to be. We could be just like this, forever." She smiled, laying sprawled out on his couch.

He opened the door, "Please, leave, Micky. I need time alone."
She stood abruptly, "What? It is because of her, isn't it? Do you fancy her?" She teased.

"It isn't." He sighed, "For God's sake Micky, I just met the woman."
"That's bullshit and you know it, Adrian. But that's ok. You'll regret this in the morning."

Before exiting, she stopped to give a solid slap. He received it without complaint, hardly moving, besides the turn of his head. She stomped out the door, and he closed it behind her carefully, putting a hand to his red cheek. He sighed deeply, laying back down on the sofa. He closed his eyes, slowly letting sleep over take him. For the first time in ages, he slept soundly.

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Chapter Two

(Fairytale by Sara Bareilles) "Sleeping beauty's in a foul mood for shame, She says, None for you dear prince, I'm tired today, I'd rather sleep my whole life away than have your keep me from dreaming."

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The next day, Natalia woke with a smile. She was unsure if last night had been an unusual dream, or reality. She turned to look at her clock, letting out a startled gasp as she saw the time. It was eleven, she had never slept so late. And to make matters worse, she had a lunch date with Audrey, her sister, and her boyfriend. She jumped out of bed, running a brush through her hair as she refreshed her perfume and changed into a white summer dress with black flip-flops and a tiny black jacket that only went to the bottom of her ribcage, the sleeves to her elbows.

It was supposed to be warmer that day, not nearly as cold as the day before. She quickly applied mascara and the same pale pink lipstick. She grabbed her purse, dashing out the door. She raced down the steps and out onto the sidewalk, walking quickly towards the little café. She reached it before too long, only eighteen minutes late. She combed her fingers through her hair as she approached Audrey and her boyfriend.

"Natty!" Audrey stood, wrapping her in a tight hug. She pulled back quickly, her brows shooting up to her hairline. "Where were you? You smell like a man!" It suddenly hit Natalia that her supposed dream was reality. She was filled with dreaded relief.
"I overslept. I was working late last night." She decided a little white lie wouldn't hurt. "I didn't have time to shower..."
"Oh, well, you'll just have to do that later. Natty, this is Jordan. Jordan, my sister, Natalia." Audrey introduced the two before sitting back down. She waved a waiter over as Natalia settled in beside her, letting out a breath.
"A pleasure." She held out her hand. It dawned on her that she'd been doing that a lot lately.
"The pleasure is mine." He seemed timid, a small man. She had to wonder where he sister fond him, and why on Earth she chose him. He wasn't her usual type. Which was good, she decided.

Natalia pulled her hand back after shaking Jordan's hand, glancing over the menu. "I'll have a.... Chicken salad. With blue cheese." She closed her menu, Audrey ordered some sort of pasta, and Jordan ordered a sandwich. The waiter took their menus and left, leaving them to their drinks.
"So, I was thinking..." Audrey began, looking at Jordan, "That after we ate, we could all go for a stroll in the park?"
"That sounds fine, Love." He smiled, taking a drink of his tea.
"So. When you start selling off your best-selling novel, Natty, do you think we could take a trip somewhere?" Audrey smiled playfully at her baby sister.
"Oh, of course. As soon as I begin to make millions off this best-selling novel, we'll travel 'round the world, I promise you!" Natalia laughed with her sister, but Jordan didn't look the least bit happy. "What's wrong, Jordan?" She asked curiously.
"Nothing," he said quickly, hiding behind his tea.

"Jordan doesn't believe in dreaming so large, Natty. Can you believe it?" Natalia was truly shocked. Her sister was a complete dreamer, she dreamed larger than anyone else she had ever known. How in the world had they come to be? She couldn't help but wonder what was going through her sister's head.
"He what?!" She couldn't stop herself, it just slipped. She would have taken it back instantly if she could, she felt very rude. "I'm sorry... Pardon my actions." She corrected herself quickly, turning red with embarrassment.
"That's no matter," Audrey reassured, smiling carefully.
"Yes... No matter," Jordan repeated as their food arrived. They mainly made nonsense chatter throughout the rest of their lunch, splitting the bill and leaving once they finished.

As they reached the park, they were greeted by the distant sound of music, a man, who was obviously very talented, with voice and instrument. He was singing about love, and Audrey found this absolutely perfect. Natalia kind of wandered off, leaving Jordan and Audrey to themselves. She didn't want to intrude on any 'moment' they might have.

She felt herself drawn towards the music, inching closer and closer to the source of it. The man truly had a beautiful voice, she found herself lost in it, daydreaming accordingly to his lyrics. She didn't recognize them, figuring they were his own. That only made it better. She began to think about Adrian, and her life before that particular moment, just drifting off. She was 'awoken' as the song ended, finding herself quite close to a surrounding crowd, who erupted into clapping.

"Thank you." The voice echoed. "Thank you, very, very much." Natalia stopped herself. She knew that voice. She quickly stepped back, turning her back to the singer and crowd, pretending to be very interested in the vendor in front of her. He was selling snow cones and waters.
"Adrian!" The man boomed, holding out his arms in a welcoming motion. "Just a moment, Miss." She simply nodded as he embraced Adrian, leaving her standing there awkwardly.
"Ronny." She could hear the smile in his voice, smell the smoke from his cigarette.
"How about a water, on me?" The man asked, returning to his spot. Natalia didn't know why she stayed, she just didn't want to peel herself away from hearing range of his voice.
"Sounds great. Pardon me, Ma'am." He stood next to her, as she pulled her hair down, shielding her face from the side.
"Was that a new one I heard?" He asked, fishing out a water bottle from his cooler.
"It was. I wrote it last night." He took the water, opening it.
"What's this one about? It seems you were singing about a topic unusual for you." He smiled, "Is it Micky?"
"I don't want to talk about Micky..." He sighed, taking a drink. "No, this one's about a girl I met last night."

"Really?" The man seemed very surprised, "What's her name?"
Natalia shifted awkwardly as Adrian spoke, "Emerson... Natalia Emerson."
"Where'd you meet her? The bar?" He asked, ignoring Natalia.
"Believe it or not, no." He took a drag of his cigarette, "In the elevator to my apartment." He laughed, "Sounds odd, doesn't it? But she was kind to me. No one who was quick to judge," he coughed out the smoke, leaning forward on his cart, paying almost no attention to Natalia.
"Well, did you talk to her?" The man folded his arms over his large stomach.
"Of course." He nodded, taking another drag.
"Like a normal person?" He added, wearily.
"Well, yes. Sort of." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Today, he wore no hat. Just a black, button up shirt, rolled up at his elbows, jeans, and black leather boots under those jeans. He still wore the ring, and the same familiar tattoos were inked onto his skin. There was no denying this was him.
"Adrian... You know you have a slight tendency to be a bit over-affectionate. I'd watch your hands," he raised a brow, frowning as he seemed to give some sort of lecture.
"I know, I know." He breathed, stomping on the cigarette.

"Not every girl likes that." He warned.
"I gave her my coat," Adrian said, suddenly, "My favorite," Natalia remembered his lie the night prior. He'd told her it wasn't his favorite, just so she'd take it.
"Why'd you do that?" He asked, putting a hand over his face.
"She was cold, Ronny! She had to get home, and I didn't want her freezing!" Adrian's voice rose, as if trying to persuade himself that was the right idea.
"So you call her a cab and tell her 'Goodnight'. You move on, and if she doesn't, then you can consider yourself lucky!" He removed his hand from his face, squinting at Adrian.

"She kissed me." He smiled, "She kissed me goodnight."
"On the lips?" His friend seemed surprised.
"Nah, atop my head. But it was a kiss, nevertheless," He shifted his weight, leaning forward over the cart. A woman lined up behind Natalia, holding a little girl's hand.
"Oh, no. Adrian, you can't take it that way. That's a 'let's be friends' type of kiss, not a 'let's hook up' kiss. Don't mistake it." He warned, rubbing his forehead.
"Excuse me," The woman started, "Could you please tend to your customers?"
"Right!" He turned to Natalia, but she was already gone, walking swiftly away. "I wonder what her problem was?" He asked in mock tone. Adrian gave him a look, chuckling. "Anyway, what will it be for you, ma'am?"

Adrian just toned his friend out, slowly walking, hands in his pockets, back to his spot on the sidewalk. He picked up his guitar and began to play again, singing softly as he closed his eyes, trying not to make sense of what he had said. Only friends? No, he wouldn't stand for that. But, then it hit him. He had no idea where she lived or what she did. He could ask Cindy for a number or address, but he doubted she'd give it to him. He was stuck dreaming.

Natalia, on the other hand, tried not to think at all as she got back to her sister and Jordan. Audrey didn't look too happy, and neither did Jordan. "It was a beautiful song, and you know it."

"It was silly, Audrey! What man can sing about loving a girl he's hardly met?" Jordan countered.
"Have you not heard of love at first sight?" Audrey defended her views.
"It's all rubbish." He snorted, rolling his eyes.
"Rubbish! No such thing!" She rose, standing in front of Jordan, who sat on the bench still.
"And who are you to claim that, Audrey, dear, have you ever been in love?" He crossed his arms.
"Who are you to call me dear, then claim that love does not exist? I can infer you don't love me like you say you do, do you?" Her voice broke.

"My love differs from your love," He sighed.
"Oh, yes. Your love is only the kind made in bed!" She shouted.
"That is one aspect of my love," He replied calmly, "Which you won't even look at."
"I want to wait until I'm married, rather than make the mistake of having It with someone like you!" She was gesturing violently.

"You'd rather sleep and dream than feel pleasure at night. Tell me how that's right?" He leaned back, as if comfortable. Natalia couldn't believe her senses.
"This is something important to me, Jordan! Why can't you understand that? And you're right. I would rather sleep and dream at night, then be sourly disappointed by you!" She crossed her arms sternly. Natalia awkwardly hung back.

"You're such a woman, Audrey. 'Oh, dear prince, come save me and take me away from here!' Well guess what, Audrey? Just because I can't take you to Milan or Rome, doesn't mean I can't be your so-called prince. Get over yourself and lower your damn standards. You might become happy for once." He stood, pushing past her.
"I never want to see you again!" She screamed after him. He simply waved and kept walking. People were staring as Natalia immediately rushed to her sister's side, letting her cry into her shoulder. She rubbed her back, whispering words of reassurance.
"Don't be down, Audrey, he wasn't any good for you." She cooed, hugging her tightly as they sat on the ground.

"But, Natty, what if he's right? What if I'll never find the one, because I'm so caught up in judging them based on their ability to take me from the dump that happens to be my current life?" She sobbed, looking into the face of her sister.

Natalia only hugged her tighter, "If he is your love, as you so say, then he will take you out of this rut, Audrey. He will make your life happy." She didn't believe her own words, didn't even try to make sense of them, but they seemed to work on her sister.
"You're right. I can't give up hope," she sniffled.

"You've got your whole life ahead of you," Natalia offered. Audrey just nodded, standing.
"You're right. I'm so sorry, Natty. I love you, baby sister." She enveloped her in a tight hug, wiping her tears. Natalia was beginning to feel very stressed, and began to think up a vacation in her head. She couldn't help but wish.
"You should go home, take a warm bath." She smiled soothingly at her elder sister.
"I think, I'll do just that." She plastered on a fake smile, "Don't worry about me. You've got so much on your mind, already. I'll see you soon, Natty," She hugged her again, then took a step back.

"Take care of yourself, Audrey. I want you to be happy, you know that." She gave a small wave after her sister as she left. A hot bath sounded heavenly, so she gathered herself up, dusting the dirt off her dress, and began to walk home. She had been humming to herself for quite some time when she suddenly realized it was Adrian's song she'd been humming. She tried to stop, but it was stuck in her head. Playing over and over.

Her apartment was somewhat nicer than Cindy's, she actually had money put into it, whereas David hardly spent a dime on their home, only the interior, after being persuaded by Cindy. It wasn't much better, but it was something. She let herself in, greeted by a faint vanilla smell. She set her purse on the kitchen counter and drug her feet to the bathroom, starting her bath. As she walked back out of the bathroom, she noticed a man's coat, folded neatly over the side of her sofa. She smiled, picking it up. She'd almost forgotten the smell.

Perhaps she should visit him? He was, after all, a new friend. And surely, he wouldn't mind. She set it back down, afraid that she'd gotten tangled up in her thoughts. Her bath was now full, and so she turned the water off, undressed, and lowered herself in. She closed her eyes, simply soaking in the water as she began to hum his song again, trying to remember the words. But they refused to come to her, and she was stuck with just the tune.