********

Georgia walked down the quiet street, glad to be finally rid of the heavy cast and awkward crutches. She raised her eyes upwards and surveyed the clear blue sky, the weather was starting to grow cold, the days shorter as the last of the summer weather had ebbed away and the chilling winds and frosty nights of autumn and winter started to creep upon Seattle. The leaves had already begun the transformation from the vibrant fresh greens of summer and spring to the deep auburns and yellow ochres of autumn and winter. A few of the younger trees that lined the street had already shed their foliage and scattered the road and footpath with colour.
Georgia turned the corner and Mason's house came into view

- I felt nervous, anxious even. I hadn't seen or spoken to Mason in weeks; he had always had conveniently timed appointments to avoid all contact.
Georgia stopped at the gate and inhaled preparing herself for what was to come; unsure of what to expect.

She walked up to the door and knocked. She heard a thump and stumble as footsteps approached the door, moments later the door swung open as Mason appeared in the doorway; his face lit up momentarily, then dropped slightly as he scanned the street.
"Don't worry, I'm alone" Georgia smiled

Mason moved out of the doorway and let her in, closing the door behind them. George began to walk down the hall and stopped, turning to face Mason.
"You've been avoiding me" She said more as a statement rather than a question
Mason looked at the floor and pursed his lips, nodding his head slowly.
"I've missed you, you know" she continued

Mason looked up to meet her gaze, causing her to flush slightly, but she didn't look away. She began to open her mouth to say something but was silenced as Mason reached out and took her hand as he retrieved something from his pocket and placed it in her hand. He cupped her hand with both of his and returned to meet her gaze once again.
"I got the car waxed and cleaned. Theres also a full tank of gas" He smiled saddly and let go of her hand
The simple touch of Mason's hand brought back a flood of emotions; and she wanted nothing else but to reach out and hold him; yearning to feel the touch of his lips against hers.

- I wanted to change my order, I wanted my favorite; I tasted the new flavour and although I enjoyed it and sure I still wanted it but it was nothing compared to my favorite. My dilemma could be solved if life or rather unlife, had the option of a double scoop....

"Where's Scott, i thought it was your day off; don't you two normal spend the day doing couple stuff?" Mason tried to pull off casual indifference and did it well, but Georgia knew him too well.
"Yeah, it's my day off; he's working. I was wondering if we could spend the next few days together, continue our Halloween ritual; you know spying on people and stealing candy from kids?"

Mason smiled, unsure if he was her fall back plan or if she really wanted to see him; spend the day together.
"Sure, but no bloody boyfriend talk, and no jumping me because I know you think I'm so shaggable" he smiled mischievously and cocked his head
Georgia smiled slightly

- He has no idea how fucking close he is to the thoughts flowing through my head at the moment

"What to soon?"

They both laughed.
"You have no idea" George shook her head slightly.
Mason raised his eyebrows a glimmer of hope flashed across his face and smiled; the first genuine smile he had shown in a while. They were still standing in the narrow hall way.
"I better go before...." She stopped herself and peered into his emerald green eyes, he raised his eyebrows expectantly, secretly wishing she would continue the rest of her sentence.
"I'll see you tomorrow?"
Mason nodded and turned to open the door and watched Georgia as she hopped into her car and drove down the street.

*******

George stood in Scott's cubicle waiting for him to return from the copier. She had decided to tell him there was a family emergency and she was needed at home- in Nebraska. She had already been to tell Delores and was thankfully granted her leave.

Scott strolled back to his cubicle, a suprised smile spread itself across his face; George, or Millie, never came into work on her day off.
"What do I owe the pleasure of this visit" he crooned, as he handed her a small piece of yellow paper. "Halloween party tomorrow night, you gotta come"
She took the paper and examined it, speaking without looking up

"I have to go out of town for a few days; family thing" she stuttered hoping there wouldn't be any intrusive follow up questions. "I'll see you Monday?"
She turned without looking back, not giving Scott the oppertunity to respond.

She had almost made it to the front door before she was confronted by Scott who had evidently ran down the stairs in a bid to catch her before she had left

- What the fuck? hadn't this guy heard of a phone? what the fuck was so important that he had to run down here?

"Millie, wait go out to dinner with me before you go tonight, 8.30?" he managed to say between pants as he hunched over in a bid to regain his breath.
"Um, sure, 8:30?"
"I'll pick you up"

********