Chapter 2

"This really has to stop" Alex grumbled as she picked up a carton of eggs. This had been her 3rd time grocery shopping this week because of Nate's "experiments". Today she was accompanied by Amy, who would never pass up an opportunity to shop.

"Why don't you just show him how to cook?"

"I've tired, multiple times."

"Then there really is no hope for him is there?"

They both laughed as they finished their grocery shopping and left the market.

"So how's chasing Sonic going?"

Alex could never forget about Amy's massive crush on Sonic. She remembered how awkward it was when Sonic and Sally flirted in Amy presence during missions. And not just Sally, Mina as well, and sometimes even her. How could she ever forget the occasional "arm around the shoulder" hug?

"Same ol', same ol'", Amy shrugged "It keeps me fit running after him so I don't mind."

"You always find a way to make it seem fine" Alex sighed.

"What's wrong with that?" Amy protested, "You should always look for the good in things."

"Whatever you say."

"And speaking of running after boys, what's going on between you and Nate?"

Alex blushed. "Absolutely nothing!"

"Oh come on, you two live together."

"So what!?" Alex tried hard to defend herself, "What's wrong with two good friends living together?"

"Fine, fine", Amy waved her hand, "If you say so. But I'm telling you, there is something there."

Alex shook her head. It was like Amy to bother her about stuff like this. Sally was the same as well. It seemed like all the girls believed that there was something between her and Nate, when such a thing didn't exist. It had been 9 years since they had met and they were more like brother and sister. But although she thought this, she couldn't help but sometimes wonder what it would be like if she and Nate were more than friends. They did have a lot in common and knew almost everything about each other.

"Well this is my stop." Amy waved goodbye and walked down the block.

Alex continued to her apartment. It was early evening and the sun was setting. The streets were somewhat empty and quiet.

"Better get home fast before Nate uses up whatever's left."

As she walked she couldn't help but feel as if she was being followed. She turned to look but saw no one. She turned back around and quickened her pace.

"What is wrong with me? There is nothing behind me yet I feel so strange."

And then she felt something. An arm grabbed her and tried to pull her aside into an alley. She fought this invisible force with all her might, wondering if anyone was noticing that she was punching the air. Throwing her fists about paid off however, when they came in contact with what felt like a cheekbone. The being that was once invisible came into view. It was a chameleon, dressed entirely in black.

"Submit to me and I will cause you no harm."

"As if!"

Alex kicked him, and dashed down the block. She was only a few feet away from her building, so she looked back. The chameleon had vanished. Breathing heavily she walked up the steps and through the door. When she reached her apartment door she stopped to take a breath.

"What was that all about?"

She reached into her pocket for her key and unlocked the door. She stepped in, closed the door, and leaned against it trying to re-catch her breath.

"What happened to you?"

Nate stepped into the hallway, holding the apron in his hand. Alex, who was not in the mood to be interrogated, ran, grabbed the apron and turned into the kitchen.

"I was worried you would try something like this", she reply shaking the apron in front of him. He pouted and left the kitchen. Alex smirked, tied the apron around her waist, and began to prepare dinner.