Change

A/N: Things will heat up around chapter seven, I promise. Anyway, credit for chapters five and six goes to Jazzy. Thanks for the criticism by the way. I admit; it was a bit confusing.

Sandy's POV

"Ma, I'll be fine; it ain't like I'm goin' with a complete stranger, 'sides Shadow's only a friend." I explained into the phone, as I got into the cab, pausing to give the driver directions.

She scoffed, replying, "Don't make me remind you what happened when he was jus' a 'friend'."

"I know, but that's in the past. We jus' happened to run into each other last week; it's not like he'll persuade me to get a divorce."

Even if I'm not all that happy in my marriage, that changes nothing. I'm still chained to someone I don't fully love, and I'm okay with that, mostly.

"That's what I'm afraid of. Just be careful 'round him, alright?" Ma said, awaiting my answer.

I chuckled, retorting, "Alright, Ma. I'll call when I get off the plane."

Saying our goodbyes, I hung up, looking out the window. I don't know what Ma's worrying about; just because we were close when he got himself stuck in my tree dome seven years ago, doesn't mean I'll suddenly leave Calvin for him. That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard; although, the only reason why I married Calvin was because it was arranged.

Well, some things don't work out the way you planned them. Suddenly hearing the cab's trunk shut, I blinked and looked around, unaware at how time flew by. Scooting over as Shadow got in; I looked at his slightly disheveled appearance.

Turning his head, he murmured, "You don't have to stare; I know I don't look put together."

"Sorry," I apologized, folding my hands into my lap, continuing, "It's fine; I sorta expected it since I might've rushed ya."

He nodded briefly, asking, "Where's this convention held exactly?"

"Italy. Don't worry, I already have our hotel rooms booked; yours is 'round the corner from mine. And I have a copy of your passport." I explained, heading towards the baggage check line, barely realizing how fast we made it there.

He grunted in reply as we passed the security check; which he seemed a bit apprehensive about at first. Boarding the plane, I looked at him once more, a bit worried at why he would barely look at me. Sure, he's not all that people oriented, but something's bothering him.

"Hey, you feelin' alright?" I asked, briefly touching his hand so he'd at least glance at me.

The only thing I got was his hand lightly twitching, but nonetheless his face remained towards the window.

"I'm fine, nothing to worry about, Female." He replied, leaning his head against the window.

Feeling my face heat up at recognizing the pet name, I cleared my throat deciding not to continue the conversation. Luckily, it's only an eight hour flight, and we were already two hours into it.

"I see you opened my gift." He said, startling me a bit as I glanced at my right hand where a gold ring with a ruby in the center rested.

"Yeah, it's beautiful. You said you were supposed to give this to me years ago; what were ya plannin'?" I questioned, a smug smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

A light blush spread across his face as he answered, "Nothing; it's just a gift."

I giggled, muttering, "Sure it is."

"Really, it is. Why am I your bodyguard anyway? We both know you can kick someone's ass without any trouble."

"Cause I might as well bring someone along than goin' alone. Plus, I think it'd be nice if we caught up more, ya know, without anyone interupptin'."

He nodded, relapsing into silence as the sun began to set. Rubbing my eyes, I yawned, barely remembering falling asleep or even getting off the plane. I guess Shadow must've carried me to my room. I'll have to thank him for that later. Hearing my phone go off, I reached for it, seeing it was Calvin.

"Hello?" I said, walking into the bathroom, before going back out to get something to sleep in.

"Hey, did you make it there safe?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just about to…" I paused, hearing a woman laugh. "Who's in the background?"

"It's just a co-worker talking to someone. I was just making sure you were safe." Calvin answered.

I smiled, replying, "Okay, I'll call you later. Bye, hun."

"Bye."

Hanging up, I turned on the shower, suppressing a yawn as I got in. A few minutes later, I dried off and slipped on a t-shirt, hopping into bed, falling back to sleep.

A/N: Sorry if it's short, they might be longer soon, though. I get the feeling Calvin's up to something; what do you think? As said earlier, things will get hot, and hopefully I don't mess anything up.

Shadow: At least everyone's in character. Help her not suck at writing. Review or whatever you humans do on this thing.