Random #: 38

Episode title: Rock 'n Roll Suicide

Song Line: "I've had my share, I'll help you with the pain."

"So where would you like to go to celebrate?" Annie asked as she drove down the tree-lined streets of Georgetown.

"Celebrate?"

"We have successfully cohabitated into a whole new season, I think that deserves a celebration," Annie smiled.

"I thought we were just swapping your clothes around," Auggie grinned.

Annie had found it difficult to dress for work the past few days as all the clothes she had at Auggie's were wool-based and warm, the shoes sturdy and ready for slush and snow. Since Spring in DC was about 30 minutes long and Summer bound to emerge any second Annie had packed up some clothes and stashed them in the car for a swap after work.

"We are, but that swapping is significant of a fairly successful transition period," Annie illuminated.

"I didn't realize there was a warranty on love," Auggie sighed, but there was humor in his eyes.

"Yes, if I returned you within 90 days I would get a full refund minus the shipping costs," Annie played along.

"Have you ever tried to ship a 180 pound man? It's expensive," he said it with such conviction Annie wondered if Auggie had ever done just that.

"Well lucky for me I have no intention of sending you back," Annie slipped her hand from the gear shift to run her fingers through Auggie's hair.

"In that case I think we should go to Citronelle, it's nearby and I happened to make a reservation there for 8:00," he smirked.

"Did we win the lottery?"

"No, but I did get my tax return so I feel rich and I also realize this is important," he captured the hand playing with his hair and kissed her palm.

Annie just shook her head realizing Auggie would always be one step ahead of her. She followed the familiar route to the house she no longer considered home.

"There are lights on," she said with a hint of concern as they pulled into the shallow parking area.

"Are they on a timer? It should be getting dark," Auggie guessed based on the time of year.

"No and there were no lights on the last time I was here, I would have noticed," she exited the car and moved around to guide him through the gate.

"Should we call the police?" he knit his brows together.

"To report a waste of energy?" she joked but he could feel the slightest tremble in her hand.

"Hey, you suffered a significant trauma here, I don't think there is anything overly cautious when it comes to you…"Auggie was looking very close to right at her when something caught her eye.

"A shadow, there's somebody in there," she reached for her phone just as the shadow approached a window.

"It's Danielle," Annie let out a huge breath.

"What's she doing here?" Auggie also shook off the dread.

"It is her house," Annie laughed.

"Did you know she was coming?"

"No," Annie was now concerned for a whole new reason.

***555***

Annie could see Danielle sitting at the table with a bottle of scotch and a glass next to her, she knocked gently and Danielle looked up her face streaked with tears. Annie opened the door quickly, leaving Auggie on the stoop.

"Danielle, what's wrong? Why are you here?" Annie walked quickly to her sister and wrapped her arms around her.

"I left Michael," she sobbed the alcohol prevalent on her breath.

"Oh honey," Annie rocked her back and forth and smoothed her long hair.

"I walked in on him with a," she hiccupped from the booze or the crying Annie wasn't sure.

"OK, you do not need to finish that thought, I get it," Annie pulled back and looked at her glassy-eyed sister.

"When did you get here?" Annie asked.

"A couple hours ago, I think," she sat heavily back in the chair.

"Why didn't you call me?"

"I left my phone at home, I just walked out and went to the airport and flew here."

"Where are Chloe and Katia?" Annie was getting nervous.

"They are with Michael's parents in Florida, it's school vacation," Danielle poured another few fingers of scotch into her glass and took a big swallow.

"Right, I knew that. Are you OK?" Annie looked her up and down.

"I think I have a broken heart," Danielle sobbed.

"I've had my share, I'll help you with the pain," Annie whispered as she leaned down and touched her head to her sister's.

"I'm so so so stupid," Danielle began berating herself.

"How much alcohol have you had?" Annie turned back and saw Auggie standing concerned outside the door, she really wished he could see her right now and read her thoughts.

"I don't know, a lot."

"You need food. Auggie is here, I am going to have him order some food for us, OK?" Annie tried not to sound like she was talking to a child, but Danielle was having a hard time focusing.

"Auggie is great, you are so lucky to have an Auggie in your life," Danielle smiled.

"He sure is," Annie agreed and took the bottle of scotch and slid back out the door.

"Hey," he smiled when he heard the door close, "is she OK?"

"Well she is plastered and devastated, but I don't think she needs medical attention or anything. I'm glad we came by here though. I am so sorry about dinner," she squeezed his arm.

"Don't be silly, she clearly needs us. I changed the reservation to Friday and I ordered some Chinese, lots of noodles and vegetables to fill her stomach, it'll be here in 20 minutes or so," he leaned forward and touched his forehead to hers, "do you want me to go?"

"No," she answered instantly leaning up to kiss him.

"OK, then I think we should go in so she can get comfortable with the idea of me being here," he kissed her back.

"Thank you," Annie hugged him tightly before leading him into the kitchen.

The End