I watched from the window as they coaxed Austin to eat some food. He was still shaken up. He must have had a gruesome nightmare. His eyes conveyed terror to me, yet I don't know what is bothering him so much. Then, an idea struck my mind.

"Meggi, I'll be back in a few minutes. Tell the others too." I commanded.

"Yep. Sure." Meggi replied. She furrowed her brows in silent questioning, but I ignored it. It seemed inconsiderable, but I was too excited to carry out my plan.

IHOP was just around the corner so I didn't have to walk far. Thank goodness there wasn't much of a line right now. I probably wouldn't be able to stand patiently. The lady behind the counter took my order. A few minutes later, I paid for my pancakes.

Yes, pancakes. Austin's favourite food...

I sighed and muttered a quick thank you.

When I reached the lab, Meggi immediately looked at me in a half disbelief and half smirk kind of expression. For some odd reason, I had to bite my lip to keep back a smile. I entered the room in which Austin was right now. I carefully opened the packaging and whispered a few things to Trish, who just came in.

Soon, she came back with butter, syrup, and a plate. I set up everything, just how Austin likes it to be.

As soon as I turned around, I saw Austin watching me with curious eyes. He saw the pile of pancakes and his eyes widened and a small smile came to his face.

My heart melted. That familiar glint in his eyes was there!

I slowly approached him and gave him the plate, setting it down on the table. The plastic knife and fork wasn't even used. He devoured the stack within five minutes. I watched with an amused expression while he stuffed his face.

Some of his childlike qualities shone through in this moment.

"Thank you." Austin muttered. He gave me a small grin. My face broke out in a smile.

"You're welcome," I replied.

"Who are you?" His eyes reflected his curiousness.

"I...I used to be your really good friend. Best friend even." I hesitantly said this. Austin was showing signs of remembering (according to Meggi). But those were small, minor things about himself. Like his name. His favourite colour. Plus, his speech his gotten a lot better. He was recovering from his shock.

"Oh."

I wasn't sure to say. I started fidgeting with the sleeves of my hoodie. A while later, I heard soft snoring from in front of me. He started trembling, and I immediately knew something was wrong. I gently tried to shake him awake, and his eyes snapped open. He was perspiring unnaturally, his shirt was damp.

"They...they are after me..." Austin muttered. His eyes were wide in fear. Austin was in some sort of trance. "They...they are coming. I can't stay. I can't stay. I can't...have...to hide..."

Meggi burst in through the door, which only startled him. She gave me an apologetic frown. Austin was starting to hyperventilate. Soon, others piled through the door, and Meggi shouted a few orders. I don't know how, but a bucket of water was thrust into my hand.

I poured some of it onto Austin's head. By then, his shirt was fully drenched, clinging to his body...showing his muscular physique...

Snap out of it!

His breathing returned to a normal speed, and I motioned for the others to leave, except Meggi and Trish. They were the two whom I could trust (the ones who were here right now anyway).

"Austin, tell us what happened," Meggi spoke. He remained silent. Meggi asked him two more times, but he didn't answer.

"Austin...Austin look at me." I said, firmly yet softly. He turned himself to face me. "Hey, remember me? I'm...I'm Ally. I gave you the pancakes."

He seemed perplexed for a minute, dazed by his nightmare. When he nodded in recognition, I somehow felt like I heard his brain do a small click!

Dont ask me how... I myself am stumped.

"Do you trust me Austin? Can you tell me what is bothering you?" I softly asked.

Beats of silence passed. Austin was taking too long to answer. Dejected, I turned to walk away.

"I...I trust you. I think," he replied. When I turned around, his eyes were trained on me like he was analyzing me. Figuring out if he, indeed, could trust me.

"You trust me. Do you want to tell me what happened? Why did you have that nightmare?" I cautiously questioned.

"I...I was walking in the forest. I don't know why, but I was with other people who were dressed in camo like me. I don't remember these guys, but... I feel like I know them. Then, somehow, we split together. I was lost and clueless. Then, the beast came..."

He started shuddering. His pupils started contracting.

"It's okay, you don't have to continue..." Trish piped in.

"Who is she?" Austin asked.

"Her name is Trish. She was my best friend and yours too." I replied.

"I...I thought you were my best friend?"

"You can have more than one best friend at a time. You were fortunate enough to have three."

"Where is the third one?"

"His...his name is Dez. And h...he left so he can move on further in life. Don't worry though! I'm sure he misses everybody."

"I would like to meet him. Can I?"

"We'll try." I couldn't give Austin false promises. I am not in contact with Dez anymore, how am I going to get him here? "Now Austin, I want you to get some rest. We won't be able to do anything until you are fully awake."

...

...

I was on my way to getting some alone time, when Trish pulled me aside.

"Ally, I think I can get Dez to come here. Remember that note he gave to us and then I kept it?" I nodded. "Apparently, his new phone number is there. It's worth a shot. We'll tell him what is happening, he might be able to come!" She exclaimed.

"I think you should try! I know Dez has known Austin for as long as they were in diapers! Meeting him may stir up his memories-" I started.

"Yep. Will do. Gotta go Ally!" Trish cut me off.

I watched as she ran down the hall, too excited to look back.

I just shook my head in amusement, and went off to get some rest.

...

...

Yay! Another chapter done!

By the way, how was your guys' Christmases? I hope you had a great time this holiday. I know I did.

As always, review and tell me what you liked and didn't like. Also, I don't know if many of you know this, but I have written a one shot. If you would like to check that out, I would be happy!

Keep shining!