Note to Readers and Reviewers: Thanks for the reviews so far.I know Austin isn't explained very well (might help if you read my first FanFic 'Yet Another Lesson in Life' . Won't help all that much but it'll give you an idea of her.) She'll be a little more explained in this story.Hope you enjoy and keep reviewing! :-)

Ch.3 Sudden Surprise!

Austin stood at her window looking out over the city she wasin the middle of. Really, when she thought about it, it was kindof like Houston where she had come from.Her spirits dimmed even more thinking of her past that she was now trying so hard to put behind her where it belonged.

She jumped a little with surprise when someone knocked at her door.Quickly she went to answer it.Opening the door a UPS man turned to face her.

"Are you a Ms.Austin Glain?"

He asked looking down on a piece of paper.

"Yes."

"Sign here please."

He handed her the clipboard and pen.She signed and in return she recieved a small rectangular box and a have a nice day.There was no return on the box anywhere but she grabbed a scissors and slit the small box open.With a little smile she pulled out a card.

"Why place a card in a box?"

She asked outloud to no one but herself.

Turning the card over she opened it carefully.Her hands began to tremble as she read the card and her breathing increased, tears ate away at her eyes.

Then another knock. She looked at the door wondering who was on the other side. Placing the card on the table she made her way toward the door. Looking through the peep-hole she saw it was Eric. She sighed half in relief and wiped her eyes trying to make the burning sensation go away. Opening the door she forced herself to smile.

"Hey Eric.What's up?"

"I was just wondering if you wanted to go see a movie or play game of pool."

His voice started at a delighted voice then trailed off as he finished noticing her hidden painand tears.

"You alright?"

He asked hope to get an honest answer.

Austin took a breath trying desprately to regain herself,

"Yeah, I'm fine.I ..was ..cutting onions just a minute ago."

She tried to find a reason to make someone's eyes water badly.

Eric sniffed the air,

"Doesn't smell like onions."

He stated matter-of-factly.

"Yes well..uh...I'd love to go to a movie with you but I really need to talk to Rachel."

She said finding nothing to catch herself with.

"Oh, you need a ride?"

Austin hesitated then thought of the card still laying on the table just inside.

"Yeah, p-lease"

She heard her own voice break slightly at the end and could do nothing to stop it.

Eric gave her a look of concern then continued,

"Ok.I'm ready when you are."

"Alright, just a second."

Austin said turning back inside for a moment to grab her jacket. She eyed the card and grabbed it shoving it in her inside pocket.

"Alright, now I'm ready."

She said going back out into the echoing hallway.

"K."

They both turned to go back down the hallway toward the elevator around the courner Austin thinking silently about what her cousin would or could do to help as she walked next to a concerned Eric with her hands in her pockets.She gave him a small smile to ease his mind as the elevator doors opened, then she looked away back to her thoughts again.