Chapter Forty - a few days later

As Allie got into Shane's car she made a comment about how annoying it was stopping off at the apartment every morning before work. Shane smiled at her before saying,

"I've been thinking the same thing and if you'd like, I would love for you to move in with me."

"Oh Shane I'd love too" Allie said kissing him, "but I don't know whether I should leave Mandy alone at the moment..."

"But Allie, you said yourself that she needs time to herself..."

"You're so right ... so how soon until I can officially move in with you?"

"How about we stop over after work and pick up some of your things"

"Oh Shane that sounds so good. I can't wait."

"Neither can I" Shane said before starting the car up and driving off to the arena.

That night, Shane and Allie dropped by the apartment and Allie told Mandy about Shane asking her to move in with her. Mandy was so happy for her but at the same time saddened because it would mean that she'd be alone in apartment. It hadn't been the same since Lily left and now it was going to be even more different. Mandy offered to help Allie pack but her offer was refused because of her injury.

By the time Allie and Shane left, the apartment looked rather bare. Now there were two empty bedrooms and it didn't have nearly the same feeling it did previously. Mandy felt so lonely and saddened by everything she rang up Matt to talk to him and see if he'd come over to keep her company. Around 30 minutes later Matt arrived. He took one look around the apartment before saying

"I see what you mean. This place really isn't the same."

"I really don't like this place anymore..."

"Why don't you move in with me?"

"Move in with you?"

"Yeah I mean we both need the company ... and I have a spare room"

"Oh Matt ... are you sure you wouldn't mind?"

"No not at all. I wouldn't have offered otherwise. And hey I would really love having someone to talk to because it does get pretty lonely. Oh and if you're worried about living in the same house as me don't ... I mean I respect your decision about taking time to think things through and I will give you as much space as you need."

"Thanks so much Matt. You are the best. I don't know what I would do without you" Mandy said smiling at Matt.

"So Mands, when do you want to move in?"

"How about tonight? I really don't want to stay here by myself tonight."

"Ok. If she show me what you want packed, I'll start on it tonight and we can come back tomorrow to do the rest."

"Ok cool"