She slowly opened her eyes, cautiously shielding the rays of light that seeped through the bedroom window. She laid still for a while, as her emerald eyes peered up at the white of the ceiling that hovered above her. Aeris slowly sat up, as she place her feet onto the wooden floor.
The room was empty, with no one in sight. But it didn't seem to at all bother her, after all, she was use to it. The young brunette walked over towards the open window, as she pulled back the pink curtains, her emerald eyes gazing down at a familiar figure. He was kneeled down beside a motor bike, seemingly tinkering with what was obviously the engine.
Aeris didn't realize it, but a slight smile crept onto her face, as her hands rested against the window sill. He didn't leave her after all, she thought, reluctantly leaning against the wall. Her eyes fixated away, as she slowly walked over towards the door, gently pulling it open, as her eyes gazed down the narrow hallway.
Everything seemed quiet enough, and only a woman stood mopping the wooden floor. Aeris gently pulled the door shut behind her, as she made her way down the long corridor and into the bar. The waitress from earlier turned her eyes to the young woman, as she leaned against the barkeep's counter.
"You're up," Yume uttered with a reluctant smile. Aeris returned the smile, as she headed for the exit, without a slight word. She hesitated as she stood outside the doorway, and watched Cloud who sat near the curb, his eyes fixed away from the motorcycle in front of him. His gaze studied the blue sky, as his elbows rested against his knees, his gloved hands dangling down in front of his sitting posture.
Aeris quietly walked up beside him, as she sat down beside the young man, her emerald gaze where his had left. His eyes turned to her for a brief second, as he didn't attempt to say a word to break the calm silence. The young woman smiled, gently, as she pulled her legs against her chest, taking in a deep breath. Causing Cloud to gaze at her once more.
"How long did I sleep?" she questioned, her eyes away from his gaze. Cloud hesitated, as he anticipated the sudden question.
"Awhile," he replied. Aeris smiled, as her eyes turned to him. She didn't understand why, but she knew the man that sat beside her at that very moment was something far from what she had known. His simple reply had seemed to bring back memories that Aeris yearned for.
"Hey, you two," Yume called out, her hands clasped onto a cup. She quickly paced towards them, as she stood beside Cloud. "Here you go, made it just for you."
The young blonde man stood up, "No, thanks. We better get going." Yume pouted, as her eyes turned to Aeris, who' gaped up at her. The young woman reluctantly sat down next to the brunette, handing the cup she held onto in front of her.
Aeris reluctantly shook her head, "No thank you." There was an awkward feeling that fell over her, as the waitress stared blankly.
"You sure you're not just some runaway or somethin'?" Yume questioned. Aeris' eyes widened with surprise, as she gently shook her head.
"No," she began, "Why would you say that?" Yume smiled, as she stood up and shrugged.
"It's not everyday that a girl would just come prancin' around here," she uttered. Cloud's eyes turned over to Aeris, who had a concerned look upon her face. She didn't at all seem to take it in as a normal person would have, unless there were a hint of truth in it somewhere.
Yume laughed, as she gently pushed Aeris, "Geez, whatcha gettin' worked up about? I'm only kidding." The brunette flashed a weary smile, as she slowly stood up. Yume began to turn back towards the bar, when she turned around and gave Cloud a wink.
"Come back soon," she remarked and entered the bar. His eyes turned back onto the woman that stood a couple feet beside him. Aeris stared blankly forward, as the thought of what the young woman had said began to disturb her.
"Let's go," Cloud said, as he walked over towards the motor bike and slowly got on. Aeris turned to the blonde man, hesitation sweeping over her for reasons she couldn't understand.
"Where?" she questioned, without thinking.
"Nibelheim," Cloud replied, his blue mako eyes piercing into hers. "Unless you wanna stay here." The young woman's eyes slowly fell onto the ground, as she took in a deep breath. It almost seemed as if leaving Midgar had some toll on her, that she couldn't understand. It felt as though a part of her was left here, like she was leaving something behind.
For a woman to come to grips with the reality of knowing that she would forget, it haunted her. Nothing entered her mind anymore at that second. Things seemed to be moving too fast and she wasn't sure where she was headed and if she truly wanted to get away. She stared up at Cloud, who waited for her patiently.
"Keep the questions for later," the young man uttered, as though he knew what she was anticipating to ask. He reluctantly held out his left hand to her, and she took it willingly, as she climbed onto the back of his motorcycle. Her arms then encircling his waist, tightly, as if she didn't want to ever let go.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nibelheim was a small town, it was surprising to even know a place like this was stable enough to still be around. It was Cloud's hometown, where he decided to settle. Even though, he was hardly ever there, it was good to know that he'd end up where he had started so long ago. The memories was something that he never seemed to ever be able to let go of.
The sound of the engine came to a quick stop, as Cloud slowly got off, his boots kicking up the dust from the dirt ground. Aeris quickly followed, as her eyes fixed ahead of her at a small brick house that was obviously where Cloud was reciting. She couldn't help but notice how beautiful it looked, although everything about it was simple.
"There's no neighbors?" she questioned, as the man began to walk towards the house. He turned over one shoulder, as he gave a reply.
"If you walk," he uttered, with a slight smile. The first Aeris had seen since she met him the night before. The young woman reluctantly followed the blonde man, as he pushed the door open revealing what was most comforting. Aeris' hand slipped from the knob, as she leaned back, her weight closing the door.
The room was small, but it seemed to give one a sense of comfort. It was a dim room, with only two small windows, a hall leading to what seemed to be the only bedroom in the house. Wooden furniture furnished the white tiled floor, as it led to the kitchen that seemed to be in the same room. Everything was a slight shade of blue, as the curtains draped above the windows, giving it a slight glow.
Aeris looked over at Cloud, as the man was digging through his cabinets. She slowly walked over to the tall wooden stool beside the kitchen counter, as she leaned against it, her emerald eyes studying the features of the young man that had his back towards her.
"How long have you been staying here?" she questioned, her eyes studying the room a final time. Before Cloud had a chance to answer, the woman finished, "Awhile."
This remark caused his attention to fall on her, as his blue eyes stared back at her. "A year," he replied, as he brought out a bowl, placing it down on the white counter.
"You could tell that a woman's been here," Aeris remarked, with a smile that brightened her emerald eyes. Cloud's eye brow arose at this sudden statement. What was she talking about?
"I know you didn't fix this place up yourself," she continued, still with a smile.
Cloud shook his head, "A friend of mines been in and out of here."
"A friend?" Aeris uttered, she didn't understand the reason for the sudden curiosity, "A girlfriend?" This question she was asking was towards a man whom she had only known for less than a full day. It didn't at all concern her.
"No, a childhood friend," Cloud replied, "She's like a sister." Aeris slightly smiled, as her eyes gazed downward.
"What's her name?"
Cloud paused, as his eyes stayed fixed upon the young woman, "Tifa." There was a sudden quietness that fell between the two, as the brunette's round eyes slowly gazed up at him.
"You think I'll be able to meet...this sister of yours?" she questioned. She didn't want to admit it, but the thought she had of asking was only to ensure the time she might be spending with the man she quickly had grown fond of.
Cloud gave her a slight smile, "It could happen." He quickly pushed the empty bowl towards her, "You should get somethin' to eat."
"Yeah," Aeris smiled, as she slowly moved over towards the side Cloud stood. The man slowly walked over towards the living room, as he turned back towards Aeris.
"Help yourself," he replied, "Just think of this as a place you're stayin' for now." The young woman smiled, as she watched him disappear into the hallway. Her eyes gazed around the small kitchen, as she reluctantly walked over towards the cabinets, pulling it open. The shelves were packed with nothing but instant cup noodles. The thought made the woman giggle to herself. So that was how it goes when a man lived on his own, she thought with a smile.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The sound of the shower was rapid and it filled his ears. He closed off any other noise that could have been coming from outside the bathroom window, as his bare hands pressed onto the wet tiles in front of him. Cloud slowly opened his eyes, as the warm water streamed down his face. He quickly wiped it from his eyes, as he began to breathe roughly.
What was going on? He couldn't even answer that simple question. But it didn't seem simple right then and there. After all, he did have a woman that resembled someone else from his past. The past that he held onto and never wanted to let go of. And yet, here she was, by the same name. Everything about her revealed that it had to be Aeris. Without a doubt, it had to be.
He didn't know what it was. Or even if it were just his mind telling himself over and over again to truly believe that somehow, someway, she had survived that incident and just simply waltz back into his lonely life. Cloud seemed to be doing okay...but he knew that was a lie. His mind never erased that day at the Northern Crater.
The day that all mankind had hope again, all because of their doing. He thought that he had lost his allies after that. Everyone had gone off in their own direction, possibly to never be heard of again, unless by coincidence. That was how Cloud had picture things to be. But it wasn't that simple. Life was never that simple. His life will never be that simple.
The hot air circulated his body, as his hand turned off the running water that seeped through the shower head which hovered above him. He quickly stepped out of the shower, as he wrapped a white towel around his waist. Cloud slowly stepped up to the mirror, as he wiped it to show his reflection.
The man that stared back at him was indeed the same man from that year. The sudden knock of the door caused his train of thought to stop abruptly, as Aeris' voice rang from the opposite side. Cloud reluctantly reached for the knob, as he pulled it open, revealing the young woman who seemed a bit uncomfortable at the position Cloud was in.
"Oh, sorry...," she uttered, "I thought you were done. I..really need to use the bathroom." Cloud quickly stepped aside, as he let her in and immediately stepped out, pulling the door shut.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cloud stepped into the living room, as he noticed Aeris prancing around the kitchen counter, the scent of food filling the air. He slowly walked over to the sofa and sat down, noticing a pile of pictures that he had left there from earlier scattered upon the small table. Cloud's hand reached for a photo at the top of the pile, as he noticed it was a picture that was taken when he was probably only sixteen. That desperate attitude he had towards wanting to become a legend, a SOLDIER.
Aeris quickly came at his side, as her hands held onto the small bowl from earlier, and she slowly sat down. The young woman smiled, as she held the porcelain and what was in it in front of Cloud, causing him to lean back. His blue eyes turned to her, questioning.
The woman smiled, "I thought may be you should have something that would actually fill you up. I've had those noodles before, and trust me, it doesn't." The man hesitated as he gave in, and took the bowl from her. The scent of white rice and beef entered his nostrils.
"I don't cook that well," Aeris uttered, waiting on his response. Cloud slowly began picking at it with the fork, as he began to consume it. Aeris smiled, as she gently leaned over, staring at the small stack of photos.
"You know they say pictures are good memories," she began. Cloud turned to her, as he studied the woman who's smile had slowly faded.
"Memories is what makes us who we are," Aeris said, "I guess I don't really know who I am then."
"You really don't remember, do you?" Cloud asked, without a single thought of what this may lead to. Her eyes turned to him, unsure.
"I don't remember...," Aeris replied, "I don't..."
"Not everyone knows who they really are," Cloud began, looking down at the bowl of rice that was still full, "I know, I've been there." His statement caused Aeris to smile, as her eyes fixed on him.
"Maybe you shouldn't be so moody all the time," she remarked out of the conversation, "They say you live longer if you're happy."
"Is that right...," Cloud uttered with a slight smile. Everything about this girl was a duplicate of Aeris. From her physical appearance to her laughter, to her personality. There she was, the one he had thought he'd never be able to hear, speak to, laugh with. The sound of her laughter, the sound of her voice was soothing at that moment and he didn't want to deny that.
He didn't know why he hadn't just come out and tell her everything he'd expect her to know. For some particular reason, it didn't seem right. The question pondered in his mind. If he were really given a chance to see her again, what would he have done? Yet, here she was, in the flesh...and he still didn't have an answer. Although, in the past, the answer was simple. He'd embrace her, he'd tell her how important she is, he'd feel her warmth, and would deny to let her go. But then there he was, doing the complete opposite.
Aeris smiled, as she tilted her head to a side to get a better glimpse of the man's face. "Cloud?" His eyes quickly turned to her, as she gently reached for the bowl in his hands. "I'll take that for you." He handed it to her willingly, as his eyes watched her walk into the kitchen. Cloud sat in silence, when a sudden thought popped into his head.
He hadn't once told her his name from the moment they met.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Words have left us all alone
And something's come between us,
To turn the fire cold.
Thoughts that chase you in the night,
Silently the storm, a light from in your eyes.
And I remain alone no matter who may try and take your place.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
**AUTHORS NOTE: How was this chapter?
The room was empty, with no one in sight. But it didn't seem to at all bother her, after all, she was use to it. The young brunette walked over towards the open window, as she pulled back the pink curtains, her emerald eyes gazing down at a familiar figure. He was kneeled down beside a motor bike, seemingly tinkering with what was obviously the engine.
Aeris didn't realize it, but a slight smile crept onto her face, as her hands rested against the window sill. He didn't leave her after all, she thought, reluctantly leaning against the wall. Her eyes fixated away, as she slowly walked over towards the door, gently pulling it open, as her eyes gazed down the narrow hallway.
Everything seemed quiet enough, and only a woman stood mopping the wooden floor. Aeris gently pulled the door shut behind her, as she made her way down the long corridor and into the bar. The waitress from earlier turned her eyes to the young woman, as she leaned against the barkeep's counter.
"You're up," Yume uttered with a reluctant smile. Aeris returned the smile, as she headed for the exit, without a slight word. She hesitated as she stood outside the doorway, and watched Cloud who sat near the curb, his eyes fixed away from the motorcycle in front of him. His gaze studied the blue sky, as his elbows rested against his knees, his gloved hands dangling down in front of his sitting posture.
Aeris quietly walked up beside him, as she sat down beside the young man, her emerald gaze where his had left. His eyes turned to her for a brief second, as he didn't attempt to say a word to break the calm silence. The young woman smiled, gently, as she pulled her legs against her chest, taking in a deep breath. Causing Cloud to gaze at her once more.
"How long did I sleep?" she questioned, her eyes away from his gaze. Cloud hesitated, as he anticipated the sudden question.
"Awhile," he replied. Aeris smiled, as her eyes turned to him. She didn't understand why, but she knew the man that sat beside her at that very moment was something far from what she had known. His simple reply had seemed to bring back memories that Aeris yearned for.
"Hey, you two," Yume called out, her hands clasped onto a cup. She quickly paced towards them, as she stood beside Cloud. "Here you go, made it just for you."
The young blonde man stood up, "No, thanks. We better get going." Yume pouted, as her eyes turned to Aeris, who' gaped up at her. The young woman reluctantly sat down next to the brunette, handing the cup she held onto in front of her.
Aeris reluctantly shook her head, "No thank you." There was an awkward feeling that fell over her, as the waitress stared blankly.
"You sure you're not just some runaway or somethin'?" Yume questioned. Aeris' eyes widened with surprise, as she gently shook her head.
"No," she began, "Why would you say that?" Yume smiled, as she stood up and shrugged.
"It's not everyday that a girl would just come prancin' around here," she uttered. Cloud's eyes turned over to Aeris, who had a concerned look upon her face. She didn't at all seem to take it in as a normal person would have, unless there were a hint of truth in it somewhere.
Yume laughed, as she gently pushed Aeris, "Geez, whatcha gettin' worked up about? I'm only kidding." The brunette flashed a weary smile, as she slowly stood up. Yume began to turn back towards the bar, when she turned around and gave Cloud a wink.
"Come back soon," she remarked and entered the bar. His eyes turned back onto the woman that stood a couple feet beside him. Aeris stared blankly forward, as the thought of what the young woman had said began to disturb her.
"Let's go," Cloud said, as he walked over towards the motor bike and slowly got on. Aeris turned to the blonde man, hesitation sweeping over her for reasons she couldn't understand.
"Where?" she questioned, without thinking.
"Nibelheim," Cloud replied, his blue mako eyes piercing into hers. "Unless you wanna stay here." The young woman's eyes slowly fell onto the ground, as she took in a deep breath. It almost seemed as if leaving Midgar had some toll on her, that she couldn't understand. It felt as though a part of her was left here, like she was leaving something behind.
For a woman to come to grips with the reality of knowing that she would forget, it haunted her. Nothing entered her mind anymore at that second. Things seemed to be moving too fast and she wasn't sure where she was headed and if she truly wanted to get away. She stared up at Cloud, who waited for her patiently.
"Keep the questions for later," the young man uttered, as though he knew what she was anticipating to ask. He reluctantly held out his left hand to her, and she took it willingly, as she climbed onto the back of his motorcycle. Her arms then encircling his waist, tightly, as if she didn't want to ever let go.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nibelheim was a small town, it was surprising to even know a place like this was stable enough to still be around. It was Cloud's hometown, where he decided to settle. Even though, he was hardly ever there, it was good to know that he'd end up where he had started so long ago. The memories was something that he never seemed to ever be able to let go of.
The sound of the engine came to a quick stop, as Cloud slowly got off, his boots kicking up the dust from the dirt ground. Aeris quickly followed, as her eyes fixed ahead of her at a small brick house that was obviously where Cloud was reciting. She couldn't help but notice how beautiful it looked, although everything about it was simple.
"There's no neighbors?" she questioned, as the man began to walk towards the house. He turned over one shoulder, as he gave a reply.
"If you walk," he uttered, with a slight smile. The first Aeris had seen since she met him the night before. The young woman reluctantly followed the blonde man, as he pushed the door open revealing what was most comforting. Aeris' hand slipped from the knob, as she leaned back, her weight closing the door.
The room was small, but it seemed to give one a sense of comfort. It was a dim room, with only two small windows, a hall leading to what seemed to be the only bedroom in the house. Wooden furniture furnished the white tiled floor, as it led to the kitchen that seemed to be in the same room. Everything was a slight shade of blue, as the curtains draped above the windows, giving it a slight glow.
Aeris looked over at Cloud, as the man was digging through his cabinets. She slowly walked over to the tall wooden stool beside the kitchen counter, as she leaned against it, her emerald eyes studying the features of the young man that had his back towards her.
"How long have you been staying here?" she questioned, her eyes studying the room a final time. Before Cloud had a chance to answer, the woman finished, "Awhile."
This remark caused his attention to fall on her, as his blue eyes stared back at her. "A year," he replied, as he brought out a bowl, placing it down on the white counter.
"You could tell that a woman's been here," Aeris remarked, with a smile that brightened her emerald eyes. Cloud's eye brow arose at this sudden statement. What was she talking about?
"I know you didn't fix this place up yourself," she continued, still with a smile.
Cloud shook his head, "A friend of mines been in and out of here."
"A friend?" Aeris uttered, she didn't understand the reason for the sudden curiosity, "A girlfriend?" This question she was asking was towards a man whom she had only known for less than a full day. It didn't at all concern her.
"No, a childhood friend," Cloud replied, "She's like a sister." Aeris slightly smiled, as her eyes gazed downward.
"What's her name?"
Cloud paused, as his eyes stayed fixed upon the young woman, "Tifa." There was a sudden quietness that fell between the two, as the brunette's round eyes slowly gazed up at him.
"You think I'll be able to meet...this sister of yours?" she questioned. She didn't want to admit it, but the thought she had of asking was only to ensure the time she might be spending with the man she quickly had grown fond of.
Cloud gave her a slight smile, "It could happen." He quickly pushed the empty bowl towards her, "You should get somethin' to eat."
"Yeah," Aeris smiled, as she slowly moved over towards the side Cloud stood. The man slowly walked over towards the living room, as he turned back towards Aeris.
"Help yourself," he replied, "Just think of this as a place you're stayin' for now." The young woman smiled, as she watched him disappear into the hallway. Her eyes gazed around the small kitchen, as she reluctantly walked over towards the cabinets, pulling it open. The shelves were packed with nothing but instant cup noodles. The thought made the woman giggle to herself. So that was how it goes when a man lived on his own, she thought with a smile.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The sound of the shower was rapid and it filled his ears. He closed off any other noise that could have been coming from outside the bathroom window, as his bare hands pressed onto the wet tiles in front of him. Cloud slowly opened his eyes, as the warm water streamed down his face. He quickly wiped it from his eyes, as he began to breathe roughly.
What was going on? He couldn't even answer that simple question. But it didn't seem simple right then and there. After all, he did have a woman that resembled someone else from his past. The past that he held onto and never wanted to let go of. And yet, here she was, by the same name. Everything about her revealed that it had to be Aeris. Without a doubt, it had to be.
He didn't know what it was. Or even if it were just his mind telling himself over and over again to truly believe that somehow, someway, she had survived that incident and just simply waltz back into his lonely life. Cloud seemed to be doing okay...but he knew that was a lie. His mind never erased that day at the Northern Crater.
The day that all mankind had hope again, all because of their doing. He thought that he had lost his allies after that. Everyone had gone off in their own direction, possibly to never be heard of again, unless by coincidence. That was how Cloud had picture things to be. But it wasn't that simple. Life was never that simple. His life will never be that simple.
The hot air circulated his body, as his hand turned off the running water that seeped through the shower head which hovered above him. He quickly stepped out of the shower, as he wrapped a white towel around his waist. Cloud slowly stepped up to the mirror, as he wiped it to show his reflection.
The man that stared back at him was indeed the same man from that year. The sudden knock of the door caused his train of thought to stop abruptly, as Aeris' voice rang from the opposite side. Cloud reluctantly reached for the knob, as he pulled it open, revealing the young woman who seemed a bit uncomfortable at the position Cloud was in.
"Oh, sorry...," she uttered, "I thought you were done. I..really need to use the bathroom." Cloud quickly stepped aside, as he let her in and immediately stepped out, pulling the door shut.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cloud stepped into the living room, as he noticed Aeris prancing around the kitchen counter, the scent of food filling the air. He slowly walked over to the sofa and sat down, noticing a pile of pictures that he had left there from earlier scattered upon the small table. Cloud's hand reached for a photo at the top of the pile, as he noticed it was a picture that was taken when he was probably only sixteen. That desperate attitude he had towards wanting to become a legend, a SOLDIER.
Aeris quickly came at his side, as her hands held onto the small bowl from earlier, and she slowly sat down. The young woman smiled, as she held the porcelain and what was in it in front of Cloud, causing him to lean back. His blue eyes turned to her, questioning.
The woman smiled, "I thought may be you should have something that would actually fill you up. I've had those noodles before, and trust me, it doesn't." The man hesitated as he gave in, and took the bowl from her. The scent of white rice and beef entered his nostrils.
"I don't cook that well," Aeris uttered, waiting on his response. Cloud slowly began picking at it with the fork, as he began to consume it. Aeris smiled, as she gently leaned over, staring at the small stack of photos.
"You know they say pictures are good memories," she began. Cloud turned to her, as he studied the woman who's smile had slowly faded.
"Memories is what makes us who we are," Aeris said, "I guess I don't really know who I am then."
"You really don't remember, do you?" Cloud asked, without a single thought of what this may lead to. Her eyes turned to him, unsure.
"I don't remember...," Aeris replied, "I don't..."
"Not everyone knows who they really are," Cloud began, looking down at the bowl of rice that was still full, "I know, I've been there." His statement caused Aeris to smile, as her eyes fixed on him.
"Maybe you shouldn't be so moody all the time," she remarked out of the conversation, "They say you live longer if you're happy."
"Is that right...," Cloud uttered with a slight smile. Everything about this girl was a duplicate of Aeris. From her physical appearance to her laughter, to her personality. There she was, the one he had thought he'd never be able to hear, speak to, laugh with. The sound of her laughter, the sound of her voice was soothing at that moment and he didn't want to deny that.
He didn't know why he hadn't just come out and tell her everything he'd expect her to know. For some particular reason, it didn't seem right. The question pondered in his mind. If he were really given a chance to see her again, what would he have done? Yet, here she was, in the flesh...and he still didn't have an answer. Although, in the past, the answer was simple. He'd embrace her, he'd tell her how important she is, he'd feel her warmth, and would deny to let her go. But then there he was, doing the complete opposite.
Aeris smiled, as she tilted her head to a side to get a better glimpse of the man's face. "Cloud?" His eyes quickly turned to her, as she gently reached for the bowl in his hands. "I'll take that for you." He handed it to her willingly, as his eyes watched her walk into the kitchen. Cloud sat in silence, when a sudden thought popped into his head.
He hadn't once told her his name from the moment they met.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Words have left us all alone
And something's come between us,
To turn the fire cold.
Thoughts that chase you in the night,
Silently the storm, a light from in your eyes.
And I remain alone no matter who may try and take your place.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
**AUTHORS NOTE: How was this chapter?