Andie rolled her head so that it was facing the pillow in an attempt to escape the intrusive rays of sunlight creeping in through the gaps in the blinds. Was it morning already? She felt as if the night had only just begun. Unable to deafen her ears to the loud city noises coming from outside, Andie surrendered to the greater power of daylight and reluctantly sat up, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings as she groggily rubbed her eyes. She was momentarily disorientated, unable to recognize the small room she was in, but a glance at her opened suitcase sent a bolt of remembrance through her body as she recalled the events of the previous night. Within a day her whole life had dramatically shifted. One morning she awoke in Italy, knowing that she had to escape, and the next morning she woke up in Boston, her whole life being re-located to a completely different atmosphere and time zone. A bitter-sweet feeling overcame her as she fondly remembered catching up with her old friends, feeling loved and included, part of some sort of whole again rather than an outsider. But at the same time her mind was alerted to the reason of her return, the situation she was now in. She acknowledged that though it was possible to escape a country or a person, it was impossible to escape the problem. It would remain with her wherever she was situated.

She shifted to climb out of bed, when jolts of pain in her upper arms and back stopped her momentarily. She closed her eyes, adjusting to the stiffness and the first shocks of pain that she had grown accustomed to and gradually adapted herself to them, attempting to ignore the soreness and forcing herself to stand up and stretch. She walked out into the empty apartment, looking at the clock- 11:38am. Ooh she had slept in a little later than she would have liked. Sighing, she noticed a piece of paper on the table-

Morning Andie! Hope you had a good sleep. Jen and I have classes all day but will prob be back around 4ish- make yourself at home and take this opp to explore the kitchen- we don't have much as Pacey prob ate it all, and we're due for a stock up- but feel free to take what's there- what's ours is yours now. See ya later- Joey + Jen xxx

Andie smiled down at the note and a wave of gratitude ran through her as she realized what great friends she had and how lucky she was to have been taken in by them. She decided then to go to the grocery store and stock up for them as a little thank you. That would be her plan for the day!

Her need for caffeine was nagging at her as she made her way towards the kettle, but something made her pause and reassess her choice as she opened the fridge in search of an alternative. Orange juice. Caffeine free, but a refreshing wake up she acquiesced. Andie took a large gulp, when suddenly the peacefulness of the apartment was interrupted by a knock at the door. She paused momentarily nervous- she didn't know anyone in Boston. Jack, Jen and Joey were at college and Pacey was presumably at work. She stood stuck to the floor unsure of whether or not to answer the door, when louder knocks were heard and a male voice bolted out "Anyone home?"

Andie breathed out relieved- only Pacey. She began for the door when a mortifying realisation struck her- she was standing in her pyjamas- a little tiny vest top that exposed her stomach and a pair of baggy pants. How embarrassing! But she couldn't leave him standing there, plus he'd seen her at her very worst before- hell, he'd even seen her naked! But that was a lifetime ago. Putting her self-consciousness aside, she opened the door to see a smiling face beaming down at her.

"Morning McPhee- hope I didn't wake ya- I mean it is only MIDDAY!" he teased, taking in her just got out of bed appearance, desperately forcing himself to ignore the large amounts of flesh that were exposed.

"Hey- I have just crossed time zones. My body is completely unaware of any time system or external force apart from it's own at the moment." She smiled remembering just how easy it was to banter with him, as well as just how much fun it was. "Anyways just when exactly did you become an early riser? Last I remembered you weren't aware that 8am even existed!"

"Since I became a working man. I now rise with the sun!" he told her dramatically.

She winced at his cheerfulness as a wave of nausea hit her. Her head was pounding slightly and she began to feel a little chilly. She put her arms around her body and stepped aside to let him in past her. As Pacey closed the door he took in her pale face and noticed how tired and wan she looked.

"Are you feeling ok McPhee-it actually looks as if you need more sleep." His tone turned serious as he became concerned.

"Um..i think it's just the jetlag." She told him shivering slightly.

"Well maybe you should…ANDIE!"

A new wave of nausea passed over her and her body doubled over as she rushed to the bathroom, desperate to get to the toilet to outlet the vomit that had accumulated in her mouth. Pacey ran in after her, concerned at her sudden sickness. She leaned over the toilet bowl, grabbing the sides as she threw up. Acting quickly Pacey bent over her, brushing her hair away from her face making sure it was out of the way. With his free hand he rubbed her back, noticing how cold her skin was. Coughing out the remnants of her sickness, Andie blinked back the tears that had automatically sprung to her eyes, remaining over the bowl scared that there was more to come. She winced slightly as Pacey's hand ran over the sore areas of her back, but gradually his touch became soothing and they remained silent as she waited to make sure she had recovered completely. Feeling slightly relieved to have exorcised her body of whatever was causing her to feel ill, her panting slowed. She wiped her mouth and sat up away from the bowl.

"Are you ok?" Pacey asked softly, a little nervous to be the one to break the silence. His hand continued to rub her back, while the other took her shoulder so that he turned her towards him.

She took in a breath quickly and closed her eyes a little embarrassed that Pacey had to witness that scene.

"Umm…yeah" she spoke softly, averting her eyes from his questioning ones as she wiped the tears away.

"Maybe you should see a doctor? Have you been feeling unwell?" A hundred thoughts flooded his mind as he noticed how ghostly she looked.

"No" Andie told him sharply, immediately pricking his curiosity. "I mean- I'm fine- I must just be exhausted from the flight and the whole upheaval of moving back home." She told him confidently, putting on a false bravado. Noticing the still concerned look on his face, she smiled attempting to confirm her words.

"Seriously Pace- I'm ok." She stood up stumbling slightly, bringing him up with her.

"Are you sure?" he checked one last time, still not convinced.

"I'm sure. Thanks Pace- sorry you had to witness that."

He smiled down at her, the familiar feeling of protectiveness entering his stomach.

"Don't be silly- I haven't had to look after you for quite a while."

His voice was tender and her heart melted slightly as her eyes linked with his gorgeous pools of blue. She returned his smile and shivered faintly, again aware of how cold she was. Pacey put his hand on her shoulders.

"Andie you're freezing. Cover yourself up."

His hands began to move lower, rubbing her upper arms in an attempt to heat them slightly when he noticed her wince.

"What?" he asked, his concern mounting again, when he saw a large purple bruise on her left arm.

"Andie I'm so sorry" he apologized realising he must have caused her pain.

"That looks painful- what did you do?" he examined the bruise.

Andie stammered slightly, unprepared for this discovery, but quickly regained her senses.

"Oh you know what a klutz I am- I fell over last week and landed on my arm- it was so embarrassing it was in the middle of this really sophisticated boutique with these snooty middle aged women…." She began blabbering garrulously.

Pacey smiled, reminded of her long winded stories, and watched her, listening amused to her colourful tale. He ignored the pangs of suspicion and worry as he accepted her explanation.

"Well as long as you're ok." He told her when she had finished.

"Yeah I'm fine- seriously don't worry I think I'm going to return to bed."

"Well I think that would be a good idea. I just came over to collect my wallet. I absent mindedly left it here last night. I was so relieved when Joey called this morning to tell me she had found it- I didn't even realise it wasn't with me."

"You should be more careful Pace"

"Yeah I know." He paused and they were silent for a moment. "I better get going back to work- unless you want me to stay with you."

Andie smiled reassuringly once again.

"I'm fine Pace- stop worrying."

"Ok -but if you need me to take you to the doctor or anything…"

"That won't be necessary" Andie interrupted him ushering him out. She knew exactly what was wrong without a doctor's examination. "Oh and don't tell Jack and the others about this- I really don't want them to worry about me- I've already caused them enough trouble." Andie attempted to sound as light as possible.

Pacey frowned slightly, wondering what the big secret was.

"Ok" he agreed gently after looking at her pleading face. "I'll speak to you later-ok?"

"Bye Pace" she called after him thankful to finally get him out of the apartment. She cursed herself for allowing it to happen when he was there, even though it was out of her control. She silently prayed that he wouldn't suspect anything. The last thing she needed was for them to find out – at least not yet. She had to deal with it herself first.

She hugged herself remembering the feeling of Pacey's arms soothing her, and the concern in his eyes. It brought back bitter-sweet memories of their past and she knew it was dangerous to dwell on those feelings. She had rid Pacey of her system years ago, or so she believed. But she knew how easy it would be to let those feelings back in, knowing that they hadn't gone far. In fact sometimes she wasn't sure whether or not they actually left. "No Andie" she told herself. She forbade herself to go there. She couldn't allow herself to feel that way about anyone at the moment, or ever. No one can ever get close to her again. Not Pacey- not David. Especially not David. Everything had changed now.