Notes – I know this update took a little longer, but I've been busy. Tuesday night I had a performance at school in my class play. I didn't get back until nine and I had to stay after school to rehearse. Wednesday was church and afterwards we all went to my youth pastor's house until around 11. A lot of stuff is going on. Thursday, well no excuse except that I was being lazy and I watched 'Lion King 1 ½', which was pretty good by the way. I watched it again today.

I guess this is my Valentine's Day present to everyone, unless I update tomorrow, but we'll have to see, even though I detest the holiday. Oh yeah, I also was busy making cookies yesterday for all my friends, my gift to them. It was the least I could do, but it's harder when you have a friend who doesn't like chocolate. So, I had to make two kinds. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter.

Shout-Outs

GeometryGal – Hey, I'm really glad you like it. Thanks for the review.

Written Sparks – Glad you like it. I know this has nothing to do with my story, but did you get my e-mail? Please say that you did. If not, try to get in touch please. Thanks.

FrenchyGoil – Of course I forgive you. I get busy sometimes too. I know it's hard at times. I'm glad you like your character.

Dreamer Conlon – I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the review.

Lanen 1 – Thanks for reviewing. Hope you like the update.

Are You Really Alone?

The show was great. It was different watching from backstage though. I helped Dreamer out by doing whatever she needed me to do. It was so hectic backstage sometimes, I didn't even get to give Medda a proper introduction because she was getting ready for her next acts.

The other performer, Snow, was fantastic. It was the first time I had seen her on stage before. The audience loved it. I constantly heard comments coming from the crowd. I know that I had never gotten that kind of attention before. It would have made me nervous anyway.

After the show, Dreamer offered to introduce me to Medda. I had told her a lot about myself, she didn't seem to by the type who would tell secrets. Well, almost everything…except my crush and the missing locket. That was something more personal. If it was one thing I didn't tell, it was who I liked. She did know that I was living in the streets and that I needed a job however.

I had agreed to this. She led me through the hallways until a small set of stairs appeared before us. Climbing up, Dreamer knocked on the door at the top and waited for a reply before entering. I quickly saw that Medda was busy. Another girl was in there as well. I recognized her as the other performer.

"Come in," Medda greeted us. I recognized her as well, with her bright pink outfit, "Who's this?" She pointed to me. I immediately averted my eyes to the ground.

"This is Alaska," Dreamer replied, when she saw that I wasn't, "She needs a job Medda. Do you think she could…"

"Of course," Medda cut her off, "I would be glad to help."

"I'm Snow," the other girl said, stepping forward. Snow was 5 foot 7, thin and curvy, with mid-back length light blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. I acknowledged her with a nod.

"Do you have anywhere to stay," Medda asked.

"No," I replied, "I've being living on the streets lately."

"Dreamer, don't we have an extra room upstairs," she asked. Dreamer nodded, "Alaska, you're welcome to stay here. I have plenty of room. Dreamer and Snow stay here as well, so you won't be alone."

"You sure," I asked slowly. I couldn't believe it. I had expected Medda to immediately turn me down. But she had agreed and was giving me a place to stay. It had been a long time since I've had anything of my own. The only belongings I had were my clothes and the locket…and only when I could find it.

"Yeah, it'll be great," Snow said, "We need another girl around here to talk to. We run out of things to say sometimes." Dreamer nodded her agreement.

"Let me show you your room,' Dreamer said, "It's right between mine and Snow's." She led me down the hallway and to a plain white door. Opening it, I stepped inside after her.

It wasn't a very large room, but to me, it might of well have been a palace. A bed sat against the wall, along with a small dresser and nightstand. A lamp was placed on top of the stand, which was right beside a window. Dark curtains covered the window that looked out onto the street below. I must have dazed off a bit, because a voice suddenly cut into my thoughts.

"Dreamer and I are going out to eat," Snow told me, "Do you want to join us?" I froze when I heard these words.

"I…um…I don't have any money," I replied, once again looking at the floor. I looked back up when I felt something slip into my hand. It was a single dime. Dreamer took a small step back, returning to her place beside Snow, "You don't…"

"It's okay," Dreamer replied, "I have more."

"Come on," Snow said, already starting to walk out the door, "It'll be closing in about an hour."

We walked most of the way in silence, well, me anyway. Snow and Dreamer were talking beside me. I didn't quite feel comfortable enough to join in on their conversation. I didn't even know we had arrived until I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. Snow waved for me to follow them inside.

Once I did though, I stopped in my tracks. Sitting a few tables away was the guy I had seen a few days ago. Feeling a little nervous, I stepped backwards slowly and tried to slip out the door.

"Guys, this is…" Snow trailed off, "Where'd she go?" She looked over towards me and motioned for me to join them. I shook my head, nervously looking over at the group. Sighing, she stared at me for a second. Slowly, I stepped forward again. I could feel the stares aimed at me and moved uncomfortably until I reached her.

"Hi," I mumbled to the group, not daring to look up and meet their eyes…his eyes. I self-consciously pulled at my shirt in an attempt to straighten it a bit.

"This is Alaska," Snow continued, "She's new and just got a job at Medda's with Dreamer and me." A jumble of names was thrown at me. They all seemed to blend together in some sort of strange language. The one that stood out though was the one that echoed inside my mind from that one day…Mush.

Just the sound of his voice made me stop and slowly dare to gaze up from the interesting floor pattern. I found him glancing over at me. Our eyes caught, icy-blue meeting a deep brown, and locked for a second. I quickly realized what I was doing and looked away hurriedly, as if breaking some sort of spell, even though I could have looked into them forever.

I glanced around, trying to find a free spot to sit. Snow was already sitting by…Blink I think it was. Dreamer was sitting nearby with who I believed was Jack and Spot.

"So you're Alaska," someone asked. I spun around quickly, nearly knocking into the person talking. He stood about an inch taller than my 5 foot 2. He took a small step back and then laughed quietly.

"Hi…" I replied quickly. He paused, as if expecting me to continue.

"Race," he finally said, holding out his hand. I shook it quickly, "Come sit with us." Not willing to argue, I followed him to his table. He reintroduced everyone at the table, including two that he didn't really have to but did anyway. There was Skittery, Sparks, Bumlets, Ears and Mush. I stood close by uncertainly until motioned to sit down and the only spot open was by…Mush, of course. I slid into the seat, keeping some distance between myself and him.

"Hi," he said in a voice that just about made me want to melt right where I was. I smiled weakly and returned my gaze to my hands. I shifted in discomfort and remained silent. He soon went back to his previous conversation. Soon came the first time I heard him laugh. It was as pure and beautiful as I had imagined. I almost didn't believe that it was real.