A.N. Here's that longer chapter I promised. Sorry the last was so short. I wrote this one first and then decided that I wanted more Samantha in the story before all of this took place. But I didn't want to add it on to this chapter, so I just did a short little chapter. Sadly, I still own nothing. (sigh)

Elyssa sat silently in the passenger seat as Nilsson maneuvered his way through traffic, avoiding the Strip at all costs. Staring unseeingly out the window, Elyssa philosophically surveyed the past week her life.

Since the Daybreak meeting, she'd seen very little of Poppy, James, Ash and Quinn. All of them were running themselves ragged trying to debrief each representative personally. Considering over 50 reps were present at the meeting and a few more flew in late, they had all been rather busy for the last seven days.

Her interview for the intern position at the Las Vegas Crime Lab had been completed quite successfully five days before, and Sabrina had taken her out for a Victory Dinner. They were taking more interviews over the next week, but, aside from the agony of waiting, Elyssa was confident about her chances.

She had also seen very little of Thierry since the night of the Daybreak meeting, though this was more of her own machination than his (admittedly hectic) schedule. The belated embarrassment she'd felt over the incident in the kitchen had been magnified a hundred fold by the appearance of Samantha, who, after a week, was still residing in Thierry's mansion.

Despite her enormous efforts, however, Elyssa seemed unable to avoid Samantha as she did Thierry. Granted, Samantha spent less time holed up in an office with rotating reps and assistants than Thierry and the others, which led Elyssa to the Ultimate Question:

Why the hell was she still here?

If she wasn't Thierry's girlfriend--and the future investigator in Elyssa pushed past her jealousy to point out the lack of sufficient evidence for such an assumption--then why was she still hanging around? All the other reps had been provided rooms at various casinos and other posh hotels around the city, but Samantha was stationed right in his house. In the same wing as the permanent residents. Guests generally stayed in a wing as far from the family quarters as possible.

Being an intelligent and (usually) sensitive young woman, Elyssa understood that an old friend might be given such treatment. But in almost ten years of living with Thierry, she'd never heard even one of the mention Samantha, and she certainly had never seen her since the day Marla and Simon...

Cutting the thought off abruptly, Elyssa shifted on the seat, temporarily drawing Nilsson's attention. Are you all right, miss?

Trying to ease her face into neutrality, she smiled calmly and adjusted the strap of her seatbelt. Yes, Nilsson, thank you.

He turned his eyes back to the road and she remained silent for a moment longer, trying to assimilate all the facts in her mind. she asked before even realizing she was going to speak. Does Thierry ask you questions about me?

Nilsson blinked in surprised, glancing at her during a red light. What do you mean, miss?

What do I mean? she questioned herself, letting her thoughts fall into place. I mean, does he ask you where I've been, who I've been with?

Well, miss, he said gently. You usually tell him all that yourself. Or Poppy does.

she murmured. Does he ask you how I seem, then? Like...does he ask if I'm happy?

I really can't answer such questions, miss.

Surprised, Elyssa swiveled to face the young vampire. So he does, then. Despite his silence, Elyssa continued to stare in her shock. I never really thought of it, but you must be a good source for that kind of information, she thought aloud. You see me more than any of them.

Nilsson stared blankly ahead, pulling the car sedately into the intersection after the light turned green. I do my job, miss.

Oh! I'm not blaming you, she assured him truthfully. Your first loyalty is to him. I've always understood that. I just never really thought about the ramifications before. And I certainly never thought he'd care enough to ask, she tacked on as an afterthought.

For once Nilsson's inherent calm failed him and Elyssa jerked as the car swerved then quickly righted.

Everything's fine, miss. The wheel just locked up for a moment. He waited a beat before continuing. What makes you think he doesn't care?

Elyssa's eyebrows came together. Oh, no. I know he cares about me. I just never thought he was so interested in how I felt. He's certainly never asked me about it.

Thankfully, Nilsson was turning down Thierry's drive and the conversation would soon be over. She wasn't even sure what had made her ask Nilsson these questions. They'd never even occurred to her before. Perhaps it was her newfound paranoia that Thierry knew how she felt about him.

Though, when she was honest with herself, she didn't see how he couldn't.

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Thierry, you have got to stop trying to shove the two of them together, Ash admonished, throwing another peanut butter M&M into his mouth.

Thierry glanced up from the report he had been trying desperately to read before Ash waltzed into his office uninvited. The (amazingly) tall stack of (unread) files to his left obscured Ash's feet from where they lay crossed on the desk. What are you talking about?

So what if Samantha was her babysitter, oh, ten years ago. She obviously doesn't remember the woman. Nor does she apparently care to, Ash added with an eyeroll.

I haven't been throwing Elyssa and Samantha together, he said, annoyance creeping into his voice. I don't know what you're talking about.

Oh really, hotshot. Well, then, why is it that every time you and Elyssa are in the same room, Samantha is there, too?

The pile on his right was depressingly small and Thierry sighed as he raked a hand through his hair. Do you want to help me read these?

Ash snorted and rolled an M&M between his fingers.

Then I suggest you leave. Now.

Touchy, touchy. Languidly rising, the blonde vampire flicked a candy at Thierry, who caught it with lightening reflexes and a scowl as Ash moved towards the door. But, seriously, if you want to spend time with Elyssa, ditch your pseudo-girlfriend.

The scowl on Thierry's face went slack with confusion. What? My pseudo-what?

Ash rolled his shoulders in what should have been a shrug, but looked more like a move designed to work out kinks. Samantha is suddenly everywhere. At breakfast, at lunch, at dinner, at the pool, in the game room. Everywhere. Ten years of never seeing you with a woman and now never seeing you without one. What's she supposed to think?

A pause rested between the men before Ash added quietly, And she doesn't know about Hannah.

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Is she still there? Sabrina asked, her pixel-ed face sympathetic.

I am really starting to doubt that she's ever gonna leave, Elyssa said, sprawling out on top of her freshly made bed, phone held out in front of her in one hand. Half the screen was filled with Sabrina's face while the other half displayed a blinking messagewhich declared No new email.

There is no love in this world, Elyssa thought with extreme melodrama.

Silence came over the line as Sabrina obviously tried to search for a silver lining. Her face brightened considerably. Well, you'll be spending almost all of your time out of the mansion when the internship starts. And then, next year, we'll be off to Princeton.

Come on, Sabrina. We haven't even been accepted yet, Elyssa protested, thankful for the distracting topic.

Oh, we will, Sabrina said knowingly, a wise look on her face.

Elyssa giggled and started to reply when a knock came at the door. Mugging a face at Sabrina, she called, Just a minute! and turned back to the phone screen. I guess I should go. I have massive amounts of English homework, anyway.

Elyssa, it's Friday. At least wait until tomorrow to start your homework.

Blinking, Elyssa shook her head. Why wait when you can get it over with now?



Elyssa stuck her tongue out at her best friend before nodding her agreement. You're right, I'm hopeless. Oh, are you coming to the meeting tonight?

Sure thing, chica. I'll be over around five. Sound good?

Sounds great, Elyssa said, walking over to the door. I'll see you then.



Opening the door and shutting off the phone, Elyssa glanced up to find Poppy on the other side toting a couple of sodas. Elyssa said with a grin motioning for her to enter the room. What's up?

Poppy smiled and handed a soda to the teen before plopping herself down on the massive bed. I just hadn't talked to you in a while, so I thought I'd come say hi and catch up.

Shrugging, Elyssa laid stomach down on the bed next to Poppy. Okay. How's the debriefing coming?

Mirroring Elyssa's shrug, Poppy took a sip of soda. All right, I suppose. Slow, but good, you know?



And how about you? Poppy asked brightly. How's life in Elyssa-land?

Elyssa offered lamely, trying to sound as bright and cheery as her foster mother.

One delicate eyebrow raised, Poppy said dryly, Tell me how you really feel.

Resting her chin on her crossed arms, Elyssa shrugged rather unsuccessfully. Poppy remained silent a moment and then shifted position until she was lying on her stomach next to Elyssa. Samantha bothers you, doesn't she?

Jerking in surprise, Elyssa barely rescued the soda before it spilled all over her comforter. What are you talking about? she asked nervously.

Don't worry, sweetie. I don't think most people would be able to tell how much you dislike her, you're too polite. I just know you so well, and you're being so...well...polite with her.

What's wrong with being polite? Elyssa questioned defensively.

Absolutely nothing. You're just usually a whole lot friendlier. Even with strangers.

She is a stranger, Elyssa muttered, carefully setting her soda on the floor. And she's always appearing, trying to get me to talk to her. To do stuff with her.

Cautiously, expecting great indignation, Poppy offered: And she's getting awfully cozy with Thierry.

Too depressed to really put up a defense, Elyssa responded glumly. You've noticed, too, huh?

Of course, Poppy said calmly, deciding she liked the direct approach. Ever since she got here she's been hanging around him all the time. In fact, I rarely see them apart anymore.

Wincing, Elyssa nodded, sinking deeper into depression. If Poppy's noticed, then it must be true. Thierry is falling for Samantha.

It's kind of annoying, really, Poppy continued, stealing a glance at Elyssa out of the corner of her eye. She can't seem to leave him alone. And considering all the work that's piled up for him, she's making a real nuisance of herself.

And have you seen the way she's always touching him? Elyssa muttered, an edge to her voice that almost made Poppy laugh. Then the edge was gone as Elyssa forced her voice back to neutrality. But Thierry doesn't seem to mind.

And when would you have noticed this? You haven't exactly been around much lately, Poppy pointed out gently.

Elyssa shrugged. I've been here enough to see that at least.

Willing to let that part go, it wasn't really important, Poppy continued with a philosophical air. Well, you know Thierry. Wouldn't hurt anyone willingly if his life depended on it.

Trying to sound casual, Elyssa shifted her chin more comfortably on her arm and asked, Do you think she's his soulmate?

She felt Poppy's body jerk and turned to stare in wonder as the vampire's shocked face collapsed into laughter. Annoyance tightened Elyssa's mouth as Poppy struggled to compose herself.

I'm s-sorry. It's just (laughter)--You don't (laughter)--No. I'm sure she's not, Poppy finally managed, wiping her eyes.

Huffing, Elyssa moved a little away from the smaller girl as the Night Worlder reached to set her own soda down on the carpet at the foot of the bed. What made you ask that? Poppy inquired, suddenly serious.

Finding herself distinctly uncomfortable with the intensity of Poppy's gaze, Elyssa just shrugged one shoulder. I don't know. Everyone else either has one or had one. I just assumed that Thierry did, too, somewhere along the line.

Poppy's expression was completely neutral as she nodded. I see. And did you ever hear anything to make you believe that? She watched with disguised interest as Elyssa shifted guiltily on the bed. Then, a strong feeling of premonition coursed through her witchy veins. Poppy whispered, suddenly very, very concerned.

Turning to look the small redheaded vampire in the eye, Elyssa asked very suddenly, Poppy, will you tell me about Lady Hannah?

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Reviewers:

Charlotte-Thanks for the review! Haha. You're not dumb, it was a very quick explanation in the middle of a chapter. Easy to miss with a lack of sleep. :) Can you tell that I don't really like Samantha all that much? I mean, I don't really have a reason not to, she's just so...annoying. And she's constantly clinging to Thierry. (shakes fist at redhead) Grrrr! Go away Samantha!!

Soraia-Hi! Thanks for the review! Yeah, Thierry is totally awesome. He's my second fave male soulmate in the series (Ash is my first love). I hope you liked this chapter as much as the others.

Blaze-Hi! Thanks for reviewing! I'm really glad you like the chapters so far. I'm having so much fun writing this story. By the way, I absolutely adore your email address.

Deborah-Thanks for the review! I hope you liked this chapter!

Terriah-I know! He was SO jealous! And of Quinn, too. I mean, how silly is that? But I guess if anyone was touching my soulmate when I couldn't, I'd be pretty antsy, too.

EarthDragonette-Thanks for reviewing! I'm really glad you like the story so far. I've always been interested in how Thierry and Hannah would find each other again, and then I suddenly had this idea that just wouldn't go away. And voila! I began writing. :op I had a little trouble trying to sort out Hannah since she's supposed to be both wise and as confused as the rest of humans. So your review was especially bolstering.

Rhiannon Berger-Hi! Thanks so much for reviewing! Hehe. Thierry always seems so cool and confident. Until he gets around Elyssa. Then he just falls to pieces. (sigh) Poor old vampire.

thelotuspath-Her phone DOES rock, doesn't it? Did you like the little extra I added on? I thought the phone wasn't getting enough attention. It so totally has star power. :op But yeah, I feel pretty bad for her. Especially with Samantha suddenly sniffing around her soulmate. (Granted, Elyssa doesn't know he's her soulmate...)