Forever's Love

By BAN

From day in and day out, I have found myself alone at home. It was December 23, 2011 Zack is usually out doing who-knows-what, Eric is has a job as a Police Officer, Leo is a scientist at some organization, Tiny is always working out at the Gold Gym, and Asuka is still taking English lessons. Home alone with Emma, but she mostly has school and homework. Angelo has been sweet enough to stay with me through the tough times. I guess I'm just heartsick and longing to have company. It's a life just being part of this team.

"Angelo, how come you're usually the quiet one?" I teased him while itching the back of his ears, "You've been with me for 8 years, and never complained about anything. He let out a bark in agreement that made me laugh. How I enjoy him being with me. Suddenly I heard a knock on my door. "Come in," I called back, letting Angelo jump off my bed. It was Zack, home as usual. I smiled to greet him, hoping he would have something good to say, but it was just, "Oh…It's you…" What? That's it? Who else was he expecting in my room! "Well you could say hello," I sneered at him, getting out of bed, still in my light blue, covered in puppy pajamas. "…Hi…" he muttered in disgust and shut my door. I looked down at Angelo afterwards, "See what I mean, he is a jerk sometimes." Angelo barked.

I came downstairs as soon as I changed into my white tank top and denim shorts. Zack was outside, practicing with his gunblade as usual. Except I couldn't believe that he would actually practice in the cold! It's 23 degrees Fahrenheit and I was freezing! Maybe shorts and tank top wasn't a good decision. I came outside to call him back inside to have some tea or something to drink. Zack just glared at me and in a swift move, sent his gunblade flying at me! I ducked, hands over my head and everything. However, nothing came. "Maybe you should learn how to block…" he murmured. "Well maybe if you wouldn't attack me!" I barked back. He just tossed one of his hands over his shoulder and walked inside, sheathing his gunblade. I let a sigh of relief come out and ran inside after him, only to TRIP! I screamed as I fell forward, both hands out, hoping not to be in the old man winter's snow. Zack caught me quickly and pulled me back up. "Nicole, stop being such a ballet dancer, you'll never make It." he joked. Oh thank you for your advice, Zack; it'll really come in handy…

Three hours later, everyone was home, but doing his or her own work. I was watching the Game Show Network just for kicks; however, it was only the old shows of Who Wants to be a Billionaire. I let out a sigh of despair. Life was much more boring without anyone to talk to at all. "Hey Sis!" Tiny called out, "Can you get me a cold can of Bud Light?" I breathed, "Sure…" Gets some beer "Tiny, why me?" I asked him as I returned back to the living room, only to find Tiny in my sofa! "Hmm?" Tiny hummed as he turned around. I decided not to repeat myself, it would just be worthless. I handed him his beer, which he thanked me for and continued to watch the TV, except now he changed the channel to a judo tournament on ESPN. I sighed and when back into my room, where Angelo welcomed me with a slobbery kiss. I was happy to see him too. I was itching Angelo's back when Emma came in. "Hey," she said with a grin, "What cha up to?" I let out a sigh, "Nothing much." "I asked Dad if I could get a dog, but he keeps saying no." Emma complained. I shrugged, "You could always play with Angelo, he isn't mean at all and loves people." And with that, Emma helped me scratch Angelo wherever he was truly itching. "You have a crush on two guys right?" Emma suddenly said aloud. Wha-what? "I-I d-do not." I finally said defiantly, but stuttered a lot. It so hard to hide my feelings! "You do," she teased me, pointing with a laugh. I slouched down in my bed, "Alright you win, I do." She giggled, "You're 23, and you can't admit who you're in love with?" I nodded. Suddenly Zack entered my room. "…What are you doing in Nicole's room?" he asked Emma. She pointed at me, letting him know that I did allow her in. "Ok, and Nicole, school starts at 6:45 tomorrow, so prepare yourself…" and then he left, shutting my door. "He's cute," I giggled. "Yup yup," Emma agreed.

I woke up the next day at 5:50 am, and totally chipper. I walked out of my room, after changing, humming my profound song that was sticking in my head. "Eyes On Me" It was a popular song, and still is today. Zack was already awake, and Eric was making breakfast. Leo was doing his usual stretches. CRACK Huh? "Oh…my back…" Leo groaned on the floor. "Are you alright Leo," I asked him. "Oh yeah, never been better." he smiled still laying there. But to make sure, I used Cura on Leo, which made him hyper (but when is he never hyper?) "Yo Nicole," Eric called from the kitchen, "You hungry or what?" I shouted back, "Nah, I'm just going to the Garden early today." It was 6 now, and I had just got to my car, a snow white Nissan Skyline, a gift from Leo, but I can barely remember when. I got in, and sat there for another two minutes, thinking about how confusing life had gotten. Twenty-three and still growing and as Tiny would say "The Fking life is one hell of a ride." He has a point. knock knock I looked at the window to see Zack. I opened the door to poke my head out, "What?" "Well, are you just going to sit there or drive to the Garden like you said…?" he grumbled. "You having a bad day?" I asked him with concern, "You usually sound so…cold." He narrowed his eyes, "So..?" "Oh never mind," I sighed and started up my car. He did his throw-over-the-shoulder gesture and went off. I plugged in a CD that I found on the dashboard. It was in Japanese, so it must belong to Asuka. I love Japanese songs, even though I can barely understand any of the words.

After driving around and listening to "Final Distance" on Asuka's CD, I arrived at a beach. I forget which one, but it was nice without any disturbances. I got out, locked the doors, and just sat down on the beach. I began pondering questions all over such as: Will I ever get along with Dad? How would life welcome me after the world is saved? Who am I in love with more? What is love? I shook my head from these foolish thoughts and watched the sun gleam over the water. "Enjoying yourself…?" A familiar deep, cold voice asked. I turned around to see black shoes, black jeans, and a black jacket. "Zack?" I asked dumbfounded. He nodded and sat down next to me. "What are you doing here? Following me?" I wanted answers since Zack had always been dodging my questions. "Yes…" he muttered, "Just to make sure you were alright…but I see that you already are…" I nodded and hugged onto my knees, still wondering what else to ask at a time like this. Zack looked at his watched and announced that it was 6:20. The Garden would open its doors at 6:30 and classes don't start until 7:45. There was plenty of time.

I began, "How's the arm?"

"Fine…" Zack answered, still staring at the water.

small pause

"Lay back…" Zack said.

"Wha?"

"Just do it…and you'll see why…"

"Ok."

I laid back, looking up at the sheltering, blue sky.

"That one there looks like a moose." I pointed.

"…looks can be deceiving…"

And like that, Zack did something to rearrange the clouds to create the Garden! "Wow…" I whispered in astonishment. "Come on, the Garden is about to open its doors…" Zack pulled me up, "The last thing we need is a slow person…" I laughed and let him take me along back to my car. "You know Zack," I said as I opened the door, "I'm glad to have someone like you, you listen a lot." …. I entered my car and asked Zack to get in along with me, except he had disappeared. sigh He always has that habit.

I drove back without much of a hustle and got back within the house. However, it was Dinnertime, so I had to make the "special" today. I guess I was the only one with the specialty of making something good. Leo greeted me, along with Eric. "Hey Nicole," Eric said with a grin, "Where did you go, it's like 6!" I looked down at my feet, wondering how to reply. "And you look very nice today," Leo complimented. "Well, thank you Leo," I smiled. "CHU-CHING! Brownie points for me!" he exclaimed and ran off into the kitchen. What was that all about? He left me standing there with Eric, confused. "He's hyper, as always," Eric said without a moment of thought, "Something we are all not gonna get familiar with anytime soon." I nodded in agreement. Some things are so boring without Leo. smirks

During dinner, I kept having split images inside my head. They were flashbacks of when I was back in the Garden, the time I was just 17...

"You done yet…" Zack said with impatience. "NOT YET!" I shouted back from my room. He looked at his watch and shook his head. I shoved in my last shirt into the luggage and carried it out of my room. "Hopefully you didn't forget this…" Zack had shown me the leash for Angelo! "Oh right," I smiled and took it away from him with a big smile, "Thanks." "Whatever," he shrugged and went out to the car. I dragged the luggage and put it into his Eclipse's trunk. It weighed like 3 tons! Finally, I was able to get into the passenger door and relax. "Phew, so it's off to the City." I said as I slouched back against the chair. "…" Zack kept to himself as he peeled out of the driveway! sinks "Zack, you could at least slow down!" However, he didn't answer. I guess this is what you get when you're in a sports car with him. Finally he hit the brakes like a brick hitting a metal wall. "Gosh," I mumbled with all of my hair in my face. "Aren't you suppose to be going…?" he muttered under his breath, glaring out of the windshield. "I thought you were coming," I turned and looked into his icy eyes. "No…I have some business to take care of…"

"Hey Nicole!" Leo waved his hand in my face. "Huh? Wha!" I snapped a little. "You're daydreaming again," he laughed, "But would you mind passing over the breadsticks?" Hands Leo some breadsticks I guess life will always catch up in your dreams sometimes.

Later that day, I just began to wonder how much I've done over the years, except that now, I remember Tiny's quote, "We all have our regrets, you're just going to have to deal with them." I sighed as I was leaning against my window, looking outside with all the streetlights on and some people were taking a night stroll. Suddenly, I saw someone staring back at me. She was looked tired and worried. However, it was only my reflection, and it revealed how I really felt inside. I blinked and laid back down on my bed, pondering questions that no one would ever be able to answer. I just stayed there until my dreams came to me.

I realized that I was biking along side Eric (during the past, who was driving along slowly.) "Enjoying yourself?" he asked. I nodded while pedaling. The Garden wasn't far, so why does everyone usually take their automobiles to it anyways? Quickly, I sped through an intersection, with Eric still behind me. "You know," he shouted over the engine of his car, "You shouldn't really go through the intersection without looking both ways." I stuck my tongue at him and biked into the Garden's Parking Lot. Eric slowly parked along side my bicycle. "You know," I thought aloud, "Maybe there should be a Bike Day in the Garden." Eric groaned, "Maybe not?" I laughed and went into the library, after saying bye to Eric. He can be funny even though he doesn't think it is. I sat down onto one of the comfy sofas and took out Health Soup for the Human Soul. It was an okay book, except that it was too…broad for me. I just looked at the cover full of flowers and colorful rainbows. sigh Maybe this wasn't it… I put the book down and looked up at the ceiling window. It was a bright morning. Of course, since I was 17 now, I could finally try for the driver's test in the Garden. But I'd have to wait for another 6 hours after school.

Finally, during Professor Moe's chemistry class, the bell rung loudly, letting all of us know that school was finally over. I leaped off my chair and ran out of the door, with everyone else following along (well, only to the exit.) As soon as I reached outside, I got onto my bike and pedaled all the way to Leo's Garage. The was the only place I knew that would give me a free lesson within 3 hours, and still get a driver's license. However, Instructor Leo wasn't here yet. He's the teacher for fighting class in the Garden, and one of the most beloved teachers too. I knocked on the front door, wondering who would allow me to take the test. Leo slowly poked his head out, "Nicole?" I nodded. "Wow, you're really early, I haven't even opened up yet!"

"Well, I was wondering…"

"Yes, about your license right?"

"Of course!"

"Well this way Nikki." (is he the only person who gave me that nickname?)

As we got in, I noticed that this garage was super BIG! Leo turned to me, "I know that you don't have a license left, but I have saved one special car for you." He unveiled a car that was underneath a cover. Soon, he pulled off the covers, showing off a really cool, white sports car. "What is it?" I asked in wonder. "Nissan Skyline G-TR R34," Leo said proudly, "My personally tuned car since…" He stopped to check if anyone else was looking, "Since I was SeeD class 7." Well if my math is right, that's 8 years back to 1999. "So, shall we take it for a spin?" I suggested with a smile.

I don't know where this flashback comes in handy right now, except for explaining how I got my best car, especially from a good friend. So here I am, stuck in my room, sitting on the bed because it's…8:42 am. yawns "Hey Nicole…" Eric knocked on my door while I was still yawning, "We got to get to the Garden soon, HURRY UP!" "Alright, alright, I'm coming," I said drowsily. I staggered off my bed, only to trip and fall face-flat on the floor. Ow… Angelo came over to give me some comfort, and that got me to a jump-start! runs down to the kitchen "Yum, I smell pancakes," I drooled "Yeah well, it's nothing new…" the person in the kitchen said. "You know Zack, you're a great cook and don't even know it." I stuck my tongue behind his back. "Stop…" he said emotionlessly. I retracted my tongue in a bit of astonishment. How would he know? He couldn't of. Eric soon came down with his backpack on. "What's that for?" I asked him curiously. "I thought you remembered," he smiled, "Leo's class is going off to the Alps." The Alpines? But that's at least in France! "H-how?" "Simple, we're using the Ragnarok." I looked at him in disbelief, "But that ship is old, who knows if it would work?" Leo came down all chipper and everything. "Y'all ready to get going to the Alps?" I thought about that question since well… I'm not much of a camper. "Sure, why not?" I smiled and went to pack my stuff. Wow, camping? From the Garden? Who is paying for all of this?

As soon as I arrived to the Garden, everyone in Leo's class was waiting in at the front gate. Almost everyone I knew from Melissa Gardener to Eric, were there! It was like the whole entire classes from the seniors to freshmen were there. Gosh, this is was going to be huge! Leo drove in behind me with his Civic, and we all saluted him when he got out. "At ease ladies and gentlemen," he said as he took of the sunglasses, "I hope you all have read my e-mail about the rules about this camping trip." He eyed everyone, "This isn't just any trip, this is a field test to see how well you can survive without assistance and alone (omg, alone?) as you all know!" One of the SeeDs raised her hand to ask about what would be provided, with Leo's reply as the chilling, "Nothing…" That's great, just the stuff we brought would be it. I feel sorry for those who didn't bring much, or anything at all. Hopefully I get to be near them for help.

We flew to the Alps in record time! 2 hours and 32 minutes. Of course, the flight was a little rugged since we were going against the airflow. Almost everyone was having nausea except Eric, Leo and Samuel Wilson. How they can handle it, I have no clue. We landed in a remote area in the mountains where there was nothing but wilderness. Leo gave us all whistles in case of emergencies and let us does our work. Of course, we got maps of everyone's location, just in case. I was set next to a tree that was 2 miles away from Eric and the rest of them. I had brought myself a tent, food, camping supplies, and two pairs of clothes. As soon as I made it there, which was 30 minutes, I just sat down due to exhaustion. Nausea and exhaustion made me really tired, very quickly. However, it was turning dark… That wasn't a good time for me to be tired, but instead my body wouldn't get up with my will. I didn't want to freeze out here. whimpers

"Hang in there…" someone said. I slowly peeled my eyes open, only to see that the sky was black. Well, there were some stars, but not very much. I felt a jacket hugging onto me, which was quite weird. My jacket wasn't leather! I got up quickly, just as a spark of fire appeared, causing a warm, welcoming fire. My tent was already up? "Zack?" I looked at the shadowy figure. He turned and stared at me with the scary brown eyes. I betcha you didn't know that he can change his eye color, which is really scary. "What are you doing here!" I asked in shocked, still scared of him since he was looking at me in such a dark way. "As a guardian and friend, I snuck aboard the Ragnarok…" he stopped right there as a sound of breaking twigs suddenly occurred. Obviously, he brought along his signature gunblade. However, I didn't bring anything for self-defense. Good thing that the noise was only a fluke. "But really, what are you doing here?" I aggressively asked again. He just shrugged, "My job…" "Job?" I repeated. "…never mind." Well okay Zack, if you want to keep me in the dark, then let my stay here. "Your tent is ready by the way…"

"Thanks…"

"Anything else you need…?"

"No thank you, Zack." I smiled.

"Whatever…" He just sat down next to the fire as I drifted off to sleep inside my tent.

You all are probably bored about knowing about my past, but who else could I tell it to? Zack is always not in the mood to listen, Eric is busy with work, Leo has been at the Garden a bit more for a while, and Tiny is overseas with Asuka. I guess Angelo would listen, but he wouldn't be able to do much except bark in agreement. "What's up Angelo," I asked him as I sat up on my bed. He barked in contentment, glad to see that I was awake. I was happy too, just that today, the sun was glowing brightly, and that the smell of cinnamon. Quickly I changed into some new clothes. Jeans, light blue shirt with a white sweater. Something common for the winter days. I skipped down the stairs and went into the kitchen, where the cinnamon smell was strong. "Eric?" I said astonished. "Yeah, what?" he grinned and continued cooking. "I didn't expect you to be cooking, since we have like 10 minutes until the Garden begins." I explained. "Oh hell, don't worry, we've got plenty of time." Eric boasted. I sighed about that, since I knew that we barely could make it if we're eating breakfast (and because I'm not a morning person.) I quickly got to my seat and downed the breakfast. Eric also finished his breakfast, but after me. I love food by the way, and people find it amazing that I am able to still run super fast, but I guess it's something with my metabolism. Nonetheless, I was still worried about being late, since class would start in 30 minutes, but who would know how long we would take to get to the Garden.

As soon as we arrived to the Garden, Headmaster was already making his morning announcements. However, by the time I was in Leo's class with Eric, Headmaster made a startling broadcast, "Julia Foster has been found murdered at a nearby pool. The authorities have suspects and are already looking into this matter. Julia will be missed as being a great SeeD, please send her your respects." Julia? Oh my gosh, she was one of my good friends. How could such a thing happen? I looked at Eric to see how he reacted, which was confusion and a bit of anger. I could understand that, Julia was a good friend of everyone, who would actually kill her? I was left shocked and angered by that news.

"Nicole," Julia said, "You think you could finish up the homework for Calculus?" "Sure," I responded, "But you're going away right?"

"Yeah, just because I want to."

"Want to?"

"Yeah, someone I'm meeting, he's cool!"

"Huh?"

"Well, don't worry, I usually keep my secrets well hidden, you know?"

"Uh…yes?"

"Well, between you and me, the vent is a great place to hide stuff."

After that little weird chat, Julia left with her friends, talking about a "dirty secret", which had me confused. She's nice and all, but there are many dark things I noticed about her. I just did not believe it back then.

That was 2 months ago, and now, it seems like it has all crashed into the end. Julia was a really good friend of mine, and I couldn't think of anyone who would actually harm her. Eric was part of the police force now, as a part-time job. "Eric!" I called out to him as the last bell rang. "Nicole?" he turned, "You're not suppose to be here." He glanced at his co-workers who were eyeing us.

"It's about Julia, I want to know what happened!"

"Hell no, I can't let you know anything, it's not for you!"

"Please Eric, you still owe me for that ice cream that you dripped down my back!"

Eric sighed, "Oh fine…"

He dug through the files at the sheriff's office and pulled out Julia's file. I quickly skimmed through it, and this is what I can remember:

Julia Foster: Age 22

Caucasian Female

Cause of Death: Multiple blows to the head

Location: Alamosa's Pool

First call by: Brad Alamosa (Brad?)

We suspect that this is foul play done by a male that is at least 6 feet tall.

Brad murdered Julia? But why? Julia was Brad's girlfriend. looks back at Eric "Brad did it?" Eric raised his eyebrow, "He did what? Murder her?" I shook my head, trying to regain my thoughts. He was having a party tomorrow, as a celebration for his sister's promotion in the Garden. "I'm going to his party…" I proposed. Eric didn't hear me since the sheriff was coming, so he dragged me out and put the files back. "Nicole, go home, and I'll see you later."

The next evening, I was dressing myself up for Brad's party. Brad had been a fantastic friend, but I wouldn't understand how he would be able to kill Julia. Or did he? Just in the classes, I overheard some of Julia's friends talking about her having an affair. Affair? With who? Brad? No way, he's under his parent's supervision a lot. It wasn't possible. I just had to overcome this confusion, and get to the bottom of this.

Brad Alamosa invited me in, as soon as I got out of my Lancer, along with other guests, mostly students from the Garden, but there were teachers as well. Mrs. Simon, Mr. Edmond, Mr. Louisa, Ms. Grant, and Mr. O'Donnell were all there, talking with their students and others. I saw no one that I was truly close with except Brad. Before the party, Brad explained that ever room was open except his room, his parents', the guest chamber, and the computer room. Parents' orders I presume. Quietly, and without making any eye contact, I excused myself to go into the bathroom, where I snuck into the computer room. Nothing was there except computer and CDs. I stealth fully went into the guest room, while people were downstairs, chatting and eating till their hearts were content. That gave me time to search around in the guest room, which I expect to be Julia's at times. I had to remember that Julia liked hiding things from people (even my key chain back then) and I just can't remember where. Just then, the air ventilation shaft that was large and tall. But being who I am, I was too short to reach. sigh I got a chair from a desk and stood on it, peering into the darkness. There was something there, I just couldn't make it out. I began to tug on the vent, hoping the shield would come off easily, which wasn't what I was expecting to be glued in to tightly. "NICOLE!"

I just remembered what I had done yesterday, way too much investigating. I had visited Julia's house and spoke with her parents about her. They revealed that she would usually go out often, but not to Brad's mansion, but somewhere else, and be gone for quite a while. She had such an adoring attraction from some teachers, which many of us find disturbing. Does that explain for the rumors of affairs? Then I went to Brad's house when he wasn't home and checked out the pool. It was stain-free, but Brad never touched it, nor did the police. That was uncommon even though I did find some stains on the tiles around the water. Something told me it wasn't right, so I'd have to check out somewhere else, another time.

"Brad, stop!" I whined as he shook me. "You trying to prove that I'm guilty or something of killing Julia, I told the police and my family that I did not do it!" he said angrily, "And now you come snooping around where I told you not to, what do you think you're doing?" I pushed him away and regained my breath. "Brad, I believe that you're not the one who killed her, but she did come into this room often right?" Brad was bewildered, but did nod his head in agreement. "And she loves to hide things, especially stuff that she finds important, so I think that she might have put it in your vent." I explained. Brad thought about it and looked back at the vent, "Sure, go ahead then." I got back on the chair and pulled the vent out. Then I reached in, feeling something hard. I grabbed it and pulled it back out…videotapes? I looked at Brad in astonishment, my idea was correct. "Do you have a VCR or something that could play this in your room?" "Sure, there's one."

We went into Brad's room as he plugged in one of the three tapes. "This one was back to the day she died!" he exclaimed. I just nodded and waited for the screen of the television to change. Nevertheless, this shown Julia waiting for someone, I could not tell. But just within a few minutes, Julia looked at us (the cameras I presume) and was surprised about the cameras. Just as she got out of the camera's view, it turned off. "Well, that was weird…" Brad murmured as he switched tapes to two weeks ago. However, this tape was totally different. It proved the affair rumors to be true, she was having a horrible affair, but at the same place where the last tape I saw, was. But just then, she flipped over, showing the other person. Mr. Edmond! "Oh my gosh," I gasped. Brad sat down in disbelief and paused the frame. Mr. Edmond? How? I just couldn't understand…unless…he was secretly taping their affair. "It can't be…" Brad whispered. I shook my head, "It proves it, Julia must have found these tapes in Mr. Edmond's house and noticed the cameras. However, she hid these tapes in your guest room and went outside to the pool." I said, "And that's when Mr. Edmond must have confronted her to give back the tapes…" "And so he killed her since she didn't…" Brad finished quietly. I turned to Brad, "I want you to keep an eye on Mr. Edmond, I'll get home and give these to Eric, then we could bring justice for Julia." Brad nodded and I began to get out.

"Eric?" I called him from my cell phone. "Nicole?" Eric sounded drowsy since it was probably 11:00 p.m.

"I have proof that Mr. Edmond was the one who killed Julia."

"What?"

"You heard me, Mr. Edmond is the one, he's really crazy!"

"Well, I'm picking you up then, there's no point in you staying there."

"No, it's okay, I can drive back."

"Fine, but drive directly here, please, just be careful."
"I will." And I hung up the phone. My Lancer was still there, so I got in and buckled myself in, just to drive on the way back home.

It was a 45-minute drive from my house to Brad's, so this was uneasy for me. The streets were abandoned basically, and there wasn't another soul in miles. I was 10 minutes in driving until I felt very nervous. It just didn't seem right. I looked at my rearview mirror, just as I passed a streetlight. Mr. Edmond's face appeared! I shrieked as Mr. Edmond leaned forward and whispered to my ear. "Nicole, be a good girl and give me back my tapes." I shivered vigorously, trying to maintain control of the car. "NICOLE, WHERE ARE THE DAMN TAPES!" I tugged on my seat belt and began to pray. I can't believe I was going to do this. Abruptly, I twisted the steering wheel and drove head-on to a giant tree. Sudden crushing noises and glass braking was silenced by my darkness…

"Zack, do you promise?" I asked him, glancing at his eyes. "…yes…"

"Always?"

"…yes…"

"Thank you."

"It's my sworn duty to protect you…as of now, I am your knight…no matter what…"

"…" I just smiled and stayed next to him as the sun sets.

I woke up to my car's alarm. My head was throbbing in pain, but the seatbelt was my savior, unlike Mr. Edmond who was against my windshield, being mangled with glass. I was crying since it was too shocking for my body to handle. But I was able to pull through my sanity and unbuckle myself. Then I reached for the tapes, which were in the passenger compartment. Slowly, I reached for the tapes that felt so far away, underneath Mr. Edmond. As soon as I grabbed tapes, Mr. Edmond coughed, and I panicked. Quickly, I got out of my car and ran to the nearby house that was across the street. The lights were on, I limped over and began knocking on the door violently. "Someone! Please open the door!" I cried, "I need help!" I began to knock even harder, but no one answered. I looked back at my car, just to see the passenger side door opened! Oh no! I ran towards the back door, but not without tossing the tapes into places I was sure Mr. Edmond would not find them. One in a trash barrel, the broken lawn-mower, and the other underneath the porch. Next, I went over to the back door, hoping that someone was there. However, after knocking on the glass door, I noticed something I did not want to see. Mr. Edmond's face with a fist. Black welcomed me once again.

"Eric!" I called as I ran down the hallway. "What?" he turned, annoyed. "You forgot that we had to go to Leo's class first, like always!"

"Yeah…but I got business, you know."
"I know? I know what?"

He rolled his eyes, "I'm going to the Training Center to up my skills, you know that!"

"Right, so can I come along?"
"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"Pretty please?"

"No…"

"Pretty please, with a cherry on top?"

"NO, gosh, when will you ever give up?"

"Well, you're a friend of mine, so I want to help."

"…?"

"You heard me, I want to help."

"Oh alright, but I'm going to have to save your ass again, like always."

"No you won't, I'll be the one that's saving today!" And we both laughed and headed to the Training Center together to take on any monster that wanted a piece.

I woke up, breathing strongly. I was in the dark? But I just woke up! "Nicole," I heard Mr. Edmond outside of my confinement, "I want you to tell me where my tapes are." "Why should I?" I asked defiantly. He just laughed and poured some liquid on my entrapment. Oh no… I sniffed, only to discover that it smelled like…OIL! Oh my god, no! "Well, you'll be burning with excitement then," Mr. Edmond teased, "So tell me where they are." I began to cry, not only because I didn't want to die, but because I wanted to see Eric and Zack again. "NICOLE!" he yelled, "If you tell me, I'll let you free." I chuckled nervously, "No thanks, I feel safer in here." He began to get frustrated, I could hear him knocking things over. "NICOLE, TELL ME WHERE THEY ARE YOU BITCH!" He must of finished pouring the oil. gulp He must also have a match as well. I cried again, even more. "Nicole," he whispered, "Where are my tapes?" I gave in just a bit. "On the roof of the house," I lied, "Can I get out now?" However, there wasn't a response because he was on the roof by now. I couldn't believe it, either I'd suffocate in here or burn. Neither sounds like any good. cries I just wanted to go home! slams her fists against the imprisonment

Suddenly, I heard rustling outside. What the…? Then there were punches and kicks being launched. "HELP!" I screamed, "I'm in here!" But I doubt that the person who came would help when they are busy fighting. Suddenly, after a few minutes, the fighting stopped and I heard a loud popping noise. Oh god, someone is shot! "Nicole," I listened to the cold voice, "I'm getting you out…" Zack! "Oh my god, Zack!" I exclaimed, "Get me out!" But before I knew it, a sudden smell of smoke and red glow around me meant one thing, I was on fire! "ZACK!" I screamed, "ZACK!" But Zack was held back, I could just sense it. Swiftly, the lid of my trap lifted and I coughed as the smoke entered. "Hurry up Nicole!" Zack ordered. I couldn't, smoke! Zack picked me up and brought me out of the fire quickly. However, he soon dropped me as I could see why. He was in flames! I looked around, terrified for the sake of Zack. I hastily grabbed a blanket from the clothesline and smother Zack with it. He coughed wildly and thanked me with a small whisper. "Zack, thank you so much, don't go." I whimpered as I hugged him with the blanket. "Shut up," he muttered, "Just get Mr. Edmond." He handed me his pistol, and he was right, Mr. Edmond disappeared again. However, I heard a loud noise in front of the house. I investigated, only to find Mr. Edmond on the ground moaning, and a trucker checking him out. "Leave him alone!" I ordered him, pointing the pistol, "Do you have a cell phone?" The trucker was surprised to see me, "Why yes." "Call the police, fire department, and ambulance."

Thirty minutes later, the ambulance, police, and fire trucks arrived at the scene and took care of everything. Mr. Edmond was on the stretcher, being read his rights. Zack must of put a bullet into his leg to keep him from running far. However, Zack was also on a stretcher, except that he had received second degree burns, smoke inhalation, and cuts and bruises. "Zack, how are you feeling?" I asked him. "What does it look like…?" he whispered. I giggled at his little joke. Soon, we made it to the hospital, where the doctor treated me for my small smoke inhalation and bruises. I asked him when Zack would be fully recovered, and he responded "In a couple of weeks." I nodded and glanced back at Zack, who was calmly asleep. "…" I silently watched him. The nurse abruptly entered and asked me if I should contact anyone. I looked at her and told her that I would like to see Emma and Leo to keep an eye on him. It's not that I did not want to be with him, but I was told to go home and recover myself. I left with a saddened heart, just knowing that I did not thank Zack for saving me…

I returned home about midnight and was too tired to change. No one was home, so I was alone. I lazily fell onto my bed and quickly fell asleep.

"…Nicole…"

I woke up with a door bell. I peered at my alarm clock. 3:27 AM it read. "Who would be up at a time like this?" I asked myself as I got up and headed to the door. Angelo was awake with me, so he came along as well. I slowly opened the door. I smiled and said, "I'm glad that you came, I was hoping you'd be here." Nicole