DISCLAIMER: I just checked, and nope, still don't own anything.

Sorry it took me so long you guys, I had this one written and just sort of forgot to post it on here, don't be too mad! And read and review! For my sake, please!

-Reminders of You- 8

She didn't know when it had happened, when her emotional pain had slowly turned into physical aching. She didn't know when her mind began to flood with agonizing thoughts and feelings, when her life became completely useless. She just didn't know, and she didn't know when it would stop.

Now she was fading out of existence, watching herself slip into a place of unimportance while others scrambled to grasp onto purpose, onto life. And she didn't care. She didn't care if she was forgotten, if she wasn't missed. She didn't care at all. She just wanted to escape, no matter what the consequences. She wanted to end the constant pain, all the reminders of what she once had, but so foolishly let slip away. She just wanted to close her eyes and forget the world.

The embrace of the world has gone.

Her thoughts spun as she watched the streets flood with people, people with determination, with goals, with dreams, with everything she once had. But now it was different, she stood still as everyone moved around her. Her mind, her heart, her body just floated in nonexistence. She was lost, and it seemed as if she may never be found.

I know I'm in it's clutches, but the pain has stopped going on.

Rory stood in a small doorway facing the street, her coat wrapped tightly around her petite frame, hoping that she could block out at least some of her forever present chill. She didn't want to go out, to fake a smile for the world, to fake one for herself. She wanted to stay curled in tired submission, to let life move on without her, because she was sure at this point that she wasn't needed. That she wasn't even wanted.

"Hey, you planning on letting other people out?" A masculine voice questioned from behind her.

"Oh, sorry," she mumbled, stepping aside to let him through, still staring blankly at the bustling sidewalks.

"Thanks," he stammered, fixing his gaze firmly on her delicate features.

Feeling his hot stare she turned her eyes to his, "So, are you planning on letting people out?" She gestured to a couple standing patiently on the stairs.

"Oh, sorry," he whispered to Rory, rather than the couple. She turned her head from his, remembering the problems caused from her previous relationship. "Hey, you wanna..."

"No," she stated firmly.

"Come on."

"No."

"Well why not?"

"I have my reasons."

"Just one dinner."

She sighed. Her memories warned her of all the could be, all that could happen, but she was lonely now. Desperately searching for at least some contact, no matter how much she told herself she didn't want it. "If I go on one, will you leave me alone?"

"If you want me to."

She nodded in defeat. "Just one."

"Great," he said smiling, obviously proud of his accomplishment, "How about I meet you right here at 7?"

She nodded again, her mind racing with the scenarios of the problems that could surface that night.

He flashed her a cocky smile as he turned on his heel to open the door, "Oh, by the way, I'm Todd."

"Rory," she stated glumly.

"Rory," he repeated, finally pushing through the threshold allowing streams of frosty air to pour through the openings, "see you tonight."

"Super." she whispered to herself sarcastically.

Maybe I'm just numb, since I've been here so long.

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Her heart fluttered as she clumsily glided a lipstick tube over her fleshy lips.

"Why am I doing this?" she asked aloud. It really seemed stupid now, the whole concept of actually trying seemed too much effort for her at the moment. She just wanted to slip into her oversized pajamas and curl up for a good sleep, damn Todd. Damn obligations.

Yet she continued with her preparations, pulling on a tightly fitted tank top that hugged her curves perfectly. She had to admit, it felt good. It felt good to have something to do again, something to stick to.

Why can't it let me go for good?

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It would be better for me, I know it would.

Her lips pressed solidly against his as they thrashed violently to shake off the remainder of their clothing. Running her fingers through his hair they quickly spun until their bodies collided with the bed, tangling with the sheets. She knew this wouldn't help anything, it was like filling a cup with no bottom, yet she longed for that momentary sensation where she was full again. Where her life had meaning. She knew in the morning that same pressing emptiness would once again take over her life. But if she could escape that for just one second, maybe she could breath. Maybe she could move towards the right path. Maybe she could live again.

If only I could escape, I wish I could.

EL FIN