When I woke up, the pale moonlight was streaming through my curtains, which were fluttering ominously but calmingly. I could remember everything clearly in my head, which was unfortunate. Why did I have to? I wanted to get temporary amnesia so I could forget, so I could maybe get on with my life like nothing had ever happened. It's the same thing I wish for now.

I was someone back in my house, so I came to the conclusion that I must have fainted and that Lily had taken me home. I was grateful, but at the same time very embarrassed, like how I had been for the past six hours. I was still wearing my dress, and headdress, and everything else, which was suprisingly uncrumpled. Not wanting to go back to sleep, I stepped down from my bed and gently walked across the room. Right away, I realized that something was wrong. The room had an airy quality, as if with a stronger step, everything would tumble apart. Then where would I be? I tried to ignore the thought.

Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door, and debated with myself wether to open it or not. Curiosity got the better of me, and taking a deep breath, I slid down the banister of the stairs, which were unusually smooth, and pushed open the doorframe which creaked slightly. In the pouring rain, there was-

"Nick?" I quickly decomposed my spirits and tried again.

"To what do I owe this visit?" I wanted to ask him how he knew where I lived, but that was not my pressing concern.

"Do you have a moment, Anna? I'd like to discuss something with you." It occurred to me that he didn't sound like himself, but I still remained blissfully oblivious.

"Why yes, of course. Is it urgent?"

"Yes. If I delay any longer, there will be serious misunderstandings."

I tried to hide my smile. Could it be that…

"Well then, you are welcome to come in." I corrected my posture, stood slightly on my toes, and strutted into the living room, flicking on the small light and lighting a few candles.

"I apologize for the lack of lighting." I realized that now was a perfect time to put in a good word for myself.

"I had to spend my inheritance on more sensible matters," I said, choosing my words with care.

"I won't have to stay long." Nick turned away from me, and I attempted to catch his faraway gaze again, but he didn't look back.

"You see, this is something I must say to get worries out of the way."

"Will you please explain?"

"Jordan has been suspecting some things…"

My thoughts were true? He did love me?

"Suspecting what?" I forgot my manners and leaned closer to him.

"Why, of course, our relationship!"

"She did remark about a chemistry between us. I presume she views as as very close friends?"

He looked at me for the first time since he entered the room, sadly with an air of melancholic nostalgia.

"You'll never understand, Anna. There are many things you don't know."

"I agree. But will you cease being vague?" I knew I was being rude, but if he loved me, he wouldn't care at all.

"Promise me something."

"Yes?"

"I hope that this won't change anything, and that you'll take it calmly."

"Won't change anything? I'm expecting drastic change at any moment!"

"But please, take it calmly."

"You know me, Nick. I'm overdramatic. Does it matter that much?"

"I don't want you to worry or hope. Nothing will change."

"From what you've been saying, it's a very important issue!"

"Anna, it is a very important issue! But, really, it changes nothing!"

"Oh, Nick, tell me! I can't take a moment of waiting anymore!"

"Okay." He was silent, then started speaking slowly.

"You've been under the impression that I loved you, Anna."

"You knew all along, Nick?"

He ignored me.

"However- I don't know how to say this, Anna. I'm dating Jordan, and she has my feelings. I'd like to tell you that there was never anything between us."

"No! I'm dedicated to you, Nick. I'd do anything for you!"

"We're different. You know that you'd never be happy with me.

"You know you love me! You have to! Jordan doesn't care about you at all!"

"She does, Anna! She does! More than you will ever see! You don't understand Jordan!"

"Nick, stop denying it! Kiss me and we can be together forever!"

"Anna, don't make me tell you!"

"Tell me what? That you love me? Tell me! I want to hear that more than anything!"

"Alright! I love you, Anna! Now let's forget this ever happened!"

"You do love me! Tell me that you'll give up Jordan! That we'll start a new life together!"

"Stop lying to yourself! Let there be some respect that remains between us!"

"Respect? Does that matter to me? I threw a champagne flute at the party!"

"It's not all about you, Anna!"

"If you cared about yourself, you would have proposed to me by now!"

"You're being selfish! Why would I want to propose to a 'lady' like you?"

"Nick, don't do this!"

"Don't be upset, that's all I ask of you!"

"Prove to me that you don't love me!"

"What would that do for you?"

"You can't prove it!"

"Yes, I can. And I will."

"Then do it!"

"Jordan?"

Jordan Baker appeared out of nowhere again, this time nearly glowing.

"You called, Nick?"

"Tell Anna!"

"Nick and I are dating." Then, she turned to Nick again."

"Why does that matter?"

Almost forcibly, he took Jordan's hand.

"Oh, Anna, if only there was someone out there who loved you…"

Then, they disappeared. I heard tinkling, and looked up. The only chandelier in the entire house, with bejeweled decorations, slowly wobbled. Then, faster. And faster. And faster. And came crashing down.

"Help!" I screamed in the darkness as all the candles extinguished.

"Please, somebody, help!"

The last thing I saw flashing before me were Nick's eyes.