Chapter Eight:

I expected to feel the impact of the chandelier crashing down and bursting into flames. Instead, everything turned darker and darker as the shadows I saw disappeared as well, and Nick slowly faded from my vision. His eyes turned fainter and fainter until I couldn't see them at all, and darkness was the only thing that filled me. I desperately tried to cling to him, but he was slipping away further and further. Then, a flash of light appeared in my eyes, and quickly weakened, still staying. It momentarily blinded me and I felt a sharp stinging pain in my eyes, making me cry out loud. The light was so close that it felt like it could capture me, and shapes and swirls surrounded it.

"Help! Get me out of here!" I shrieked, scared. Strangely, the floor wasn't hard or cold. It was soft and warm, and felt like cotton against my skin. I had braced myself for the impact of my body hitting the ground, but it never came. Wanting to escape, I waved my arm wildly in the air, and felt nothing. I sat straight up with a sudden strength, forced open my eyes, and gulped. Then, I slowly relaxed as I realized that I was in my room, and that there was merely sunlight streaming though my curtains. Everything felt normal. But I knew that it wasn't, and probably would never be again.

"Miss, do you require any assistance?" One of my servants ran into the room.

"Yes- no- I think I'll be fine. Thank you though." My mine was a total mess.

"Are you sure?" He remained hesitant and lingered at the door.

"Actually, has there been anyone called Nick Carraway visiting?"

"Not that I know of, Miss." I breathed a sigh of relief.

"And is the chandelier still in working order?" I asked the questions nervously, even though I knew the answer.

"I've checked this morning, and as of now, it is."

"Perfect. I will be gone for the day, so have dinner prepared by the time I return. I would prefer something simple." I didn't know what I was going to do, but I knew that I had to get out of the house to relax.

"Are you expecting any visitors?" He prepared to leave. I thought for a second. Was I? I usually liked visitors. I would also benefit from a chance to build my social circle, which consisted mainly of Lily and some other friends.

"Yes, I am. Please set the table for at least one other person." I could invite anyone over. And if all else failed, I could just invite Lily. Even though it would be a very uncomfortable situation.

I wanted to take a walk. Maybe catch up with Daisy? Jordan? Or maybe even Nick? I was going to explore my new connections a bit more.

Soon, I was ready to go outside. I was wearing a loose skirt and a wide rimmed hat with a silk ribbon, and for an unknown reason, white high heels. I didn't want to take the car, but I still drove it to the edge of Gatsby's house, since I was a little scared of it, something I didn't want to admit. I knew that I was going to try and find Nick, and that I couldn't stop myself.

I made my way through the tall trees and started walking on the stone road. I probably didn't have to worry about any other cars, since the spot was secluded. All I hoped was that Nick was home. The trees stretched into the thick air with lush green leaves forming a canopy that sunlight could hardly stream through. The environment was still enjoyable, though. Along the sides of the road, grass and soil filled the area freely with the liberty that many plants craved to enjoy. It felt like an ideal living space, away from al, The hectic business of everything. However, I knew how irritating it must be to have to endure Gatsby's parties right next door.

Speaking of which… I was lost? No, it couldn't be. I could see my car. But where was Nick's house? Should I visit there? I wasn't physically lost, but I was mentally lost.

I had to do it though. If I loved Nick. If I truly loved him, nothing would get it my way. I could do anything for him. After all, wasn't that what I kept telling myself! I took off my high heels, and left them beside a tree. Not considering how foolish that was, I ran along the road with my eyes closed and the wind rushing in my hair, propelling me forward with a strong but gentle motion. I wish I could say that it was exactly like how a movie would play out. However, I soon tripped on a tiny stone, and fell over. It was fine though. Anything for Nick! Wasn't that how I was supposed to think?

I doubted it for a while. It was becoming an obsession. No doubt Lily would tell me to snap out of it. I knew how to snap out of it. But I refused to. Why would I want to? He was giving me a motive for everything, a reason to push myself harder. I couldn't snap out of it, at least not for a while.

Yet now, I wish I could. Now, I can't forget even if try. And that's bound to do something to me. I wish I could know what.

Please, Nick's house. Please appear before I run out of breath, I thought to myself. But in reality, no wishes come true. Finally, I was so tired that I ran back to my car, picking up my high heels along the way, and just drove. I must have been running at a very slow pace, since after merely 7 seconds of driving, I saw the form of a small house appear. Not caring whoes it was, I parked my car messily and dove out of the vehicle to bang on the door. Just my luck, there was no one home. I knew that it must belong to Nick, since I could see the roof of Gatsby's mansion across the trees. But where could he possibly be? An idea crossed my mind:

Gatsby? Could it be? I knew that Nick was dating Jordan. But from the look that was in his eyes, I knew that he loved Gatsby. He doesn't actually love Jordan!? Was he lying to himself? I could never know. But if he loved Gatsby as much as I loved him, I didn't know what could happen. Maybe he was with Gatsby? I had probably faded from his head already.

Discouraged and disheartened, I collapsed beside his porch, and without a sound, silently waited.

I watched the sun go around the sky. At noon, it was a ball of fire and I had to shield myself from the heat. In the afternoon, it got chilly, and I used my hat to shield myself from the cold. Behind a tree the sun set down in the most mediocre sunset ever, without color, without passion. The gleaming moonlight came out and projected its magic onto the porch. I felt like a statue observing the rise and fall of humanity.

"Anna?" A voice shocked me out of my stupor.

"Yes? Who is this?"

"Nick Carraway, from the party. Do you remember me?"

"Of course. Please forgive me for intruding."

"Apology accepted. But what are you doing here?" I couldn't see him, but I swooned at the memory of his smile.

"I wanted to visit you this morning, but you weren't home."

"And you waited all this time?" I blushed.

"Well- you see- um- yes. I wanted to ask- to ask- to ask if I could invite you over for dinner tomorrow?" I wished I could redo that moment. He paused, and I started sweating. What would he say?

"I'd be delighted to."