I had finally reached the apartment building of the Jacobs', my legs tired of walking. I stopped in front of it, my eyes staring upwards, and sighed. It was a long way up. 'I don't want to climb up those stairs.'

"Oh, it'll be okay, Crutchy! I know you can do it," Shoe supported.

I couldn't help but grin. Shoe was the only one out of the three that was the nicest. Not to mention the most supportive.

"Shoe, this isn't the Little Engine That Could," MG said. "Listen, Crutchy, I know you're tired and it is a long way up, but come on. That really is a lot of stairs."

Aki broke in, "Crutchy, I believe you can do it, but don't you think you may be a bit tired right now?"

I scowled. 'I can do this. I'll show you. And I'll be damned otherwise.' I took a deep breath and started up into the building.

"Honestly, you two, you have no faith in him. But I do. Go, Crutchy!" Shoe cheered.

My face was screwed into concentration. I was going to show those two doubting Thomases. I can do this. I was no different than anyone else, I just had a little extra support.

"Alright. But if he falls on his way up, I'm going to say I told you so," Aki replied.

'Oh, shut up. I'm going to do this. You'll see.' I heaved up the stairs, taking my time. No one said I had to run up them.

Finally, after a good five or ten minutes, I made it to the correct door. I was out of breath and tired, but I did it. 'See? I told you so,' I thought triumphantly.

"I knew you could. Good for you," MG commented calmly.

"MG, you said he wasn't going to!" Shoe shot back.

"Reverse psychology, dear Shoe. Aki was onto it," MG explained.

"Yep."

I rolled my eyes. "Good grief," I muttered as I brought my hand up to knock on the worn wooden door. However, before I could hit the door, it swung open. I was face to face with Mayor Jacobs.

"Hello there, son," he greeted, somewhat surprised. "Can I help you?" He opened the door wider for me to enter.

I grinned at him, hobbling inside. "I was just wondering if David was here, sir." My eyes roamed the tiny apartment, praying he was there and I didn't go up those stairs for nothing.

"Yes. He's out on the fire escape with Jack," he answered kindly. "Have a good night." He smiled and shut the door behind him as he left.

I slowly but surely made my way to the window, sticking my head out. "David? Jack?" I called meekly, hoping I wasn't interrupting anything.

The pair was leaning against the railing, staring into the alley below. Their whispers ceased, and they both faced me, upon hearing my voice. They nodded their hellos.

I swallowed, all of a sudden nervous. "Hello. I need to speak with Jack. Alone, if you don't mind." I blinked, wondering if David was suspicious of anything. Although, I could tell by the look on his face that he was.

Jack stared at me intently, his face very serious. Something was wrong. "He knows," he replied. He crossed his arms and jerked his head towards David. "He's got one too."

I could feel my jaw drop. David? It was happening to him too? 'Who's bugging him? Which one of you psychos?'

"May I remind you that you three are the ones hearing voices? Not us," MG pointed out.

"We don't know. Honest," Shoe responded, ignoring MG. "Ask who it is."

I sighed. "Who's there?" I glanced at David questioningly.

"She calls herself Holiday. I don't know much else. Oh, and she claims to be in love with Bumlets." David shrugged. 'Only claims.'

"What are you talking about?" Holiday demanded.

'Nothing! I swear,' David thought back.

"Uh-huh. I'm so sure." She sighed. "I miss everything."

Meanwhile, as David conversed silently with Holiday, I was having a thought discussion with my own voices. 'Holiday. Ring a bell?'

"Holiday! My love! Aw… I miss her," Aki squealed, causing me to wince.

'Could you keep it down next time? Geez.'

"Sorry."

I was still hanging out the window, staring at the two. "They all know each other. This isn't right."

Jack and David nodded in agreement. "This has to be stopped. And fast," noted Jack. 'Who knows how many more of us are infected.'

"Infected? With what? Are you going to die? You can't die. I haven't even talked to Holiday yet. Ooh… let's take a holiday, Jack. You really need one. You know where a good place would be? Hawaii. I hear it's real nice there. Forget Santa Fe! Speaking of, do you know the way to San Jose?" Stress rambled.

Jack groaned. "I mean fast."