I finally felt chapter 2 was about as good as it was going to get. I'm still trying to decide on the pace of the story. I decided to kind of pick things up a little. Again, I might go back and edit it a little if I find it necessary.

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Ch 2:

The morning's sun glistened over the rooftops and through the dull unclean windows of the woman's shelter. I awoke again to meet my fate. I had spent the last two weeks here, sleeping in their beds, eating their food, and using their showers. I continued to go to work as nothing had changed. I knew I had hit rock bottom when I started looking forward to working. At work I was able to pretend my life wasn't shit. I was able to act like nothing was wrong. I was just as good as any shopper coming in to by a new outfit for some birthday party or special event. I could smile and laugh and no one would know. I had pretty much been working eight hour shifts and had mentioned to my boss I wouldn't mind working longer if she needed me. My bi-weekly paychecks were usually enough to brighten my mood. Though I didn't have anywhere near enough money to afford a place by myself, not having a home sure did give me a good incentive to keep saving. I didn't know how much longer I could take the woman's shelter. It was now more than ever did I spend most night's there contemplating what would have happened of I just would have gone away with Paige. Could things have been worse? At least I wouldn't have been alone. For a little while anyway. Paige had asked me come with her. She had worried about me. She had cared about me. No one else had ever done that before and I let her go. I didn't just let Paige walk out of my life, I practically pushed her. Though, Paige and I were on different tracks. She was bound for bigger and better things and I still needed to figure my life out. Yep, great job I've been doing. I not only had no clue what I was doing, I was also homeless now too. I thought about what would have happened had I gone with Paige. How long would it have been before her busy college life would make her forget about me? Would she have really forgotten about me? Late at night I would lie awake thinking about Paige. Being her lapdog doesn't sound so bad right now. I had made the decision to end it. It was I who had to live with it. For better or for worse.

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Tuesday was a slow day. Weekdays usually were. Most people were at school or work. I didn't mind though, since I didn't have anything better to do or anywhere better to go. When I finally got off at 6:30 I was almost sad I had to leave. I decided that instead of going straight to the woman's shelter that I would browse around a little. The mall was still open for about two more hours and the shelter would be there all night. I browsed through the little shops. I even stopped to get myself something to eat. The food at the shelter wasn't the greatest and I needed something that felt like real food. After about an hour I started to get bored and headed towards the exit. I decided I would take my time back to the shelter. I had just walked past a McDonald's when I heard my name. Or I thought I heard my name.

"Alex?"

I turned to look. I was almost stunned. My breathing became heavier and I could feel my heart drop. The long blond haired woman, now standing in front of me, was holding about a million shopping bags.

"Alex!" She said. "Well, hello there! I haven't seen you in forever!"

"Hello, Mrs. Michalchuk. It's been awhile." I replied trying to sound enthused.

"Well don't just stand there! Come give me a hug!" She outstretched her arms. I could hardly believe she could hold all the bags up as they hung from her wrists.

I walked over and met her embrace. I tried my best to smile. She held me as tight as she could and all the bags collided into my side. I hardly minded though. She was so warm and welcoming. I didn't want to let go, but finally we parted.

"Aww...dear..Look at you! How have you been?" She said, a huge smile on her face.

"Uh, I've been doing good." I said. I didn't meet her gaze. I felt like I was lying. I was far from good.

She gave a small sigh.

"How are you doing?" I decided to ask back. I figured it was only polite and I had time for some conversation.

She was obviously flattered by my asking. She started to blush a little. Just like a Michalchuk I thought.

"Well, I've been doing good. I've been trying to move on. Paige has been gone for over a month now. I really miss her." You and me both. The mention of Paige made my stomach ache.

"Really." I started, trying to sound like I was really interested, "How is Paige liking it?"

"Oh, she's loving it." Mrs. Michalchuk replied. Her response bothered me. Though I tried not to show it, she could obviously tell Paige was still a touchy subject. She quickly changed it.

"I was just here grabbing a few things for an event me and the Mr. are attending this weekend." A few things? I thought looking at all the bags in her hand. Like mother like daughter.

"So," she continued, "Were you leaving?"

"Uh, yea. Actually I was getting ready to walk home." I said.

"Oh, honey. Did you want a ride?" She said. She looked concerned at the fact I had to walk.

"Oh no, Mr. Michalchuk. I'm fine. But thank." I replied.

"Nonsense, it's late out and these streets aren't very safe these days. That crime rate. Let me give you a ride home." She gave me a look I had only seen from one other person. When Paige gave this look you knew there was no arguing with her. When I saw it on Mrs. Michalchuk, I knew the same. I stopped trying and she could obviously smell my defeat. Her stern look turned into a gracious smile and we both preceded to the door. We walked to Mrs. Michalchuk's car without a word. She loaded all her bags into the back and then got in to the van. I settled in and buckled my seatbelt.

"Ohh...it's so chilly outside." She said as she started the engine. "Let me turn on some heat." She fumbled with the controls until a rush of cool air came out. "It will take a little bit for the car to warm up sweetie. Now, tell me where you live." She looked at me.

I looked back. Despite her age she still looked so innocent. She had the exact same eyes as Paige. Despite the fact the car's heater was blasting me with cold air, I felt a warmth from her. I knew she really cared about me. I couldn't lie to her. I couldn't lie to anyone who cared.

"Actually, the woman's shelter is just..." Mrs. Michalchuck cut me off.

"Woman's shelter!?" She seemed to be in total shock.

"Yeah...um…" I didn't know how to explain. "I've been working on finding a place."

"How long?" She said obviously unable to get out the whole sentence.

"About two weeks." I replied promptly.

She gasped. I immediately felt ashamed and unclean. I looked down at my feet.

"Nonsense." She spat out. "Complete nonsense." I couldn't tell if she was talking to me or herself. She put the car in drive and sped off.

"Ahh, Mrs. Michalchuk. The shelter is..." I pointed my finger in the direction we were supposed to be going in.

"Were not going to the shelter, dear." She replied

I didn't speak. I didn't know what to say. Luckily the silence didn't last long.

"You're coming home with me." She spat out suddenly.

"But..." I started as I turned to face her. I had no idea how to argue this. My stomach dropped. I didn't want to decline. I didn't want to go back to the shelter either, but it felt awkward to accept at the same time.

"There will be no discussion on this." Her voice was stern and harsh. She was just as suborn as Paige.

"Okay." I quickly replied. Something about her tone made me obey without thinking. I turned back to face the dashboard and left the conversation at that.

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That was chapter 2. What's going to happen next? Your just going to have to wait and find out. I'm half way done with chapter 3. I'm hoping to start moving into a real plot soon, but there might be a few more chapters to lead up to it. I think I should have the next chapter up soon.