A/N: Hey guys and gals, I am in a fantastic mood (knock on wood one of my members don't bring me down today, but even if I get a grumpy person... I am on top of the world right now :D ) Let's get into this chapter.
I awoke sometime before three in the morning when I reached for Shane who had been laying beside me. But when I didn't find him by my side, I propped myself up on one arm and looked around sleepily for him. He was no where to be seen so I got up, streched, and threw on one of his shirts and headed out into his hallway. I noticed the diningroom light on downstairs and could hear his voice. I silently hopped that he didn't have to go on a late night call or something far worse. Quietly I headed down the stairs and paused just before the diningroom to do a little easedropping. He sounded mad.
"...No, you don't understand. You came this close to fucking everything up..."
"Shane." I whispered walking into view.
He turned around and rubbed his head with a smile. He hung up his cell phone and tossed it on the table. "Hey...I'm sorry I woke you."
I smiled. "You didn't, I just woke up and you weren't there..."
He closed the distance between us and kissed me gently. "I'm right here." He said before kissing the tip of my nose.
I giggled and tok a step back. "Well, since we're up, I might as well make us some breakfast. You can finish your phone call if you need to."
"No, It's nothing."
"It didn't sound like nothing." I said over my shoulder as I headed to the kitchen. "Is everything ok?"
Shane took a seat at the kitchen table and let out a sigh. "Just... work stuff."
I nodded. "Well, at least it's your day off." I grabbed a bowl from the cupboard to start making the pancakes. "I can get out of your hair today if you wanna just stay here and relax."
I could feel him grin again and I couldn't help but smile. "I definetly don't mind you being in my hair."
"Yes well, I need to go get some new clothes. I can't go around wearing nothing but your shirts and my jeans that smell like burnt house." I spun around and pointed my finger at him. "Shut up." He closed his mouth and chuckled.
"Fine, but I'm dropping you off."
"No you're not." I sang. "I can walk to the mall just fine. Plus, I need the air. Now hush and hand me the blueberries for these pancakes."
He rolled his eyes. "Yes ma'am."
...
Later that morning I set off down the street to the mall. It was a decent walk, but I relished in the fresh air and the solitude. Don't get me wrong, I loved being with Shane and whatever this was, it was a nice distraction from how shitty my life was going. But I also loved the alone time, it was what I was used to and it made me feel like...me.
Thankfully the mall wasn't packed and I made my way to my favorite store with little trouble. I picked up a couple new jeans and shirts that suited my style and even picked up a set of black lacey undergarments for later.
"Becca?" A voice said from behind me.
I gasped and spun around to see Lori, Rick's wife and their son Carl. "Oh, H-Hey guys. What are you doing here?"
"Mom is getting me new school clothes." Carl sighed, that kid was growing like a weed. He must be a least six inches taller than last I saw him. "What are those?"
I looked down at the black thongs in my hand and blushed shoving it behind my back. "Um... nothing." I sighed. "So, Mrs. Grimes, how are you?"
Sh estared at me for a second with that 'MOM' look. "I'm doing well, Rick told me what happened with your dad, I meant to stop by and check on you..."
"Oh, no need to trouble yourself." I assured her.
"And you're house..."
"I'm ok, but the house not so much."
She nodded. "And I heard you were staying with Shane?"
I nodded and made a nosie of agreement before saying. "Yep, he's pretty awesome for letting me stay there with him."
"And you think that's...the best for both of you?" Lori asked tilting her head a little bit.
I looked around curiously. "I...don't know why it wouldn't. He's just helping me out with a place to stay until my grandmother makes room for me in Montana." I lied.
"Hm." She said before smiling. "Well it's great to see you again, Becca."
I forced a smile. "It's always a pleasure running into you Mrs. Grimes. Bye Carl."
Carl looked at his mother and then to me. "We're going to the food court, Becca. Wanna come?"
"I couldn't possibly, I gotta get back home and..."
Lori raised an eyebrow. "Actually, that sounds like a perfect. It'll be my treat and afterwards I can drive you back to Shane's."
I inwardly screamed at the top of my lungs but what could I do? "I couldn't possibly."
"I insist." She said.
"Perfect." I said slowly. Damn it, this is NOT how I wanted my day to go.
