DISCLAIMER: Alrighty joyous's, i've noticed there was some mild confusion about Victoria being pregnant. The answer to that is YES, she was, it happened in chapter sixteen, like I last stated. I never wanted to bring it to anyones attention up front for the purpose of THIS story, And as for chapter nineteen, where Victoria refuses to have intercourse with Lizard, that was all because she found out Chameleon was not dead, and the thought of him being alive made her too uncomfortable to engage in any kind of sexual act. In other words, when Victoria and Lizard had done did it, she was convinced Chameleon was DEAD at the time. I hope that clears some of the air. Here's chapter two! Chapter three will be out tomorrow, or late tonight, so watch out for it, i'am back on a roll now that all this studying is over.

By the way, next chapter the story REALLY gets in motion. I needed a kind of appetizer if you will before I get to the actual thing, and back on the actual story line. I have a feeling you'll like whats in store for all of you.

Chapter Two: The Subways

Steam filled the kitchen area as hot coffee was poured out of it's pitcher and into its new mug. Two hands reached to grab the glass, brown eyes meeting brown eyes. Victoria waved her hand dismissively, pulling back her chair to stand up. Kelsi gave her a questioning look as she prodded the cup near her friend. "If you want it, take it, I'am not the one who has work right now." Kelsi suggested politely, sliding the fragile mug near the Blonde who was tightening the strings of her black overcoat. They had always been her thing. Ever since Summer purchased one years back. She remembered how whenever Summer wasn't around , she would secretly slip on the coat and head out. Back in those days, she had a habit of wanting to look professional, it had nothing to do with wanting to look older, just obtaining the respect of people more elder than herself. "No, it's fine I have to be somewhere and soon, I'am sorry but I don't have time to drink it right now, Maybe I'll grab a nice cup of Hot cocoa at the office."

Kelsi gave her a prude look, her lip vouching out, her arms across her chest displeased. "I see my coffee's not good enough for you any more!"

A smile played upon the Blonde's lips grabbing her purse. "It's not that, It's just, I don't work at the bakery anymore, I work with lots of files, i'am writing alot all day, there are tons of papers, I just don't want to cause any spills." She insisted honestly, trotting over to the door with her fingers pressed on the handle. "It's my first day i'am just nervous,i'll grab something in the cafeteria a little while after the manager of the place gives me instructions!"

Kelsi raised her hand to the girl and pointed. "I know how you are about new jobs! You get so nervous you don't eat or drink anything! Then where's your energy?-Out the door!" Kelsi complained a little disheartened.

"Ever since you've stopped working at the bakery.." She began slowly, before her mind encouraged a topic change, and a fistful of demands.

"Just promise me you'll eat something? Drink something? You scare me when you act like this, always in such a rush."

Victoria edged her head over to the young woman siting down at the kitchen table before her, and opened the door, "Yes mom." She whispered, her bright brown eyes gave a slight roll as she left the door. She had always respected Kelsi's lectures, or advice, but sometimes she really did act like a mother to her. That stretch of imagination was a little too far.

Victoria now had a new job, she was an author, she'd been in and out of college creative writing courses for about one year, before she went to the hills, she had been looking into the same thing, minus college. When her work was recognized, and she demonstrated extreme dedication, she was looked into and hired for the newspapers. Which was only one step away from her goal to become a true novelist. There were many stepping stones she had to take first.

Since Kelsi had work that day, and needed the car so she could come fetch Victoria after work, Victoria had three options of transportation which she didn't mind. After all the car they both shared was basically Kelsi's.

She could either take a cab, a bus, or one of the trams down in the subway which were quick and efficient. Of course that was her first choice. She had no intentions of being late for her first day of work, she had a great future in store for her, and she didn't want to sabotage that now.

Her black heels clogged up the street, a nervous expression clad on her face. It was her first, and official real job. The Cafe had been run by her aunt, so she had considered it more of a family business, editing for the news papers was serious news to her, and it was not to be taken lightly. If she was able to go through with this job, the amount of money she'd be making would be enough to support herself alone/ She would be able to purchase her own car, and even her own house. Though she had no intentions of leaving her third floor condo. The place was beautifully rendered, and on the verge of being brand new. The two girls had worked so hard to get it. It was not just a temporary house, it was home.

Her chocolate colored eyes peered up in the distance with a squint, she could already see it, the underground passage to the subway, where busy workers such as herself entered with a pleasant ease. She took a deep sigh, strutting a bit faster towards the entrance. "Lovely, looks like I wont be late after all!" She chimed, quickly passing a neighboring pedestrian, and making her way to the top of the darkened square, in which stairs followed before her. She quickly made her way down the stairs, her purse giving her the occasional jab in the side which didn't bother her too much. All she had really cared about was making it on time, and making a good impression. She quickly rushed to the ticket booth, where an old haggard man lounge lazily inside, a cap fitted over his head, and a tooth pick placed Cooley in his mouth with his hands on an old telephone, he was perhaps making a "personal" call.

When he had not noticed her right away, she was quick to tuck her hands away into her coat pocket, her long eyelashes batted for a minute as she waited a bit dumbfoundedly. He was on duty, what could be more important then helping his customer?

She immediately gave a cringe, wrapping her knuckles lightly on the glass of the small cubicle. "Uhm, excuse me," She interrupted in the kindest way she could. Though no interruptions were ever kind at all, were they? The man flashed his neon green eyes upward, his toothpick tipping slightly out of mouth as she caught his attention. As his grip loosened on the telephone his last words were whispered to his "special caller". "Sweetie, i've got to call you back, there's a young lady here and she needs me." He was silent for a moment, in which Victoria assumed meant the person on the other line was bidding him farewell. Before setting the phone down, a smile crossed his dry lips. "I love you too, bye." He ended.

Victoria gave a puzzled expression, early morning calls to his lover? It must have been an impeccable bond they had.

"Sorry about that," He droned now rather lifelessly. "That was just the little lady calling to check up on me, she had to make sure I hadn't forgotten to pack my lunch." A wide grin stretched across his face as his eyes loomed off. "You in need of a token?" He questioned.

With a bashful expression she nodded, it must have been great to have someone packing lunch for you all day, where would her complaints be if she had someone to do that for her? She took a moment to ponder these thoughts,then succumbing to rub her cheek rather childishly. Sometimes she could be so narcissistic! She did have someone to do that for her, Kelsi! Always hounding her day and night to get the right amount of nutrition, eat this, and eat that, the woman acted as if she was famished or something. Though Victoria did find much adoration in kelsi for that.

"Well that would be a nice start." Victoria admitted a bit blatantly, still keeping her polite persona a shine.

The old put up a finger, one that indicated she must wait a brief moment, before turning around with his back to her, his sausage like fingers prying inside a newly furnished yellow coin jar, ready to hand one to her. Her brown eyes lit up delighted as he placed into the palm of her hand. Her red lips tugged up into a smile the stretched ear to ear in gratitude.

"Gracia's porfavor!" She complimented, giving the wave of her hand, and a strut to the entrance of the subways gates.

The man gave a subtle nod, with an honest smile.

"De Nada," He suggested. "De Nada".

She was just too late, her long legs strided towards the underground tram that was put on fall speed ahead, but still she was not fast enough. Her palm meet the center of her face helplessly as she froze in her place, her pleading eyes gazing off into the distance at the disappearing train. Just when she thought her luck was about to change too. She clenched on helplessly to the straps of her leather purse, her teeth baring down aggressively on her lip. The day was off to a ridged start already.

As she turned her face dove straight into the Steele chest of another, a feeble squeak of shock slipping from her lips, as she tore back in fright. The figure was quick to give his sincerest apologies.

"I'am so sorry!" The man began, holding his hands up feeling despair for his careless actions.

Victoria rubbed the tip of her reddened ruby nose, and pulled it back down to her original stance, giving a unphased shrug.

"It's okay, it's okay really..In one day I don't mind getting nearly ran over, ignored, and hit a few times, you know, it's nothing too new." Her voice droned out laced with sarcasm. The boy smiled, he couldn't have been much older than her, but he certainly had some height on her. His hair was a golden brown, tied back away from his face in neatly down low pony tail. His eyes flashed several hues of copper, and he retained a smile that made the stars look like they weren't shining.

Typical pretty boy, and how could she ever forget his attire? His complex of new business wear, a suit, a tie and all. Her eye brows raised, just exactly how old was this kid?

"Forgive me," he began again. "my names Abraham, Adam for short though!"

Her eyes studied the man suspiciously, how did he go from Abraham, to Adam? Adam wasn't sort for anything, and it certainly wasn't short for a proper name like "Abraham." "I know you probably think it's a little strange right? It's just, that i come from quite a large family, my fathers name is actually Abraham, so they wanted a son named Abraham too..Personally, I never liked the Idea, So My second choice of name that was close enough was Adam, though my mother still calls me Abe occasionally.

Victoria squinted her eyes in confusion, what an awkward way to meet someone, but she would never be the first to judge, the only problem was to choose weather to call him Abe, or call him Adam.

"So you consider yourself an Adam then?" She asked a bit flabbergasted by all the nonsense coming from such a well sutured man.

"Yep! Thats it, but you can call me Abe!" He suggested with a heavy British accent.

She closed to her eyes, she could feel her nostrils flare in embarrassment as she brought her fingers to her temples. This was too confusing for someone like her in the morning. "Okay..Abe.." She forced a smile on her lips, and extended her hand outwards,

"I'am,"-

"You look like a Vanessa." He interrupted ignoring the extension of her hand. Her mouth gaped, she had never met anyone so aloof, and out there in her life. Whatever was up with him, was starting to trigger her Blonde side.

The Blonde slid a long black nail to her cheek giving it a slight itch, she had never received a remark like that. She looked like a "Vanessa?" This boy clearly made no sense. Or he had some unresolved problems with himself that he needed to work through. "Vanessa..Yeah. not the first time i've got that." She swindled in a chipper believable manner, so she wouldn't come off as uninterested. Or her apparent dislike would show. Victoria's initial response was to walk away, if he had been a little bit older, and perhaps a little bit balder. But her feet were rooted to the ground, and instead of making plots to flee, her eyes did the wandering and running instead. Looking as pure and content as ever.

What truly was the harm in having a ditzy conversation with a young boy? Maybe he was just trying to make her laugh, perhaps he found her interesting, and just wanted to keep her around for a little while. Abe wasn't so bad. He was a bit chatty, and sure a bit confusing, but sincere company couldn't kill her as she waited for the train.

"Well, why don't we take a seat then Miss Victoria? I won't make a young lady such as yourself wait alone!" Her brown hues almost shone as they flashed up to him. What a gentlemen he was, she couldn't help but get a distinct appeal for him. Not as in she was "attracted" to him, but he gave off a familiar, and friendly essence, such as one you'd experience with a brother, or a relatively close friend. The one thing on her mind when she thought about an old friend, or absence of his mentality was Summer. Not that She had been at all random like him, she was actually quite serious and articulate. But there were those times, when Victoria and Kelsi were fortunate enough to get her alone, and away from her boyfriend. She wasn't such a serious person, she would crack jokes as quick, and as witty as any comedian could. She knew how to make someone laugh. Yet, she was very keen on sarcasm. Sometimes it was hard to tell if she was being serious or not. Leading her two friends to be reluctant to laugh at first, that was of course until she revealed that she was only joking. Out of all people in the world, she missed her dearly. She missed her the most. Her presence was forever with her, always haunting.

"Don't mind if I do," She insisted walking side to side with him, her feet clicked against the floor submissively to the suggestion, as she trotted about to have a seat on the silver waiting bench. Ridden with a design that looked much like bullet holes.

Abe hadn't strayed too far away from her, he sat himself comfortably, almost as if he had known her for his whole life right next to her. His legs directed her way. She couldn't help but give an uncomfortable shift of her legs. Her sight cast downward to the boys hands, which were folded pleasantly on the top of his lap. At least he was a gentlemen. What a rare occasion for her to come across.

She scrunched up her nose a bit, giving a loud sniff,and turned to the boy politely.

"Mind me asking where you're going looking all dressed up like that?" She teased.

He gave her a flattered look, "My new job actually! or job interview at least. But it's not too much of a problem, I have connections at the place, a couple friends, and my uncle, so i'am about ninety nine percent sure i'll get in."

Victoria gave the slight raise of her eyebrow as her hand gripped tightly on a chap stick inside her purse, replenishing her red lips of their color, and texture. "Why so dressed up then Mr. Confident?"

His playful visage suddenly took a turn for the worst, his eyes became draped in seriousness, bags the he had under them were now becoming visible. Straightening his tie, "because there always is that one percent."

She always wanted to raise her hands in surrender of the subject, his face had become so serious, it was almost disheartening. Perhaps he had a split personality.

"At least thats what they used to tell us in the military.." He continued.

Her smoky eyes gave him a squint as if she was still studying him. Her eyes soon widened, her face gave a flush of slight pink in embarrassment, running her fingers through her wild white hair. It all made sense to her now. The way he was so optimistic, and friendly, so well dressed, yet so cautious. It even explained why the things he said came off as so strange. She suspected trauma. And alot of it, it he was in the military, there was no doubt in her mind. But he was there, right in front of her, living and breathing. Despite all that he went through, he was there, and lived through as much hell as anyone. She now felt, she had a connection with him. At least they could share their past disasters.

"You must have seen alot there..Huh.." She mumbled remorsefully feeling a bit badly for how she treated him earlier. She always had been the one to say, don't judge a book by it's cover, but what had she been doing that whole time? She caught herself being a hypocrite, once again.

"Been through enough to tell if someone has been through just about the same." He replied now boldly. She saw something different in his eyes as he spoke. She saw a strong man, a confident and brave one. Wise beyond his years. But his interpretation that he had just stated. Frightened her a bit. For him to even suspect such a thing about her made her skin crawl. With this being, she gave no response, only the nod of her head and turned away.

She layed back, and closed her eyes changing the subject quickly.

"I write. I'am a writer." She confirmed.

"Well, actually, it's a working progress, I just got a job recently, todays my first day, i'll actually be editing the papers, until I get my dream job of course. As a fictional novelist." She stated dreamily, gazing off. His response was that of a grunt. He no longer wanted to talk so it seemed, he was not being attentive to her at all. His back was a solid wall against her, he had probably gotten a bit distracted by his phone or some small thing like that, so she left the chat where it was. Her eyes sheepishly fluttering, is she fell asleep he'd wake her up! Right? There was no problem at eyes gave one last shutter,before cutting off from the world.

Her eyes soon shot open, a bit drowsily, she gave a slight huff peering around to the now empty train station. Nothing but dripping water, and the brush of cold air was heard in the abandoned place. How late was it? Puzzled, she turned her head around to meet an empty placement next to her. She lifted her hands off the cold Steele of the subway bench. She slowly arose, coming up from a crouching position. Shakily she stood. Tightening her purse around her shoulder in paranoia.

She felt her stomach give a rapid pulsing, mainly in the area where her C-Section had occured. Such an ugly scar, for such a little girl.

As painful as the pulsing was, she refused to unzip her coat, in fear of discovering what could be the terrible feeling which was boiling inside of her, making her insides stir uneasily.

She felt a hot wave sweep over her, her knuckles wrapped on the top of her forehead to check her temperature. She had two important questions in which had no answers. As the subway lights began to flicker in the depths of the deepening tunnel before her, one by one each dimmed out flickering violently, until nothing but darkness remained. Each gave a clicking sound, as the were shot out like dominos.

Not to seem relatively obvious, but she knew, maybe better than anyone, that subway lights did not just go out. Not when there was still people down in the trains traveling. It was a strange occurrence, had no one spotted her? Or were there no daily inspections, and people were confined in the subway stations on a daily basis?

She took a weary step backwards, her hitching breath was all that she could hear as the last of the lights blew out. She could now hear herself recite the same scared panting sound, it was in a quiet tone, and not one that she could fight. She was far beyond scared of the dark. there were no words. The two questions that she had now came to mind, One. Where was everyone? Two. What in gods name was going on. She muttered curses under her breath, feeling around in the pitch black, for anything she could hold onto. The darkness i the subways was not your traditional bed time darkness. Not the kind you'd expiration while laying up in your bed, scared of whatever may be lurking about in your closet. But this, was cavern darkness, Engulfing, terrifying darkness. Not much can happen in an enclosed room, but down at a subway station, anyone would be reluctant to say the same.

She wasn't scared of monsters. No she wasn't. Exposed spines, burnt faces, and gnarled teeth never did frighten her. What she was scared of, was people. Monsters weren't real, but a person was sure the hell enough capable of becoming one.

Her hands searched for anything, a pole, another bench, a door handle, a breaker. Something. But found something far different. The pads of her fingers proded into something soft, something leathery. Her hands kept searching the object over, and over again. She never would like to be the one to admit, she was the finger down anyones spine in the dark. "Common, common!" She hissed in panic, her pokes, and presses now getting a bit more aggressive. She suspected she was feeling a coat rack beneath her finger tips, the odds of it being anything else seemed very little. Her hands caresed the soft fabric, which held a strange warmth to it, until her fingers accidentally slid into an entrance of it. Which happened to be no other then a pocket. If she ever did she Abe again, she would remember never to acknowledge him, or give him the time of day, what was his deal? He couldnt have woken her up, it would save her a little trouble. Not to mention she was probably blessedly late to her work, or in fact missed it. Before searching the pocket, she decided to check her own. It had finally clicked to her, she did have a cell phone. Her hand struggled inside the jacket, both pockets, coming out empty handed.

She took a large gulp. Somebody had to have been messing with her. It was Abe, or Adam, whatever his name was, it didn't matter to her anymore. What a dirty game to play, she would get him back. She gave a loud groan, reaching her hand back into the pocket of the leather coat, her fingers digging through, coming to a press son something cold, and blunt. She hesitated for a moment, feeling around the object, she could feel engravings as she struggled to pull it out, and take it into her hands. The minute the object came flying out, at her foot with a heavy thud. She bent down taking it in her hands. One of her hands kept searching the pocket of the coat, the other tried hard to examine to obviously metal piece she was holding.

Her heart froze in terror. there was no mistaking it, her finger was caught, caught inside something circular, the others were gripped along the long alligator snout of the object. What she was holding was no other than a gun. She made no noise, she didn't dare. Her hand trembled while pulling out of the pocket. What kind of sick joke was this? As she released her hand from the pocket, the leathery object gave a slight nudge on her arm,Causing her to jolt back in disgust, and in fear. Whatever she had just touched was alive. And moving. Whatever she just touched was holding a gun. She did not dare and let go of the gun, as she heard the revelation of footsteps, only inches away from her.

Each time the being stepped closer to her, was each time she gated back. She was in constant fear of falling, she could land straight of the tracks, and that would be it for her.

A sort of moan was heard from the figure, which now appeared to be male. She could hear the crack of a neck, and a pair of knuckles. The man gave a sturdy jump towards her, with no time to jump back, he caught on to her, latching on the gun, and ripping it out of her hands.

She let out a blood curtailing scream, as she fell to her knees,and was viciously yanked up by the hood of her jacket. She could already feel the frozen medal being pressed up against her scalp. "Don't touch me!" She demanded, giving to kick of her legs, and the slap of the mans hand continuously. She clenched her teeth angrily, her eyes watered, and her ruby lips trembled in fright. Why her? Why was it she was a talisman of bad luck? "What do you want? My purse? Take it! I don't need it!" She ripped off the long strap from her arm, tossing it to the ground, with the resounding spill of my purse. "Is it this necklace?" She screeched even louder, wrapping her fingers around the golden chain giving it a fierce rip clear off her neck. "Well you can take that too!" She pleaded hopelessly. What was she to do. she was confident enough as it was, her life was about to end. And not a word, or mercy came from her killer. She didn't even get to see his face. What a tragic way to die.

"Ya think I wan` that do ya?"

She felt her whole body turn as stiff as a board. No one. Not a soul she had ever met in New York had talked like that, to clarify another thing, she knew damn well that was certainly not Abe's voice.

She felt the man round her body, nearing the front of her silhouette. Without further warning, kneeling above her, nearly centimeters away from her face. She could feel his warm breath surround her. It wasn't the most pleasant, but it was familiar. As she felt her body begin to convulse rapidly, she made it a dead give away that she was completely, and utterly frightened. She didn't even have enough further courage to respond to him.

"I don` want yer diamonds, nor` do I want you're worthliss`` paper coins there.."

The gun was cocked and pressed tighter against her head, as she brought both hands up to her mouth to avoid from screaming pathetically. it couldn't be, there was no way he could possibly have found her. They were across the other country!-He was across the other side of the country!

"You're not here, it's not you!" She spat out sternly, and defensively. Still fighting the man grip.

"Oh I'm` real,Toria`."

"I'am very real."

Her loud scream drug out from her dream into reality. The boy who had been sitting next to her reading had dropped his book, his back hunched over like a frightened Chihuahua, as Victoria screamed and thrashed around restlessly on the bench.

"Hey!" The boy yelled, grabbing a hold of her arms, and shaking her. As she continued without response, his voice rose.

"Hey! Victoria!" He lurched pulling her forward. Her brown eyes shot open petrified, the dream may have not been real, but the tears that filled in her eyes were.

Abe glared at her understandingly, he was speechless, his finger only directed towards the tram in front of him. "The bus is here.." He spat out in a distinctive shock, and a daze. "Are you going out of you're mind?" He questioned sternly, giving her one last shake.

"I was trying to wake you up for five minutes mate, are you alright?"

Her hands fought him off of her, maybe she hadn't recognized, but her bite was ten times worse then her bark. Surly she was gratified with the strength she truly did posses, but never took too much notice too.

"I'am fine!" She snapped. Which were her last words as she boarded the train, and hid herself in embarrassment among the passengers.