Symbiote internal speaking = (ABC)

Other line of phone = :::ABC:::

She was warm. A nice kind of warm but it wasn't the normal snuggly feeling Beth was used to. And it smelled different.

Please tell me I didn't go to that party last night. That's the last thing I need waking up next to someone I don't even know. I don't even want to open my eyes.

Best jumped when someone giggled. (Sorry love we didn't mean to frighten you. We just kept you safe as you rested.) In the snap of a finger Beth was up looking around.

Forest? I'm in the forest, why the hell am I-. The memories from the night before came flooding back.

(You came and found us. Remember? So we protected you.)

This was weird, really weird. Beth looked around for someone who could be the voice. "Whe-where are you?" Her voice wavering as she spoke.

(In you, we are you, you are us, we are one.)

"But how?" Nothing made sense.

(Hard to explain. Love you are late. For something you call 'work'.)

Beth looked up at the sun above her it had to be about 11. Too late to even attempt to go. Better off calling, apologize and claim to be sick. Sighing she got up off the ground dusting herself off. "It doesn't matter it's too late anyway. I'll just call say sorry, claim to be sick and take the rest of the day off. . . How- how did you know about my job?"

(We can see your memories love.)

"oh" Slowly she walked back the way she came, until she tripped and fell. Instincts kicked in making a bath close her eyes before impact. But the ground never came.

(Are you all right love?)

Eyes opening she was dangling. Inches above the ground. Looking over at her arm there was a white looking thing cleaning from her to a nearby tree. And the same with her other arm. Adjusting her footing best stood back up. Watching is the tendrils let go of the tree coming back to her and disappearing into her skin.

"Ho-how did I-?"

(We protected you love. Are you alright?) The voice was odd and foreign but gentle and concerned at the moment.

"Yes I-I'm ok." She was shaking. Cold and terrified at the events recently. Beth stared at her hands and arms when suddenly her skin moved slightly. In seconds her V-neck tee had become a long sleeve. "How did-?"

(We'll try to explain later love but right now you must call your boss.)

It was too hard to stay scared with how soft the voice was. "Thanks."

When the trees were finally behind her she ran into the house. Grabbing the phone and calling the café.

:::Hello::: The voice was the older male that she had hoped for.

"Hi Jack it's me Beth."

:::Hey kid you OK, never showed up today you sick or something?:::

"Yeah I slept in because I was so sick or I would have called in."

:::It's all right don't worry about it. As a matter fact take the rest of the week off, get some rest so you can feel better. Don't want one of my best workers making everyone else sick.:::

"Are you sure?"

:::Yeah yeah we'll be fine plus it's Thursday. You'll have Friday and the weekend to yourself. . . *CRASH* goddamnit I got to go, get better soon kiddo.:::

The line went quiet. Hanging it up and Beth plopped down on the large gray couch.

(Love?)

"Hmm" She closed her eyes resting her head on the giant cushion.

(We're hungry.)

Before Beth could respond her stomach growled furiously. Smiling she got up. Heading to the kitchen.