Hi! Sorry I haven't updated in a long time, November has been a super busy month for me. So, here is the next chapter. I guess it's not that long, just meant as a kind of intro to the final chapters. I'll post again Tuesday, but it could be before that. It depends. You'll just have to wait and see.

I was reading an e-mail from Ali when there was a knock on my door. I turned. Joe.

"Hey. Finish it yet?" I asked; referring to the manuscript I had given him about a week ago.

"Yup," Joe replied, sitting down on the bed.

"Well?"

"It was good."

"Just good."

"It was great."

I giggled. "Thanks. Favorite part?"

"The ending."

"Did you cry?" I giggled again, as he blushed.

"Maybe."

"Good. I was aiming for tears."

Joe frowned, "You're purposefully making people cry. That's cruel."

"Yeah, you can talk," I told him, "I got teary during Starship…and AVPSY…and AVPS- oh, shut up."

"I don't write them," Joe exclaimed, "I just act them."

"Well, then you're acting too good."

"Thank you."

"It wasn't a compliment," I shot back at him.

Joe and I stared at each other for a few seconds, trying to keep straight faces. We failed, and both burst out laughing.

"What are you too doing in there?" Lauren yelled.

"Nothing," we both yelled simultaneously.

Lauren appeared at the doorway. "Doesn't sound like nothing."

I shrugged. "What does nothing sound like?"

Joe stood up. "I have to get going Paige. See you later," he kissed me lightly on my forehead and started toward the door.

"Paige," he said, turning back around to face me, "Would you mind if I let Brian read it?"

I gave Joe a confused look, but nodded. "Sure. I probably need to have as much people read it as possible, before I go submitting it anywhere. Want to read it, Lauren?"

"Of course I do," Lauren exclaimed, "Can I have a copy now?"

I stood up, and went over to the dresser. Pulling the thick, stapled stack of paper off the top, I handed it to her.

"Thanks," she said, coming over to me and sitting down on the bed. Joe took this as his sign to leave.

"Why do you think Joe asked if Brian could see it?" I questioned her.

"No idea," Lauren replied, shaking her head.

"Yea," I nodded thoughtfully, "So, what are you up to?"

"Just relaxing. Deathly Hallows is on ABC."

"What? You didn't plan on telling me?" I looked offended. I closed my laptop, and stood up. "Let's go watch it."

We went into the living room, and sat down on the couch. As I watched fire engulf the Room of Requirement, Lauren was flipping through the manuscript. I kept stealing glancing over at her. She looked like she was enjoying it. I turned my attention back to the movie. When the closing credits came on, I turned the TV off and watched Lauren read. She was about a quarter ways through. After a few minutes I began to get bored, so I got up and went into the kitchen. Thirsty, I made myself a cup of tea, and one for Lauren. Carrying them slowly out into the living room, I sat down.

Lauren looked up. "Ooh, tea," She said. I handed her the cup, and she took a sip.

"Is it good so far?" I inquired.

Lauren nodded, taking another sip. "Yea, I like it. Especially Brooke."

I grinned. "She was one of my favorites to write."

Silence settled between us. And then a phone rang.

Lauren reached into her pocket. "It's Joe," she said, before picking up, "Hey, Walker."

Lauren paused.

"Why? Oh, fine. I'll be there in ten minutes. Can Paige-okay." She hung up, and stuffed the phone back in her pocket.

"They want me over at the Manor. Joe won't tell me why. I guess its secret," Lauren explained.

"Go then," I said, "I'm good. I know, I'm not allowed to know anything."

"See you," Lauren added, grabbing her purse and keys before leaving the apartment.

I wonder what they wanted.