The next morning dawned bright, and clear. It was as if, for a moment at least, that nothing had changed. That I could go about my 'normal' life once more. It was a short- lived moment of freedom, however, for then I remembered exactly what had happened in Paris, and in my flat the night before. Groaning, I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep- my clock said that it was 6am, which, in my opinion, was far too early to be up. School was out, for now at least, and I planned on making full use of the lie-in opportunities!

I hadn't managed to get to sleep until at least two in the morning, unable to shake the image of Will barging into my flat from my mind. Sighing, I tried to block it from my mind, and return to a state of slumber. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get back off.

Half an hour later, I could hear movement from the bedroom next door. It was now 6.30, so Sam had obviously decided to leave early like he said he would. Wanting to see what he'd decided to do regarding Elinor and Catherine, I grabbed my dressing gown from the peg on the back of my door, and wandered out into the hall. I was met by Sam, who was returning a glass to the kitchen- his suitcase already stood by the door, as he prepared to leave.

"I didn't wake you, did I?" he asked.

"No, no" I responded. "I woke up at about six, and couldn't drop back off. Then I heard you leaving, so I thought I'd come and see what you'd decided to do. So, what have you decided?" He smiled bashfully at me.

"I've decided I'm gonna break it off with Catherine, and give me and Elinor a chance. I've just got this feeling, you know. I don't know how to describe it, but I just know I'm doing the right thing. That sounds crazy, though, doesn't it?"

Yes, yes it did, but I wasn't about to tell him that. He'd made his decision, and he seemed happy about it, and I was happy for him.

"Not at all, Sam." I lied. "I'm so happy for you!" He grinned in relief.

"Thanks, Lex. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm still no quite sure what I'm going to say."

"You'll figure it out, Sam. It'll come right, I'm sure."

"Thanks, Lex. Thanks for everything." He said, leaning over to give me a hug, and a kiss on the cheek before he left.

"You're welcome, Sam, anytime. Now, go get your girl!" He grinned as I jokingly pushed him towards the door, and waved him off, before heading back to bed. Hey, it was the holidays, and I was determined to make the most of them! Unfortunately, Monty did not share my views on lie-ins. Before I'd even managed to get back into my bed, Monty had leapt up from his, and scurried into my room, yipping as he went.

"Hey boy" I petted him as he wrapped himself around my legs, rubbing his ear against my leg. He ran off again, and returned with his lead in his mouth, dropping it at my feet expectantly. Ah, I knew exactly what that meant. His doleful brown eyes looked up at me, and his tongue lolled to one side. How could I possibly resist that?

"Okay, Mont." I sighed, crouching down to ruffle his neck. "We'll go- I know you won't take no for an answer." As if he understood, his tail started wagging excitedly. Laughing at him, I moved to the bathroom to put in my contact lenses, and get changed into my running kit.

My morning walk with Monty had become a tradition of sorts. Albeit, normally it did not take place at 7am on the weekends- that was reserved for the weekdays, before work. It was a good way to start the day, and gave Monty a chance to stretch his legs. Depending on how I was feeling our morning exercise consisted of either a one mile walk, or a three mile jog. Today was definitely a day for jogging- I had too much pent up energy that needed releasing. Besides, Monty seemed to have greatly recovered from his injuries, and a short jog would give him ample opportunity to test it out.

Tying my hair up into a high ponytail and lacing up my trainers, I headed back to my bedroom, where Monty was still sat obediently. Clipping his lead onto his collar, I grabbed my keys and headed out the door.

It was overcast outside- a stark contrast to sunny Paris. Pulling the hood of my jacket up, I plugged in my headphones and started jogging, holding Monty's leash in my hand as we ran side by side along the high street towards the park.

My feet slapped against the concrete as I ran, a constant tattoo that urged me forward. The fresh air rushed into my lungs, clearing my sinuses and re-invigorating me. Reaching the park, I let Monty off his lead to run free, whilst I completed a lap, watching him happily lollop through the grass, seemingly unhindered by his once injured paw. At the end of my lap I summoned him towards me, and waited for him to do his business, whilst I did some stretches. Disposing of his waste in the nearest bin, I put his lead back on, and began to walk back towards my flat. We'd been out for nearly an hour by now- the fresh air had done me good, and Monty was especially happy- he'd met another dog that he'd taken quite a liking to. Honestly, it was so depressing when your dog's love life was more fruitful that your own. I'd managed to drag Monty away from Storm, as I learnt she was called, after Monty had behaved rather inappropriately towards her. Hopefully we'd never bump into Storm and her owner in the park ever again- I don't think I could deal with the embarrassment.

Stopping off at the corner to shop to buy a bottle of water, I wondered what Sam was doing. He'd probably be home by now, maybe tentatively broaching the subject of a break up with his soon-to-be ex- girlfriend, who a couple of days ago, he'd thought would be his soon-to-be wife. A string of profanities left my mouth at the thought; this soulfinder business really did mess people up.

Returning home, I re-filled Monty's water bowl, and fed him his breakfast, which he wolfed down, as usual- anyone would think I never fed him! Leaving him to it, I went for a piping hot shower- ideal after a sweaty run. Towel drying my hair, and pulling on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, I wandered into the lounge, and looked at the large pile of marking awaiting me. I was in for such a great day. Sighing, I put the TV on low for some background noise, and began to work. Half an hour in, and I was a quarter of the way through my class's maths books. Unfortunately, judging by their answers, it seemed as if none of them had understood anything I'd been explaining, so I'd be re-explaining long division after the holidays.

Next to me, my phone buzzed with an incoming call, and I picked it up without checking the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Lex, it's Rach." Rach was my best friend, and a fellow teacher, albeit we didn't work at the same school. We'd been best friends since childhood, and we knew everything about it each other. Well, she didn't know that I was a savant, but she knew everything else: my first crush, my first kiss, my first love. We'd been put in the same class in reception, and had been together ever since- bonding over our mutual love of netball and books. We still played together for a local team, and still had ridiculous aspirations of being best-selling authors. Hey, 24 isn't too old to dream!

"Hey, Rach! How are you? I haven't seen you in for ages!" Okay, I hadn't seen her since our last netball match, which was a week yesterday, but for us, that was classed as ages.

"I know- far too long! Anyway, I was ringing to ask if you fancied going for brunch? I just thought it would be good for a catch-up. What do you think?"

"That sounds perfect, Rach. Costa in town?"

"Girl, you know me far too well! Meet you there for 11?" I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was 10.15 now, and it only took me 10 minutes to get to town by car.

"Yeah, that's good for me. I can only be a couple of hours, mind, as I don't want to leave Mont for too long. You know how he gets if I'm gone for more than a couple of hours." Neither of us needed reminding of the time I'd gone out for brunch with Rach for a bit longer than usual, and had returned to a chewed sofa, and ripped pillows.

"Yeah, that's fine, we don't want another cushion massacre on our hands! See you in 45?"

"Yep, see you in a bit, Rach!" I said, hanging up. Brunch was well-needed! I hadn't eaten yet, as I hadn't been shopping, and I was starving. Besides, it provided a welcome excuse for not marking. Thank God I had two weeks of holiday to get through it all!

Clearing away my marking, I got ready for brunch with Rach- making sure Monty was settled, grabbing my handbag, and searching frantically for my car keys. Finally finding them in the bread basket, I headed out.

XXX

I was late. As usual. I'd parked my car next to Rach's in the car park, and I was now dashing down the street at five past 11. I darted into Costa to see Rach was already sat down with two drinks in front of her. This was a regular occurrence. I was always late, so Rach would buy my drink for me, and wait for me to show up.

"Sorry!" I exclaimed as I walked over to the table, she stood, as we hugged one another, our regular form of greeting. She laughed at me.

"No worries, Lex." Grinning bashfully, I slid into my seat and took a sip of my hot chocolate. It was pure heaven, as always, and I let out a moan. I always went for a hot chocolate, regardless of the temperature- it was liquid gold.

"So how have you been, Lex?" She asked, lifting her coffee up to her lips and taking a sip. It was then that I saw the massive rock adorning the fourth finger of her left hand. That had not been there the last time I'd seen her! I squealed, pointing at her hand as I swallowed, and set my cup down. She grinned, and blushed in response to my antics. I grabbed her left hand in mine, and set about examining the ring.

"Oh my God, Rach! When did this happen? I'm so happy for you! Oh God, it's gorgeous- Dan did such a good job picking it!" She laughed happily.

"He proposed a couple of days ago, Lex- I've been dying to tell you, but I wanted to do it in person! He took me out for dinner, and then asked in the middle of the restaurant! It was so romantic! God, I love him. And I most definitely love the ring- the boy did good!"

"Good? He outdid himself, Rach!" I said, still in awe. Rach and her long term boyfriend, Dan, had been childhood sweethearts, and were absolutely adorable together. They'd kept their relationship afloat whilst they both went to universities hundreds of miles away from one another, and were even stronger because of it.

"Yeah, he did, didn't he?" She said, fiddling with her ring, with a dreamy expression on her face. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to be one of my bridesmaids?"

"Rach, are you kidding? Of course! I'd love to!" She beamed at my answer- doing a little happy dance to showcase her excitement.

"Yay! I was so nervous to ask!"

"Rach, as if I'd really say no!"

"Anyway, enough about me-"

"You're engaged, Rach- it's all about you!" She flapped her hands in front of her face, embarrassed- she hated being the centre of attention, as did I. It was another reason why we got along so well.

"Not true! Well, at least I hope it's not! I want to know about your love life Lex. Don't think I haven't noticed that's something's up with you!" She quirked her eyebrow as if to exaggerate her point.

"I don't know what you mean" I stammered out. And genuinely, I didn't. Sure, I felt guilty about what had happened with Will- really guilty, but I wasn't love struck or anything. Well, at least I didn't think I was. Besides, I definitely wasn't showing it.

"Well that shaky answer just confirmed that something is definitely up, Lex. Spill"

"There's nothing to spill, Rach. I promise." Well, there definitely was, but I couldn't exactly explain that I was a savant and had rejected my soulfinder now, could I?

"Lex…" She was using her teacher's voice on me. I squirmed uncomfortably in my seat, fidgeting with the hem of my jacket. "Okay, fine. I won't push you on it anymore, but there is definitely something that you're not telling me, and I will find out what it is." I looked up meekly, to see her smirking at me smugly. She always knew when something was up, no matter how hard I tried to hide it.

"Right, come on, drink up- I need to pop into Ann Summers quickly."

"What? Why?" I asked. Lingerie stores were not something either of us tended to visit.

"It's Dan's birthday on Wednesday- enough said. Now come on, Lex!"

"Rach, I don't want to know!" I exclaimed, downing the rest of my drink.

"Hey, maybe you can buy something for your boyfriend."

"He is not my boyfriend!" Shit. Now I'd let the cat out of the bag. I really didn't want to talk about Will today, or any day come to that. And he definitely wasn't, nor would he ever be my boyfriend- soulfinder or not!

"I knew it!" She yelled exultantly, making me and the other customers, jump. "Come on." She said, grabbing my arm, and hauling me out of the café.

"I'm definitely making you buy something, now I know that there's someone who'll appreciate it." Christ, was I friends with anyone normal?

XXX

"I don't know Rach." I said, as I stood in the entrance of Ann Summers. "I think I better go, Monty will be getting anxious by now."

"Alexis Anderson, will you stop being such a baby, and get in here!"

"Fine, I'm coming!" I replied, as I followed her into the shop. If I didn't come in of my own accord then I was sure she'd drag me in, and I didn't want to cause any more of a scene.

Satisfied that I'd entered, Rach began to peruse their merchandise, whilst I pretended to find a rack of their modest bras highly interesting. There was no way Rach was forcing me to buy anything in this store- the prices alone made me want to faint, let alone the skimpiness of the lingerie!

"Do you need any help, dear?" A voice asked, and I leapt back, startled, to see the 50 year old sales assistant leering at me.

"No thanks" I yelped, and dashed off to find Rach.

Rach, it seemed, had decided to buy the whole store. Well, judging by the amount of bras and pants she had hanging from her arms, that was the only logical explanation. See, money wasn't an issue for Rach- she was a millionaire many times over thanks the trust fund set up by her parents. Yet, she kept it quiet, instead preferring to work, and live off her own wages. It was only when it came to shopping that her limitless credit card came out, and boy did it take a beating. Mind, I was sure Dan would appreciate her spending- the lacy scraps of material would barely cover anything!

"Have you not found anything, Lex?" She asked when I found her, frowning at the lack of garments in my hands. "Come on, Lex, surely there must be something here he'd like?" I scowled in response, and she giggled.

"Rach, I do not have a boyfriend, so I'm not buying anything in here. Besides, it's ridiculously overpriced."

"Whatever you say, Lexi" she sang to herself, cackling away at my expense. "Well, I'm done now, so if you want we can head off- I bet you want to check on Mont, don't you?" She asked, as she headed towards the tills. Well, that was remarkably easy, I thought to myself. Usually Rach would make me buy at least one item, and she seemed even more insistent than usual that I buy something today. Leaving her to pay I waited by the door, far, far away from the overly helpful shop assistant. I did not need any help purchasing underwear, thank you very much! Rach joined me a few seconds later and handed me a bag of her purchases.

"Why are you giving me this?" I asked- it was only a little bag, that could have easily fitted inside the larger bag she was carrying.

"Well you didn't think it was all for me, did you?" She asked as we headed out of the shop towards the car park.

"Please don't tell me you-" she giggled to herself, confirming my suspicions.

"Hey, at least your boyfriend will appreciate them, even if you don't! And, don't even think of taking them back- I've got the receipt, so you can't!"

"Rach!" I said blushing, whilst she laughed at me. "I will get you back for this, you know!"

"Oh, I know you will, Lex, but I'm just basking in my victory for the time being." She said as she clambered into her car. "See you at netball training on Wenesday, yeah?"

"Yeah." I confirmed. "And thanks for these…" I finished awkwardly, holding up the bag to show her. I felt bad that she'd probably spent an extortionate amount of money on lingerie that would spend the rest of its life at the very back of my bottom drawer.

"You're welcome! Make sure you wear them for him!" Smirking, she drove off home, and I clambered into my own car. I swear the girl was positively barmy.

XXX

Parking my car outside my flat, I headed into the complex, shopping bag in hand. I was half tempted to throw it in the dumpster on the way in, but even I couldn't throw away brand new underwear, even if I had no intention of wearing any of the items. I'd only been gone for a couple of hours, so I was confident that Monty wouldn't have destroyed the flat in my absence. Still, I could never be too sure. Turning the corner of the landing I saw him- the person I thought I'd never see again.

"Will?" He turned, and launched himself at me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders, and heaving a great sigh of relief.

"Alexis! God, I was so worried when you wouldn't answer- I thought something had happened to you!" He mumbled into my hair. I patted him on the back awkwardly, confused by his sudden personality transplant.

"Erm, Will, I'm sorry- but what exactly is going on? What are you doing here?" He released me reluctantly, sensing my discomfort at our embrace.

"I'm here to apologise." Okay, now I was confused. He'd made his feelings towards me very clear the last time we'd spoken. Who was this guy, and what had he done with my soulfinder? I took a step away from him.

"No, really: what are you doing here?"

"To apologise, like I said. Sam got in contact with the Net last night to tell them what had happened, and they contacted me, and I came straight from the airport."

Sam: that sneaky, interfering bastard! How dare he poke his nose in my business? He was supposed to be as against this soulfinder malarkey as I was! Bloody Elinor had had a greater effect on him than he'd thought!

"Right. Well, you've done that. You can leave now." He didn't move. I grasped my keys tightly in my hand, and moved towards the door.

"Wait, here: I bought you these" he rifled through his bag, and produced a bouquet of lilies. I took them gingerly, jumping slightly when our hands touched. I was extremely attracted to the man, whether I liked it or not. And, just to clarify, I definitely did not.

"Thank you, Will. They're beautiful, but you shouldn't have…" he beamed a mega-watt smile, only dampened by my insistence that he need not have bothered.

"No, I wanted to. Alexis I-" we were interrupted by a growling on the other side of the door.

"Sorry, it's my dog. I've got to let him out before he starts head butting the door." I said, fumbling for my keys. Now, that had been another trip to Jack and Van's. A heavily concussed Monty had not been what I wanted to come home to that Thursday evening. Opening the door, I was met by a small ball of golden fur hurtling towards me.

"Monty!" I screamed, but it was too late. My kamikaze puppy had committed himself, and couldn't stop. Hurtling into me he knocked my bags, my flowers, and me to the floor.

"Monty" I groaned from the floor, but he was far too busy growling at Will to pay any attention.

"Monty, get here, now." I growled, grabbing him by his collar before he started biting Will's trousers. He may have looked cute, but this puppy could sure cause mayhem.

"Sorry about that." I said, turning to look at him once Monty had been contained. Will was smirking at me, a thong dangling from his pinky finger, and the rest of my lingerie at his feet.

"You been shopping for me babe?" He asked with a coy grin and a lewd wink.

Horrified, I leapt to my feet with Monty cradled in my arms.

"Give that back!" I yelled, reaching for it, but he moved out of my way you.

"Babe, you didn't have to, not that I'm not incredibly grateful. Want to model them for me?" He let the sentence hang in the air, and I growled in frustration.

"Give it back!" I growled. Monty leapt from my arms back into the flat, so I was left to confront him.

"You know, Alexis, I don't think I will. I've become rather attached to these."

"They're for Sam, not you." I lied, relying on his anger to surface, and make him leave in a strop once more. His eyes clouded over for a second, before approaching me. I moved backwards as he advanced.

"I don't think so, Alexis." He smirked, advancing as I retreated further into the corner.

"I'm not lying."

"Yes you are. I can tell." He tapped his head as if to prove his point. Of course he could- he was my soulfinder after all. "Besides, I've spoken to Sam. He's a nice guy, with a nice soulfinder called Elinor, not Alexis." My back hit the wall, I now had nowhere to escape him. I was trapped. His arms moved to make a protective cage around me- his lips millimetres from mine.

"Now, Alexis." He whispered in my ear.

"Yes" I squeaked, trying, and subsequently failing to be completely unaffected by his presence.

"You can have your underwear back if you promise to give me, give us, another chance."

"No." I replied, shaking my head forcefully. I'd made my decision- there was nothing he could do, or say to make me change my mind. He cocked his head to the side in response.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" He asked, his lips moving impossibly closer to mine. Our chests were pressed together, not a millimetre between us. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't deny that his presence didn't affect me.

"N-n-no" I managed to stutter.

"That's a pity." I gulped. Christ, he was gorgeous.

"Oh?"

"Because then I wouldn't be able to do this." And then he kissed me. And damn, it was good. It was a bruising, possessive kiss- branding me as his, and his alone- whether I liked it or not. My arms subconsciously wrapped themselves around his neck, as I lost myself in him. He drew me closer in return, lifting me against the wall so that my legs were wrapped around his waist. He pulled back a minute later, leaving me flustered and breathless. The tables had most definitely turned since our last kiss.

"You still insisting there's nothing between us?" He asked arrogantly, letting me slide back down his body until my feet touched the floor once more. I rolled my eyes at him, and he laughed. I was stubborn. I wasn't accepting him as my soulfinder just because he was an amazing kisser.

"Anyway babe, I've got to go back to the States for a few days. I've just got some stuff to sort out for work, but I'll be back as soon as I can, okay?" I nodded, still incapable of speech. Smiling, he pressed another, quick kiss to my lips.

"I've got to go, my flight leaves in a couple of hours. Stay safe okay?"

I nodded helplessly, and he pressed another kiss to the top of my head, before squeezing me tight and letting me go, walking off down the hallway without a care in the world, whilst I was left shell-shocked, surrounded by fallen lingerie. I pressed my fingers to my lips. What the hell had just happened? Why on earth did I let him do that? But, most importantly, why on earth did it feel so right?

My phone rang then, interrupting my reverie. It was an unknown number, but I picked it up anyway.

"Hello?"

"Hey Alexis, missing me already?"

"Will? How did you get my number?"

"Let's just say there are benefits of having your family run the convention." The sneaky git had only gone and looked up my phone number from the information I'd given the Net! Surely, that was a breach of my privacy?! Not that he'd have any qualms about breaking that rule.

"Anyway, I was just ringing to tell you that I'm keeping the underwear. I'll give them back to you when I get back, and you agree to give us being soulfinders a shot. Okay?" He was the most infuriating person I'd ever encountered.

"Nah, it's okay. I'll just buy another pair." He wasn't getting one over on me this time. No way.

"C'mon babe, stop lying to me. We both know you won't. So you'll just have to give us a shot, okay?" I sighed loudly down the phone. He was the most irritating person I'd ever had the misfortune of meeting.

"I'm not agreeing to anything, Will. You know where I stand with this."

"Well, I'll just have to try harder, then. You ain't seen nothing, Princess. See you soon." And with that he hung up. Why did he have to be so bloody charming? I began to pick up the lingerie which was still scattered all over the hallway. Why was my life so complicated?