Andrew did not seem to need directions this time, which only ticked me off. Ralph threw his stuff in the vehicle and waved towards me as he was about to leave. I caught Andrew glaring at me.

In response, I just smiled and saluted him, mockingly. I watch the truck until it was finally out of sight, before I want back into the house. It was vacant and empty. I could feel it all to start and sink in. Maurice or Ralph were usually around, so loneliness was an alien feeling. I always thought I'd have Ralph there, he was almost like a life-line that helped me through the day. If it were not for him, I feel like I would not be who I am now. Sitting here, alone, just let it all sink in. Time was lost as I search my thoughts and it was not til Maurice came through the front door that I even realized how late it was.

"Jack. Are you okay?" He asked dropping on the couch next to me. Maurice was out of breath and covered on a layer of sweat. He was dressed in our high school workout uniform and a pair of worn out sneakers. I did not answer him and he looked like he was starting to worry. "Jack?" He said softer, placing his hands on my shoulder. I shrugged him off and continued to stare off in to space. "You're really starting to freak me out." Maurice stated.

I decided to break out of my thoughts and finally look at him. "I need a drink." I said and Maurice must have thought I was joking, because a half-hearted grin formed on his face. I just looked in his brown eye, showing him that I was serious and the grin fell.

"What's been up with you? I know you're upset about Ralph, but you never use to drink on week nights." He propped one leg on the couch as he spoke. "I think you might be falling in to a chronic depression. I suggest you go see a psychiatrist so he can get you on some pills." Maurice, having taken a few psychology classes, suggested.

"You know how I feel about that. When ever you go to any kind of doctor, they find anything they can wrong with you, and then they charge outrages prices for a quick fix." I growled. "Besides, I'm not chronically depressed." I said turning my gaze towards to TV.

I saw Maurice's reflection in the screen shaking his head. "You need to do something about this, because it could lead to that. And don't say it won't. I know you better than that and so does Roger." What the Hell did Roger have to do with any of this? "He and I were talking about this when I went for a run with him and Simon." Oh joy, even Simon knew I was loosing! I thought as I rolled my eyes. "Look, if you won't go to a professional at least start going on runs with me. It'll help clear your head and get you out of the house, plus I think it'll even make you feel better."

"What makes you think I need any of that?" I snapped at him.

"Well, for starters, you're staring at the TV and it's not even on." He leaned back on the arm-rest triumphantly as I whipped around to glare at him.

"Fine." I said through gritted teeth. "I'll go running with you." My mind screamed, reminding me of the events earlier that day. I could already feel my stomach begin to turn and oppose the idea all together. "But only once!" I sternly said as Maurice beamed.

"That's fine with me." His usual grin taking over his face. "I just don't want to see you rotting on the couch in the next few weeks." The next thing I knew, he pulled me in to a tight hug. Usually I was against human contact, but this actually was warming. Maurice's problem was that he, genuinely, care and he gets to attached to people. It made me worry about his 'relationship' with Roger, who never gets too attached. That might be why I hugged him back.

Maurice patted my back before releasing me. "Tomorrow after work I expect you to wear something to run in." He said as he jumped up and headed to his room.

I let out a sigh, before checking my phone. There were a few texts from Roger, saying he was not Maurice's keeper, and I needed to text him myself. Another one from Maurice himself and two from Carrie bitching me out for leaving her during a lunch rush. I would be hearing about it the next day, but I did not particularly care at that point. I was about to delete the messages, when a new one popped up. Opening it, I saw it was from Simon, who wanted to make sure I was holding up good. Texting back that I would be fine, I shoved it back in my pocket and retired to my room.

The next morning, my alarm clock blared some radio talk show with an annoying host. I reached for the cord and unplugged it before dragging myself out of bed. Taking my morning shower and getting on my work clothes, I was going on complete autopilot. Instead of actually eating a full breakfast, I made a piece of toast and covered it with jam. I could hear my room-mate thumping around in his room, shouting curse words as he did so. Checking the clock, I noticed he was late to open and his manager was going to rip him a new one.

"Shit, shit, shit!" He yelled as he barreled in to the kitchen and snatched my toast from me. "Thanks! See you later today!" Maurice shouted as he ran out the door.

I glared at my hand for a few seconds, deciding if I was going to let this go or take my revenge later. To say the least, I was going to over look it until I could find a good time to get him back. Making another slice, I grabbed my coat and made my way to work. As soon as I got in the kitchen, I was met with the icy glare of Carrie. Her blue eyes felt like they were burning holes in toy my skull. "Morning Carrie." I said trying to avoid here angry looks.

"Where the bloody Hell were you yesterday?!" She finally exploded. "I was left here with our manager!" Carrie said in disgust. "Plus we had another packed house for lunch and I didn't even have anyone to bitch about it with afterward!" Her face was beginning to flush with anger.

"Whoa!" I held my hands up to direct her to calm down. "Ralph stayed over and one thing lead to another and I had a hangover the next morning." I said clocking in.

Carrie raised an eyebrow. "Really now?" She asked suggestively. "What all went on with your ex held up at your place?" She was now sitting at the table, legs crossed, head resting on her hand and turned towards me.

"Nothing like that happened." I said making sure I was ready for my shift. She did not look convinced. "I got drunk and started asking Ralph about the guy he's dating now." I fixed my apron. "And then I might have accidentally kissed him and passed out afterwards." I finished and turned to Carrie, who had a shocked look on her face. Lucky for me, I was saved by our boss yelling at use to get to work.

"We are so talking about this later." Carrie said sternly as she walked out to the floor.

I took a deep breath and looked at one of the cooks, who was chuckling to himself about my misery. I flipped him the bird before joining Carrie and leaving him to his new laughing fit.

A/N: Finally got to finishing this chapter. :D Sorry it's been a while, but I will try to get back to writing more for this story. :)

windsurfergirl: I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. :)

And thank you to everyone who favored it and everyone who follows. It makes me happy to know you all like this story. XD