From: Laurie A Rock To: FKFIC-L@LISTS.PSU.EDU Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 12:40:22 -0500 Subject: [DarkNN] The Reaction (1/1) From: Laurie A Rock Now I've done it. This is a continuation of The Drive and The Announcement. I really didn't think it would get this far, but as long as the words keep coming, I'll keep writing. Reading the first two stories explains a lot, if you don't...sorry. I don't own them, they belong to TPTB. Permission to post granted to those listed above, and to Mel at the FK Fanfic site. All others please ask. The Reaction Laurie Rock She opened her eyes, he hadn't said a word, hadn't moved an inch. He just stared at her. His jaw clenched, his brows drawn together, his eyes staring into her soul. She couldn't look anymore. Her head dipped. What have I done? You can't take it back. I know. She listened to the friction of the leather. Heard the tread of his shoes as he walked past her. The creak of the stairs leading to the second floor. He doesn't love you. You're just a friend. Get on with your life. She got up and left the loft. Taking the stairs, not wanting to wait for the elevator. It took too long. By the time she got in her car and started the engine, the tears she cried inside her heart broke through. Slowly, one after another. Her hand moved, the arm swung, the vehicle responded. The sun started to rise. She took no notice. She drove. She was numb. You have only yourself to blame. I know. You had Faith. Yes It didn't help. I know. The tears continued to roll down her cheeks. What am I going to do now? Start over. It wasn't supposed to be like this. You knew it was a possibility. I really didn't think it would happen. But it did. And now you have to move on. Move on. Yes. Her hand moved, the arm swung, the vehicle responded. The sun rose higher, traffic increased. She took no notice. She drove. She was numb. The streets fell behind her. The city fell behind her. Small towns fell behind her. Her tears stopped. She took no notice. The fuel gauge cried for attention. I just filled you! I Need To Feed! My God, where am I? You're on the 401. No kidding. The approaching sign displayed the answer to her location. Sort of. Marysville 33 2 Km She yawned. You've been driving for hours. Get some gas, and then get some sleep. She yawned again. Yeah, I'm exhausted. She drove up the exit, pulled into the conveniently located gas station and had the eager teen fill the tank. When she finished paying, she asked, "Is there a motel nearby?" "Down the road a ways." "Thanks." She headed in the direction he pointed. As soon as she checked in and entered her room, she removed her clothes, folded them neatly, and crawled into bed. There were no thoughts, no dreams, just sleep. The first thing she noticed was the feel of the sheets. Did I forget the fabric softener? She opened her eyes, darkness greeted her. Where am I? A sliver of light invaded her realm, beckoning her towards he source. A window, heavy drapes. The light vanished then quickly reappeared. Expanding like bellows, brighter, darker, brighter, and darker. She rubbed her eyes; they were sensitive to the touch, the skin extremely pliable. Why? She remembered. Crying does that you know. Don't remind me. Too late. She threw off the covers and dangled her legs over the edge of the bed. Memories flooded her. The decision, the speech to Nick, his reaction and her response. The hours of driving. You mean the escape. Yeah, I guess you could call it that. Without a doubt. You're here, God only knows where or even how far away you really are. Light years. Well it's time to go home. You can't hide away forever. She turned the bedside lamp on. A soft light put an end to the mystery of her location. On the nightstand was the motel's welcoming brochure "The New Day Is Dawning" Cute Hey it fits. I guess it does. Come on, you can't stay here forever, get going! OK, OK, I'm going. Once she showered, she felt better. Before leaving the bathroom, she checked her face in the mirror. Not too bad. A little make-up and no one will know the difference. She looked again. Except me. She flipped on the TV as she dressed. The news was on. Pulling on her shoes, she looked at the screen. The day and time was plastered on the bottom section of the screen. Stock prices cruised beneath the numbers. November 15, 9:01 AM. Damn! I've been asleep for TWO days. I got to work tonight! Call in. I can't, I have to get on with my life. Are you ready? I guess… Well, leave that option open. She stopped at the Main office, settled her bill and grabbed a coffee and Danish to go from small restaurant across the street. She drove to the 401 and headed west. How am I going to get through this? The first steps are always the hardest. That's an understatement. You'll be fine. I hope so… Not The End Response, either way, is most welcome and desired. Laurie Rock LaurieRock@Juno.com " I trust you"