Guard-In-Training-56: Nicole, please answer me. I'm about to board a plane.

I felt like it was worth a try to send her a message. She had only responded once before, merely saying, "It's fine. I said too much."

VonRonsenburger: Don't.

I was ecstatic that she had finally responded, but upset on what she said as her response.

Guard-In-Training-56: Nikkie, let me come visit you.

VonRonsenburger: Why...? I completely embarrassed myself and ruined our friendship.

Guard-In-Training-56: You didn't ruin anything.

I heard nothing more from her, standing up as those at Gate 8 began to board the plane. Considering I bought my plane ticket so late, I was Standard Class and had to deal with other people who radiated stress and anxiety.

Before having to rid myself of all internet connection, I opened the chat app on my phone and sent the message: "I'm on the plane now."

The plane couldn't have gone any slower to me, but two hours later, I had arrived at the Scaleswind airport and took an Uber to the apartment complexes closest to the City Hall. I took a picture of the building and sent it to Nicole.

Guard-In-Training-56: [Image 021]

Guard-In-Training-56: What is your address?

VonRonsenburger: Why did you come?

Guard-In-Training-56: The sun is setting and I need a place to stay. Nikkie, what is your address?

VonRonsenburger: ...

VonRonsenburger: 1491 Maiden St. #31. Floor 27, room 2702.

I went onto Google Maps and got the directions, seeing it was a fifteen minute walk away. I sped walked to the building, taking a right turn, waiting to cross the road to turn left, and eventually making it to the stairwell for the apartment.

By the time I made it to the top of the staircase, I was out of breath and in a cold sweat. I walked down multiple hallways, eventually finding the door with the numbers '2702' imprinted on the wood.

I knocked once.

Twice.

Three times. Moments later, the door opened to reveal the redheaded beauty, gray eyes heavy with sleep deprivation and bags settling themselves under her eyelids. Her cheeks were rosy and she looked pale, but the thing that affected me the most was what she said.

"You shouldn't have come."