(Randomish Story Fact: Nevada, Marcus, and Martinus are ninteen years old! Elaine is eighteen!)

When Nevada came over to Elaine's house to check up on her, the whole place was quiet and dark. A blanket of misery hung over the entire place.

Nevada used her personal key to unlock the door and headed in through the kitchen. There were only a couple dirty dishes in her sink, but Nevada soon found out that it was because Elaine had been only eating snacks right out of the box. It hadn't been more than two days since the break-up.

She found Elaine sprawled out on the sofa, passed out and surrounded by tissues and junk food. Nevada sighed and frowned at the state her friend was in. She took a moment to examine Elaine's tired face before she went around and straightened the living room up a bit.

Elaine's eyes fluttered open and she didn't even get startled when she saw Nevada's dark figure looming over her.

"Hey, Elaine," Nevada softly greeted, giving her a small smile.

Elaine didn't reply, but just yawned and stared at the ceiling. Nevada finished cleaning up the room then sat down on the edge of the couch, placing her hand on Elaine's outstretched shin.

"Do you want to come over to my place?" Nevada asked, tilting her head so that her long brown hair fell into her eyes. "I have ice cream in my truck and Shasta is a great comforter."

Nevada was referring to her roommate, Shasta the Belgian Malinois dog.

Elaine sighed deeply, closing her eyes as she remained lying down.

"I'll even let you stay the night," Nevada said, trying to convince her as well as she could. "We'll watch whatever movie you feel like. I even have an awesome new blanket that is so warm and fuzzy, it's just the most magical thing in the world."

Elaine let a grin slowly cross her face as she listened to Nevada go on and on.

"Ok, Nevada. I'll come with you." Elaine said softly, making Nevada's ramblings come to a stop. 

"Atta girl," Nevada said, smiling and patting Elaine's shin. 

Elaine blinked her tired cinnamon brown eyes a few times before pushing herself up to a sitting position. Nevada felt her phone vibrate in her pocket as she watched her friend run her hands over her face. She pulled the phone out and looked at the displayed message. 

Elaine watched Nevada as she pulled her phone out and clicked on the screen. The bright screen lit up her surprised face. Elaine became curious when she saw Nevada's mouth curve into a grin. 

"Who is it?" Elaine asked. 

Nevada's heart sped up as she clicked off the screen and buried it in her pocket. 

"No one," Nevada lied, shrugging and standing. In reality, it was Marcus, texting and asking for an update on her progress with Elaine. "You ready to go?"

"Yeah," Elaine replied, giving her an odd look. 

"My truck is outside," Nevada smiled, feeling her phone vibrate again. 

"Aren't you gonna check your phone?" Elaine asked, standing up shakily.

"It's not important," Nevada said lightly, as Elaine followed her to the door. 

"Nevada," Elaine said as the phone continued to vibrate off the hook. "It sounds like someone needs something from you."

"It's a private matter. I'll talk to him about it later."

"Him?"

"Did I say 'him'?"

"Nevada!" 

Nevada stopped with her hand on the doorknob, turning to face Elaine's disapproving face. 

"Who is it? Is it Marcus?" Elaine's face wasn't angry, just interested. 

"Uh. . ." Nevada hesitated. "Yeah, it. . .it is."

Elaine cocked an eyebrow and grinned a bit. 

"Should I be concerned about this 'private matter' between you two?" she asked.

"No, it's not like that," Nevada said, shaking her head and smiling. 

"Okay," Elaine said. "You go ahead and call him, see what's up. I'll wait in the car." 

Elaine plucked the keys from her friend's hand and stepped out of the door. Nevada watched her friend unlock her precious Chevrolet Silverado and hop in the passenger seat before she turned and shut the door, going and taking a seat back on her friend's couch. She drew her phone out and looked at the multiple messages Marcus had sent her, which was actually just one really long one. Summed up, he wasn't having much luck with Martinus and he was wondering if Nevada was doing any better. 

Unfortunately, she had to say no. She knew Elaine was expecting her to actually call Marcus but Nevada dreaded calling people on the phone, especially such amazing people like Marcus. So instead she cleaned up the kitchen while she waited for a reply. When he texted her back, she found herself practically pouncing onto her phone to read the message. 

When she finally locked up the house and made her way to her truck, she found Elaine resting in the front seat, listening to blaring tunes over the speakers. Needless to say, they were all sad songs based on heartbreak. 

-----------

When Elaine woke up from her slumber, she saw the passing road outside the window and realized they were almost to Nevada's place. The sad, lonely tunes were still playing on the radio, Nevada had just turned them down a bit. Elaine let out a sad sigh and leaned her head against the truck window, watching the buildings and other cars rush by as she wondered what Martinus was up to at that time. 

"No," she told herself, covering her eyes with her hand. "Don't think about him, he doesn't deserve to be worried or wondered about. That wretch should just take a-"

But her thoughts were interrupted when Nevada asked, "Are you okay over there?"

"Just like Nevada," Elaine thought. "Saving such a lowlife from my condemning thoughts."

"Yeah," Elaine sighed, spotting their destination in the windshield. 

When the girls got to the house, they settled down with Shasta, a movie, and a tub of ice cream each as soon as they could manage. Nevada fished out her amazing blanket while the movie's title showed on the television. Elaine couldn't help but wish she had Martinus' arm around her as she snuggled up with Shasta and wrapped the blanket around her and the dog. Even if she was mad at him, she still loved him. And deep down, she missed his sweet voice and adorable smile, missed them more than she cared to accept. 

By 1:00 in the morning, the two girls had watched over four movies and taken so many BuzzFeed quizzes. After her lonely, heart aching days that had been full of crying, Elaine was pretty tired and had almost fallen asleep at that time. It was then that Marcus decided to text Nevada again. 

 ----------- 

How's Elaine?

He truly wasn't expecting a reply, being it was so late in her part of the world, so when Nevada's message popped up on his notifications, Marcus couldn't help but be surprised. 

Not so great. She's almost fallen asleep tho so that's good. What about Martinus, how's he?

Marcus narrowed his eyes and smiled a bit, wondering why she would be up so late.

MARCUS: He's still asleep. Didn't do so good last night. 

NEVADA: That's too bad. Man, I wish these two would stop being so stupid and realize they need each other!

MARCUS: Me too. It would make our job a lot easier.

He stared at the still screen for a moment, playing with the popsocket on the back of his phone while he waited.

NEVADA: I've been working on convincing Elaine all night, but she won't budge. It's like she's already forgotten about him.

MARCUS: Martinus won't even let me say her name. But I know he misses her, I can see it in his eyes.

NEVADA: This doesn't seem to be working. I wonder if I need to do something drastic. . .

MARCUS: Like what?

NEVADA: I can't say just yet. I'll tell you when it's time tho

Marcus stared at her message for a bit, trying to imagine what she could be planning. He couldn't think of anything drastic but safe enough that Nevada would try it. He decided to move on to friendly conversation, after all, Nevada was a fun person to talk to and he had nothing better to do.

MARCUS: So what are you doing up so late? Is everything alright?

NEVADA: Yeah, Elaine is spending the night here so we put on a movie. She's snuggled up with Shasta rn so I'm sure she'll be asleep any moment now. Besides, I'm a night owl so I'm used to being up this late.

MARCUS: Are you sure your not just a vampire or something?

------------

Elaine was so close to a gentle, blissful sleep that she could almost reach out and touch her dreamland. Unfortunately a gentle giggle yanked her out of that wonderful state. She blinked her eyes open and turned them to the flashing television. The movie was on its last scene. Elaine gave Shasta a pat on his fuzzy head before she turned her tired eyes to Nevada's face, which was illuminated by her cell phone screen.

"What are you giggling about?" She asked, her weary voice barely audible.

Nevada seemed to be startled by her friend's sudden voice, as she lifted her wide icy-blue eyes off her screen faster than a lighting bolt.

"What? Oh, nothing." Nevada replied, giving a last grin to her phone as she sat it down next to her. "Do you want me to turn the tv off?"

Elaine gave a weak nod as she repositioned herself on the couch to a sleeping position.

"You can go sleep in my room if you want tonight," Nevada offered, lifting her phone up again. "It's much more comfortable."

"Aren't you going to bed?" Elaine asked, shutting her eyes and pulling the blanket up.

"Uh. . ." Nevada glanced at her cell phone, which was currently displaying a message.

Should I be worried that you haven't replied? Is it confirmation of my vampire fears?

She chuckled softly into her hand at his messages. Elaine gave her a look.

"Naw, I'm gonna stay up a bit longer." Nevada decided.

"Nevada, it's one fifteen in the morning." Elaine moaned.

"I know," Nevada replied.

"Fine," Elaine groaned, lifting herself off of the couch.

Nevada looked up and laughed a little.

"You look like the undead!" She exclaimed, grinning.

"You're too giggly for this late at night." Elaine growled, heading for the bedroom. Shasta got up and followed her. "Get some sleep, Nev,"

Nevada watched her friend dissappear down the hallway. She then turned off the tv and found her headphones. She began to wonder what she should listen too.

NEVADA: I promise I'm not a vampire lol

MARCUS: That is what a vampire would say. . .

NEVADA: Enough Marcus! I'm too pretty to be a vampire!

MARCUS: lol true

Nevada stopped moving for a moment. Was he agreeing she was pretty? Or did the "lol" mean he was joking. She shook her head, silently scolding herself for over thinking the two simple words.

NEVADA: Elaine just went to bed. Now I'm ready for some tunes. What should I listen to?

MARCUS: Marcus and Martinus!

NEVADA: Of course, who else could I possibly listen to? 😂

She laughed a bit and dawned her headphones, feeling the pulsing beats of the music scream in her ears as she listened to Marcus and Martinus' talented voices. She knew she was gonna have a pretty good night.

----------

"Woof!"

Elaine moaned and turned to bury her face in the soft pillows.

"Woof! Woof!"

"Shut up, Shasta," she hissed into the fluffy comforter.

"Woof! Woof!" Shasta continued, nudging her still form under the blankets. His persistence was beginning to tick Elaine off.

She finally flug the comforter off her face and slowly sat up, staring him down with a stern gaze.

The morning sunlight streamed in through the cracks in the curtains and landed in streaks across the now bright bedroom. A gentle breeze stirred in the room from the overhead fan and a soft noise that sounded like cars passing by outside could be heard.

"Woof!" The dog cried again, jumping off the bed and running in circles around the front of the dresser where Elaine's cell phone was sitting. "Woof! Woof!"

"What is it, crazy dog?" Elaine growled, scooting to the edge of the bed and watching him run around. She noticed a piece of paper next to her phone. She stood up and grabbed it, her eyes shifting around the page as she read the printed words written in red pen.

Hey Elaine! Just wanted to let you know I Ieft early this morning and won't be back for at least two days. Hang around and sleep as long as you want, hon! Don't forget to walk Shasta and please lock up when you leave!
Love, Nevada

P.S. I probably won't text back anytime soon either, you know the drill when you're flying and all.

"Where the heck did she go?" Elaine muttered to herself, giving Shasta an odd glance. She shook her head. "This house is full of crazy people."

Shasta barked up at her.

-----------

"I can't believe you came all the way here," Marcus laughed, shaking his head.

Nevada gently leaned back and laid her head on the headrest, closing her eyes and smiling slightly.

"Well, desperate times call for desperate mesures." Nevada said, her exshausted voice slightly shaking. "Wow, am I tired."

"Did you get any sleep after we stopped texting? Or did you just board the plane as soon as possible?"

"The latter," she sighed. "I got a little rest on the plane, but I don't sleep very well in moving vehicles."

"Good thing you are not a singer then! You would hate going on tour!" Marcus said, dividing his attention between her and the road. He was very amused at her dramatic decision to fly all the way to Norway, especially when she had a performance to prepare for. "I still can't figure out how you got here so fast!"

"Sparkle has a lot of connections," Nevada said, a humorous smile forming on her lips. "And she was pretty swift at finding a private jet when she realized one of her acts where at stake."

"You threatened to quit?" Marcus asked.

"No, I just simply explained there wasn't enough time for me to get all the way here and back in time to prepare for the celebration if I went on a normal plane." Nevada said, keeping her eyes shut and enjoying the amazing feeling of relaxation. It wasn't that great, but she was very tired.

"Martinus is going to be so surprised," Marcus said, a hint of laughter in his voice.

Sure enough, when the two reached the house and Nevada plopped down on the couch next to a quiet Martinus, laying her head back and yawning, Martinus almost cursed he was so surprised.

"What are you doing here, Nevada?!" Martinus cried.

Marcus was laughing as he watched his brother's surprised face.

"Well," Nevada replied, propping her feet up on the coffee table. "I think I'm sitting on y'all's sofa, but I am very sleep deprived so I could just be hallucinating."

Martinus shot his brother a puzzled look. Marcus just smiled and shrugged.

"Can I ask why you're here?" Martinus asked, giving her the most judging look.

"I don't know, can you?" Nevada replied, smiling. "I'll tell you later. What about you, what have you been up to Tinus?"

"He's been sleeping, eating, and staring at his phone all the time." Marcus said, smirking at his brother when Martinus shot him a narrow eyed glare.

Nevada shook her head and smiled, turning to Martinus and saying, "You're a moron."

"Excuse me?" Martinus said.

"You don't realize how dull life has gotten since Elaine had left?" Nevada asked.

Martinus clenched his jaw and shifted his gaze away from the two.

"Oh, I hit a sore spot, did I?" Nevada mocked. She moved closer to him and tried to catch his eye. "Martinus, she won't admit it but she misses you so much. I caught her scrolling through the last texts you sent each other. In fact, everytime I looked at her phone she was staring at them. Elaine thinks-well-knows, actually, that it's your fault so she tries to be strong and pretend she doesn't care, but she does."

The room was silent. Martinus still avoided Nevada's eyes, but his attitude changed from anger to sorrow. Nevada sighed and exchanged a glance with Marcus.

"You hurt Elaine and she is like a little sister to me," Nevada continued. "I know that you and Elaine go together like pepperoni and pizza. Now if you continue to live like this, pretending you don't care about her and that you don't miss her, then just think about what you would do to someone who did the same to your little sister and realize that I went this far and would definitely go further if needed."

Martinus swallowed hard and felt the horrid feeling of losing Elaine rise in his chest.

"Just think about that as you mope around all day." Nevada said.

Don't forget to vote!