I was halfway done stuffing my clothes in the last briefcase when I heard the faint sound of the front door open and then close.

Someone had entered the penthouse.

A strange feeling of anxiety and...fear flowed into my veins. Are we getting robbed? Or was it Zach? Sandra?

I heard a door open and then close again. Instantly, I was afraid to leave my room and investigate the situation.

Taking a glance at my bed, I decided to die there. I would rather die on a comfortable bed than on a cold, hard ground.

But I wasn't ready to die. I looked around the room for a weapon or anything to shield myself. To my disappointment. Nothing—well except the thief was terrified or had allergies for a tube of lip gloss.

"Ruby, Ruby." Zach's voice called out.

Sighing in relief, I swung the door open then stepped out. And began my walk to the living room.

Getting closer, I collided with a wall. A soft, hard, and warm wall it held me back from falling. I snuggle in closer a few minutes before putting a small distance in between. Groaning, I raise my head to meet Zach staring down at me.

He touched my forehead, "Ruby are you okay?"

I scrunched my eyebrows together, looking at him keenly. He looked worried like I ran away and got run over by a bus and was lying on a hospital bed, fighting for my life.

I nod, "yeah am okay. Why were you yelling?"

"I thought you had done something stupid," he said, relief flooding his face as he led us both to the living room, he still held on to me but now, his hand fell from my face to my hand—entwining both our fingers together.

I stared at down our hands, his was so big that it covered mine. I ignored the warm and fuzzy feeling of his action. "When have I ever done something stupid," I stated, turning to face him as we entered the living room.

Then he smiled. He looked so handsome, tough and sexy. The usual smirk was gone, leaving me with the real Zach. I giggled under my breath.

"You are seriously asking me THAT bizarre question? You pushed me off a ride at the amusement park, and you still didn't apologize." He threw his free hard up in surrender.

"I did apologize." The lie rolled off my tongue and he opened his mouth to argue. To hush him, I raise a finger to his lips.

"But. You were sound asleep and besides, you never apologized to me."

Gently, he pried my finger away, "apologize! For what?"

"Everything you have done to me." I said in a 'duh' tone

He dropped my hand to my dismay and pinched the bridge of his nose before walking over to one of the couches and took a seat—backing me.

'He is already seated now is our chance,' the voice at the back of my head said. 'It's not us, there is no us it's only me now quit bothering me.' I replied pushing the voice to the back of my head.

"Hey, Zach. There is something I have to tell you." I said as he turned around. I start playing with my fingers. Suddenly, I felt nervous and anxious.

He groaned. "What did you do now? Did you throw someone off the rooftop? Put my hotel out in the market? Get my house robbed?"

I resist the urge to smile, moving over to sit on other couch. "I didn't do any of those things." I whispered, "I want to tell you..."

He gives me a look, urging me to go on.

"I just...want to go back to Green Bank tomorrow. I need to see my family, to know how they are dealing with this." I bowed my head and continue with my fingers.

I did not hear him move until he crouches down in front of me. He wiped the tears I had no idea were spilling from my eyes...again.

"Of course we should totally go to them. They need you right now. You're the new provider of the family." He said softly, rubbing his thumb against my cheek.

I close my eyes for a moment, savoring his touch, his warm rough finger. They sent me fuzzy shivers every time they made contact with my cheek.

"What about the dare and the show? And the remaining six days?" I questioned, moving away from his distracting touch. He was too distracting...as always.

"Don't worry about it. We would figure it out when we get back. We need to go back to your family, that's the only thing that matters."

I breathed a sigh of relief before giving him a puzzled look.

"Why do you keep saying we?"

He takes a seat next to me and put his arms around my shoulder. "Cause WE are going to Green Bank sweetheart."

"One word. Why?"

"Cause nothing and besides, I have a free schedule for some days so why not take a field trip. You might need support anyway." He said, twirling strands of my hair resting on my nape. I had no energy to tie it this morning and the clip I held it with last night was missing so, I let it free.

I relax more into his hold till I hit his chest, automatically, his hand moved from my hair to my waist and pulled me closer.

Oh my God, we're cuddling.

We lay there for months—just an hour—enjoying each other's comfort. In his arms, I felt safe, protected like no harm could come to me. He was my husband—my fake husband at least for a few more days. When it's time to leave, I hope to find someone like him. The same face, same hair, same smile, and of course the same body.

That would be in a hundred years, or he might have a twin or doppelganger.

'Stop hoping Dorothy.'

I sigh. It was a stupid excuse for a plan. I had to accept the fact Zachary would be gone, for good.

I quietly raise my head to look at his features. His almond-colored eyes were closed. I resisted the urge to touch him, his nose, and his mouth. His lips were full, pink and plump. I wondered what it felt like to kiss him.

My mind soared back to the club. Immediately, the blurry images in my head became clearer. I remembered before I passed out, I kissed Zach.

A warm giddy feeling burst in my insides. I kissed Zach. Nevertheless, I frowned. It was a drunken kiss not the real thing; I couldn't even remember how it felt.

A knock interrupted my train of thoughts. Beside me, Zach opened his eyes. Lifting my weight from him, I stand up and Zach follows seconds behind me. His face showed he had fallen asleep.

He looked tired. Work must be hitting him hard.

"Why don't you go to your room Zach, I'll answer the door," I suggested. He nodded, "I'll order us pizza. Chicken?"

I nod approvingly at his choice of flavor, he trots towards his room.

I walk towards the door and open it to see Dennis. "Hey Dennis, I'm not going anywhere today." I smile weakly at him.

"I know. I met this little girl down the street and she was looking for you," he said.

I look down to see a mass mop of shiny long red hair behind Dennis. Her hair was left loose.

Confusion invaded my mind about the girl but instead, I squat. I fish out a smile and plastered to my face.

"Hey there Little Angel. Am Ruby, what can I do for you?" I say in my cheeriest voice.

Slowly she passed Dennis and was looking straight at me.

I let out a gasp and stared wide-eyed at the girl in front of me. She was me but, younger me with red hair.

There was no difference.

"Hello there..." I said my voice shaking.

"Tamra. My name is Tamra," Her small voice said.

"Nice to meet you, Tamra."