[GearRyu]

I have finished the edits. I now present the until-now missing Chapter Four! This is meant to be the most romantic chapter. Please, enjoy, and when you finish, I recommend going back to have a look at Chapter Five, to see how they sync up (expect a little bit of desync, which should be fixed when I roll out a revised version of the entire story).

By the way, I recommend reading Chapter Four before Chapter Five, for obvious reasons. If you are one of the few to not have read Chapter Five yet, this will allow you to retain some of the surprise. And for those of you who have already read Chapter Five, you get to see what was going on in front of the curtain!

In any case, I hope you enjoy the chapter, my fellow Processors. Now, if you please, take a comfortable seat, sit back, and relax, and enjoy...

Chapter 4: Twelve Hour Waltz

Part 1: Dream You of Me

Alex?s white blouse reminded her of cake. She sipped from a tall glass of cold milk, and stared straight ahead, at the television set, uncomprehendingly. Her right foot tapped up and down in impatience, when her mother stepped through the door leading to the kitchen.

?Dear, dear,? she said to Alex, calling out to her child, a stirring spoon in her right hand. Alex shut her eyes and took a deep breath that she did not feel. When she opened her eyes, her mother was standing right before her, slightly to her left.

?Are you and Rick going to the movies tonight, dear?? The woman?s smile was wide as a crocodile?s toothy mouth. And now that she thought of it, Alex knew that there were crocodile teeth within that mouth. She reached forward (milk?), and pulled her mother?s mouth open and forward. Yes, a crocodile. Just a crocodile. A fleshy crocodile. It dropped to all fours and with a growl, it ran off back into the kitchen.

The couch teetered and shook on the raft on the vast unending morning ocean. Four foam-white horses, pulling a Victorian-era coach, came up beside the raft. The coachman was a dapper young man with a long mane of black hair, a top hat, and a handsome cravat. He wore a fine waistcoat and jacket, fine slacks, and she thought she recognized him, because she saw that he had a black tail sticking out from beneath the waistband of his pants. He was grinning, not at her, just grinning.

The left door to the coach opened, and Alex climbed the plank onto the coach. It was spacious inside, as spacious as a mansion. Rick lifted her from her green seat, leaned forward, kissed her upon her neck, upon her chin?s edge, upon her nose, and upon her lips. He held her tightly, and she did not want him to let her go, even as he slid the lovely white rose atwixst her bounteous breasts. The thorns pricked, and she thought they drew blood.

Neither spoke to the other, but they smiled knowingly, a small sad lovers? smile. Alex tried to prevent Rick from leaving the coach, and she pulled for all she was worth, tugging fervently on his arm, but to no avail. He shook his head, even as she and the rose wept bitter tears, her of salt, it of blood that stained its purity. She leaned forward, hoping to at least kiss him, but he drew back into the sun, and she watched.

She watched the executioner, a strange, brutally handsome man with almond skin, place Rick in the stocks. ?I love you, Alex,? said Rick, and she felt her heart would burst. The guillotine fell.

Her lover?s head rolled back up the ramp, and into the carriage. His eyes were rolled up so only the under-iris was visible. He croaked out the words again? ?I love you, Alex??

And then he screamed, and she screamed, and his head exploded like a firecracker in a pumpkin.

Part 2: The Final Countdown Begins

Rick awoke with a pleasant smile on his face. Ah, noon. Beautiful, beautiful noon, God how he missed waking up at a decent hour of day. He hopped out of his cot on the couch. Still trying to figure out how he ended up giving his bed to his gir- to Alex. No point in thinking of them much closer, was there? There was, but?

But?

He sighed. Twelve hours. That was all they had left together. Twelve hours to make everything work out. God, he loved her breasts, and he loved her, too, in some way he could not fully comprehend. She was in his dreams, and God willing, he was going to make her happy today. Live the dream, Rick, he told himself. Live the-

Scream. His room. Alex.

Part 3: Shove On In

The door to Rick?s room was shouldered in. Rick came charging in, an expression of horrid concern on his face. The scream he had just heard, Alex- in trouble? She was there, thank God, still alive, there, but pale as though dead, her mouth open, and tears in her eyes.

?Alex, Alex, are you all right?? Rick said, quickly walking toward her. ?Alex, I heard you scream, are-??

She tossed her arms around his frame and hugged him close, her breasts pushing against him warmly, and her tears soaking his tee-shirt. Her own frame shivered involuntarily. She said something between sobs about Rick being dead.

And Rick halted, sighed, smiled slightly, and placed an arm lovingly around her back. ?It?s going to be all right,? he said calmly. ?I?m still alive, see?? He gently pushed her shoulders back, and she looked into his eyes. With a heavy convulsive shiver, Alex began to calm.

Part 4: The Plans

Alex told Rick all about her dream, though she barely recalled it. Nothing made sense, as dreams are wont to. The little she could recall frightened her terribly.

Rick thought, for a second, of suggesting they try to summon the devil? incubus, right, the incubus, and see if he could make something of it, but he decided against that. Beside hating the fucker for causing this situation in the first place, he did not like the effect he had on Alex.

After calming Alex down, Rick suggested they get out of the house. They had a little time left, and why not enjoy it?

?Maybe the mall?? he suggested. ?We might have better luck today. Go shopping, do some fun things, you know, the works.?

Alex smiled faintly, and nodded. ?Mind if I? take a shower, first?? she asked, in a voice that was nearly inaudible.

?Sure, go ahead,? said Rick.

Alex stood up slowly. Her heaving breasts, ponderous in size, bounced nakedly as she made that motion. She hardly noticed. Rick did, but did not say anything. She was completely naked, and his eyes roamed over her beauteous frame. Twelve hours and she would be gone. The thought made him a little bitter inside, and his conscience panged him for even thinking that.

He watched her head off to the shower, then leaned back against the wall and sighed.

Part 5: Shower Call

After a few minutes, Rick stepped into the shower room. He saw Alex?s body outlined against the shower doors. She was humming a tune to herself. It sounded like ?Yapapa? from Ranma ?.

?Alex,? Rick said, after a few seconds.

?? Huh?? Alex paused for a second, then added, ?Yeah, what is it??

?I was thinking, after the mall, how about we get something really good to eat??

?Just a second, let me turn the shower off?? The knob turned squeakily, and the flow of water stopped. She slowly pulled back the door to the shower. It took a bit longer than might be expected, as her breasts, large as they were, pushed against the shower door, steamily framing the aureoles, and hindering movement. Finally, the door opened a few inches, and she asked him to repeat. He did.

?Sounds good,? she said, then added with a slightly nervous tone, ?but? my milk problem? remember??

Rick?s lips parted in a small toothy smile. ?Don?t worry, I?ve got it all taken care of. Now, if you?ll excuse me, I?ve got a call to make? unless you want me to join you.?

?Rick!? Alex said in a reprimanding, abashed tone, as she smartly turned and closed the shower door. ?M-maybe later, ?kay?? she said.

Rick nodded, and went out to make a call.

Part 6: A Very Late Breakfast

Alex left the shower, went, and got dressed. She noticed, with slight discomfort, that her largest brassiere fit, but bordered on snug. She blushed to herself, and seized a large hot pink shirt from the closet, which she slid on with some extra discomfort. Her breasts gave a hefty bounce as it slid on, and she walked out into the living room. It was no use now. No matter what she wore, her breasts were going to jiggle. She wondered why she bothered with the bra at all, and remembered that it gave a nominal advantage in restraining her breasts, even if she still could not see her feet without a mirror.

Rick was seated at the table, with a couple bowls of cereal before them.

?I made something for us before we go off to the mall,? he said. Alex smiled at that. They sat and ate. And once Alex was finished, she felt the need to remove her shirt and bra, to let Rick milk her.

It was a delightful, if simple, meal.

Part 7: Luck Turns!

Finding a parking spot was surprisingly easy. It seemed as though their luck had finally turned for the second. Rick parked close to the food court entrance, and made a joke about needing handicap parking. When Alex asked why, he pointed to her breasts. She blushed, and stepped out of the car, then teasingly pushed him slightly as they walked inside.

Part 8: A Problematic Stroll

Walking through the mall made Alex a little uncomfortable. Eyes were following her every step, and in her wake, she frequently caught the susurrus of impolite comments. She did not want to walk slowly, for fear of their eyes lingering extensively, but could not walk too fast, lest she give an equally exciting show. Nor did she want anybody speaking to her, so she walked alongside Rick, and twined her fingers between his.

Rick, for his part, was giving any number of angry glances at the hordes of would-be bedfellows, including a group of four idiots who clapped their hands and whistled. He nearly went over to ?teach them a lesson?, but Alex gave his hand a frightful pull, and reminded him that she was otherwise ?defenseless?.

And so they continued to walk, holding each other?s hand, fending off glances, and making what one might assume to be some half-hearted attempt to avoid the all-too-frequent notice of the busty girl?s enormous breasts.

Part 9: What?s That Sound?

Rick pointed out a store labeled ?Manga Madness?.

?How about there?? he asked.

Alex stood and contemplated the sign for a few seconds. ?What kind of name is that for a place??

?I suppose you have a better idea, Alex??

?No, but? ?Manga Madness?? It sounds like the whole place is diseased.?

?Please, Alex, you?re killing my appetite? It?s a cool place. They?ve got a lot.?

?Well-?

A voice rose from behind. ?HEY, R-!? It was quickly silenced.

Rick spun around. No one there.

?Did you hear that?? asked Rick, perhaps to himself.

Alex shook her head. ?I didn?t hear anything. ? You know what? Fine, let?s go in.?

Part 10: Manga Madness

The couple entered the store, Alex personally glad that the door entrance was wide enough to easily accommodate her breasts. She let Rick guide her down the aisles, pointing out various manga of interest to him, giving her brief tales of regale, as though he were a librarian. Alex nodded politely as they walked down the rows, wondering over the sheer volume of books, and Rick?s seemingly ubiquitous familiarity with every series.

?Rick, do you? just sit here and read all of them??

?Huh??

?I mean, you seem to know a lot about manga. I mean, I?m a fan and all, but how can you know so much? Do you just come here every week and read??

Rick laughed. ?No, of course not.?

?Oh.?

?I order them off a catalog and have them shipped to the house. You should poke around my third closet if you get a chance.?

?Your room?s like a swamp,? Alex replied. ?I need a snorkel just to breathe if I go wading around.?

?Huh??

?N-never mind.? At this point, they turned a corner, and Alex accidentally bumped a Gundam statue off a table with her right breast. It fell to the floor with a clatter she did not like.

?Ack?? She leaned over to pick it up, but her breasts got in the way, her right one landing gently against the table, and the left one obscuring her view. ?Stupid ? breasts!? she grumbled and stood up.

Rick turned around. ?Hm? Alex, what?s got you so flustered?? he asked. He saw the Gundam figure on the floor. Alex looked at it, fuming and blushing. ?Oh, heh.? He leaned over, grabbing the pieces, for the model had broken apart. ?Just a second here?? Alex watched in idle amazement as Rick snapped the pieces together with a blinding speed, and reset it on the table. ?No harm done,? he said with a smile.

?Anything else you want to show me here?? Alex asked, brushing back her hair. Rick shook his head. And with that, they made their egress.

Part 11: Wistful Thinking

Soon, they neared a clothing shop. It was a rather large storefront, labeled ?Tropical Beachwear?. Against the panes of glass stood tall busty mannequin models, displaying the latest and greatest, and beside them, glamour-laden poster models bathed in artificial sunlight. Inside were multitudinous rows of bikinis, in any number of sizes. Customers strolled up and down the aisles.

?Alex? Alex?? Rick poked her shoulder. Alex was just standing there, looking over the clothing with a little sigh in her eyes. ?Alex, is everything okay??

The sign-ridden girl slipped out of her semi-torpid state slowly. ?Sorry,? she said, with a wan smile. ?I was just thinking, in all the time I?ve been here, I have not seen the ocean. I was thinking how I really would like to, just once.?

Rick paused, and thought. ?Would you like to?? he asked, after a few seconds.

Alex?s eyes brightened. ?You mean you will take me?? she asked, the blush rising on her cheeks.

Rick nodded. He then blushed in turn as Alex leaned in, wrapped her arms around him, snuggled him with her immense breasts, and kissed him upon his cheek. She leaned back, smiling, with a little bounce, and blushed more than Rick himself.

?Well? ? he cleared his throat, ?go? pick something out. There?s a matching store over here. We?ll go to the beach right after. It?s not far.?

Alex nodded, and Rick handed her a number of bills.

At that second, they both heard the rapid tapping of feet, and a joyous cry. But when they turned to identify the source, it was gone. They looked at each other questioningly, shrugged, and went to get outfitted.

Part 12: A Reluctant Search

?I?ll? see what I have, ma?am,? replied the young saleswoman. She tried to hide her disbelief, and barely resisted shaking her head in a futile gesture. If they had anything to fit those breasts, the shop must be making custom-bras for giants now.

As the saleswoman walked along the aisles, she, for a second, thought she heard a voice speaking to her ? such a dreamy, handsome voice? and handing her a bikini. But then she just shook her head.

?Oh, here is one that might fit,? she said aloud to herself. It was a beautiful hot-pink string bikini.

She returned to Alex, whom had been sitting and waiting patiently, herself thinking it might be a fool?s endeavor, after having seen the expression in the woman?s eyes. When she heard the favorable report, her eyes brightened. She stood, took the garment, and went to the fitting room to put it on.

A moment later, she emerged, beaming happily.

?It fit,? she said to the anxious saleswoman. ?? How much??

The saleswoman was about to say something, then seemed to change her mind. She found herself speaking in a strange way? ?It?s free? found it in the back. No price tag??

?Thanks,? replied Alex. She grabbed a bag for her bikini, put it in, and walked out of the store. The saleswoman just watched her leave. She had not the foggiest idea what had all come over her, but whatever it was, that girl was surely to blame, and she was glad to see her go.

Part 13: A Brief Visit to the Beach

The trip to the beach was brief, as Rick had promised. Alex changed in the car, taking some delight in finding something that fit her, even if the clothing was extremely skimpy. The bikini top was just slightly snug, and little more than a thick hot-pink band disguising her nipples (which were nonetheless framed against the material). Little else was left to the imagination; her deep cleavage was completely evident, and every gradation of the curvaceous mounds was displayed as well as the most exquisite statue. The lower half of the two-piece was only moderately more modest, featuring the same eye-catching coloration; though it was not precisely a thong, it exposed enough of her flesh to prove the perfection of her hips and rear. The costume made her feel slightly discomforted, but she bore it with false diffidence. She wanted to go to the beach, and swim, and, dammit, she was going to do just that, if only for a short time, and bugger the observers (though she hoped there would be none, and told Rick as much).

Rick tried to keep his eyes on the road. The five times his eyes wandered, Alex proved to be far more alert than him, and turned his face back onto the road. Fortunately, the traffic was very light.

The beach itself was almost deserted. Yes, out far in the distance on either side, there were the shadowy dots that represented other afternoon beach-goers, but the particular spot that Rick chose was auspiciously deserted.

?You know,? said Alex, as Rick got out, looked around quickly, grabbed his swimming trunks and began to disrobe and change with great alacrity, ?we seem to have had a really great run of luck this whole day.? She stepped out of the car and placed a naked foot down. Instantly, she jumped back into the car with a loud ?ouch?.

?What?s wrong?? asked Rick, leaning into the car, nude. He wore an expression of concern.

?N-nothing. It?s just, it?s hot.?

?Er, yeah, that?s what sandals are for.?

?? Argh, I forgot sandals??

?Yeah, me too.?

??? Alex glanced across at him and blushed. ?P-put your trunks on.?

Rick glanced down, coughed embarrassedly, and pulled his trunks on while Alex put her shoes back on and slipped out again.

After a moment, they were both properly attired, their regular clothes were in the car, and it was locked.

The afternoon sun painted beautiful shades of white on Alex?s supple skin, Rick thought. She was drop-dead gorgeous, and here, it was more evident than ever before. It seemed that in the dying hours of their three-day rendezvous, the flower had blossomed beautifully. Her walk had become remarkably feminine, her nervous antics had stifled themselves, and she had finally relaxed to the point where she could enjoy herself. Her breasts had swelled to extremely remarkable sizes, resembling oversized, full and luscious watermelons, ripe and bountiful, suspended by invisible forces; yet every step let the magnificent mammaries bounce in a fervent dance of passion, fully betraying their soft, silky smooth texture.

Rick, Alex thought, was skinnier than she thought. He was a little wiry for a guy who spent most of his time indoors, but he was mostly skinny. He was also tall, and despite his witless demeanor, he carried himself with a confident air, and had proven himself reliable and trustworthy. To Alex, it made him more attractive than he might otherwise seem? not that she would complain if he was a bit more muscular.

The beach was glorious, to Alex. The ocean seemed to go on forever, and somehow, the entire setting seemed? magical. Rick guided her first tentative steps into the ocean waters, and slowly they walked into the calm tide. They did not go in deep, and Alex proved slightly recalcitrant to go too far, although Rick teased her slightly, picking up a handful of sea water and splashing it on her top. Alex?s aroused nipples began stiffening immediately, she blushed, smiled wryly, and attempted to kick some water at Rick (having learned better than to lean over from her adventure at the manga store). Unfortunately, she lost her balance in the sand, and fell over with a hysterical hoot. Rick went down a bit, grabbed her flailing figure around her lower back (incidentally pressing his cheek against her breasts, and helped her back up. They stood there, Alex blushing, both speechless, for a short moment. Then they quietly embraced, and placed their lips against each other?s. Alex hardly thought about the swelling sensation in her breasts that caused her bikini top to snap seconds later.

Part 14: Dinner Preparations

The ride home was quiet, as they both tried to sort out their feelings. Nothing had happened since the kiss, save for the incidental swelling in Alex?s breasts, which negated the bra, forcing her to don only her extremely snug hot-pink tee-shirt. It took her some measure of control to keep her passion down, or face the consequences of going topless. They had an easy time getting home, but it was already getting dark out.

When they got home, they decided to take a shower ? together. And when they exited the shower, and dried off, Alex?s face was red, though whether from the shower itself, or the romanticism involved, she was uncertain. Rick was smiling at her, and she was smiling back.

Alex broke into another wry smile. ?? I guess we?re skipping dinner, huh??

Then something clicked in Rick?s mind. ?Dinner? Alex, get dressed.?

?Wait, what?? she said, feeling the romantic moment broken.

?Get dressed. We are having dinner, something fancy??

?What, but- but where?? she asked, bemused.

Rick opened the bathroom door, and took a second to delight in the sudden change of air pressure and temperature. ?Right here?? he said, with a knowing grin that filled Alex with eager anticipation.

Part 15: Now THAT?S Delivery

The large truck pulled into the cul-de-sac quietly. On either side were fine-painted images of waiters serving at tables, the familiar cloth draped over one hand, and little mustachios curling upon either cheek. Written in bright, bold golden lettering was the title, ?Romano?s Finest?, and in subscript ?Home Fine-Dining Experience?.

The back frame of the truck rolled upward into the ceiling, and a ramp slid forward and out from within the guts of the truck. An obsequious-looking older gentleman stepped out of the passenger-side of the vehicle, dressed in a dapper dining host three-piece, and went to the front door. Meanwhile, similarly-dressed fellows, more-closely resembling waiters, rolled out a number of furniture dining pieces; trays, tablecloths. Carrying themselves with a formal air, they carried and drove the dining accoutrements toward the front door leading into the house, where they awaited further orders. Their leader knocked.

Part 16: Come On In

Rick quickly opened the door with a smile.

The obsequious-looking man bowed and said, ?Monsieur, ?Romano?s Finest?, at your service. I am Gordon. If you please, may we enter and set your dining experience to full preparation??

?Of course,? responded Rick with a nod. ?Come right in.? He stepped back and made a gesture toward the living room. ?If you would, please set up over there.?

?Of course, monsieur,? said Gordon. He clapped his hands and shouted some order in Italian, which Rich phonetically translated as, ?Set it up!?

Part 17: Fast Service

And so they did, entering with a formal, practiced flourished, setting up tables, cloths, counters, silver candlesticks with white waxy candles, trays of hot food, bottles of apple cider, silverware; various ripe and juicy fruits were set in a bowl, the cider was poured into tall glasses, where it bubbled giddily, trays of mashed potatoes, steak, and spaghetti were opened, and set on hot plates ? and so on, until the entire living room had taken on an otherworldly air. Rick observed the whole thing from a remote corner; Alex had long ago poked her head from within her bedroom, and watched with an air of amazement as the men set up, received payment, and promptly left, wishing the gentleman and lady a good evening.

Part 18: An Awkward Dinner

?Rick,? asked Alex, as she opened the door and stepped out, ?what is all this??? She had a tone of bemused wonderment in her voice, even as she approached. She had to sacrifice her top now; nothing would fit any longer. Not a single bra, tee-shirt, long-sleeve, suit top, and she could not even find a towel large enough to completely encompass her upper torso. And right now, she did not care. She walked into the room, half-nude, wearing only her panties and an above-knee-length red skirt. Rick made a heroic effort of looking into her eyes.

?Dinner is served,? he said is a cheery voice, indicating the table and chairs. Then, noticing the questioning look in her eye, he added, ??Romano?s Finest? is this fine-dining restaurant. They have a home-dining experience available, and fortunately, they were available for tonight. So, like I said, we are having dinner. A nice dinner, I might add.?

Alex was charmed. She stepped toward the table, and Rick pulled her seat back. Alex noticed with slight discomfort that she could not exactly see her food. She and Rick thought about how to remedy the problem for a moment. Finally, Rick smiled, grabbed a napkin, and placed it upon Alex?s breasts. He then slid around behind her and placed his arms around her breasts, not touching them (yet), beneath her own arms.

?If I may??? he asked with a light whisper. Alex took a deep breath, and nodded. Rick placed his hands around her breasts, with some difficulty getting them around to the nipples. He gently pulled her breasts back against her chest. Alex gave a little gasp of pleasure as he did so. Her breasts began to swell, and she fought the urge down, which, for once, was a relief to both of them.

?Enjoy your meal?? said Rick, gently rolling his hands against her breasts.

And so she did, starting into her steak and apple cider, while Rick gently held and massaged her breasts. She ate for only a couple moments, before the lactation started, she felt her passion start to rise, and her breasts begin to swell from her desire and lactate. Rick continued to hold her, though his grasp became gradually more awkward and tenuous, until finally he was forced to say, ?I?m losing my grip?? Milk was starting to drip from Alex?s nipples and seep between her breasts and Rick?s groping hands, lubricating them and eventually allowing the blossoming breasts to slip free of his grasp. They pushed away the platter, and knocked the cider aside.

She smiled back at Rick, and said, in a slightly dreamy tune, ?Your turn??

Rick gently helped her up out of her chair, and watched as she came to stand in front of him and lift one milky breast with both hands. She blushed just ever-so-slightly. His meal was delicious; sweet and light, endlessly filling and warm. And when it was concluded, he kissed her upon her lips, and she kissed him back.

Part 19: The Fated Event

A skirt lay on the floor. A pair of jeans lay near it. A shirt had been carefully discarded, and shoes had been removed and kicked aside. One lay straight up, the other knocked to its side. Two pairs of undergarments, one of each gender, lay across each other; and their owners stretched themselves out upon the bed in the darkness. The woman was upon her back, her legs gently open, her arms splayed wide, and her breasts rising involuntarily into the air. The man was straddling her, easing her as best as he thought he could do, kissing her breasts, her neck, and her lips. Within their breasts, their hearts were beating like jackhammers, and the air around them was uncomfortably warm.

?? I?m ready?? she said. The words fired across the air like quiet electricity, hair-raising ball lightning, simultaneously chilling and inspiring.

He gulped, just slightly. And then he nodded. ?All right?? he said, his whisper graveyard quiet. He slowly lowered himself to meet her. ?? I love you, Alex??

A small hesitation. ?? I love you, Rick??

He continued to lower himself, nervous, eager, a thousand thoughts flashing through his mind, a thousand results, some foolish, some hopeful, some stupid, some ignorant, some wrong, some right, but not one of them compared to what happened.

She gasped, as though in pain. Her body shook, wracked like an electric spark was running through it. With one fell yell, her eyes widened, and even in the darkness, Rick could somehow see the white eyeballs rolling back into her head.

?Alex?? he said, drawing back, before having had the chance to insert himself. Something was wrong. Somehow, he knew something was wrong. He sat beside her, and started to shake her by the shoulders. ?Alex?!? No response. ?ALEX?! Say something!? he shook her harder, but she said nothing. Her mouth was slightly open, and she was trembling slightly. ?ALEX!? Rick screamed. He hopped out of bed and turned on the light. It illuminated the catatonic girl, whose body trembled ever-so-gently. No, no, she could not be dead? he told himself. He looked at the time. They still had time. A lot of time! The perspiration rolled off his body in a cold sweat, and he wrung his hands. What now?

There was a knocking at the door. Hands trembling, fear of the reaper making them numb, he opened the door.

Part 20: Familiar Stranger at the Door

The girl standing there was one he did not recognize whatsoever. She was gorgeous, drop-dead gorgeous, and despite his terrible fright, he found her irresistible. But at the same time, she struck him with terror. Her oversized black jeans had a hole in the front, as though something had been jabbed through, and upon the edges of the hole were the dark maroon stains of caked blood. Her oversized black shirt was slipping off her shoulder, and one trembling hand was holding everything together. Her entire body trembled in pain and fear.

?Rick,? she said, with a tone of pleading familiarity, ?we have a problem.?