A vibration on the right caught Aletheia's full attention as she worked another late shift. A hand rested against her face and a tired sigh escaped. A hand was sent down her face and a deep breath was taken in. Opening her eyes a little better the phone was picked up and without checking it, the call was answered.

"Aletheia Octavia. How may I help you?" The question slipped out with a loud yawn and never had she hoped that it wasn't her boss in her entire life. Will or Miah would have been a better sender.

"Did you not check who was calling you? I need my pick-up line." A familiar Canadian had spoken jokingly but there was definitely an undertone to his voice. Worry perhaps. A smile took to Aletheia's face but then that worry was felt. An apology had been given by Thia but still, she yawned. He was only wondering where she was.

"I'm still at work. Sorry, I just got caught up on a case. I will be home soon. I can text you so that you know I am home and safe if you want me to." Aletheia began filling in the reports a little quicker as the phone was left on her shoulder against the left ear.

"Aletheia. I want to see you face to face. If I didn't know you so well I would say you had an addiction to work but I know you don't. I know you dislike your job almost always and I know you are scared of getting hurt by me again. I promise I won't and you can ask John. He wouldn't even let me say negative words about you. Aletheia I do still love you." The silence on the phone left the pair on edge.

"Jaren. I love you but I spend my life and my will to live on couples who end up married or engaged and one of them cocks it up. I am aware of what could go wrong and what has gone wrong. Jaren Daniel Smith if I could I would make you the happiest man alive but I don't know how to because I thought I was making you happy before but then we just stopped. I told you I loved you and you told me that you wanted to be friends." Smii7y was silent for a second before an odd sound escaped the surroundings of Smii7y.

"I was happy. The problem wasn't that there was no love. That was something I told you and myself to stop what was happening. You see Aletheia. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. I had spent nearly a day or more away from you and all I wanted to do was spend it with you. I did what you are always doing. When it looks good you push everything away." Aletheia stayed silent until Aletheia bluntly said her farewell and the pair hung up before Aletheia quickly finalised the papers and printed them.

"The paper is on your desk, George. See you Monday." A wave and smile were given as a farewell to the generous man just above her in work. He was the person she felt the most comfortable being around and that they both knew.

Aletheia drove with no thought and her usual music was forgotten as her bottom lip was bitten and left to bleed for the time it took to heal over. By the time Aletheia got to her door she realised that waving off George was the last thing she remembered doing as the night passed quickly.

I'm home now. XX

Right.

Smii7y was not a happy milk bag and that was obvious but Aletheia felt like the days that had passed were only getting worse for them. His name used to lighten her face but soon it dampened her hopes. She loved him but felt scared of what he might do.

All the lads are going down to see Tyler for a meetup. We can bring people with us if you fancy joining. Xxx

Smii7y did mean well and no matter what people said she could only love him, even if she was supposed to be upset with him and him with her.

What up bitch. The boys are all joining me for a whole week down here. You coming?

Yeah. Thought you were.

When did I agree to this?

When you fell in love with me and John. Now, get your booty down here.

Nah. I have cases and also bitches to slay.

Slay bitches down here. Come see Melissa or whoever ran the nonprofit whorganization in Tennessee.

Miriam. She will be glad that you remember her but I think it would be great for you and the lads to meet up.

Scotty is bringing his bitch, so is Moo and his baby. Not to mention Jigglesworth and his girlfriend. My dear girlfriend will be here as always.

The only recording we do will be on our PCs so your face is safe.

I will talk to Smii7y. Bye.

Tyler was a piece of work but a Picasso piece of work. Something you are unsure of at first but you fall in love with.

Yeah. Tyler just text. I thought you would want to be with just the lads. Xxx

But you could go too. I mean, you won't be the only female. Xxx

Can we talk about it? Xxx

Yeah. I will pop by later. xxx

I will leave my door unlocked. I love that you also use 'pop by' as well. Bye. Xxx

See you soon. XXX

Aletheia sighed and filled in what she could on a case before closing it all up. The laptop was almost forgotten as the study was then entered and the piano was used.

Jaren opened his door whilst still on the phone. A faint sound of a song was being played on the piano. As he grew closer to the study the sound grew louder.

"Who's playing the piano on the computer? You aren't funny or talented just get back to the fucking game." Anthony shouted out and Jaren had to pull the device from his face as Anthony's voice was too loud.

"Shut up. It's my neighbour. She is playing it and I am at her place." Smii7y tried to keep it quiet but he wasn't sure how great a job he had done of it.

"You seriously messed up dude. Everything about her sounds like she can do anything." Craig piped in and a few comments were made but a loud scream was heard after a different sound of shouts.

"Smii7y. You cock sucking idiot. I was on the piano. No. I am not haha. Stop. I'm not even ticklish. I will count to fucking five and I will drop kick you. Finally. What was all of that?" Her voice was always light as she had joked with Jaren. When suddenly a low sort of mumble became louder and Anthony was heard.

"Whole fucking snack." Aletheia didn't know what he was talking about but the people who did muttered his name through tears of laughter.

"What is that about a snack? I guess you mean a person." The laughing only grew but a finger pointed to her and she blushed a vibrant shade of the darkest red she had ever been before.