I wasn't going to bother Dominic. Mainly because I looked like I'd had an allergic reaction and had slept in Claire's room last night, I was wearing the most ridiculously rugged dress. We'd crawled in here last night and simply collapsed. No one checked on us and no one asked questions. Smart.

I'd given him a lot more to think about, he was probably trying to figure out why I was such a mess and that's okay. I'll give him time to really think about it and then when he gives up and just asks me. I won't tell him jack sh-t.

I was pretty light-headed. I hadn't wanted to approach Amara in her emotional state so I slept on the couch in the smoking room, which is where I woke and started smoking more marijuana. Time was passing slower, I was much clearer in my thoughts. I liked this room because there wasn't anything to distract me, I couldn't be bothered to get food and I usually just thought the best solution was to smoke some more.

Really good thinking time.

"I think," Claire cleared her throat, "After we get cleaned up, we can put on some large shades and head out for a movie. How about it?"

"Sounds solid." I replied, stretching.

"Anything to get out of this house." Abrielle agreed.

"And anything to get all that out of my mind." Clarissa added.

We all went our separate ways to get ready. I was slow opening the bedroom door but the bedroom was empty, I sighed starting to peel off the dress that now itched a little and looked like it had been dipped in clumpy melted chocolate. Not the good kind.

I had a few shower thoughts. I hadn't realised how psychologically distressed Clarissa and I were until last night, we both seemed so perfectly fine and so happy. But everyone has their problems, I see that now. I wondered if I looked that perfectly fine on the outside?

I also missed Dominic, I hope he would stop thinking soon so I could finally use those cuddle coupons. I also really needed a kiss right now. The nagging Nancy in my brain threw a nasty thought at me. That kiss wouldn't really mean anything would it?

I grunted switching the shower off and getting out. I brushed my teeth, flossed and washed my face. I left my hair out to air dry and pulled on a dark pair of jeans, lacy white top and bra. Then adding on a black hat, black bag and black ankle boots. I didn't forget the shades to cover my disgusting puffy eyes, I poked at them a little but then slid the shades on and walked out.

"You look cute." Claire comment hooking her arm in mine as we headed out to the car.

"Thanks." I smiled, Clarissa was sitting in the car with her hair out and wearing shades too. We were both doing an expert job of hiding the marring of our faces.

I stared with the frown. My vision was kind of out of focus, I brought the folder closer to my face. I put both the blunt and folder down, I'll wait for my vision to clear up. I groaned as Leo entered the room.

"What are you doing?"

"Research."

He picked up Amara's file. His eyebrows shot up, "You don't think this is your fault?"

"I'm considering it. But that doesn't mean it can't be someone else's fault too."

He shook his head tossing the folder back onto the table, he fell into the armchair and continued to be an alcoholic. He watched me as I laid with my eyes closed.

"Are you gay?"

"No." he replied.

"Then stop staring." I opened my eyes to look at him, he shrugged then leaned back in his seat.

We sat in silence until I knew I was ready to try again, I sat up grabbed the folder and sure enough I could read.

"Wow. I didn't think I'd been out of a lingerie store that long!" I marvelled picking up a lacy red bra, "Look at this thing!" I held it up so Claire, Clarissa and Abrielle could see from their positions across the store. The clerk gave me a weird look but shied back into her duties as I glanced over at her.

I shrugged placing it back on display.

Today had been kinda fun, I noticed Clarissa trying to adjust to the fact that I'd surely replaced her in this game Dominic liked to play. I was also trying to adjust to the fact. But it had been fun, a great distraction and a welcomed transition back into our previous routines. No crying, just a brave face.

We sat in the food court trying to ignore the paparazzi and going about our conversation, I didn't hesitate to ask the uncomfortable questions.

"So how's your brother?" I sipped from my smoothie as I looked at Clarissa, she stopped drinking - not changing her demeanour in any way - and replied.

"He's just recovering on his own, he hates getting help so I stopped trying a long time ago." she answered then continued, "He really likes you. He won't stop anytime soon, but I'm sure he'll try a completely different approach next time. Being predictable is kind of his thing but sometimes he switches it up a little."

"Geez," I sipped the last drop, "Thanks for the heads up." I laughed.

"Don't mention it." she rolled her eyes pushing her empty cup to the side, Claire and Abrielle visibly relaxed as the topic came to a close.

Claire cleared her throat, "So why are you avoiding my brother?"

Looks like I'm not the only one asking the uncomfortable questions, I smiled running circles on the table. "I just feel like I need good vibes right now. We all know Dominic doesn't have those good vibes, especially right now."

"True." Abrielle agreed, "He should at least know what you're up to."

I snorted, "He's not my babysitter."

"He's your husband." Clarissa added.

"Not yet." I sucked on my straw just incase then focused on folding both halves into the small hole on my cup. I was obviously fiddling to avoid the shots being fired at me.

I couldn't find anything. It was all basic things and facts, I'd need further information and I wasn't getting it from the woman herself. I'd get it from the second best thing.

Emilie.

I hadn't intended on going back to Germany, but it was really looking like a possibility. It wouldn't be difficult and I was willing to put in the effort but I wasn't going to tell anyone where I was going. There was too much of a risk that Amara would follow me. I'll leave before she gets back.

Leo said she was out shopping, which I think would be good for her - she needs something to keep herself occupied and my sister is just that thing.

I stood. "I'm going out."

"Where?" Leo sat up.

"I'll be back soon." I replied closing the door behind me, I'd need be careful on my way out. There's always so many people walking around here.

We all laughed. "And do you know what he said?" Claire continued. We shook our heads, waiting for it. "I didn't know that's where your boobs would be, I just wanted to smell your scent!"

We cracked up laughing, she was telling a silly story about how she went to the gym wearing the most low-cut sports bra you've ever seen, and got boob-snuffed by this guy named Caspar.

"That's ridiculous," I snickered, "I'd punch him in the face."

"Oh, we know." Claire snorted. I shrugged.

We stopped at a nearby café to get some macarons, biting into it was just a reminder that no store bought product could surpass Dominic's homemade miracles. I had to mentally slap myself, I was constantly praising that man, in my mind and out of it. I'd tried to surpass weird daily thoughts I had but he did smell nice, looked like a greek god and had a really sensual voice. I couldn't ignore it if I tried. He takes form in my dreams and reminds me of all the thoughts I had about him during that day.

So god help me if that was going to be the case for the rest of my life.

"Let's go see a film!" Abrielle suggested bouncing a little as she stared with wide eyes at a poster of 'Letters to Juliet.' I snuffled my nose a little, I hated romantic movies.

I put up a finger, "Okay first of all, who calls it a film?" I laughed then put up a second finger, "And second of all, if we are going to watch something - it'll be the new Amazing Spider-Man."

"Are you a little boy trapped in a woman's body?"

I ignored Clarissa pointing to another, "That - or we watch Star Trek. Your choice." I beamed at Chris Pine's gorgeous face.

"Quit looking at other men!" Claire slapped my arm playfully, "We'll take Star Trek. I've never seen it before." I gasped looking at her with disbelief, I hooked my arm in hers - an action usually initiated by herself - and dragged her to the ticket booth.

As we walk into the cinema Abrielle whispered, "I wonder why they're showing old movies today."

We shrugged taking our seats and ignoring racey whistles and cat-calls coming from the teenage boys up the back.

"Alessandro." I raised a brow, narrowing my eyes at the man. "You better not breath a word. I wasn't even here, I didn't even talk to you. You haven't seen my face since September - what are they talking about?!" I looked around. He chuckled.

"I don't see anything. I don't even know who you are." he replied.

"You're a saint." I shouted back as I boarded the plane which he promised to have brought back and re-parked as if it never left. Shredding the reports of it being used as well.

"Addio sporgenza!" he waved back. He called me 'boss' even though we supposedly don't know each other, I ignored it and sat down. I hoped there wouldn't be any disruptions on this ride, it would be awfully unfortunate.

"That was amazing!" Claire squealed. "It was so fun." she half whispered at this funky new thing she'd discovered.

I put an arm around her, "Welcome to the Fleet, trekkie. Nice to have you aboard." I laughed.

"It was a brilliant film," Abrielle confessed, "But I prefer romantic comedies."

"I prefer horror movies." Clarissa spoke up. We looked at her weirdly. She turned to us frowning, "What?"

We snapped out of it, shrugging as we exited the building.

"Let's go home. I'm puffed." Claire leaned onto me some more.

--

"What?" I whimpered.

She sat down, "Don't worry," her arms went around me, "He'll be coming back soon." She nodded at her owns word, not very convincing. I smiled standing up.

"Thank you Donna," I smiled. It was nice of her to let me know.

He didn't actually leave though did he? He should've told someone, I could've come too!

Or maybe he didn't want me there...

I flopped onto our bed, this was ridiculous. You leave the man's side for a few hours and he disappears off the face of the earth. Ever since this afternoon Leo had been looking for him, he hadn't left the country because the plane was still here and the log book was empty. His motorcycle was gone but his IDs were still on the dresser. Every car was still here.

He hadn't even taken a coat, but he did have weapons. I tightened the fluffy robe and knelt before the stash, I started going through what was still there - trying to figure out what was missing. I don't know why it was so important that I know, security I guess?

If I figured out what he took with him, I'd have a better idea of what type of trouble he was getting himself into. That way I can determine how worried I should and should not be. He'd leave some kind of clue as to what level of concern I should take. He was a logical person if anything, surely he wouldn't be stupid enough to leave nothing behind?