Mary felt she had two choices - refuse to feel controlled by simply ignoring the situation, or taking control of the situation herself. Since she felt it would be unwise to ignore a vampire stalker, she went with option B, which involved being completely prepared to deal with a vampire, any vampire, whenever necessary. Once she reached that point, she really could just ignore Chris until he directly threatened her.

She started with Karate classes. Tuesdays and Thursdays had quickly turned to an almost daily routine. Joe Hinsu, her instructor, seemed to tire of her persistence, but since she was a paying customer he put up with it. As she got better, she even thought she might be wearing him down, and soon thought he might even become proud of her growing skills.

Her focus and determination gave her the confidence to feel that she could take on just about anyone. Vampires, however, weren't just 'anyone,' and would need special preparations. She studied up on human anatomy and given a little more practice, felt confident that she could stake a vampire while blindfolded. For now, she figured she could at least fend off any vampires wielding blindfolds before they got to her, and that would have to be good enough.

For several weeks, she simply let Chris follow her. From Karate class to late nights home from work, he would be there, lurking in the shadows, just out of her view. Eventually she noticed a predictable pattern - he wouldn't follow her to the bar where she'd had her last confrontation with him. It soon became her haven - if she wanted a Chris-free night, she went to the bar. The only drawback was that James often ended up there as well.

Most nights, they would say hello and then move on to separate tables. Some nights, usually on weekends when the place was crowded, they would share a table and people watch. Usually, James had the company of some young woman, often more than one. Mary always wondered how he could keep their names straight, or if he ever bothered to learn them in the first place. Thus far, however, she'd never seen him leave with anyone, as Mary herself was usually the first to call it a night.

This particular Thursday, Mary was in a fantastic mood as she'd finally made yellow belt. She was the first in her class. Emily hadn't been there, as Andy had made some sort of surprise plans for the two of them. Mary decided to put it out of her mind and celebrate on her own.

Moments after she'd walked in and ordered a drink, James appeared and sat beside her.

James: "I have news."
Mary: "Me too! I made yellow belt!"
James: "What's that?"

Mary: "You know, first you get white belt, then fifty million years later, if you keep it up, you get a black belt."
James: "Does that mean you get to be a ninja?"
Mary: "Yes. Yes it does."
James: "I'll drink to that."

Mary: "What's your news?"
James: "I spoke to Tristan."

Mary froze, her glass halfway between the table and her mouth. She felt something burst inside of her, warmth flooding her body. She set down her drink so suddenly that drops sprayed out of the glass into her hair, glittering in the multi-colored lights.

James was thrown for a loop as she jumped up and threw her arms around him.

Mary: "James! This is so fantastic, I knew you'd pull through for me."
James: "You did?"
Mary: "Well, I hoped you would, anyway. Where is he? When is he coming back?"

James: "I'm not sure where he is. He didn't say. But he sounded good."
Mary: "Good for him. Did you tell him about Emily?"
James: "No, not yet. I thought it would be best to actually get him here, first. I'm not sure he'd be terribly thrilled to come back if he knew he'd just have to jump headfirst back into the heartache he was running away from."

Mary sat back down and took a drink.

Mary: "Right, an ambush. That's good."
James: "I told him I'd really like to see him for the Holidays. He said he'd try to make it back before Christmas, but no promises."
Mary: "This is fantastic. We need a plan."
James: "A plan?"

Mary: "I'm not leaving this to chance, it's too important. Things are going well, so let's just say he'll be back. What then?"
James: "I really have no idea."
Mary: "Good. I like to plan things. First, we'll need to separate Emily and Andrew. I think I can distract him, get him way. Then - it should be you and Tristan. If I'm there, she'll think it's all my idea."

James: "But it is all your idea."
Mary: "Right, but she can't know that until she thinks it's a fantastic idea. She'll listen to the two of you. Beforehand, you have to talk to Tristan. Tell him your suspicions about Andrew."
James: "But I don't have suspicions about Andy, that's you."

Mary: "So tell him my suspicions about Andrew. That will at least get the two of you talking about it. Then, suggest to him that maybe Emily would be interested in him as much as he's interested in her."
James: "Mary, I won't lie to my best friend."

Mary paused, debating on how much to share with James. Although Emily hadn't said anything to her, she knew Em had feelings for Tristan. She was far too weird about him not to have feelings. He'd sent a postcard - just a lousy postcard - and she'd framed it and put it up on the wall. A postcard.

Mary: "You don't have to. Just tell him."

James nodded slowly, understanding, but thankfully not pushing the issue. Mary wasn't certain it would be wise for Emily to jump out of one relationship into another, but at least if Tristan was honest to her about his feelings, she'd know she had options. And unlike Andrew, Tristan was a good person. Mary hardly knew him, but watching what he went through to help his best friend was enough proof for her.

Mary: "This is going to be the best Christmas ever, I just know it."
James: "I certainly hope so."

James took a long drink before speaking again.

James: "So... where's your boyfriend? I haven't seen him around lately."

Mary stared at him blankly for a moment, before she was able to make sense of the question.

Mary: "Oh! Chris, right. He's... I guess you could say we're taking a bit of a break. I really haven't seen him since... well, since that first night I ran into you here, actually."
James: "Really? That's too bad."

James: "Come on then, I guess I'll have to dance with you."

Mary raised an eyebrow, considering the offer, then stood up.

Mary: "Sure. Just don't step on my feet."
James: "Never."