She practically ran up the front walkway and in through the front door, no longer bothering to knock. She found Andy sitting alone in the living room, the only light coming from the fire crackling in the fireplace. He looked up, seemingly surprised to see her standing there, slightly out of breath, a large smile on her face. He was quickly on his feet, and Emily practically threw herself into his embrace.

Emily: "Andy, you'll never believe this... I was so scared, but… "
Andy: "What happened?"
Emily: "It was Ian."
Andy: "Your ex?"

Emily: "Yes, he came to my studio tonight- it was horrible. You should have heard the things he said! But I did it- I stood up to him. He's actually in jail right now."
Andy: "Is that so?"
Emily: "Yeah- I used the alarm system you had installed and got him arrested."

Andy: "Do you need a drink? You seem a little shaky."
Emily: "Oh yes, please."

Emily watched as Andy walked over to the bar. He was quiet for a few seconds as he got out a bottle of bourbon and two small glasses, carefully pouring a small amount into each.

Andy: "What sort of things did he say?"
Emily: "He said I was pathetic, pretty much. That I hadn't changed and I was weak willed. Oh and the best part- he said I was nothing but a plaything for the rich and powerful! I think he's been watching too many soap operas or something instead of actually doing any real work."

Andy: "He's right, you know."
Emily: "What? For a second I thought you said he was right."

Andy turned away from the bar, and the look in his eyes sent a chill straight down Emily's spine. There was nothing there, no trace of humanity.

Andy: "I did. And he is. Everything he said is true."
Emily: "Andy, that's not funny."
Andy: "I'm not trying to be funny. I just can't believe he forgot to include 'stupid' on his list of things that are wrong with you. I suppose you'd have to forgive him for missing one or two, though- it is quite an extensive list."

Emily: "Why are you being so horrible?"
Andy: "The truth hurts, doesn't it? You have no idea how long I've been waiting to say all this. It's been complete torture having to put up with your constant whining about every little thing."
Emily: "I don't understand-"

Andy: "I'm not surprised. Let me spell this out for you in the simplest terms possible- I'm through with you. I'm through with your uncertainties, your petty problems you manage to blow all out of proportion… I don't ever want to see you again, is that clear enough for you?"
Emily: "So this is it, then?"

Andy: "Naturally. Now why don't you walk back out that door and head on home. Not that Mary will be happy to see you. You two haven't been getting along very well lately, have you? Such a shame, really. You could always go crying to Tristan, except he doesn't want to have anything to do with you either, does he? After the way you've treated him, I can't say that I blame him. Hell, even James would never lower himself to sleep with you."

Emily: "I'm… I'm sorry if I hurt you at all, Andy. I still… I still love you."
Andy: "How very touching. Why don't you scurry along now? I'm quite finished with you."
Emily: "Did I really not mean anything to you at all?"

Andy: "Emily, you don't mean anything to anyone."

The creeping desolation slammed down on her mind like a trap, it's gnarled and rusted teeth digging relentlessly into her soul. She struggled with it for only a moment before giving in completely to its grip. Without a word, she turned and walked out of the house.