After admiring myself for a few further moments, there was another knock at the door. Gee, I feel popular today. I opened the door and it was Joel. Just who I wanted to see.

"You seem differently lately." He brushed past me into the apprtment.

"Well hello to you to Joel. Sure come in." I turned around and closed the door behind me, eyeing him.

"Is anything wrong? Has something happened?" He looked concerned.

"No nothing is wrong."

"Then why are you acting weird?"

I laughed at him. "Your the one whos acting weird, not me. Who goes barging into someone's appartment uninvited?"

He sighed. "Do you want me to leave?"

"Well.. no... your already here so..." I looked away from him.

Time to initiate phase one. I crossed my arms tighly, purposely making my breasts seem much bigger. He stared for a moment, completely 'hypnotised', if you'd call it that. Most men are so easy to manipulate.

Initiate phase two. I cleared my voice, stepping towards him and made the sad/worried-cute face. He looked down to me.

"Joel, I'm really worried. Mark thinks I killed that girl. I didnt do it and I dont want to go to jail." I looked down at the ground, pretending to wipe a tear away from my eye. "I know its a lot to ask but could you please say that I was home at 3pm?"

He swallowed, clearing his throat. "Why?... where were you at 3pm?"

"I was at Club Legs. Please don't tell anyone, I feel really embarassed about it enough," I met his eyes, "I know Mark believes that I killed her, he pretty much barged into my appartment earlier and accused me of it. I don't want to get him in trouble though, he seemed like a really nice guy. I know its a lot to ask for you to lie for me but.... I'm just so scared. I don't know what to do."

I hugged him tightly and managed some fake tears. He hugged me back and was silent for a moment.

"I know you didn't kill her. Your too kind for that." He wiped away a stray tear that slid down my cheek.

Stop this right now. You're encouraging him too much.

I smiled sweetly at him, ignoring Carol.

"I'll tell him you were with me at 3pm." He gave a small smile back.

"Oh thankyou so much Joel! I don't know what I'd do without you!" I buried my face into his shirt.

He kissed my head softly. In that one moment I let my guard down, which was enough time for Caroline to take back control. Damn!

______________________________________________________________________

*    *    *   Carols POV   *    *    *

______________________________________________________________________

I pushed away from Joel slightly.

"Thankyou Joel. But I really think I need to sleep now. All this stress is making me tired."

I walked back towards the door and opened it. He stood there for a moment before he followed me over, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Of corse. Get a good rest. And don't worry, I'll handle everything."

He left and I closed the door, leaning against it.

"What the hell was that Stephanie?!"

It was going fine till you interrupted!

"I'm glad I did interrupt it! I knew exactly what you wanted from him and theres no way your getting it."

You ruin all my fun Caroline.