Addison looked at herself in her bathroom mirror and took a deep breath.

“You need this.” She told herself in the mirror. She took a deep breath, let it out, smiled her best smile and walked on out.

“Are you coming?” Krissy asked impatiently.

“Yesss.” Addison hissed out of annoyance as she came down the last of the steps from her bedroom. “I’m ready to go.” After taking one last look around and making sure her windows and doors were completely locked, she activated the alarm system, shut the door and locked it. I can't ever be too safe. She told herself. Krissy wrapped an arm around her best friend’s arm and practically dragged her across the lawn and onto the front porch of Kurt’s house where the door was wide open and people were staggering all over the place in complete drunkenness. Kurt saw them almost immediately as they walked on through the door and waved at them to come over to him. Kris had her prize-winning smile on as she waved back to him.

After about an hour, Addison's head was pounding with the endless bass coming from the stereo.

“Kris, I’m just gonna go now... No, no... Not feeling well... Might be... drinks.” Addison tried to explain over the too-loud tunes. Krissy was busy laughing and flirting with Kurt. She waved goodbye to Addison. She didn’t feel like being around this large crowd any longer. The walls were starting to feel like they were closing in on her. She made an appearance, she met some cool people, people that she wouldn’t mind hanging with from time to time but she couldn’t shake that feeling of claustrophobia. Baby steps. She reminded herself. As she exited the front door, she waved goodbye back to Krissy and Kurt, closed the door behind her, turned around and found herself nose to chest.

“I’m so sorry!” Addison exclaimed and as she looked up, her jaw dropped. She found herself face to face with yesterday’s do-gooder, the stranger, Nate or so that’s what she thought she had heard when he was beckoned a few nights ago. She suspected that someone had been watching her but was delightfully surprised to find out it had been him. Oddly enough, she was realizing that she didn’t feel freaked out by the fact that he had been eyeing her. He grabbed her arms gently and stabilized her. She could have sworn she saw amusement in those bright blue eyes of his. She never got to see them up close yesterday and boy were they bright.

“No worries. I’m Nathan by the way.” He stuck out his hand. Addison grabbed and shook it.

“Addison. Nice to meet you.” She said as she slowly backed away. “I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah. See you ‘round.” Nathan said. He watched her cross over the lawn. She paused on her front porch, looked his way and gave him a small smile as she let herself in.

Addison shut the front door behind her and locked it. She was wondering if this new air, this new environment was helping her change her outlook on life. Perhaps the California air was making certain things easier for her. Nah. It must be the pizza or the wine. She thought to herself thinking about her stomach making its somersaults. She looked at the clock, it was ten. It was still early. Sure she was tired but somehow, she doubted that she’d fall asleep right away. She decided to sit on the front steps and take in a bit of the night air. It was such a nice night after all.

Nathan was sort of annoyed that the guys turned their small gathering of friends into a monstrous blowout. All he wanted to do is sit in the peace and quiet and have some time to think. Was it too much to ask for after a double-shift at the local precinct? He noticed the light go on and then movement on the front porch next door. Addison made an appearance and sat on her front stoop. She looked lonely, sad, mostly like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. Nathan couldn’t help but wonder what was on her mind. After having an entire internal conversation with himself, listing reasons why he shouldn't got over there, he got up and decided to go against what his head told him. He could have sworn he felt his heart flutter in his chest when she looked up and noticed him heading her way.

“Out this late?” He asked her.

“I should ask you the same thing.” She replied and smiled.

“You look like you could use some company.” Nathan interjected. “May I?” Addison nodded and Nathan sat down.

“By the way, I’m sorry for being rude yesterday. It was a long ride, I was exhausted and couldn’t wait to just get in and relax.” Addison poured out. Nathan looked at her and smiled slightly. He was pleased to find out that this hot neighbor of his wasn’t a complete flake.

“No worries.” He assured her with another smile. Addison looked away quickly.

“So Nathan,” she started.

“Call me Nate.” He interjected.

“Nate.” She paused. “How come you’re out here and not in there with your boys and the ladies?”

“I could ask you the same thing. I’ve heard about Kris. She’s quite the firecracker or so I’m told.” He smiled. Addison laughed.

“Kris is definitely the life of the party. She’s just visiting for the weekend.”

“Sounds like fun.” He told her. Addison nodded.

“I’m sure she’s got plans already made up for us tomorrow. It kind of makes me feel like I’m visiting since I don’t know my way around here at all and neither does she. The only difference is she goes home tomorrow night and I stay here indefinitely.” She told him. She wasn’t quite sure why she was telling him her entire life story or so it felt but it was nice to have a conversation that flowed for once. Maybe he'll grow into someone that I can trust some day. The thought of having someone she could trust so soon after her arrival baffled her.

“So, what do you do?” He asked.

“Well, a few days ago, I moved here from Rhode Island. I’m finishing my last year of Pre-Med at Stanford starting Monday.”

“That’s a ways. Isn’t it like a day and a half drive or something?” He stated.

“Make that two and a bit.” She corrected him.

“Well, welcome to California! I hope you like the beach, the bums and parties.” He rolled his eyes towards his house. Addison couldn’t help but let out another light laugh.

“Thanks.” Addison looked down shyly.

“You look like something’s on your mind.” Nate pointed out.

“It’s nothing. Loads to think about when you find yourself completely on your own, right?” She said. Nate agreed completely.

“If you need anything, let me know. I should get going.” He said. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” Addison said softly. Nate turned and went back home. This time, it was she who watched him as he left.