I could hear Kris' confusion over my reaction to his words. Jordan was wrapped around me, my head cradled into his chest as he lovingly stroked up and down my back, trying to calm me while he gave Kris a short explanation.

I knew what was going on, but it felt like I was in another world. The tears and strangled sobs wouldn't stop, the visions stayed on repeat no matter how hard I tried to ignore them. It was like I'd been sucked back into the weeks after my parent's deaths - the pain and heartbreak as fresh as ever.

When I got the call about the accident I didn't freak. I managed to absorb the information, the few details that were available, and stay calm until I'd recounted them to my sister. As soon as those words were out though, we were both in hysterics. Hearing that the crash had happened on a blind corner about half an hour south of Murchison, we both immediately knew where it had happened. We'd made that trip to our grandparent's place at least twice a year since I was five. Somewhat thankfully for the truck driver, who'd been the only survivor, it was the only corner in the vicinity that didn't lead to a steep drop down the side of the mountains.

Seeing footage of the wreckage on the national news that night was surreal, as was seeing the remains of my dad's car plastered over the front page of the next day's paper.

"I don't know how she is, Max was just on his way to the hospital when he called me cos he couldn't get hold of either of you. I'll go down there and let you know as soon as we hear anything, ok man."

It was clear in his voice that Kris was uncomfortable not being of more help. Honestly, being there for Max and Lucy, being the support that I should have been in this situation, it was exactly what I needed from him. Kris had quickly become my favourite non-Jordan Penguin, not just because he lived upstairs, but also because he was so selfless and genuinely cared about everyone in his life. I'd had a crush on him from the start - really, who wouldn't be attracted to him? But now that I knew him, if I didn't have Jordan I'd probably make a fool of myself trying to flirt with him.

Kris left us cuddled together on my bed, phones relocated from the living room where they'd been left on silent so we wouldn't be disturbed. If I was in control of myself I probably would've been making some joke about how the universe obviously didn't want Jordan and I together.

Just that thought flashing almost unnoticed through the back of my mind caused another lurch of pain in my chest however. Not being with Jordan was something that even my unconscious didn't want to have to comprehend.

x

Jordan's phone ringing an hour or so later broke our solitude. "Baby," Jordan spoke into my ear lightly. I'd managed to stop with the sobbing, but the tears were still relentless. "Lucy's going to be just fine. Max says she has a broken arm and some fractured ribs, a lot of bruising and a couple of cuts. Her parents are going to look after her at their place for a few days while we're out of town."

That news had me breathing easier, knowing that I wasn't losing yet another piece of my life to such a senseless occurrence. Lucy and I weren't overly close, but she'd still been kind enough to let me into her home, and without her I'd be without the man that was currently keeping me from pulling my hair in distress at my inability to control my emotions.

x

I guess I eventually wore myself out, because the next thing I knew it was morning and Jordan was apparently talking to my boss. There was still moisture coating my cheeks, whether I'd stopped crying at any point was a mystery.

"I'm Rayne's fiancé, sir. I'm not sure if you're aware of why Rayne asked to be transferred... Oh, that's good. Well, unfortunately her roommate was in an accident last night. Understandably Ray's pretty shaken up." I could feel Jordan's eyes on me, not needing to open my own to know there was a look of concern pasted over his features. "Well, sir, that's the thing. I'm heading out of town for business for the weekend and I'm not comfortable leaving Rayne here by herself when there's no one she knows around... She'll be gone until Wednesday... I understand that she's just started and taking so much time off isn't exactly welcome but..." Jordan must have been cut off. He was getting agitated, but trying to keep his voice low and controlled, probably only for the sake of not waking me. "Well, sir," whatever he'd heard had finally snapped the restraint he'd been fighting to keep, "You can consider this your two weeks notice. Expect it in writing by the afternoon."

"Jordan?" My throat ached, voice raw and raspy. "Did you just quit my job?"

He looked up sheepishly, nodding. "Your boss is an asshole. He wasn't going to give you time off to deal with things. And I already sorted things with Dan and Ray for you to come to Washington with us. It wasn't exactly hard to convince them that I couldn't leave you here by yourself when they knew about Lucy and could hear you crying."

"Thank you for taking care of me." I was still shaken up, but the tears were finally coming under control. I knew there would be more 'outbursts', if my recovery last time was anything to go by, but with Jordan there it didn't seem so bad. "You make it really hard to not fall in love with you."

Notes

Sorry about the wait, lots going on for me atm.
Hope you're enjoying - some comments would be appreciated.