After another day of work, Alison was sent home early again. However, instead of returning home as she usually did, she decided to go to Richard's and see Lizzy. Even though it had been nearly a week since she had been there, she knew the general way. She had to ask a few people if she was going the right way, but she finally found the place.

She took a deep breath before knocking on the large door. She remembered that Richard wasn't the kindest man, but he was also very shy as well. Then the door opened.

"Good afterno- Alison?" Lizzy asked, surprised to see her. Alison raised a hand to wave, but was interrupted by Lizzy's embrace. "God, it took you long enough."

"What?"

"I was waiting for you to come back. I have no idea where Frederick's house is, and I had half a mind to think that Artemisia kept you in the castle for herself!" Lizzy informed, almost scolding Alison. She laughed and smiled.

"I'm sorry, you're right. I thought that you were avoiding me."

"Jeez, Alison. You disappeared on me without any way of getting to you. I tried to ask Frederick, but he was always fighting with Sheriff Hewtyr and Chester has a knack for disappearing."

"Didn't you see me at the Hungry Hound?"

"Nope, but why didn't you come say hi?"

"Well, you were having dinner with Richard, and I figured that you would want to spend more time with him," Alison answered as Lizzy shook her head.

"He felt bad because I thought you had disappeared on me. I was moping and worried and everything!"

"Sorry," Alison whispered, suddenly realizing that she had just disappeared without another word. Lizzy sighed.

"It's fine, I promise. I'm just glad that you finally came around."

"Me, too. I was hoping that we could go somewhere and catch up or something."

"Yeah, we can do that. I'll just let Richard know that I'll be out of the house for a little while," Lizzy smiled before disappearing behind the door again. Alison waited for a moment, admiring the house over all, before Lizzy reemerged. "He was in his study, so I left a note on the door."

"So, you two are pretty close?"

"I mean, I guess. Are you referring to the rumor suggesting we're a couple?" Lizzy asked while Alison nodded. "It isn't true, though. He's a kind person, and I kind of took advantage of that. He was the only one willing to take me in. I would say that we are close friends, but I don't see it developing into something romantic."

"Would you want it to?"

"God, Alison, I forgot how good you were at reading people," Lizzy laughed. "But I don't know, to answer your question. I guess that I wouldn't be apposed to it. He's a nice man."

"I'm glad to hear that he's at least nice."

"I agree. So, where are we heading?" Lizzy asked before Alison glanced around.

"Oh, uh," Alison stalled, unsure what to do. Lizzy laughed again.

"You haven't changed a bit. We could head to the Hound, if you want."

"Well, I kinda work there now, are there any other places around?"

"A waitress job? Interesting. Anyway, there's a smaller restaurant on the other side of town that I've always wanted to try."

"Lead the way!"