They made it to the station and her father instantly started filling out the paperwork. Just as her father had said, they asked her to describe the men in question as well as what happened. She did her best to recall what the men had looked like and gave the cops the same story she had given her parents. After about 3 hours the cops thanked her for her time and praised her for her patience. They were about to head over to the Private Investigator's office but one of the cops stopped her dad. They began talking in hushed tones. He turned to Ahnali and her mother, “Go on ahead, I’ll call a car to get me when I’m done here.” her mother nodded and led Ahnali out of the station.

“The office is just across the street, let’s walk.” She took out her umbrella, linked arms with Ahnali and led her to the cross walk. “Are you still feeling ok? This isn’t too much for you is it?” Ahnali smiled at her, shaking her head slightly.

“I’m fine mom, thanks. Besides, after this I get to see my friend. I’m feeling safe and loved.”

They crossed the street and went up to the P.I.’s office. Despite the rain he had the windows open, the office was a small cluttered room. Ahnali was a bit surprised that her father would choose someone like him, but he must have a reason for his choice. The investigator stood up as they walked in. His appearance was opposite of the room. He had a clean shave beard, clean gelled back pepper colored hair and despite his sharp facial features, had a warm smile.

“Welcome, I hear you’re looking for a hero, I’m happy to help. Let’s start with where you were when this happened.” Ahnali answered his questions, one after the other, telling him location, appearance, how he comforted her. She told him everything she could remember about the photo. After an hour and a half of constant questions he thanked them for coming and assured them he would find him as soon as possible. It was about 5:00 when they left and about 5:45 when they arrived home.

“I’m going to go pack for tonight, thanks for today.” she kissed her mom on the cheek and ran upstairs. She locked her door then stepped out onto her balcony staying just under the door frame.

She glanced around but couldn’t see his silhouette. Ahnali sighed and stepped out into the rain. “Rain, are you here?” she asked apprehensively.

“Nope, I’m just a figment of your imagination, easily replaced with fake information.” he replied bitterly. His tone caught her off guard.

“Are...are you angry at me?” he didn’t reply “Ok, I’ll take that as a yes...what did I do?”

“Look, I heard what you told the P.I., how some tall buff man saved you from the evil thugs. You...you completely replaced me with what you preferred would have happened.” Ahnali couldn’t help but laugh she really wished she could see his face at that moment.

“Are you jealous?” she asked.

“What’s there to be jealous about?” he was trying to use a tough guy voice but she could sense the embarrassment.

“You know I only said that to protect us. If I had told them what really happened and they believed me, that would put you and others like you in danger of being found and used. If they didn’t believe me, they would have taken me to a shrink or the happy house.” She chuckled at the thought. “I didn’t replace you with something better...after all what could be better than you?” she said the last part in a whisper with a soft blush tinting her cheeks. He finally came out from his hiding place and stood in front of her.

“T-that makes a lot of sense.” he waved his hand and the rain stopped falling on her “Sorry, I bet you think I’m some sort of drama queen or something...it’s just...hearing the first person I’ve ever met pretend that I don’t exist...I guess I felt used.” She touched his shoulder.

“Rain, I would never do that, besides if I did I would probably be drenched every time it rained.” He rubbed the back of his neck a bit embarrassed about his behavior.

“Heh, sorry about that,” he said softly touching her damp hair.