Andie rolled her head so that it was facing the pillow in an attempt to escape the intrusive rays of sunlight creeping in through the gaps in the blinds. Was it morning already? She felt as if the night had only just begun. Unable to deafen her ears to the loud city noises coming from outside, Andie surrendered to the greater power of daylight and reluctantly sat up, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings as she groggily rubbed her eyes. She was momentarily disorientated, unable to recognize the small room she was in, but a glance at her opened suitcase sent a bolt of remembrance through her body as she recalled the events of the previous night. Within a day her whole life had dramatically shifted. One morning she awoke in Italy, knowing that she had to escape, and the next morning she woke up in Boston, her whole life being re-located to a completely different atmosphere and time zone. A bitter-sweet feeling overcame her as she fondly remembered catching up with her old friends, feeling loved and included, part of some sort of whole again rather than an outsider. But at the same time her mind was alerted to the reason of her return, the situation she was now in. She acknowledged that though it was possible to escape a country or a person, it was impossible to escape the problem. It would remain with her wherever she was situated.

She shifted to climb out of bed, when jolts of pain in her upper arms and back stopped her momentarily. She closed her eyes, adjusting to the stiffness and the first shocks of pain that she had grown accustomed to and gradually adapted herself to them, attempting to ignore the soreness and forcing herself to stand up and stretch. She walked out into the empty apartment, looking at the clock- 11:38am. Ooh she had slept in a little later than she would have liked. Sighing, she noticed a piece of paper on the table-

Morning Andie! Hope you had a good sleep. Jen and I have classes all day but will prob be back around 4ish- make yourself at home and take this opp to explore the kitchen- we don�t have much as Pacey prob ate it all, and we�re due for a stock up- but feel free to take what�s there- what�s ours is yours now. See ya later- Joey + Jen xxx

Andie smiled down at the note and a wave of gratitude ran through her as she realized what great friends she had and how lucky she was to have been taken in by them. She decided then to go to the grocery store and stock up for them as a little thank you. That would be her plan for the day!

Her need for caffeine was nagging at her as she made her way towards the kettle, but something made her pause and reassess her choice as she opened the fridge in search of an alternative. Orange juice. Caffeine free, but a refreshing wake up she acquiesced. Andie took a large gulp, when suddenly the peacefulness of the apartment was interrupted by a knock at the door. She paused momentarily nervous- she didn�t know anyone in Boston. Jack, Jen and Joey were at college and Pacey was presumably at work. She stood stuck to the floor unsure of whether or not to answer the door, when louder knocks were heard and a male voice bolted out �Anyone home?�

Andie breathed out relieved- only Pacey. She began for the door when a mortifying realisation struck her- she was standing in her pyjamas- a little tiny vest top that exposed her stomach and a pair of baggy pants. How embarrassing! But she couldn�t leave him standing there, plus he�d seen her at her very worst before- hell, he�d even seen her naked! But that was a lifetime ago. Putting her self-consciousness aside, she opened the door to see a smiling face beaming down at her.

�Morning McPhee- hope I didn�t wake ya- I mean it is only MIDDAY!� he teased, taking in her just got out of bed appearance, desperately forcing himself to ignore the large amounts of flesh that were exposed.

�Hey- I have just crossed time zones. My body is completely unaware of any time system or external force apart from it�s own at the moment.� She smiled remembering just how easy it was to banter with him, as well as just how much fun it was. �Anyways just when exactly did you become an early riser? Last I remembered you weren�t aware that 8am even existed!�

�Since I became a working man. I now rise with the sun!� he told her dramatically.

She winced at his cheerfulness as a wave of nausea hit her. Her head was pounding slightly and she began to feel a little chilly. She put her arms around her body and stepped aside to let him in past her. As Pacey closed the door he took in her pale face and noticed how tired and wan she looked.

�Are you feeling ok McPhee-it actually looks as if you need more sleep.� His tone turned serious as he became concerned.

�Um..i think it�s just the jetlag.� She told him shivering slightly.

�Well maybe you should�ANDIE!�
A new wave of nausea passed over her and her body doubled over as she rushed to the bathroom, desperate to get to the toilet to outlet the vomit that had accumulated in her mouth. Pacey ran in after her, concerned at her sudden sickness. She leaned over the toilet bowl, grabbing the sides as she threw up. Acting quickly Pacey bent over her, brushing her hair away from her face making sure it was out of the way. With his free hand he rubbed her back, noticing how cold her skin was. Coughing out the remnants of her sickness, Andie blinked back the tears that had automatically sprung to her eyes, remaining over the bowl scared that there was more to come. She winced slightly as Pacey�s hand ran over the sore areas of her back, but gradually his touch became soothing and they remained silent as she waited to make sure she had recovered completely. Feeling slightly relieved to have exorcised her body of whatever was causing her to feel ill, her panting slowed. She wiped her mouth and sat up away from the bowl.
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