chasingangela | Late Afternoon, Three Rivers (Reply)

After Marty left, Angela took a few hours to recover, she curled on her bed, hugging herself as if she might fly away.

When she stood again, she looked hesitantly at the phone. Then she dialed a familiar number -- Veronica's number. The line was staticky, but she could hear the phone ring.

"Hello?"

"Veronica? It's Angela." The voice was tear-stained. "Marty just came to say goodbye."

"Are you okay?" Veronica asked, instantly concerned. She glanced over at Logan, who didn't seem to be paying attention, but she realized she needed to be careful what she said.

"... not really?" There was no point in pretending. "Are you? I'm not the one who had to fake my own death."

"I'm fine," Veronica lied. "So Marty told you that you need to be careful?"

"Uh-huh," Angela mumbled, shivering. "I'm wondering if I should even come back to Fandom. He said I should, but... I don't know. Do you think it's okay, there?"

"I think here is better than there," Veronica said honestly.

There was a long pause on the other end of the line, as Angela thought about this. "Maybe?" Another long pause. "The people there would be way better, if something bad happened. But more bad stuff happens, there." She sniffled. "I'm kind of ready to be done with bad stuff."

"I totally understand that," Veronica assured her. "But you're right about the people here."

"The people are amazing," Angela said. "I'd miss you all, if I didn't come back."

There was another pause. Then: "You think the person who wanted to hire Marty is really gone?"

"Definitely, Angela. I really think you should come back."

Angela sighed. "I should at least finish out the school year there, huh?" She still didn't sound terribly certain, but Veronica had been at least a little reassuring. And Marty said he would find her more easily in Fandom.

"My grandfather is out of the hospital. I can probably be back late tonight, if I take the train."

"I'll be here," Veronica promised. "If you want to stop by and talk, you know where to find me." She glanced over at Logan, who had fallen asleep in the corner of the couch. "Angela? Marty saved my life and Nadia's life. I know he'll keep you safe when he gets back," she said in a low voice.

"If he can come back," Angela said. "I mean, he promised, but ... I can't help thinking I might never see him again." She sniffled again. "He told me he saved your lives. That's so amazing."

"He'll be back," Veronica said with certainty. "And he'll be very disappointed if you're not here."

"I wish I could be as sure as you are." Angela said, sadly. "I think I'm just worrying it to death. Kind of a bad habit of mine."

She attempted to shake it off. "Okay. I'll be back tonight. For him, and for you guys." She paused, then: "And Veronica? Thank you for listening, seriously."

"Anytime," Veronica said. "Call me or stop by when you get back? And I'm glad your grandfather is doing better."

"I will," Angela promised. "But it might not be until tomorrow. If I leave now, I won't get in until really late."

"See you soon."

"Be safe," Veronica said.

"You too," Angela said, meaning it as much as she had ever meant anything. "You too."

"'Bye," she added, then hung up and started packing for her trip back to school.

[OOC: Played via email with