It was a cool autumn day and Steve stood outside the large brick house. He couldn't believe he was about to do this, but he had to. It was all for Darren. Soon it would be worth it. All his hours, days, weeks, months and yes even years of planning and suffering would pay off. Just to see the look on Darren's face. Also it was a good way to get him trapped. But he would think about that later. Now he had to concentrate on this, on her. He shivered and drew his long brown jacket closer to his body. Steve took a deep breath and walked up the garden path. He rang the bell and stood waiting patiently for a response. After a while the door creaked slowly open to reveal the face of a beautiful young woman. She looked nothing like Steve remembered her to look.

"Hello," she smiled, "May I help you?"

"Yes, Eh.... My name is Steve Leonard, I eh.... Was a friend of...."

"Darren's," she sighed, opened the door wider and stood back to allow him to enter, "I remember you. You were sick the day of his funeral. Your mother told us... we were very sorry to..."

"Um, Yes. Well what I'm here for is to ask you something actually."

"Really?"

"Yes I was just wondering if you had any old photos of Darren. As a boy you know?"

"Yes I know but I'm afraid I can't help you there. I only have this one." She pointed to a golden-framed photo of a little girl and boy holding hands by a pond. "That's us," she smiled, "when we were younger."

"I'm sorry."

"Well...Would you like something to drink?"

"Yes actually that would be very nice, thank you." Steve looked around; she certainly had it made for herself here. He stood up and slowly walked over to her CD collection. He needed to know what she was into if he was going to get her to fall for him. He also had to bring all those memories of Darren bubbling to the surface so that he could comfort her and pluck her heartstrings a little.

"Ah, thank you," he winked as she handed him a cup of tea, "This is lovely."

"You're welcome."

They sat in silence while Steve drank his tea. When he finished he stood up. "Well, I'd best be on my way."

"Come back anytime."

Steve grinned to himself. Step one accomplished. She opened the front door and watched as he walked down her pathway. Just as she was about to close the door, Steve turned around and said, "Goodbye Annie, hope to see you soon."

Annie shut the door, and went back the lonely task of cooking for one.