Chapter: 4 All Alone Special Thanks: Special Thanks to Vernie06 for her help with this story. Rating: PG Characters: Luke, Noah, Two unknown men Warning: References made to The Connection Disclaimer: This site is no way associated with "As the World Turns", CBS, P&G, or Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann. This is not for profit. No copyright infringement is intended. Authors submit and write their own work.

It was late when Luke came back to the apartment. Noah was in bed. Luke took off his clothes and climbed in next to him. Noah stirred and turned over to face Luke. "Luke? Is everything alright with your mom?"

Luke snuggled close to Noah. "No, not really."

Noah rubbed his eyes. "What was the problem?"

Luke leaned his head on Noah's chest. Noah put his arm around him. "It's just more of the same stuff. My parents keep going through this vicious cycle. Since Dusty died my Mom has felt guilty for what happened between her and my Dad. She wants to get back with him, but my Dad is still hurting. He doesn't want to keep her away from the family, but every time he let's her near, she starts thinking that they are getting back together. When my father pushes her away she gets depressed. Dad told me about the time he found her passed out and how freaked he was and how he remembered when she was in the coma. I don't want anything like that to happen again."

Noah rubbed Luke's arm. He kissed him on the top of the head. "I can understand. So how did you leave things?"

Luke pushed up on his elbow and looked at Noah. "She was okay, but I'm still worried about her. I know my Dad would take care of her, but that would just start everything all over again."

Noah nodded. "Your probably right."

Luke put his hand on the side of Noah's face. "I was so looking forward to going to Chicago with you, but with my Mom like this. I think I should stay here."

Noah pulled Luke close. "I understand."
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Noah wanted to get an early start. "Are you sure that you have everything?"

Noah looked down at his bags. "Yeah. You checked everything twice. I'm sure that if I forgot something Oak Park might have a store or two that I can pick it up."

Luke played with the collar of Noah's jacket. "I"m going to miss you."

Noah put down his bags and put his hands around Luke's waist. "Me too. It's only two nights."

Luke touched Noah's face as if he was trying to remember every detail. "Yeah, but it's the first time that we have really been apart since I moved in. Except for when you were lost. I didn't sleep in the bed when you were gone. I slept on the sofa and at the farm, and when we found you and you were in the hospital. I stayed with you."

Noah kissed Luke gently on the lips. "I promise I will call before I go to bed."

Luke smiled. "Okay, but it won't be the same."

Noah smiled. "I told you this before. For a writer, you have no imagination."

Luke put his arm around Noah. "Come on I'll walk you downstairs."

The two men walked down and Luke helped Noah put his stuff in the truck. Noah climbed into the truck and lowered the window. "I'll call you when I get there."

Luke leaned in and gave Noah a kiss. "Okay. You drive safely. I love you."

Noah smiled. "I love you too. Don't worry about me. Take care of your mom."

Luke gave Noah one last kiss. "I think I can do both."

Noah waved as he drove off. Luke went back inside.
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A man was talking on his cell phone. "He's alone now."

A man on the other end replied. "Are you sure?"

The man nodded. "Yeah. Noah just left with his bags."

The man was happy. "Good. It's time to set things in motion. I'll meet you there"

The man hung up his phone and headed for his car.

Coming Soon: Feels like home.
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Chapter 5