Everything comes to an end. Love, hate, betrayal. The greed of wealth, the lust of power, the comfort in religion. In the final moment, everyone falls, even the kings of empires and the princes of darkness. In the silence of the tomb, we all get what we deserve.

Relieved by the thought that for him that day seemed far away, Avis Lancaster let out a sigh. Closing his novel as he rubbed away at his weary eyes. Glancing up he then took stock of the bus on which he travelled, his eyes passing over the other four passengers before lowering themselves back to his book. The last snowfall. Avis smirked as he studied the black book's cover, an idle hand running itself along it as it traced the gold and red flower petals sewn into it's felt. He then let his mind wonder, continuing his caress as he recalled the story of a spy, a guard and a president's daughter.

Raising a hand as to cover his mouth, he yawned, looking out the window to his right as his mind snapped back to reality. Again his hand reached up, this time making for his left ear. Closing his eyes he scratched it, suppressing a slight groan of pleasure before reopening them. Looking through the glass, the eighteen year old watched as two children, each not much younger than himself, chased one another in the night. Their mother yelling excitedly at them as she looked on. Amused, Avis looked back, straining his neck as a smile lined his face. He mouthed the word "cute".

Before long Lancaster once again found himself lost in a trance, his mind lost from reality as he re-immersed himself in his book. His face shifting from looks of content, intrigue and disgust as he scanned the aged pages of the novel. Absorbing not only the knowledge, but also the emotions each of the characters possessed as he did. Pausing, he took a moment to reflect on his life and how the book could connect. The absence of his parents, the constant feeling of neglect, it all granted him a greater feeling of appreciation. Not only for life, but also for the finer things, like his books.

A baritoned voice then shot through the bus, resounding across it's hull in echoes as it cried out the address of it's next stop. Taken aback by it's suddenness, Avis raised his head with superfluous haste. Partly frightened by the realization that it was his stop, he slammed his elbow against the horizontal yellow strip just under his window. The bus came to a stop.

Jumping up, he grabbed his bag and continued to shove his book into it. Tossing the black velvet knapsack over one shoulder as he made his way to the vehicles front. Apologetically, he nodded at the bus driver, assuming that the elderly woman would be annoyed by his late request to stop. She simply smiled. Stepping off of the bus, Avis reached into his pocket with his left hand. Gripping his bag's strap with the other, he revealed and unlocked a chrome iPhone and quickly dialed in a number. Leaving the intersection he made his way down the drive, listening to the rings his phone made as it attempted the call.

The line connected. "Ello?"

[B]"Hey Elise, It's me. Whuzz'up?"[/b] Content with the fact that she had picked up, he smiled, looking at his all white high top sneakers as he listened to her voice.

"Shit. Avis? Aren't you supposed to be at work?" It was more of a statement than a question, as her voice seemed to hold a hint of annoyance. Gingerly Avis pulled up the collars of his white leather jacket, eyes still upon his feet as he crossed an adjacent side road.

[B]"Naw, switched to the early shift."[/b] His voice lowered, subconsciously, he switched to an injured tone.[b]"I can call back if I'm interrupting."[/b]

Her response was instant. "Sorry, so what did you want Lancaster?"

[B]"Nothing."[/b] He lied. [B]"Just wanted to say hi."[/b] At this point Avis had looked up and was peering down the street, his green eyes squinting periodically as oncoming headlights rushed by. Shivering as a sudden cold breeze kissed at the black waved, and lowly cut hair upon his head, he then lowered his gaze.

"Where are you?" Ignoring her, he made a left onto Willows lane and a smug smile lined his face. "Ello? Avis, you still there?" He hung up, making a second and sharp left as he leapt up some small steps prior to knocking upon a door. Without hesitation he shoved his phone into his jeans pocket, wincing as he struggled to squeeze his hand into his black skinnies. Ignoring the stinging sensation as he recalled it, he then ran the hand over his hair and nervously adjusted the black tee shirt he wore beneath his jacket. The door cracked.

[B]"Je suis rentré."[/b] Unprepared for her lunging hug, he staggered, nearly falling off of the ledge before embracing her in return. He smiled as he noticed the scent of lavender upon her. However, the moment was ended when Elise muttered something incoherent.

[B]"What?"[/b] Looking down, Avis held them apart. His eyes finding her dark brown irises as he whispered with curiosity.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Though it seemed innocent enough, something about her inquiry worried him. While he had thought nothing of it at first, he then glanced at the bed robe over her naked frame, and suddenly feared she was not alone. Rather than ask, he simply shot her a look, one mixed of confusion and pain. Understanding she simply hugged him, kissing his cheek apologetically before she grabbed his hand. She then led him inside.

Once inside, Elise giggled playfully. Blowing a kiss at Avis as she grabbed up two nearby scrunchies and put her long auburn hair into pigtails. Shaking his head with a smile, he shut the door, following her up to her bedroom as he checked his watch. A quarter to three in the am. The somnolent teen let out a yawn.