Chapter Seven

CHASE: Macie, how's everything? Are you okay?

MACIE: Everything seems to be fine, thank God.

MACIE: Can't say the same thing about the units on the upper floors though.

CHASE: I'm glad the fire didn't reach your place.

CHASE: Macie? Are you still there?

MACIE: Yeah...

MACIE: I just talked to the supervisor. He said all the occupants need to leave the building for a few days.

MACIE: He mentioned something about renovation...

CHASE: That's good. Right?

MACIE: It is if there was somewhere else I could stay.

CHASE: How about your cousin Luisa?

MACIE: She lives in the dorms.

CHASE: Any other cousins or aunts and uncles you can stay with for the time being?

MACIE: My dad's an only child and my mom's sister, Luisa's mom, lives in California and it's too far away from here.

CHASE: Where are you exactly?

MACIE: I think I asked you that question first.

CHASE: You did.

MACIE: Well? Are you going to answer it or not?

CHASE: Are you?

MACIE: I will if you go first.

CHASE: Fine.

CHASE: I live in LA but I'm currently in New York for some business.

MACIE: No way. Really?

CHASE: Yeah. Why?

MACIE: I'm in New York. Brooklyn, to be exact.

CHASE: I know someone who lives in Brooklyn. I'll ask if you can crash at her place until you can go back to your apartment.

MACIE: It's okay, Chase. You don't need to do that.

MACIE: I'll figure it out somehow.

MACIE: I'm sure she won't agree. I mean, if I were her, I wouldn't let a stranger be anywhere near me while I sleep.

MACIE: For all I know, said stranger could be some psycho axe murderer.

MACIE: I wouldn't want to be killed in the middle of the night.

MACIE: And, well, she (and you) is a stranger to me too so I'm not so sure about staying at your friend's place.

MACIE: Chase? Are you there?

MACIE: Chaaasseee?

CHASE: I just got off the phone with her and she said it's okay. Text me your address so she can come and get you.

MACIE: HEY.

CHASE: What?

MACIE: I don't want to type all of it again so will you just read everything I've said a few moments ago?

CHASE: Don't worry about it. She's a police officer so you can trust her.

CHASE: As for you being a stranger...

CHASE: You're not some psycho axe murderer, are you?

MACIE: No, I'm not.

CHASE: That's settled then. Text me the address?

MACIE: Fine.

MACIE: Are you sure though?

MACIE: We don't really know each other yet you and your friend are still willing to help without giving it much thought...

CHASE: I'm sure. It's how the world should work anyway, right? People should be helping each other in times of need.

MACIE: Yeah. I guess you're right.

MACIE: Thanks, Chase. I owe you one.

CHASE: Anytime, Macie.