//------------------------------// // Accidents Happen... // Story: Changeling for a room mate. // by Jot Notes //------------------------------// Alex took the steps down to the bottom of his apartment building and stepped out into the cold. It was snowing tonight, and a cold wind whipped around. Alex shivered, and drew his coat around him. He got into his car, an old rusted sedan that still worked surprisingly well, and turned it on, sighing with relief as the engine roared to life, and the heat turned on. Slowly, he began the short commune to his workplace. He took no notice of the city around him as he drove down the hallway. The city was lit up in preparation of Christmas, and the buildings were decked with colourful lights, ornaments and tinsel. Busy people hurried to and fro along the snow covered streets, as he stopped at a traffic light. While he waited, he looked at the pedestrians, each with a happy grin or look of determination plastered onto their frostbitten faces. They all probably had families they were thinking of, or sweethearts to buy expensive gifts for. Meanwhile, Alex had nothing but his job and his stories that he just couldn’t seem to finish writing. Finally the traffic light changed and Alex snapped out of his misery long enough to continue driving onward. He pulled to a stop in front of a cozy looking pizzeria, and got out. Inside, families sat around in booths, laughing and enjoying the cheesy pizza that Mr. Depachi had made. Mr. Depachi himself was in the kitchen when he arrived, so he had to deal with the clown working the register when he got there. “Hey, Lexi, how come you’re late? Too busy watching My Little Pansy?” He was greeted with a sneer, and the traditional nickname of all the pizzeria’s staff. Everyone working for Mr. Depachi knew that he watched the show regularly, and they all made fun of him for it. It wasn't’ anything new; tons of people were mocked for liking the show, most of the time it was even worse than being mocked. But at least most people had friends to support them. Alex, on the other hand, was completely and totally alone against these jokers. Still, he tried his best not to let the insults get to him. “Just give me an order, please.” He muttered in a resigned tone. The clerk handed him a slip. “Try not to chat up the little girls about their favourite pony.” He sneered. “Her parents might call the cops on you” “Sure, whatever man.” He took the order and the pizzas and headed for the door. “Have fun in the cold, Lexi!” Alex stepped out into the cold again, hugging the stack of pizzas for warmth. Now that he was at work, he was starting to feel like his old self, strong, confident and dedicated. Or, at the very least, he didn't feel like a complete ass while he was on the job. He climbed into the car and fired up the engine, feeling better already. Looking at the first name on his list, he started driving to the address specified. All night long, Alex worked hard getting the pizzas to where they need to go. It was easy work, and the grateful customers usually gave him a tip for “working so hard in this god-awful weather,” as one old lady put it. With closing time on the way and most of the other employees gone already, Alex was about to head home too, after one last delivery. He reviewed the delivery while he pumped gas. The address was out of town, a small farm a few kilometers away. Alex wasn't big on traveling the highways in this weather, but the delivery had to be done. Maybe he could just explain to his boss that the roads were too treacherous? No, his boss was an honest, old fashioned man. He wouldn't leave a customer hanging. So there was no other choice; he had to deliver the pizza. He finished pumping gas and got into the car, trying to relax. It’s just one more delivery, He told himself. Let’s just get it done, and go home. He started out onto the highway, where things weren't as bad as he thought they would be. Yes it was dark and snow drifted across the road, but it wasn't nearly as awful as he had envisioned it. He allowed himself to relax, and his mind began to wander as he drove, reflecting the past few day’s events. A while ago, Alex had been in love. He had a beautiful girlfriend, and they were very happy together. Money hadn’t been an issue, because she had been working as a nurse in a hospital and made a fair wage, and while he was still trying to get a job as a computer technician, he had the part time job at the pizza place. And even though they had lived paycheck-to-paycheck, they were happy together. But then things changed… Alex continued to brood over his problems as he drove down the highway. He was nearing his destination, and the roads were beginning to get uglier. It was nearly impossible to see very far ahead of him now. He considered stopping, but it didn’t matter. He was almost there, just a few more miles to go… Out of nowhere, a large black figure appeared in the road ahead. It was larger than a deer, with shiny black skin and a teal mane. Alex slammed on the brakes, but couldn’t find traction on the road. The creature whipped its head in his direction, eyes widening when they saw him barreling towards it. Alex gasped; he swore that he recognized the figure before him. But….it couldn’t be…