the flame is gone; the fire remains

I didn’t grow up here, no.

Where do you come from?

Valérie?

Thanks! And - I'm guessing the accent's not local?

I’m Alexis, by the way. Most people just call me Alex, though.

Nice to meet you, Alex. I'm Valerie, but pretty much everyone calls me Val.

Even if you could, I wouldn’t let you. Sometimes, you’ve gotta give a little kindness back to the world without asking for anything in return.

... I'll keep that in mind.

It’s fine, honestly. I’d have been a little miffed if some strange blonde lady was following me home too.

Can I do anything in return? 

Pinky swear I’m not a stalker! You just dropped your iPod — here.

What, ohmygod- thank you!

Probably not, but it does seem like you’re pretty damn paranoid. Needless to say, no one is following you around Ms. Valerie.

I d- oh. 

Val, we have to face the facts: it’s too late to save the poor guy.

It smells like rotten milk and stale poptarts.

Well, uh.. Handwash it? Give it a rosy scent? Or, no, don't; might be best to avoid anything scented if it's already got some kind of "odour".

I’m pretty sure that’s not how fun works, Val.

Hey! I make it work, and it works just fine!

Do you ever take time off to have fun, Val? You should.

I don't take time off to have fun, I have fun when I have time!

You should be there. Didn’t anyone invite you last night? 

Uh. Don't think so, no? I couldn't have gone anyway; late shift.

Do me another favor and when Eric mentions mixing tequila, pineapple juice and Jell-O into a giagantic mixing bowl to eat, remind me not to do it.