Colette could feel the pressure continue to weigh on her shoulders as midnight approached.  How was she going to get them away from prying eyes.<br/>"Well thank you, you've certainly caught my interest.  In truth, I wasn't necessarily expecting to meet with you tonight.  I didn't even know you were going to show up" she lied easily.  She stood up and stretched her arms, "you don't want anyone in....letting other people in only makes it harder when they have to go.  You shut others out and start to care only for yourself.  It's a lonely life, but manageable, right?" She said.  He was in the same place she was when it came to relationships.<br/><br/>Letting people into your life was painful and hard.  Once they're in, you're left exposed, exposed to kindness and warmth and love.  But if that warmth is torn away from you, suddenly you start to feel empty and alone.  And instead of trying to seek that warmth again, you shut everyone out to prevent that hurt from happening again.  She had felt that many times, her father's death being the beginning.