A nice, well furnished home, where Caroline lives by herself. A maid comes by three times a week to tidy up, but since Caroline spends most of her time at Metropolis University, it doesn't take much time at all to clean the house.

((From Metropolis University))

Caroline dropped her bag on the table just inside the door and walked into the living room to collapse on the couch. Now that she was finished with her schoolwork for the day she really had nothing else to do. It left her thinking over everything that had happened that day once again.

The Sergeant had tried to kill her. That much she knew and someone had stopped the bullet, and then when the Sergeant tried again a car accident had saved her. All in all she had been incredibly lucky.

Hell with it. Steve lunged toward the wall phone and frantically dialed Caroline's number. It took him several tries, but he finally made a connection.

When the phone started to ring, Caroline looked over at it for a moment. Well, that certainly hadn't taken long. She stood up and walked over to the phone. Picking it up she said, "hello."

Gah! She actually picked up. Quick, say something witty. Dazzle her with your charm.

"Er, hi, Caroline, it's Dr. Rothstein. I just wanted to...er...make sure you'd gotten home safely, with no more problems from America's Hero, so-called."

Caroline smiled, liking the feeling of warmth spreading through her, the feeling of someone caring enough to make sure that she had made it home without running into any more trouble. "I guess me answering the phone gives you the answer to your query. I didn't run into him again, though I think it is too soon to start thinking that he has given up."

"I suppose that's the first time a Nazi has ever come in handy."

"That seems true enough," Caroline answered. "Could I ask you about the psychiatrist whose card you gave me?"

"Certainly."

"How do you know him? And is he good at what he does?"

"We went to undergrad school here at MetroU together. His name is Colin MacLeod. And he's very good at what he does, if a bit...unorthodox."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, he's a Freudian and a hypnotist. When you're awake you'll probably encounter quite a few questions as to whether or not you wish you had a penis. Most of his evaluation, however, will take place while you are hypnotized."

"I've never been hypnotized before," Caroline answered. "Have you?"

"No." Steve chuckled slightly. "He always said my mind was not an open one."

"Oh," Caroline answered. "I was thinking about calling him and setting up an appointment. It wouldn't hurt to at least see if he could help, right?"

"Well, it's a long drive to Boston, Caroline. Are you sure you want to go alone?"

"I honestly had not thought about that." Then again, she was used to spending her time alone. "Company could be nice."

"Well, I don't mean to be forward, but I could drive you. I mean, if you wanted."

"I would appreciate that, but I don't want to take up all your time. The trip to Boston could take up an entire day."

"Oh, it's no trouble. It's...er...all in the interest of science. I've become invested in the experiment, you see. I....ah...should see it through to the finish."

Caroline chuckled lightly. "Then I guess I am glad to be a help to science," she answered. "Thank you, Dr. Rothstein."

"It's my pleasure."

Tell her she smells nice. They like that.

Shut up, I'm handling it.

Steve cleared his throat slightly. "So why don't you call Dr. MacLeod and make that appointment."

(If you haven't noticed yet, Steve is the tiniest bit unstable. I found it's a potent counterpoint to the calm, self assured Ozymandias.)

"I will schedule an appointment and then let you know. Are there any days when you wouldn't be able to make the trip due to class or anything?"

"A weekend would be best, I think."

"You're right," Caroline answered. "All right. Well, I should probably hang up now so I can call Mr. MacLeod."

"Yes. Alright. I'll talk to you later then."

Caroline smiled. "Thank you again. Good bye, Dr. Rothstein."

"Good bye." Steve set down the receiver with a click.

Does she like us?

How should I know? I'm you.

Caroline stood there for a moment before reaching into her bag and pulling out the business card. Then she dialed the number for Mr. MacLeod.

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