Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who reviewed. And to clear a few things up:

1. Yes, I've seen the movie and know that both Nick and Joyce die. This is a slightly AU story, so that doesn't affect my story.

2. I haven't lost interest in this story. Things have been really crazy the past few years and I haven't had a lot of time to write. My schedule is go to work, come home, got to bed. I don't have a lot of free time, but I will update when I can. I just ask ya'll to be patient when it comes to my updating. Thanks.

Rose Red: The Return, Chapter 3

After leaving the house, Nick and Annie headed towards the small ice cream parlor just a few blocks away. Neither spoke a word until they sat down with a banana split sitting on the table between them. "You seem to be doing well, Annie." It wasn't a question. Annie knew Nick had called at least every day since the incident at Rose Red to see how she was doing and every time he was in town they would go out for ice cream and talk. So she just nodded her head and waited for him to continue.

"I've been thinking lately that things were left quite unfinished with Rose Red. That no one will be completely ok until Ellen Rimbauer is gone for good." He took a bite of the ice cream and let what he was saying sink in. Annie sat there silent for a few minuets quietly contemplating what Nick said. There was unfinished business with Rose Red. The house was still standing and even though the property was labeled with no trespassing signs, people would sneak in to see if the stories were true. At least twenty people had disappeared without a trace in the past five years. It dawned on Annie what he was saying. "You're…going back."

"I have to Annie. Please understand that. No one is truly safe until that place is rid of the horrible woman's spirit. Not even you. I know its been calling to you again. I see it every time I come to visit. The happiness that I saw in the beginning is slowly giving way to fear and sadness. I want you to be able to be happy again, Annie. Without the fear that place instills in you." He took her hand a gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Everything will work out for the best, Annie."

She knew he would want to go back. Its been plaguing her own mind for years now. Even in her dreams she sees him going back to Rose Red to destroy the evil that lives there. But she wasn't going to let him do it on his own. She would rather drink motor oil than let him get himself killed by going there with no one to help him. She made a decision then and there that she would go with him whether he liked it or not. " I'm going…with you. I want to help. If you say no, I'll just follow you. You cant do this alone Nick. You need me."

He sighed. He knew telling her was a bad idea. He didn't want to put her in any danger, but he knew she would make good on the promise of following him there if he said no. "Fine, but you get to tell Sissy and Steve." Annie just smiled at him and nodded before the two resumed eating the banana split.