The Other Side of Goodbye Love

Maureen gently wiped away Joanne's tears before taking her lover's hands. She pulled her closer to her, and kissed the top of her head several times. Both women were crying. The remaining Bohemians left the reunited couple alone to talk. Maureen rested her chin on Joanne's head, and waited patiently for her to calm down.

"I'm sorry," they said at the same time after several minutes of silence.

Joanne took Maureen's hand, and said, "Come on, let's take a walk."

Hand in hand, Joanne and Maureen walked away from Angel's grave. Both were silent at first, taking in all the events that were unfolding before them. Maureen broke the endless silence.

"Joanne, about the Commitment Ceremony-"

"Let's not talk about that. That's in the past now." Joanne clearly didn't want to talk about the break-up.

"But I want to talk about it. I never got a chance to explain myself."

"What's there to talk about? You were flirting with a woman in rubber. Did I miss something about it that you'd care to explain?"
"Yet again, you are overreacting! That woman and I were just talking, like I said before. I liked her necklace, so I was looking at it, and asking her where she got it from. Even though we broke up, I want so badly to believe that we would get back together, and that we were meant to be together that I went out and bought you this for when we did get back together." Maureen pulled a simple gold necklace out of her pocket. Joanne's hand flew to her mouth. Silent tears filled her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Mo. I'm sorry I overreacted, and didn't listen to you. I'm sorry baby." Maureen kissed Joanne tenderly on the lips.

"Come here, Pookie. Let's see how this looks on you."

Maureen gently fastened the necklace around Joanne's neck. They held hands, and continued on their way through the cemetery.

"Hey Honeybear?" Joanne said. Maureen smiled; things were getting back to normal between the two of them. "If you want, you could umm, move in with me again. That is, if you really want to." Maureen's face lit up.

"I'll bring my stuff by tomorrow!" She stopped, and pulled Joanne close to her. the diva snaked her arms around Joanne's neck, and swung from it casually. "So we're officially back together now?" Joanne pecked her on the lips.

"Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll try not to overreact anymore, and I'll listen to you when you're talking to me."

"And I'll cut back on the flirting. Maybe I'll be able to stop all together!" Joanne rolled her eyes, and continued walking. "What, you don't believe me? I'll have you know that I-" Maureen stopped. Joanne was staring at a gravestone. "What is it Pookie?"

"We came full circle," Joanne replied quietly.

"What do you mean?"

"Look."

Maureen read, "Angel Dummot-Schunard, April 14, 1966- October 28, 1990. Beloved friend, beloved lover. She was 24. Nobody should die that young. I said that when April died.

"Where's April buried?" Maureen led Joanne over a few gravestones to April's. "I saw Roger stop by here very briefly, now I know why. She was only 21." Maureen nodded.

"April was my best friend. How could we not be? I mean, our boyfriends were best friends, and we lived together. We kept each other sane in a guy's apartment." Maureen began to cry. Joanne gently rubbed her back. "I remember when she killed herself. I, I was in total shock. I was shaking, and screaming at her at the top of my lungs." Maureen's words were broken up by sobs.

"It's okay baby. Come on, let's go home. We'll come back another day when we're both in a good state of mind."

As Maureen and Joanne left the cemetery, they heard Angel's voice whisper through the trees, and say, "I knew you chicas would end up together in the end."

The End

A/N: Please keep Carolyn Gipe in your prayers, she's having surgery tomorrow (7/21). Also check out "Off-Set" please! Much love, and REVIEW!