Disclaimer: I own nothing. And since I didn't mention it earlier, the basis for the plot is taken from a foreign film I watched. I have majorly tweaked it to fit our cultural differences.
Chapter 2
Dear Belle,
It's hard to believe that I've been here for eight years now. The time has passed by so fast. School starts up again next week and I will officially be a senior. We had orientation last week and Scott and I have only two classes together but that's okay. Thank God I don't have any classes with Genevieve. We broke up last night. Yes, I did do the dumping but before you say anything I did have a better reason than 'her laugh sounded like nails on a chalkboard.' It was because her laugh sounded like a pack of dying hyenas. Kidding. Actually, it turns out she only wanted to date me because my family has money. Henri's girlfriend, Mercy, overheard her talking about it last week, how she planned on having me buy all this crap for her because she supposedly had me wrapped around her pinky finger. Pinky finger my ass. I don't have the broken heart. Sometimes I wonder about girls over here. I can't seem to find anyone who's interested in more than clothes and money. So what's up with you and the new guy, Warren was it? He sounds nice. His father's company is very well known. He sounds a lot better than that Bobby guy you dated. Is it okay to call him a goof now? I mean, he was nice and all but he seemed too immature for you. Sometimes I can't believe you actually spent two years with that guy. At least that Cody guy did better by you. Too bad he had to move away, though. How did that summer French class go for you? I bet you aced it since your father speaks it so often. My teachers say my French is nearly flawless. I guess it helps that I hear it so much at home. I read that book, The Great Gatsby, that you suggested and, you were right, I did enjoy it. Not to mention that it's a great conversation starter. I met a really cute girl while I was reading it the other day at the café. Turns out she had just finished reading it, too. :) I felt really bad for Gatsby, having his dream shattered. Daisy kind of reminded me of Genevieve, she only cared about the money in the end. Got any other book recommendations? Let me know. Well, I guess that's all for now. Write back soon. Later.
Remy
Dear Remy,
I know, it is hard to believe it's been that long. I guess that's because we've been writing each other so often over the years. In some ways, it's like you never left. I remember like it was yesterday how we used to go out and play in the park. Now we're dating and driving and going through all of that high school drama. Sorry to hear about Genevieve but I'm glad you found out about her before it was too late. Don't worry; I'm sure the girls will be knocking down your door once they all find out that you're on the market again. :) Was her laugh really that bad, though? That sounds kind of harsh. Anyhow, Warren is a nice guy but we're not dating exclusively. We hung out off and on over the summer. He's a lot of fun to be around but can be a bit boring at times. And don't slam Bobby too much. At least Bobby knew how to make me laugh sometimes. He was pretty immature but what do you expect? It wasn't until sophomore year that I realized he was not my type. I put that as part of my brainless freshman phase. Don't laugh at me either. I remember what brainless ideas you came up with your freshman year. I still can't believe you thought it was okay to get a girl's attention by snapping her bra strap against her back. It's a wonder that you ever became the insanely popular ladies' man. Will wonders never cease? Glad to hear that Henri is still with his girl. From what you have said, she sounds real nice. The summer French class went great. It was pretty easy but I learned a lot. Probably could have used your help a couple of times. So you're a big, bad senior now, huh? Must be nice. Thought about any colleges yet? Glad I can put that thought off for another year. So you enjoyed Gatsby? I thought you might. It wasn't as boring as some of the books you told me you had to read. Right now I'm tuned into the Harry Potter craze. They're pretty good books, if you're into that whole fantasy stuff. Well, I guess that's all for now. I got a part time job and today's my first day. Wish me luck!
Belle
Rogue,
You still out there, girl? Haven't really heard from you over the past year. I know you get the update about me from Belle but I'd still like to know how you're doing. I miss you, too, you know. Drop me a line sometime. I don't bite. At least not too hard :)
Remy
Hey Remy,
Sorry for not writing sooner. Things have been hectic here lately with school and activities and such. I'm doing fine and my mom couldn't be better. Nothing's really changed much since I last wrote; I'm just extremely busy. Good to hear you've made it to your senior year. Well, I'm going to have to keep this one short since I'm running short on time but I'll try to write more soon. Bye!
Rogue
Rogue sighed as she shut down her email. She had an hour before she had to be at work. Getting up from her chair, she wandered over to her closet, trying to figure out what to wear on her first day at work. As she stood looking at her selection, her mind, too, also began to wander. For what seemed like the trillionth time over the past eight years, she wondered if she was being a good friend to both Remy and Belle. Unbeknownst to both of her childhood friends, she had been the one posing as Belle in the emails for the past eight years. She wasn't even sure why she continued to do so. Shortly after Rogue had posed for Belle the first time all those years ago she had taken the liberty of creating a separate email account for her. She relayed the information to both Belle and Remy but Belle still seemed resistant to the whole idea of writing, despite her promise. After three unanswered emails from Remy and a heart wrenching, 'why won't she write me' letter from Remy to Rogue, the native Mississippian couldn't take it anymore and decided to just keep posing as Belle. She had reasoned that it would at least keep Remy happy and Belle would just thank her later on when they both realized they were meant to be together.
During the first few years, Remy had maintained a close contact with Rogue as well. The letters were not as detailed and insightful as the one's written to Belle, but he had acknowledged her nonetheless. After a while, Rogue found it was quite difficult to keep up with all of the writing and gradually fazed out the frequency at which Remy received letter from the real her. He had protested greatly but had no choice but to get used to it.
At first, Rogue had no problem pretending to be Belle. After all they were best friends. As they grew older, and the girls saw each other less and developed differing personalities, it became increasingly difficult to play the part. Eventually, Rogue began to blend her 'Belle' persona with her own life. It was too hard to just start making things up, especially since Remy had the tendency to reference them later on. Besides, she rather liked having someone else as her sounding board and it was too late to try and start writing him again under her own name.
She and Belle had remained good friends since Remy's departure. They still attended the same schools and hung out with the same group of friends. The only thing that had changed was the frequency with which they were able to see one another. Belle was easily the most popular girl at school with her bouncy blond hair, violet-blue eyes and dramatically magnetic personality. You couldn't help but like her. She said hi to everyone and hated no one. After that first dance class she had taken all those years ago she had grown addicted to it and then added singing to her repertoire. At school she was captain of the cheerleading squad and earned all of the lead roles in the school drama productions. She dated all of the popular guys and threw the best parties. Currently she was on the arm of James Baque, the star of their championship football team.
Rogue was Belle's right hand girl, but nowhere near as limelight loving. She was more laid back and demure, letting her natural beauty attract the attention her lack of flamboyance didn't. People were drawn to her sassy, 'take no shit' demeanor and the underlying sweetness displayed to close friends. According to Belle, she was the perfect blend of school smart, street smart and smart-ass.
Pulling a pair of pants and a shirt from her closet, she continued to mull over the comments Remy had made about Warren, Bobby and Cody. Remy had never really liked Bobby, that much she could tell, even though she tried to make him sound like a decent guy. He was her first real boyfriend and always lots of fun. However, Rogue needed someone who she could be serious with sometimes and Bobby was anything but. They realized that they would make better friends and that's what they've remained ever since. Her relationship with Warren was practically nonexistent. They dated casually but she didn't really feel anything for him except for friendly affection. And then there was Cody. He could only be classified as 'the one that got away.' Rogue had been very good friends with him since the start of junior high. Somewhere along the line she developed a huge crush on him and didn't know that he had felt the same way in return. It wasn't until the night before Cody moved to California were feelings shared but by then it was too late. Now she could only wonder about what might have been.
Shaking her head, she tried to clear her head of all thoughts. This is not helpin' me get ready. She looked at her clock. Twenty-five minutes had already passed. Great. The last thing Ah need it to be late the first day. She quickly changed her clothes and ran out to the bathroom to finish getting ready.
Remy closed his email, a small frown slightly marring his handsome features. Rogue had finally wrote him a note, complete with its trademark shortness. Oh well, he thought. At least Belle wrote. He couldn't help but smile at that. He had always liked her. Growing up together made her an easy target for his childhood crush. After he moved, his feelings had waned a bit, especially since she didn't start writing to him right away. But when she started up again and they kept up regular correspondence, he realized that she really was a great girl. Over the past couple of years, he had realized that Belle was the type of person he could picture himself being with. Sure, he dated a lot of girls, he was a good-looking guy, he couldn't help it, but after a while none of them measured up to his standards. The more he got to know Belle, the more he wanted someone like her and the more he wanted someone like her, the harder it was to find a girl who had all the same qualities.
He sighed a picked up a nearby picture frame. In it was an old picture of him, Belle, and Rogue, taken one Halloween. They had decided on being pirates but Belle changed her mind at the last minute and came as a princess. Both him and Rogue had been quite mad at the change but in the end it had been a fun night. Continuing to look at the photo, his brows furrowed in thought. Belle had mentioned that she needed to get ready for her job. As much as he loved Belle, she never struck him as the type to want to earn her own money. She was her father's princess and every bit as prissy, if the photo was of any evidence.
"What are you staring at so hard?"
Remy looked up to see Scott standing in his doorway. "M'not starin'. Jus' t'inkin'."
Scott walked over to Remy and plucked the frame from his hands. Examining the picture for himself, he asked, "What about this picture has got you thinking?" Before Remy could answer Scott continued talking. "No, wait. Let me take a wild guess. Belle right?"
Remy noticed the amusement twinkling in his best friend's eye. "Ha, ha. Very funny."
"Ah, so I was right," Scott proclaimed, sitting down on the bed, frame still in hand. "So what about her? Did you finally grow a backbone and tell her you've been carrying a torch for her for the past eight years?"
It was Remy's turn to smirk. "Y' see, homme? Dat's de reason why y' don' got a girl. A true gentleman doesn't profess his feelings over de email. Dat's somethin' y' gotta do in person. 'Sides, shouldn' y' be lookin' in de mirror when y' say dat?"
"Oh, didn't you hear? In about seven months Jean and Duncan will be proud parents. I guess you could say I'm back on the market now."
"Damn, didn' see dat one comin'. T'ought Jeannie was smarter den dat."
"Yeah, your telling me." He looked at the picture again. "Have you heard from Rogue lately?"
"Oui, jus' got an email from her today."
"I swear, she's got to have the most beautiful green eyes I've ever seen. Even better than Jean's. And this is a photo. I wonder what they look like in real life? I bet she's turned out really hot."
"Hey now, homme, jus' cause we ain't tight no more don' mean y' can be usin' her as some kinda rebound girl after findin' out y' unrequited love jus' got knocked up. Still consider her one of m' best friends."
"Oh, come on. What kind of guy do you take me for? I'm not like that. Besides, I was just admiring the view."
"Yeah, an' entertainin' some twisted perverted fantasy 'bout her, too. Y' sick, y' know dat?"
"Okay, one, I am not entertaining some twisted perverted fantasy. I have absolutely no idea what she looks like. And, two, the only reason why I would ever be considered sick is due to the eight years of overbearing influence you have over me. And to think I could have turned out to be a nice guy."
"'Kay, I'm gonna ignore dat crack 'cause y'r broken heart has made y' temporarily mentally unstable. On top o' dat, if my influence was as 'overbearin'' as y' say it is, den Jeannie would be wit' y' and not burdenin' de world wit' anot'er Duncan," snapped Remy.
"Ouch, score one for Remy. I'm going to feel that one for a while," Scott said, dejected.
Remy immediately softened. He didn't mean for the teasing to go that far. "Hey, homme, I'm sorry. Dat was outta line. Y' deserve way better den Duncan's sloppy seconds. I bet y' and Rogue would be great toget'er. I'm jus' protective of her, dat's all. Look, whenever I go back to N'awlins I'll take you wit' me and introduce y' to her."
"Thanks, Remy. Despite your bad influence I still think you're a great friend." He smiled to show he was kidding. "I came over to see if you wanted to check out that new club downtown. You game?"
"Hell yeah!" Jumping out of his seat, Remy walked over to his full-length mirror and checked his appearance.
Scott rolled his eyes. "Could you be any more conceited?"
"Don' hate me 'cause I'm beautiful." Once satisfied, Remy headed out the door, Scott following behind.
Belle walked into the ritzy boutique and looked around. After perusing the racks and picking up a few items, she took her garments and walked over to one of the sales clerks. "Excuse me, I'm meetin' my boyfriend's parents for de first time. Do you t'ink dis is appropriate?"
The sales clerk turned around to see Belle holding a fire engine red leather lace up corset, complete with a neck strap, garter clips and a red leather g-string. Wrinkling her brow in thought, the clerk asked, "Is this goin' ta be an intimate dinner?"
"Oui."
The clerk smiled. "Well, as pretty as that is, Ah would strongly recommend this garment over here." She held up a lavender ensemble. The bra, if you could call it that, was without the normal bra cups and instead replaced with two small lacy butterflies. The string bikini style underwear was also made to look like a butterfly and Belle noticed that it was crotchless. "The color compliments your eyes very well an' gives off a softer, more feminine look. Paired with the matchin' lace gloves an' strappy stilettos, your boyfriend's parents should be quite impressed with your look."
Belle looked at the sales clerk for a moment before she burst out laughing. "Mon Dieu, girl! Y' can sell anyt'ing! For a moment dere I almost believed y'."
Rogue smiled. "Ya shoulda seen me earlier. Ah sold four of them things right there," she gestured to the red outfit Belle was holding, "to a group of college girls, a complete honeymoon wardrobe to Becca's sister, the belly dancer outfit to Jacques for his girl and this little number here to Mrs. Miranda."
"But she's-"
"Ah know." She smiled and returned the underwear to the rack. "So what ya doin' here? Looking for somethin' to entice James?"
"Please," Belle scoffed. "When y' look at good as me, y' don' need lingerie t' entice y'r man."
"Oh, Ah'm sorry. Ah forgot that ya are God's gift to men. When Belle came out they broke the mold."
"Y' know it. So how much is dis?"
"Ya know, when Rick James wrote 'Superfreak' he was definitely thinking about ya. Remind me t'tell all the mom's out there to lock up their sons the next time your single."
"Says de girl who works at de kinky lingerie shop."
"Comments like that will get ya no where near my discount."
"I'm quakin' in m'heels. Seriously, t'ough, I came in for some fishnets for m'show."
"Oh, those are over there. Follow me."
They strolled across the store. "So, why y' workin' anyway? We're rich," Belle inquired.
"Ah know but it's the independent streak in me. Ya know Ah hate askin' for money. Besides, it's great business experience."
Belle smiled. "O' course. Rogue, our own little career girl. On o' dese days I'm gonna get ya t'stop an' smell de roses." Rogue noticed that Belle was no giving her a sideways glance. "Speakin' o' roses, how's Warren?"
"Last Ah heard he was still yachtin' with his dad on the Catalina Islands."
"I heard it t'rough de grapevine dat he sent you two dozen roses."
"Yeah, fire and ice roses."
"Y'r favorite." Belle turned towards her friend, hands on her hips. "Okay, what's wrong wit' him?"
Rogue sighed. "Nothing is wrong with him. He's a really nice guy."
"Buuut," Belle prompted.
"But, well, he's kinda boring. We get along great an' all, but at some point a girl has got to get tired of hearin' about stocks and mergers. Instead of goin' to the movies, he wants to go to the museum. Why eat pizza when ya can have lobster? And he doesn't watch football! What kind of man is that?"
"Poor, poor, Rogue," Belle cooed, patting her friend's arm, "still has no appreciation for de finer t'ings in life."
"Hey, Ah will gladly do without the pâté and filet mignon. Nothing beats fried chicken and cornbread anyway. Ya know me, Belle. Ah'm simple. Ah like someone who isn't too good to watch a movie or go dancing. Someone who reads the books Ah do so we can talk about it. Someone who appreciates football and pizza."
"Someone like Cody?"
Rogue frowned. "Yeah."
"Don' worry, girl. Y' will find that special someone. Who knows? Y' probably already know 'em an' it's jus' a matter of time. Until den, have fun! Let's go out tonight. Me an' you. I t'ink dat new dance club is callin' our names."
"Okay."
"Great!" Belle grabbed the stockings and walked toward the cash register. "I'll pick y' up at nine!" She called over her shoulder.
Rogue could only smile.
Dear Remy,
My first day of work was great. My manager said I made the most sales. How was your day? I hope it went well. I went out dancing last night and had a blast. They opened up a new club here in town and since the owner knows us he let us in. I think you would like it there. The music they played was pretty good and the drinks are priced fairly. Warren called me today to make sure I received his flowers. He sent me two dozen fire and ice roses. I thought it was very sweet of him. Too bad I don't think that anything is going to happen between us. He's just not my type. Can you believe he doesn't like fried chicken?! Or cornbread?! And he refuses to go to the movies. He said when he gets back from his vacation he wants to take me to the opera. No, not the Phantom of the Opera type show either. Just some guy singing for like two hours. Ugh. Well, I have to run for now. I promised my friends that we'd all go school shopping together. Have fun!
Belle
Dear Belle,
Glad to hear about your job. My day yesterday was okay. Scott was down because the girl he has liked for the past three years got pregnant by her boyfriend. We went dancing to try and get his mind off of the whole thing. I picked up one of those Harry Potter books you were talking about this morning. So far it's pretty good. It's similar to the movie but more detailed. So Warren is a no go, huh? Too bad for him. What kind of guy doesn't like fried chicken anyway? I know I could go for some of Mrs. Adler's Cajun fried chicken and cornbread right now. You're lucky you can get that whenever you want. But, yeah, this Warren guy sounds a little dry. How could he not like movies? It's entertainment. I swear, some people feel that being rich puts you above things like that. At least I still appreciate a simple movie dinner date. At least he bought you your favorite roses, though. You got something good out of the deal. Anyhow, me and Scott have practice so I'll write you later. Take care and don't break his heart. :)
Remy
So, yeah, I fast-forwarded the story pretty far but I felt it was necessary. Sorry about the long delay.I had the whole story all played out in my head and when I went to write it I realized that one specific element didn't work and threw the whole story off. So, back to the drawing board I went. Hopefully, this chapter came out okay. Thanks to all the readers who are been waiting for me to get my butt in gear and write more. I can't promise fast updates because I finally got a new job and in a week I will officially be stepping into the 'real world' for eight hours a day. However, I do plan on finishing this story and writing more. That's all for now. Thanks for the reviews. Happy reading!
Rogue Warrior Spirit – Thanks for the compliments. I'll do my best to make this story worth your reading!
Panther Nesmith – What better way to have her learn than to actually be there?
Stripes – Thank you!
Pookie Sanchez – Definitely.
Christy S – Not much happening in this chapter but stay tuned!
Girl Number 1 – Whoa! Thanks for all the ideas. Remember, though, this is an AU and I'm trying to keep the number of characters to a minimum. I'll keep your thoughts in mind. Hope you enjoy what happens!
Rilo - blushes Thanks!
Sash – Trust me, I'm doing my best to try and figure out how to sort this out ;)
Neurotic Temptress – Your intuition is uncanny. Is there anyway to surprise you? :)
Carla-p – Hope this turns out to your liking!
Barbara Ruiz – I'm working on that ASAP part . . .
Ishandahalf – Don't worry. I'm trying really hard to be nice to them this time around.
- Don't spoil the fun! ;) I think you've caught my drift.
Rogue Star – Don't worry. I think you'll catch on soon!
