Chapter 3: Not For Free

Things were getting back to normal, or as normal as things could be after the near-death experience for Ron. He tried explaining it to Kim a few times but gave up after she suggested counseling. It was as if his whole life the world around him was filled with shades of gray presenting the illusion of color, but now everything was so bright and intense. He was in love with the world yet sick of it at the same time.

Rufus, still being the faithful friend, never left his side. Although a fun-loving pleasure-seeking creature himself, Rufus understood, as many animals do, that things like this can never be rushed. Given enough time, Rufus knew, Ron would return to normal. That state of normal might be different than it was in the past, but Ron would still be Ron.

As these thoughts echoed through Rufus's head, the pair traveled through a heavily wooded area. It was the same as every other day: Walk the rough path, carry Rufus over the ancient tree roots and traverse the small babbling brook that carries Rufus away at least once a week. Sometimes, Rufus even considers jumping in just to see the smile on Ron's face and hear his laughter as he scoops Rufus up out of the water and on to his shoulder.

They would spend the afternoon like this happy, free, and away from the pressures of the world. Eventually though - as most things in this world have an end - Ron would sigh signaling that it was time to go home. If asked, Ron would be the first person to say that something is different about him now, but no matter how hard he has tried, he just can't put a finger on it. Ron realized that all things have a price, even freedom and joy. Perhaps he is now just paying his dues for having such a carefree, wonderful childhood. As he regretfully walked the path out of Middleton Nature Preserve, he let out a cynical laugh at the simple thought, 'I hope they don't charge interest for late payment.'

Rufus, for all his intelligence, bravery, and understanding, was utterly confused.

Monique sat in a small room intently toiling away on a new project. Different fabrics, papers, and tools hung from the hooks, shelves and bins that filled nearly all her working space. As Wade walked in, he was blinded by the natural light streaming in from the bay windows. This is Monique's sewing room, and Wade was well aware of the fact that he was only allowed in there if it related to work. He just couldn't take it anymore; Monique was mad at him. Well, that was nothing new, since he swore she spent more time angry with him than anything else these days. They had been fighting far more than usual, with almost every conversation degenerating into an argument.

After the accident they had all decided to take a break for a while. Rebecka had disappeared and no one knew what she was up to. Kim usually managed to handle the assorted villains on her own, or with occasional help from Ron, who said he wanted to help.

Monique only paused from her work for a second to speak to Wade, "The nano-clothes were sent over to you yesterday." She returned to her design, but worked far less feverishly than before.

"You know I'm not here about that," Wade finally muttered, defeated.

"Then get on with it, I haven't got all day. And I'm so sick of fighting with you!"

"I hate it too..."

"Then why are you here?

"Its over between us."

"Old news, so what?" Monique couldn't help but to get angry. It still hurt, even though she knew a relationship with Wade would never work out. She knew that back in high school.

"I thought we might talk about why-" Wade paused in the middle of his thought, might as well get to the point right? "I owe you an apology Monique. I never intended to hurt you, but I did. You're my friend and I despise fighting with you like this – what happened to us?"

"We're such idiots," Monique said, her wide bright eyes now maudlin and dull. "Okay," she said as she got her emotions back in check, "We can talk about it."

"I lied to you about Rebecka, I used you as an excuse to break up with her. She was so annoying, even after she got rid of her psycho love control device -"

"Ah, you mean the one that you invented to use on me?"

"Erm, yeah, sorry about that."

"Uh-huh, what else? Would you spill it already, 'cause don't have all day. Places to be, people to see y'know?"

"Sorry, this is just really hard for me," Wade paused in a failed attempt to collect himself. "I wasn't really into you – well I mean I was – but I wasn't – I-" Wade stumbled the words he spoke so clearly in his head just an hour ago.

"-Are you going to start making sense anytime soon or should I just take a trip to Starbucks and come back in thirty minutes?"

"I'm gay, Monique! Okay, there, I said it," Wade was shaking from all the anxiety he was feeling.

"What the f-" but Monique was interrupted by Wade who released all of his pent up thoughts and emotions upon her.

"That's why I broke up with Rebecka, that's why I wasn't into you, that's why -"

"Hold up, what? You're into dudes?"

"Yes," replied a slightly calmer Wade."

"Okay, let's start from the beginning..." Monique was, for lack of a better word, relieved. She had known something was up. This, well, it shocked her, it was kind of freaky, but it wasn't the end of her world. As she looked through bleary eyes at Wade, she knew that he would always be her friend.

Hours later, Wade stepped out of that room a much happier person. Someone knew! He had been so afraid that everyone he knew, particularly Monique would object, but she didn't! This one conversation gave him a tiny morsel of hope to hold on to. She didn't hate him! Things were okay between them now, not perfect, but definitely better.

Monique could clearly tell that Wade felt much better, but she knew things would probably not get easier from this point, even happiness can have a price.

Author's Note:

I particularly enjoyed writing the Monique/Wade scenes last night. I know that some sort of rift had to happen between them for this plot to move forward the way I intend, plus I enjoy writing dialog heavy scenes every now and then. On the other hand I've been avoiding a certain conversation between Wade /someone because I've found it so hard to write realistically.

Also, a big thank you to my two reviewers!

I uploaded the chapter again, fixing some minor errors. The dividers I was using are not showing up so the ones will have to do for now.