Chapter 8
"Hi, you've reached the voicemail of the one and only diva Maureen Johnson. I'm either your friend or just had an audition with you, if you don't fit into either of these categories, don't call back. THANKS!"
BEEP
"Mo'reeeeeeeeeeennnn, where are you? Haven't heard from you in more than two days, its kinda weird. Call me back, everyone's wondering where you are. Maybe if I tempt you with some free beer you'll come out."
BEEP
Maureen heard Collin's voice on her answering machine. She hadn't been answering her phone and was screening her calls. For a few days since she last spoke to Joanne, she'd only been at her apartment and work. She didn't stop by at the loft, or go to Michael's place.
Of course, Michael was thought it was strange and had asked Maureen about it several times, but she told him it was her PMS-ing and she didn't want Michael to take the brunt of it.
Maureen couldn't believe the situation she was in right now, never even thought she could even be in a situation like this. Two different people were in love with her, and she loved both of them, but who was she in love with?
She couldn't bring herself to even say a little more than a few words to Michael. He didn't even know any of this was going on. Maureen felt so guilty whenever she saw him.
She nursed a bottle of water in her hand, not opting for the beer this time. The drama queen sat at her kitchen counter, staring straight ahead into her living room at nothing in particular. There was a knock at the door.
"Maureen, it's your mother."
Maureen clenched her jaw and squeezed her eyes shut. This really wasn't a good time for her mother to show up.
"Maureen, I know you're there…let me in, or else I'll get a lock smith," her mother threatened.
Maureen walked to her door, dreading whatever conversation she would have with her mother. She opened the door slowly.
"Mom."
"What's wrong with you lately? Michael's been saying you've been acting strangely. You're not ill are you?"
"No mom." Maureen tried to find a way to get her mother out her place.
"Well then why haven't you been with him? You realize you are engaged to him…and getting married soon."
"Yes, mom."
"You're not still thinking about that woman are you?" Nancy's eyes narrowed.
Maureen could feel her anger slowly rising but she refrained from saying anything. Instead she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Look, mom, I've got to meet Collins right now. Can we save this for later…I really don't want to deal with you right now okay?" The drama queen moved towards the door, slipping on her jacket. "I'm leaving, lock the door on your way out."
Before her mother could say anything, Maureen shut the door sharply.
She found herself making her way to the Life and decided to call Collins back.
SPPPPEEEEEEAAAAAKKKKKK
"Hey guys, its Maureen." She paused for a second, waiting for them to pick up.
"The diva calls!" Roger said, answering her call.
"Hey Roger, is Collins home?"
"Yea, hold up lemme get him for you."
"Yeh-loh?"
"Collins, do you think you can meet me at the Life? I kinda wanted to talk to you about something."
Collins could hear the weariness in her voice.
"Yea sure, give me a few, I'll head out now," he said, worried for his best friend.
At the Life, Maureen sat in a corner booth, playing with the half and half. She stacked them up in a pyramid, just like how she liked her equipment stacked when she did her protests. She remembered the fight she and Joanne had had long ago when they had just been together for a few months. She remembered Joanne had dumped her that night, but took her back soon after.
The feeling of losing someone and getting them back was nothing like she had ever felt before that night that Joanne took her back.
'I loved her so much.' Maureen thought to herself. 'But we broke up twice after that, and the second time was for good…and now she's come back to me'.
"You okay?" she heard a male voice ask.
"Yea, just thinking. Sit."
Collins sat down across from Maureen. He saw that something was troubling her, and he had a feeling who it was.
"So shoot," he said, patiently waiting for Maureen to tell him what was up.
Maureen looked at him. He had an expectant look on his face. "You already know don't you?"
Collins gave her a small smile. He nodded his response, "This and that, yea."
"I don't know what to do," she said sadly. "Either way, someone's going to get hurt and I don't want that!"
"Michael doesn't have a clue does he?" Collins asked.
Maureen shook her head, "I wouldn't know what to say to him."
"He needs to know Maureen. You can't keep lying to him. You guys are engaged."
Maureen's shoulders slumped, "I know that. I just—this wasn't supposed to happen! None of this was supposed to happen…"
Collins could see the tears rolling down her cheeks. He reached over and held her hands in his. "Do you know what Angel would say if she were here?"
Maureen looked up, shaking her head.
Collins chuckled, "Well, first off I just wanna say that it's freakin' corny," he smiled widely, "But, I guess it's true. My Angel would say 'Listen to what your heart's telling you, and then you'll be okay'".
Maureen laughed through her tears, "She would say that, but then I'd tell her that I can't hear it. My mind is just going crazy with everything that's been happening."
"I think you already know who you're in love with Mo'…you just can't see it yet."
"It—I don't know, I've never felt so trapped in my entire life."
"Who are you in love with Mo'?" Collins asked directly.
In that moment, Maureen had been staring at her hands, particularly at her ring finger. She played with her engagement ring…but was then reminded of another ring.
The answer pieced together in her heart like a puzzle. She remembered the times years ago when she was just performance artist protesting the treatment of the homeless. Joanne had been with her when she had nothing and was nothing. Joanne had been with her through the death of one of her closest friends and the near death of another. When Joanne left her, Maureen felt empty and lost. The void was just replaced by someone who she knew would take care of her and love her, but could never be the same person Joanne was.
The intensity of her feelings for Michael and Joanne were entirely different. She knew she loved Michael. But the way she loved Joanne…was like nothing she could ever describe. Just the thought of the lawyer made her heart thump rapidly. The sight of her mesmerized the diva. The feel of her touch made her feel giddy and wanting more. Maureen Johnson was utterly and deeply in love with Joanne.
"Joanne."
"What?" Collins said, a smile touching the corner of his lip.
"Joanne…I'm in love with Joanne. Collins…I'm in love with Joanne!"
Collins laughed, "Well then go get her!"
A smile graced Maureen's lips. She leapt to her feet, pulling Collins into a bear hug.
"You realize you have to tell Michael…"
She let out a big sigh, "I know, thanks for the killjoy."
"What are you going to say?"
"I don't know. I have to tell him first."
"Then go…cuz I know there's someone waiting for you."
XxxxX
Joanne walked down the steps that led from the courthouse. She and her partner had just succeeded in getting a dismissal from the judge.
Since two days ago, all Joanne had been pouring herself into was her work. Every minute she would work herself until she fell asleep doing her work. All her energy was put into writing up cases and researching. She didn't have the time to think about anything else, she didn't want to be given a free moment to think of the brunette.
It had been two days, and Joanne felt like it was an eternity.
"Taxi!" Joanne yelled, stretching out an arm. She got in the backseat and settled herself, pulling out copies of documents to read over before her next case. The cab came to a stop at a red light, pulling Joanne out of her concentration for a moment as she looked up and out the window.
'Damnit, didn't tell the driver to go around the other way.'
She had forgotten that the faster route to get from the courthouse to her office passed by the theater that Maureen was currently performing at.
Joanne looked over the theater, her heart wrenching at the thought of Maureen.
"Driver, I think I'll—"
Joanne's mind went blank. The back door of the theater opened, she saw Maureen step out with Michael. They looked like they were talking. She saw Maureen tiptoe up to kiss him.
"Hey lady! What did you say?" the cab driver yelled, trying to get her attention.
Joanne turned her attention back to the driver. "Nothing, nothing…just keep driving."
'So, that's it.'
As the drive continued for another half hour, Joanne made her decision. She reached into her purse, pulling out her cell phone.
"Hi Daddy…do you think you can do me a favor? Can you transfer me to Boston?"
AN: oohhh long chapter...Finally right? haha took me long enough. Been really busy with school. sorry about the semi-cliff hanger. =] please review. i like reviews. hope you guys enjoyed the chapter.
shout out to GorgeousSmile!! thanks for the smut. i didn't realize the reviews were limited..stupid. haha so i didn't get to re-review. ^__^ BUT I LOVE IT!! do another! hahaha
