A/N - Yes, it's true...you're not staring at a mirage. The next installment of Everything IS finally here! Better late than never I always say! LOL :) I hope you will enjoy it. It's a fairly long ch apter, so consider that the tradeoff for having to wait so long between chapters. Thanks for being so patient, every one. As always, much thanks to TrudiRose, the most awesome beta reader ever!Appreciated your input for this chapter. Also thanks to the BatB MSN workshop crew. Now read on, everyone:)
Why Can't we be Friends?
"So I bet you're glad to have the first week over, huh?" Dori asked Rosie, as they sat talking at a table in Le Café.
"Yes!" Rosie told her friend. Dori laughed. "Dori, I'm serious. You have no idea. I thought this week would never end."
"Aw, c'mon! It couldn't have been all that bad," Dori replied.
"I'd like to see you say that after dealing with both MademoiselleMechant and Laurent Guischard for a week – not to mention Beau. Then I bet you'd change your tune real fast!" Rosie looked at her friend skeptically with one eyebrow raised.
"Okay, okay! You got me there!" Dori threw her hands up in mock surrender. "You do have your hands full just with Beau, especially after he tried to hit on you twice this week: once at the school with the apple and once at the gym."
Rosie stared at Dori, flabbergasted. After a moment, she spoke up. "How do you know about that? We haven't had time to sit and talk because I've been too busy with school and all."
Dori took a sip of her coffee and shrugged. "Rosie, this is a small village, remember? Anything regarding Beau will get gossiped about, especially when it comes to the ladies. He's the most eligible bachelor in town, and now he's got his eye on you. That puts you in the spotlight, I'm afraid. All the single girls and their mothers will have their eye on you to see if you're the one who's going to reel him in."
"You've got to be kidding me," Rosie groaned. She put her head down on the table. This was the last thing she wanted to deal with right now.
"I wish I was," Dori told her, glancing at her friend sympathetically. "But I'm not. To the single girls, you are a threat to their chance to be Madame Beauregarde Gaston Laroche. They see you as a intruder and an outsider possibly taking what they consider rightfully theirs and it doesn't set well with them at all."
"Yeah, well. It doesn't exactly sit well with me either." Rosie raised her head up and looked at Dori. "As far as I'm concerned they can have him, because I certainly don't want him!" she declared emphatically. "Where did they did get the idea that I want him?"
Dori sighed. "Rosie, this is Beau remember! As far as this village is concerned, there is a not woman who exists who doesn't want him. Besides, didn't you admit that you were attracted to him?"
"Well, yes…but only a little bit. However that doesn't mean that I want him!" she protested.
"If Beau thinks or knows you're even a little bit attracted to him, he'll take it to mean that you desperately want him. It's just his way," Dori told her friend.
"Ugh! What a mess! What I am going to do, Dori? I need to set things straight. I didn't want this at all," Rosie said.
Dori looked thoughtful for a few seconds. "Hmmm….you could join a convent." She chuckled a little. "He'd never look for you there…or maybe he would, with your looks."
"Dori! You're not helping! This is serious!" Rosie stated.
"Okay, okay! Was just trying to lighten the mood here, but I can see it's not working. However I do think that you should follow my suggestion and keep your distance from Beau. That should hopefully stop the talk. If you have to interact with him, keep it short and brief and to be on the safe side make sure that someone is with you. That should cut down on the gossip," Dori advised her. "It's not going to quiet all of it, but it's a start. Also when you see him, make sure that he definitely knows that you are not interested in him whatsoever. Beau's not one for subtlety. He needs to be hit on the head to understand what someone's trying to tell him."
"Thanks, Dori. I really appreciate that and can totally handle that. The less I see of Beau, the better. Yes, I think that will…Oh no!" Rosie remembered something.
"What?" Dori asked, puzzled.
"The gym! How can I possibly avoid Beau there? That's his territory. Maybe I should quit?" Rosie asked. Dori was just about to give her opinion on the matter, when Rosie continued on. "No, that's silly," she shook her head, answering herself. "I shouldn't have to alter my routine just because of him. Besides I just filled out my membership papers and paid the fee. That would be a waste of good money…."
"Can I get a word in edgewise here?" Dori replied. Rosie sheepishly nodded. Dori continued on. "You might want to reconsider that decision, but if you've got your mind made up, at least take my advice about not being alone with him. Rosie, please go when it's fairly busy. That way it won't just be the two of you."
"Well, usually I like to go when it's pretty quiet, but if that's my only choice to elude Beau, then so be it. That's all I need - Beau posing and flexing in front of me while I'm trying to work out!" Rosie sighed, rolling her eyes and shaking her head.
As soon as Rosie finished saying this, she and Dori glanced at each other and burst out laughing. Try as they might, they couldn't stop giggling because the mental image of Beau showing off for an unimpressed Rosie was just too much for them. A few minutes later, they finally quieted down with the occasional giggle escaping from one of them.
Still chuckling, Dori asked, "Okay, not counting your experiences with Beau, how'd your week really go?"
Meanwhile Monique approached Le Café. She glanced around to make sure that none of her sisters or any of their friends were in sight. The last thing she wanted to have happen is for news of this to get back to Michèle or Marie, especially Michèle – and especially since Monique had told her elder sister that she was just meeting Dori, which was partly true.
She drew closer to the café and spotted Dori and Rosie. They were apparently laughing hysterically about something. Monique halted at the sight of Rosie, suddenly embarrassed at her sisters' behavior towards the newcomer over the past two weeks. She bit her lip, wondering if Rosie would judge her by her sisters, and fervently hoped not. She was just about to turn around and go the other way, when she remembered what Dori had said about Rosie: "good-natured, friendly, treats everyone fairly and not a judgmental or spiteful bone in her body – however she wants to be treated the same way." With that thought in mind and some exciting news to share, Monique entered the café.
As she walked towards the table where they sat, she heard Dori say, "Rosie, don't let her get to you. Though she's a good teacher, she really has no people skills and is not known for her personality. Dealing with people is not her forte at all, plus she has no sense of humor."
Rosie was just about to reply when a new voice said, "Let me guess! You're referring to old 'Visage Aigre' (Sour Face) Mechant, right?"
Both Dori and Rosie turned to see Monique standing there. Standing up, Dori laughingly replied, "Yep, the very same! How'd you know, Monique?"
"Oh, lucky guess," Monique told her. They hugged and then sat down. "She's not one who's easy to forget. Try as I might."
"I hear you there!" Dori emphatically agreed. She turned to Rosie and said, "Mlle. Mechant should come with a warning label. The way she teaches can put you to sleep. Just ask Beau and Bertrand. They got in trouble many times for that."
"Oh, so that's the part of the reason why Beau wasn't too keen on school," Rosie chuckled, thinking back to the dinner at the Farves. She then shook her head. "Can't say I blame him. With a teacher like that, I wouldn't be either." She paused and chuckled some more. "'Visage Aigre'! Haven't heard that one before. Is she widely known by that?"
Dori and Monique glanced at each other and nodded, with Dori telling Rosie, "Nearly almost every kid who's been one of her students since Beau and Bertrand's class. Beau's the one who bestowed that nickname on her."
"Beau did?" Rosie replied. "Why does this not surprise me? Let me guess. Given what I know about him, as a teacher, I'd say he was easily bored in school, not wanting to be there, and therefore did what he could to amuse himself and keep himself in the spotlight, even though it meant being a distraction to the rest of the class."
"Yeah, that's Beau for you right down to a 'T' !" Dori said. "Wasn't a big fan of learning. In fact he hated it. Only subject he liked was Phys Ed and that was only because he was able to show off for the girls."
"Really? Never would have guessed that!" Rosie said wryly, one eyebrow raised. She and Dori exchanged glances and smirks.
Monique meanwhile sighed reminiscently. "Mm, now there was a sight…Beau working out. Still is!" she declared, giggling. "It was standing room only. All the girls would be there to watch him in action and to marvel on how amazingly perfect he was…and still is." She turned to Dori. "Remember when we used to watch Beau for hours, then drool over and dream about him? I certainly do." She sighed again.
While Monique was lost in her thoughts of Beau, Rosie glanced over at Dori with an amused "Really! You did that?" look.
Dori shot a "What about you?" look back at Rosie, then slightly reddened, and coughed. Rosie looked away abruptly, her mind recalling her own response to seeing Beau shirtless. She pushed that from her mind as fast as she could, not wanting to dwell on it. Dori's right, she thought. I'M not one to talk considering MY reaction to Beau at the gym that day.
After regaining her composure, Dori realized that Rosie and Monique had not been introduced yet. Quickly she rectified that. "Oh, where are my manners? Rosie, this is Monique. Monique, Rosie."
"We've actually met – at the boutique, remember?" Rosie said.
"Yes." Monique took a deep breath and said, "Listen, I'm really sorry my sisters are being so rude to you. They're really not like that…normally. Well,Michèle isn't…But Marie's a whole other story. Somehow they think that Beau belongs to them. They get jealous if he even LOOKS at another girl, and they automatically hate her for it. They've always been like that, since we were twelve," she finished, shaking her head.
"Thanks, Monique. I appreciate the apology, but there's no need to worry." Rosie smiled at her. Monique smiled back, clearly relieved. Rosie continued on, "As far as I'm concerned, your sisters, especially Marie, can have Beau. He is handsome, but I certainly don't want him. He's not my type."
Monique replied, "I'll try to tell them, but I doubt they'll listen. When it comes to Beau and those two, you can basically throw common sense out the window. Especially with the dance coming up–"
She was interrupted by a squeal from Dori. Rosie was surprised. She'd never seen Dori get excited like that.
"The annual dance? Finally! I thought they'd never get around to announcing it. When is it being held? What date? Why didn't you tell us right away?" Dori asked eagerly.
"Take it easy, Dori!" Monique laughed. "You already have a escort, remember? Not like us single girls who have to depend on the guys to ask us out." Dori smiled sheepishly. "Anyway to answer your question, it'll be the first Saturday in October. I'm not sure of the date."
"Annual dance? What's that?" Rosie was interested.
"It's a part of Molyneaux's cultural history," Monique explained. "This is one of our little village's biggest events, if not the biggest. It's been held almost as long as Molyneaux's been around."
"And it's considered the most romantic day here in town, " Dori added. "More marriage proposals have been made and accepted on this particular night than any other night. I should know because Bertrand proposed to me after the dance six years ago."
"Oh, that's so romantic!" Rosie sighed. "So that's why you were so happy about the news. It has sentimental value for you."
"Mm-hmm. It holds a very special place in my heart, and Bertrand's," Dori said. "As well as countless generations of Molyneauxians who've come before us. It's a source of pride for our village and connects us with the past."
"Yeah, no other town for miles can claim they have one of the longest running events like we have," Monique said.
"Wow! That's very impressive," Rosie replied.
"The dance is what Molyneaux's best known for…well, that and Beau!" Monique giggled. She turned to Rosie. "Not only do the girls from Molyneaux want him, but every single woman in the surrounding areas wants him as well. Beau's a very popular guy! Especially around dance time. Every girl hopes that Beau will choose to take her to the dance."
"I gotta admit that's true…but if the Molyneaux girls had their way, Beau would be kept a secret known only to them," Dori said.
"Yeah, almost every girl here wants to marry him. We don't need any more competition from the outside…Oops! Sorry, Rosie, didn't mean that," Monique said.
"No worries, Monique," Rosie assured her. "Like I said before, Molyneaux girls can relax. They've got nothing to worry about on my part."
Dori and Monique couldn't help but think, Yeah, but you're not the one we have to worry about, Beau is!
"Anyway, let's get back to the dance, At least I think that's what we were talking about before we got on this Beau tangent." Dori chuckled. "Since this'll be your first dance here, Rosie, we've got to fill you in."
"Oh, yes! Good idea, Dori!" Monique piped up. "You're gonna love it. No one misses it unless they have a good reason. Our town really shines on the night of the dance."
"Literally!" Dori told Rosie. "There's so much prep for the dance, but it's all worth it. Everyone wants to look their best for this special event."
"What does everyone wear typically?" Rosie asked, curious. "Is it formal or casual wear?"
"More like semi-formal, actually. The guys wear suits and ties, while the ladies wear their best dresses. Some actually use the dance as an excuse to buy a new one," Dori explained. "I should know, because I'm guilty of that! But Bertrand didn't mind because he loved the total effect of it. Glad Roy was at the babysitter's that night." She thought of something. "In fact, our dance is not only known for the marriage proposals, but for something else as well. Many babies in Molyneaux are often born nine months to the day of the dance."
"Guess the dance really has a profound effect on Molyneaux's population, doesn't it?" Rosie asked, chuckling. Both Monique and Dori nodded. "Do the women go to Paris to shop or do they stay around here for their dress?"
"Actually it's half and half," Monique said. "Some prefer Paris and others want to shop locally, like La Petite Femme. In fact the month before the dance is our busiest time."
"Yeah, it's constantly crowded in there, but there's a good reason for that. Monique and her sisters know their fashion, especially Monique. In fact, Monique made my dress for me and Bertrand loved it! Still does." Dori winked knowingly at the other two. They giggled.
"You design and create fashion, Monique? Wow, you must be very talented!" Rosie said, impressed. "I have no talent when it comes to the needle at all. I can sew a button, but that's all!"
"Well, I just design for myself and friends and family closest to me and once in a while, one of my creations ends up in La Petite Femme," Monique replied. "It's a hobby more than anything."
"You're too modest, Monique. You're far too talented for this little town. You should apply to fashion design school," Dori told her.
"Wouldn't that be great if I could?" Monique said wistfully. "But my sisters need me to help with the boutique."
"Monique, you really should do it!" Dori said encouragingly. She turned to Rosie and said, "You should see some of the clothes and outfits she's created. Not to mention her sketches! They're unbelievably good."
"I'd love to see them and some of your creations, Monique," Rosie said, clearly fascinated. She was completely surprised by Monique's creativity and talent. When Monique wasn't talking about Beau, she was very engaging to talk to. "What have you designed?"
"Just mostly dresses and skirts, really, with a few jackets and tops here and there. Simple things, nothing too fancy," Monique said modestly.
"Yeah, right!" Dori shook her head. "I'll have to show you my dress, Rosie. Then you can tell me if it's fancy or not." Monique blushed at the compliment.
"Love to see it, Dori." Rosie turned to Monique. "How'd you get into fashion? Was it something that you always loved to do?"
"Ever since I was a little girl, actually. All the girls our age used to play together all the time. You know dress up and dolls, stuff like that. While everyone else moved on, guess my sisters and I just took it to another level," Monique replied.
"Well, you're doing a great job of it! When I was in the shop, I really loved the clothes you had there, especially that top," Rosie told Monique. "So, if you design the clothes, then what do your sisters do?"
Monique continued on. "Michèle is smart and good with money, so she's the manager and deals with the business side of things. Marie's our local fashion stylist and the personal shopper of the store. She's great at figuring out what looks good on a person. And I design some original creations…"
"Which get snatched up like that!" Dori told Rosie, snapping her fingers. "In fact, that cute flowered top that you liked is a Monique creation." Rosie looked at Monique impressed. "I went to the boutique and looked at it and sure enough, Monique had made it."
The mention of that afternoon made Monique look abashed. "Look, Rosie, I'm sorry again for the way that my sisters treated you in there, especially Marie. They're not normally rude to customers, potential or otherwise. Again it had to deal with…"
"Beau!" Rosie finished. All of them giggled. "Of course. That doesn't surprise me at all. I accept the apology and also am sorry I snapped at Marie, but she was getting on my nerves."
"Believe me, Rosie, I know that feeling all too well! After all, I'm her sister and have to deal with her all the time!" Monique said, chuckling. "But when it comes down to it, she's not really that bad. After all, a girl can't stay mad too long at her sister when she suggests going shopping, especially in Paris!"
"Mm…shopping in Paris! Love it!" Rosie exclaimed.
"Me, too!" Dori got an idea. "Hey! How about a trip to Paris to shop then? Just the three of us?" Dori asked excitedly. "Wouldn't that be fun? We could make a weekend out of it sometime later in the fall."
"Definitely!" "Love to!" Rosie and Monique emphatically agreed. The three of them spent the rest of the time planning and talking about the upcoming trip to Paris and all the shopping that they could do there.
It was Dori who finally broke up the gabfest. She happened to glance at the clock at the café and realized how late it was getting. "Sorry to break up this party, girls, but I've got to pick up Roy from my parents' house, then go to the grocery store, and get home and make dinner. I'll see you later! This has been fun!" She hugged both Rosie and Monique and left the café in a hurry. "Bye!"
Monique and Rosie waved back at her and made their way to the door. As they exited Le Café, Monique noticed Rosie glancing around. "Rosie, what are you doing?" she asked, partially amused.
"Huh…Oh, sorry, Monique!" Rosie said sheepishly. "Just keeping an eye out for Beau. If he sees me, then there's no escape from his bragging and boasting and showing off. Not to mention, he'll ask me out again." She rolled her eyes and shook her head. " What is with him anyway? He's so determined to go out with me even though I'm not interested. There's number of girls here he could have instead. Why doesn't he focus on them instead?"
Monique replied, "Well, that's how he is. He likes the challenge, I think. I believe you're one of the rare few who didn't fall at his feet right away. So naturally he won't let it go until you give in. He's very persistent, so I suggest you don't let your defenses down around him or….BOOM! He's got you right where he wants you."
"And you know this how?" Rosie asked her.
"We dated for a little while about ten years ago," Monique confessed. Rosie looked surprised. "He asked me to the fall dance and I was so thrilled! But then, he spent the whole time checking out and flirting with other girls! And soon after that, a new girl moved to town, and he broke up with me to go after her. He's had a ton of girlfriends, but he can't stick to just one woman. Whereas I'm a one-man woman looking for a one-woman man and Beau…well, he's the multiple serial dater. I don't know if he'll ever settle down, even if he gets married." Monique gave Rosie a sympathetic glance.
"What's that look for?" Rosie asked. "I'm not married to him now nor will I ever be! I have no interest in marrying him whatsoever."
Monique laughed. "Rosie, you say that now, but Beau can be pretty persuasive, believe me! And in his mind, it doesn't matter what you want - all that matters is what HE wants. If he's got his sights set on you, he'll turn on the charm full force to try to win you over. So watch out!"
"Let Beau try, but he won't get anywhere with this girl. He's definitely not for me, that's for sure," Rosie declared.
"Then I wish you lots of luck and patience when dealing with Beau," Monique said to Rosie. "You're gonna need it!"
"Thanks, Monique, I have that same feeling too," Rosie said. "I appreciate the support. I swear there should be a law against guys like Beau. There's no way he should have that much power over the female population. It's just not right!"
Laughing Monique replied, "Welcome to Beau's world, Rosie. The rest of us are just living in it."
"Well, it's a good thing I'm from Oklahoma, isn't it?" Rosie retorted, grinning.
"We'll just see about that!" Monique shot back. "Well, I should be going. Nice meeting you, Rosie. We should do this again."
"Oh, but we will be! Remember? Shopping in Paris!" Rosie reminded her.
"How could I forget that? Silly me!" Monique giggled. She gazed thoughtfully at Rosie for a moment. "Rosie, if you need a dress for the dance, I'd be glad to make one for you, that is if you want me to."
"Really?" Rosie replied, touched. " Thanks, Monique. I'd love it if you would. Since most of the clothes I brought over here are mostly work clothes, that would be great."
"Great!" Monique eyed Rosie. "Sometime next week, I'll stop by the LePages' house and we can discuss what you would like for the dance, and I also can take your measurements."
"I'll see you then…Oh no! Sorry, Monique, but I've got to run. I'll see you later! Bye!" Rosie left in a hurry.
Monique stared after her, puzzled. Why had Rosie taken off so abruptly? She shrugged it off and turned around and saw the reason why. There in the distance surrounded by his group of admirers was Beau. Monique shook her head at this scene. News of the dance had obviously spread quickly and every one wanted to find out who the lucky girl that Beau would be taking to the dance was.
Monique decided to head home, since she had no interest in joining the crowd. That had been her in years past, but she had grown and matured. Now she wanted nothing more than a real relationship like Dori and Bertrand had. Would that ever be her? She sighed.
Lost in her thoughts, Monique was startled when she heard someone say, "Getting friendly with the enemy, are we?"
She swiveled in the direction of the voice and was met with the sight of her older sister glaring at her. Michèle did not look pleased as she walked towards her, but Monique found herself not caring what her sister thought.
She just gazed right back, retorting, "Michèle, would you just give it a rest? Rosie is definitely not the enemy. She's very sweet and friendly and definitely not into Beau. I heard her state that quite clearly."
"Ha!" Michèle scoffed. "That's what she wants us to think, before she snatches Beau away from us. She's no good, I tell you."
Exasperated, Monique shook her head at her sister's antics. "Michèle, you're so smart in other parts of your life. So how come your IQ drops 30 points and you act like Marie when it comes to Beau? This happens every time when Beau chases another girl. Speaking of which, it's Beau you should be mad at, not Rosie. He's the one doing the chasing, not her."
"But…." Michèle was at a loss for words. She stared at her sister. "You didn't answer my question, Monique. Why were you with Rosie? I thought I made my position very clear on this. You lied to me about it."
"I did not!" Monique replied defensively. "I told you that I was meeting up with Dori this afternoon, and I did. It just so happened that she invited Rosie there too. Michèle, you need to ease up on Rosie. You would really like her if you just gave her a chance. She's really easy to talk to and very personable."
Michèle scoffed at the idea. Monique just shrugged her sister's reaction off. If Michèle and Marie wanted to be snobs about Rosie, that was their problem. However, she was glad to befriend another woman whose world didn't revolve around Beau.
"Well if you're done with the interrogation, Michèle, I'm heading home. You coming?" Monique asked her.
"No, they announced the dance today," Michèle said. "I told Marie that I'd meet her around this time. We're going to find Beau and –"
Monique interrupted her. "Well, if you're going to persuade him to take one of you, then I suggest that you better get going or else someone else will!"
"What are you talking about?"Michèle demanded.
Monique pointed to where Beau was. He was surrounded by a quite a few of his admirers, all trying to vie for his attention. "Need I say more?"
Michèle gasped. "The nerve of them! Beau is ours!" she huffed and headed towards Beau without saying a goodbye to Monique.
Monique just shook her head and continued on her way home.
-----------------------------------------
Meanwhile, Rosie was quietly trying to make her way to the LePages' home without Beau seeing her. Just my luck, she thought, that LePages' house would be just HAVE to be in this direction.
She knew once he caught sight of her that would be the end of it. Rosie grimaced at the thought and prayed he wouldn't notice her. She snuck a quick glance at the group and was glad to see that Beau was showing off and wasn't paying attention to his surroundings. Rosie never thought she would be so glad to see Beau preening.
Rosie sighed in relief, then realized with a sinking feeling that their paths were going to cross. In order to get to Stephan and Celeste's place, she had to pass the tavern – the very same place it looked like Beau was headed! Panicked, she looked around quickly and decided to duck into the nearest shop until it was safe.
As she quickly entered the shop, she overheard one of the girls ask Beau, "Hey, handsome, did you hear that they announced the dance today?"
Beau glanced down at the speaker. He flashed a dazzling smile at her, which made her swoon. "Of course! It wouldn't be the biggest party of the year without me there, would it now?"
"Naturally!" Marie agreed with him. She glanced at him flirtatiously, batting her eyelashes at him. "So, gorgeous," she cooed. "Who is the incredibly fortunate girl whose presence you will be gracing? Have you decided yet?"
"Yep! Indeed I have. And it's…" Beau told her. Eagerly anticipating his answer, they all gazed at him, hoping it would be one of them. "…Rosie! She's the lucky one I'm taking to the dance."
Disappointed, every one of the girls' faces fell, except Marie and Michèle's. They were just fuming. They looked at one another and silently agreed that somehow Rosie was going to pay.
Seeing the crestfallen expressions, Beau exclaimed, "Girls, what's with the long faces? I may be taking Rosie, but you'll still have the thrill of seeing me all dressed up! Quite a sight to behold, don't you agree?" He glanced at the girls on his right and they sighed. "And you'll all get the chance to dance with me that evening! There's plenty for everyone! I'll make sure of that!" They all brightened when they heard this. He glanced at the ones on his left, smiling at them. "Don't want to disappoint my biggest fans, now do I?"
With thoughts of the upcoming dance in their heads, all the girls were in much better moods and were gazing adoringly at Beau. Seeing this, Beau was pleased and led his followers into the tavern.
At that moment, Rosie decided to peek out and see if it was safe. She glanced out of the shop and saw Beau and the last of his "harem" enter the tavern. Realizing the coast was clear, Rosie exited the store and quickly made her way past the tavern and down the street on her way to the LePages'.
Unbeknownst to her, two of the followers, a couple of the younger teachers she worked with, glanced back to see Rosie as she walked by the tavern. They had noticed Rosie earlier and tried to get her attention, but hadn't been successful and had been somewhat puzzled to see her scurry into a shop to avoid being seen by Beau. After all, he had just announced that he had chosen to take Rosie to the dance! To their way of thinking that was a compliment, an honor even, for a girl. So why was Rosie acting like it was the worst thing possible? They were very curious about it and were determined to ask Rosie about it the next time they saw her.
But that would have to wait for another day. For now, it was time to celebrate and have some fun! Putting it out of their minds, they joined Beau and the rest of his admirers for an evening of revelry.