14 - Uh, Mortitia?

I ran out the front door, putting my wet hair in a messy pony-tail.

Once outside I continued to run over to the mailbox, getting my mail, and then over to my car, where I threw my mail onto the passenger seat and desperately fought with my engine.

'Come on, start, please.' I pleaded.

I cheered as my car started up.

I sped down the street, turning a sharp corner and making my tires screech.

I glanced at my watch.

Oh God, I'm laaate!

I turned into a back road, still speeding.

As soon as I thought I might have a chance to get there in a reasonable time limit, my car started to slow down.

And sputter.

Then come to a complete stop.

'No! No no no!' I yelled, banging the steering wheel with my palms.

After a little more screaming and a touch of swearing, I gave up and let my head rest on the steering wheel.

I felt around for my cell phone with my right hand.

I dialed and put the phone to my ear, letting it ring a few times.

'Hello?' Johnny answered. I could hear really loud music in the background.

'My car broke down.' I said bleakly.

'Well hello to you too. How are you today? You seem a little stressed.'

'I really don't need sarcasm right now, Johnny.' I said in a tired voice.

'Fine, fine. Your car broke down.' He said casually.

'Well, could you come give it a jump or pick me up or something?' I said, lifting my head from the steering wheel.

'Well, I cou-- Actually, I'm all the way across town right now. What about Greg? I'm sure he's closer.' He replied. I could almost hear the sly grin on his face.

'Johnny, this is not the time to play matchmaker! I have to get to work!' I said, my voice growing louder.

'Then I better get off this phone so you can get a ride, now shouldn't I?'

'Johnny! You get your--'

But I couldn't finish my statement, because Johnny had hung up.

'Damn Johnny...' I muttered while dialing another number.

I was waiting in my car for Greg to show up.

I reached over for my mail.

Junk.

Bill.

Catalogue.

Junk.

Magazine.

Junk.

I came to a large off-white envelope that had a formal gold seal on it.

I slipped my finger under the flap and opened it.

As I read realization struck me.

Oh God.

I hadn't seen her in years... That's why...

Oh God.

Suddenly I heard the sound of a motor approaching.

I looked up to see Greg stop on the side of the road.

I stuffed the invitation in my purse and got out of my car to meet him outside.

I entered the conference room with Greg to see Allison and Chase sitting at the table.

'Hey!' Allison greeted. 'Where've you been?

'My car broke down.' I said, my eyes finding the roses on the end of the table.

I sighed and grabbed the flowers, not bothering to read the note.

'Are they from him?' Allison asked.

'Who else?' I asked tiredly.

I dug through a few drawers until I found a pair of scissors.

I took out a single flower and gave it to Allison.

I sat down and started to cut of the heads off the flowers.

'Uh, Mortitia? Are you done?' Greg asked, standing at a distance.

'Yeah, I'm done.' I said, throwing what was once eleven roses in the trash.

'Dare I ask?' Greg asked, giving me a strange look.

I glanced at Allison who had a small smirk on her face and at Chase who was giving me the same strange look.

'It's a long story.' I said, sitting down.

'Ok, then.' He finished, turning toward the white board.

I opened the door to my room to the usual scene of my brother playing a video game.

I ignored him and collapsed on my bed.

'Long day?' He asked, grinning.

'You have no idea.' I replied into my pillow.

'Well, your home now.'

I lifted my head from my pillow. 'Was that actual compassion?' I asked, my eyebrows raised.

He shrugged in response. 'Sometimes I even amaze myself.'

I smiled and moved to sit next to him. 'I got an invitation in the mail today.' I said, following my statement with a sigh.

He turned to look at me. 'For?'

I cleared my throat. 'A wedding.'

'A wedding. I love weddings! Drinks all around!' He joked, quoting a pirate.

I smiled. 'Yes, Captain Sparrow, I think tonight I'll need a drink.'

I watched as my brother's eyebrows furrowed. 'Who's wedding is it? Maybe I should've asked that first...'

'Diane's'

His eyes widened. 'Diane Zaccaro?'

'Yeah...'

'Are you going to go?'

I sighed. 'I don't know.'

A big, goofy smile creeped onto Johnny's face. 'Look at the bright side,' He said. 'If you do decide to go, you can ask your boyfriend to come.' He finished his statement almost tauntingly.

I rolled my eyes, burrying my face in my pillow again.

A/N: Captain Jack Sparrow - Quotes to live by! XD Anywho, thanks for reading and/or reviewing! Hope you liked, and please R&R!

EDIT: As of May 6, 2006 I have changed Frankie's age to 27-28, because 22-23 is too young to be a resident. I have altered a couple phrases in the story and author's notes to fit this change. Thanks to Nikelodean for informing me of this mistake.