Chapter Fourteen: Better Days Are Coming

Author's Note: Once again, I come nearer to the close of another MR chapter story. There's only a very few chapters left, which makes me sad. I've grown to love the characters in this story and the life that they've taken on as they took over this story. I hope you have too. I hate this chapter... I had the most awful time writing it!

This chapter is dedicated to Bohemian Storm, my favorite TATD junkie! Thanks for the M&M's, they helped my muse crawl out from under her rock. Such a stubborn girl...

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Montmartre High was abuzz with talk of Prom and the parties and get-togethers that happened afterwards. Whispered rumors circulated about the turn of events between Mike and Nina, few of which were true. But one fact remained, they were now definitely a couple. What a pair, thought Chris, the football captain and the head of the cheerleading squad.

Rumors also spread like wildfire about the whereabouts of Tina on Prom night. Some said that Mike had dumped her on the side of the road on the way there, others claimed that she had stayed home because she knew she hadn't been voted Prom Queen and couldn't face the embarrassment. But when asked, the red-eyed former cheerleader only murmured, "I was sick."

Classes were shortened that day for a twenty-minute assembly at the end of the day. Henry informed Chris that today was the day that the valedictorian and salutatorian were announced. Graduation was only a week away.

Chris sat in the far corner on the bottom row of bleachers with Henry, since his friend couldn't climb the steps without wearing himself out. Together, they watched as the rest of Montmartre High filed in through the gym doors and took their places. Chris couldn't help but notice Satine as she sat alone in the top corner of the bleachers, her arms folded across her chest and her head bowed, her long hair falling partially across her face.

"Why wasn't she there..." he murmured, half to himself.

Sympathetic, Henry laid his hand on Chris' arm. "I'm thure there's an expwanation, Cwis. Just give her time."

Silently, he nodded. It was sound advice, the type Henry often gave. For someone so small, he certainly knew a lot, especially about things he hadn't even experienced, such as love. Like he said, it was because he believed in them with all his heart. Maybe Chris should try that more often...

He brought himself from his reverie as Mr. Warner, the principal, stepped in front of the students. "As you know," he began, "today is the day where we announce and congratulate the best of the best. In a few moments, we will be announcing both the salutatorian and the esteemed valedictorian of the class of 2002. Every one of you, but especially the senior class, should be very proud of the accomplishments of these two students. They have both worked very hard and have both contributed more than just their brains to this school. Now, to announce the names of these students, I give you the senior class advisor, Miss Roxanne Walsh."

There was a round of unenthusiastic applause as Miss Walsh took the microphone from Mr. Warner. "Thank you. Now, I know you all are anxious to get this over with and get out of here, but I do want to take some time to talk about these two students." She paused as groans erupted from several students. "Deal with it, unless you'd rather go back to class. I'm sure we could arrange it." The groaning ceased abruptly.

"Thank you. Now, I'd like to speak first of our salutatorian. It was a very close call between these two, almost too close to make. The salutatorian did just as good a job as our valedictorian, and as Mr. Warner said, he was not only smart, but helpful in other aspects as well. He is a wonderfully talented artist and has painted many of our sets for drama productions as well as dances. He also willingly volunteers to help out whenever help is needed, though he certainly doesn't have to. That's why I'm so very proud to present Henry Raymond Toulouse as your 2002 salutatorian."

Chris turned to Henry, a broad grin on his face. His friend seemed stunned, and shook his head. "No, no..."

He nudged him. "Go on, Henry. It's you! Congratulations!"

Finally, Henry smiled. "Thank you, Cwis." With great effort, he hauled himself to his feet and hobbled forward. For the first time, there were no jeers of 'geek' or cruel taunts. There were respectful smiles from most of the students, and those who chose not to smile simply stayed silent. Chris, on the other hand, stood up and clapped as the principal hung the salutatorian medal around Henry's neck. Henry, his glasses knocked askew, grinned up at Chris, pure happiness in his dark eyes.

"And now," continued Miss Walsh, "to conclude today's assembly. I couldn't begin to touch on the academic abilities of this student, but I can attest to her modesty. Having been a cheerleader for nearly four years, one would think that she would let the world know about her grades. But she never did. And we never knew until this year what a wonderful actress she was, as well. Well, she's got it all- beauty, talent, and smarts. But enough talking, why don't you see for yourself. Satine Campbell, get up here and take this medal!"

For a moment, Chris was sure the world stopped. But it hadn't. Tina, his beautiful Tina, stood, as if in slow motion, and made her way down the steps. He couldn't believe it. Why had she never told him? Of course, he had known that she was smart. You couldn't help but notice. It was something in her eyes, some intelligent sparkle, that told the world that she was more than just a cheerleader. But somehow, very few people had seen that sparkle.

He wanted to see that sparkle again.

Somewhere, he heard Mr. Warner dismissing the students, but the announcement didn't register. All he saw was her. Satine bent and hugged Henry tightly, a small smile gracing her face. Then, for the briefest mom, her eyes met his. He wanted to stand up and shout out his love for her, to convince her that he would love her forever, come what may. But he remained frozen to his seat and could only stare back.

And then, the wash of people seemed to overwhelm her, and the next moment, she was gone. Closing his eyes, he sunk back on the bleachers. "Stupid, I'm so frigging stupid!"

Henry appeared beside him. "Thomthing's wong, Cwis."

"With Tina?" He nodded in the affirmative. "I know. I want to talk to her, but she barely looks at me."

"Any ideas?"

"Just one." He seemed lost in his thoughts for a moment. "I'd given up on the idea, but I think I can make it work... you just have to help me."

"Thure, Cwis, anything."

"Okay... listen to me. I have a plan."

END CHAPTER FOURTEEN