A/N: I thought I was done this chapter a couple of days ago. But since
I've been only writing during my lunch break recently. I wasn't sure about
the quality of the chapter and decided that I would try to revamp it before
posting it up. So sorries that this wasn't up sooner. But I guess now is
better than never.
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CrimsonCat: hee hee.. glad you liked the poutine bit. I mean, I had to add that to give the story a little Canadian flare. Guilty as charged. ;) I've decided that I work better when I don't think about writing a plot. just kinda going with the flow and hoping ppl are still reading. Anywho. The m/r bit that you were waiting for.. Uhm. well. read and find out. ;) that's all I'll give you.
Steph: Thank you for understanding why I made Roxton as evil as I did. And thank you so much for your question about William. I wasn't even thinking about him when I started writing this. but you inspired me!!! whooo!!! So yes. I must give you credit for some of this chapter. *jumps up excitedly* THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Robin2409: I'm sorry for making you wait so long for this chapter. Hopefully it'll live up to your expectation. :) Your enthusiasm for this chapter made my day!
Anyanka: Thank you so much for your review!!! Careful you don't fall off your chair. ;)
Melanie-Anne: Hee hee. Glad you liked the little comment Finn made. ;) Who knows, it might come true. Hmm.
Rollypolly: I'm happy about how the flashbacks have been well received. As for the part about Roxton slamming Marguerite into the lockers. What were YOU thinking about? ;) wink wink. Lol! As for Veronica's attitude. I member the times when I was like that in high school. The line ups can be horrible. And 'specially when you're hungry. All you want to do is get your food, pay and then eat. And the whole needing to get out as soon as the clock says class is over. Trust me ppls, it doesn't end. You still do that in University and then at work. My co-worker starts counting down right when he gets in the building. It's pretty funny.
Chelsea: I know I'm a slow writer. But I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. Hopefully this one is even better.
Alanna: filler. Go filler chapters!!! As for the strange reunion between V/N/M. I'm glad you liked it. ;) And as for Danielle. I'll tell you one thing. She does make another appearance in this chapter.
Michi: I know. I'm being evil in making you ppl wait so long for this chapter and the whole second reunion of m/r. sorries. ;)
Galxychld: it's okey about not reviewing before. But thank you for doing so now. :) yup yup. I hyped up a reunion and the whole evilness of roxton. Lalala. okey. I'm still stalling.
Ascamelien: the horror! I'm very disappointed that you didn't review earlier. :( hee hee. just kidding. Eez okey. But wow. Only been back too ff.net 3 times a month? Gasp! I wouldn't be able to survive!!! ;) The high school reunion thing. It kinda just popped up out of nowhere. But eh, I'm glad you think it works perfectly with the story. That really makes me feel special. :) And I'm quite happy that ppl (even Finn- dislikers) are enjoying her friendship with Marguerite. Anywho. thanx for reviewing!
Maggie: I have a number one fan? *vision becomes blurry from the overwhelming feeling* wow! You can't imagine how special that makes me feel. :) Thank you.
Also. I would like to give a special thank you to two mysterious reviewers. Due to some whacked out computer problemo. I dunno who reviewed. But I thank you for taking the couple of seconds to review.
And even though you didn't review. I will still thank you. EIE, you've been always so amazing to me and supportive of my work! And for that, I'm truly grateful. Kinda sad you didn't review. But it's the summer and ppl are busy. so I totally understand. What I don't understand is why you haven't written another chapter to your fic, though? ;) hint hint nudge nudge.
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Now. As I promised. And after the long wait. I finally have gotten around to writing their second reunion and even reveal what Roxton did. Hmm. now that I've hyped it up. I'm scared that it won't live up to ppls expectation. But . I guess I'll have to live with it. ;) anywho. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I did while writing it. Now.. What we all've been waiting for. (well. hopefully)... onto the chapter!
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Marguerite could already hear the loud nostalgic music blaring from the auditorium. When they entered the auditorium they were both greeted to bright lights and people dancing and generally having a good time. *Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea.*
That is, until she heard a very familiar voice. And not one that she particularly enjoyed either.
"Marguerite! Darling! Is that really you?"
She turned just in time to see the bubbly brunette. *Oh no.* She thought inwardly. *But after all these years, she had to have become more tolerable and mature, right?* Marguerite decided that she should just try to ignore the past or it would eat her up inside. Putting on a brave face she smiled, "Danielle. It's good to see you."
Danielle smiled sweetly in return. A little too sweetly though. "I can't wait to tell you about Raulph. He's royalty. You know, somewhere in Europe. Look at the ring he bought me! Isn't it too die for?" She waved her hand in Marguerite's face. Marguerite took a quick look at the ring and could tell it was obviously worth a lot more than Danielle deserved.
"And how about you, Marguerite? Don't be so modest. You can stop hiding YOUR ring."
So that's what Danielle wanted. Sighing lightly, "Danielle. I'm not married."
"Oh." She looked at Marguerite and then finally noticed Finn standing right beside her. "Ooooooooooooooooh. I'm happy for the both of you. I mean. whatever way you want to swing is fine with me."
"What are you talking about?" But as soon as the words slipped out of her mouth, it dawned on her what Danielle was implying. She rolled her eyes at Danielle's sheer display of stupidity. "You think that." she pointed at herself and at Finn, "What on earth is the matter with you???"
Danielle let out a sinister laugh. "Oops. My mistake. Though, I should've known that you wouldn't be able to find a husband." And then she sauntered off without another word.
Finn stared in disbelief at how unresponsive Marguerite was. The Marguerite she knew would have chewed her head off and spit it back at her. But for some reason she wasn't doing anything in her own defence.
Marguerite could feel her cheeks starting to flush and fought back the tears that were threatening to fall. How little things had changed. Even after all those years, Danielle still had the power to render her speechless with a flip of her tongue.
flashback
Marguerite ran to her locker in hopes of finding another letter. She tried to hide her smile but without any luck, her face was beaming with delight. As she reached her locker, she found Roxton standing a few lockers away. He had a crowd of friends gathered around him laughing and talking loudly. Normally, this wouldn't be so unusual since his locker was only a couple down from hers. However, today was different. As her hand grasped the lock, the gang around Roxton's locker suddenly stopped speaking and stared intently at her. *Weird. Why are they all staring at me? Do I have something on my face???* She looked curiously at Roxton hoping that maybe he would give her a clue as to why all their attention was focussed on her. Trying her best to ignore the unwanted eyes on her, she opened her locker. A single sheet of paper gently fell to the ground.
She smiled as she picked up the piece of paper and lightly fingered it. The handwriting matched all the other letters. And as far as Marguerite was concerned, the penmanship belonged to John Roxton. The same John Roxton who she had spent countless hours working on a Family Studies assignment and became good friends with. It just had to be Roxton. Opening the letter she silently read its contents.
Stunned, she looked at the piece of paper in her hand and then back at Roxton. Her mouth was suddenly very dry and something that sounded like a strangled cry travelled past her lips, "Roxton?" Her voice was so weak and strained. She looked to him for some sort of explanation. But his reply was silence.
"I can't believe she fell for it! How pathetic can one person be? Did you really think that those secret admirer letters were from him because he actually LIKED you??? What a complete and utter joke you are! Please, give me a break! You know why you don't have a boyfriend? It's because no one will want you."
*Oh yeah? Who'd want you, you prissy Barbie doll?* The words were in her head but her brain wouldn't let her say it. Danielle's biting remarks were forever embedded in her brain. The same brain that was too busy trying to figure out what exactly went wrong. Roxton was her friend, wasn't he? All the in-depth conversations she had with him in the coffee shop, the countless weekends when they would meet at the library to work. Did they mean nothing to him? Was it all part of some sick plan to make her feel like scum? Lower than scum? So low that even the scummiest of scum would shun her? Whatever the reason, she had to know why. She could feel her mouth open as words started to fly out.
"How could you do that to me? I thought we were friends!".
end of flashback
No. I refuse to let her make me cry again. I'm not a child anymore. She straightened up and held her head up high. I will be strong. All Marguerite wanted to do was to put Danielle and the incident behind her.
Finn sighed. "Why do you put up with this? You could have put her in her place with one word. I know you Marguerite. You've put up with less than that. Why did you let her say all those things?"
"Finn. Please, can we just drop it?"
"I don't understand, Marguerite."
"Look, she hated my guts since the day I started to even talk to Roxton. Like I would really try to fit myself into that kind of crowd. It's just laughable."
"I think that in her mind you were competition."
"For what?"
"Apparently, Roxton's attentions."
"You're joking, right?"
"Why would I? He obviously has a thing for you."
"And how exactly, Sherlock, do you suppose that?"
"Please. A guy who wronged you way back in high school comes to you and sends you a bouquet of flowers and an apology note. What person does that? Unless he WAS secretly in love with you." She teased.
"Whatever."
"Alright. I'll drop it. Why don't I get us something to drink?" She motioned towards the refreshments table.
"Thanks, Finn. I'd really appreciate it. Get me something strong."
"I'm not going to let you get drunk on your reunion. Besides, what possible hard liquor could they be serving? A Shirley Temple?" She laughed. Marguerite shook her head and grinned.
As soon as Finn left, Marguerite felt a tap on her shoulder. She slowly turned to see Danielle standing beside the old gang that tormented her in high school. There they were, the three of them smirking. *Here we go again.*
"Hello Lita, Calista."
"Why if it isn't Marguerite Krux. Still a spinster, eh?" Calista laughed.
"Oh hush, it isn't her fault that she couldn't find a husband." Lita said in reply.
~~~~~
"I can't believe that I'm actually here." Roxton muttered as he closed the front door to his car.
"Roxton? That you?"
He turned in time to see Ned and Veronica step out of their car. "Hey. And here I was thinking that I was late."
"You are. It's just that I had a meeting that went overtime." Ned replied.
"Veronica, it's good to see you again." He said as they shook hands.
"Same here, Roxton."
"Well, Roxton, you ready to go 'relive your horrible past'?" Ned said in quotation marks to mocked him.
"I guess now is as good as any time"
As they walked in the halls Roxton had flashes of his high school years. Those years of his life were now long gone. He had grown up and left that old life behind. But they still haunted him to this day. Even now, Roxton felt a lot of shame for how he behaved. Being popular was all he had cared about, that and having fun. Nothing else mattered. He would spend his nights drinking and partying with his friends. That all changed after the accident. He had just come back totally wasted from a wild night of binge drinking. Groggily, he had stumbled his way up the stairs and to his bedroom making sure not to make a sound and wake up the rest of his family. To his surprise, when he opened the door, his parents were sitting on his bed. His father had this pained look as he was comforting his sobbing mother. "Roxton, you might want to sit down for this. While you were out tonight something happened."
It had seemed as if it was some kind of nightmare or the plot of some made for TV movie. But not something that could happen in real life. That night, while he had been busy getting himself smashed, his brother had been on his way back home from University for the weekend. On the drive back, he had been struck by a swerving car that had crossed the median. The other driver turned out to be none other than one of his "buddies" who had been partying with him that night. His blood alcohol levels were way over the limit. He should NOT have been driving. Roxton could have stopped him from getting on the road but being totally intoxicated himself, he didn't care. The thing that added even more salt to the wound was that his buddy came out of the hospital almost completely unscathed. Except for a couple bumps and bruises and a nasty hangover. William, on the other hand, wasn't as lucky. After the initial impact, his car had collided with a telephone pole. The head trauma he received had put him in a coma. A few days later, William had passed away. Ever since that fateful day, Roxton decided to turn his life around. That night, after drinking, he had driven home. Thinking that he was perfectly capable to drive home. After all, he wasn't THAT drunk.
What if he had hit William? What if it was his recklessness that cost someone their life? Why didn't he stop his friend from driving? Why didn't he stop himself from driving? It was as if he had pulled the trigger and killed his brother. True, he may have not been sitting in the driver's seat of the other car. But the thought of the possibility that he could have been the one to kill William had horrified him to no end.
"Roxton? Buddy, you okay?"
Roxton blinked and suddenly he was back in the hallway of his school.
"Huh?"
"You blanked out on us." Veronica spoke with a worried expression on her face.
"Oh. I'm fine. I was just."
"Thinking?" Ned finished.
"Yeah."
They walked into the auditorium and were greeted by lights and music. Trying to put his thoughts behind him and relax he let himself get taken in by the cheerful atmosphere. It put Roxton in a better mood already. He was beginning to think that coming wasn't such a bad idea after all. "Ned, I just wanted to say thanks for convincing me to come."
"No problem. What are friends for?" Ned smiled back.
Roxton started to look around the auditorium in hopes that he might catch a glimpse of. *Stop fooling yourself, Roxton, ol' boy. Even if she did choose to show up, who's to say she's not here with someone else? Besides, all I want to do is make amends. Nothing else.*
Yah, Right Roxton. You can't fool me. Another voice in his head popped up. *Who said that?* Me. You dummy. *And who are you?* I'm you! Gee, Roxton. You sure didn't get to where you are on your brains. *And just what exactly does that mean?* Whoa there. Calm down. Forget I said anything. *Whoever you are, get out of my head!!!* Trust me, buddy. If I could, I would've done that a looooooong time ago. *What do you want from me?* Admit the real reason why you're here. *Because Ned asked me to.* Is that your final answer? *Of course it is. Why wouldn't it be?* Uh uh. Wrong answer. No million dollars for you. Now that, sir, is why I'm here to begin with. Your constant lying to yourself is dangerous to your health, you know. *Who said I was lying? I can't believe I'm having a conversation with myself. I must be coming down with something.* Common. Be reasonable. You flew all this way to relive your horrible past just because Ned said so? How come I don't believe you? *Then what is the reason, smarty pants?* You mean to tell me that you coming to the reunion has absolutely nothing to do with a certain brunette??? Who just so happens to answer to the name Marg. *Oh shut up already!*
Finally, his eyes caught a glimpse of her. What was she doing talking to Danielle, Lita and Calista? His curiosity got the better of him and he found himself walking towards them to listen in on their conversation.
I thought you didn't care about her? The voice laughed. Choosing to ignore the voice, he walked close enough to hear their conversation.
"Why if it isn't Marguerite Krux. Still a spinster, eh?"
"Oh hush, it isn't her fault that she couldn't find a husband."
What was going on? Why wasn't Marguerite saying anything in return?
"Whatever happened to Charles, Marguerite?" Calista smirked.
Marguerite stared at them in silence. Her tongue was too frozen. All the witty comebacks in her head couldn't get past her lips.
"You didn't scare him off, did you?" Lita's voice taking on a condescending tone as if she was speaking to a child.
"How come I think that he found someone else and dumped you? Seems like a pattern that revolves around you, doesn't it? Just when you THINK someone actually likes you, they go around and throw it back in your face."
That had been the last straw. Roxton couldn't take it anymore. First, they were insulting Marguerite. Secondly, they were throwing back his stupid "prank" back in her face. He had to do something.
Without even thinking about the consequences, he casually stepped even closer to her. With his hands behind his back, he swiftly took off the ring from his pinky finger and slipped it on his ring finger. He finally was standing behind Marguerite and had caught Danielle, Lita and Calista's attention. With that being said, he snaked an arm around Marguerite's waist, turned her so that she was facing him and then lightly brushed his lips against hers. "Marguerite, honey, where have you been hiding yourself? I was looking all over for you."
THE END.
Nah. I'm just playing with you. Do you really think I'd leave it like that? The fun has just begun! ;) Alright. Some ppl might be thinking. "you hyped it up for THIS?!?!?!" and turn and look away disgusted. I don't know how this turned out. I just wrote whatever popped in my head. I have been debating with myself as to what I should've made Roxton do. But some being WAY too harsh, even for our 'rebellious' Roxton, I decided to make it less traumatizing. Not saying that what he did wasn't horrible. But yes. I've been trying so hard to come up with something that wouldn't disappoint you readers. And as for the reunion. What do you think? I'm sure many were able to see this coming a mile away. But that's too bad. This was my original plan, and I'm sticking with it. Anywho. Please let me know what you think. If you have any suggestions, comments, words of wisdom or just mindless rambling/rantings, I'd love to hear it! Clicky on the submit button and speak your mind! :)
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CrimsonCat: hee hee.. glad you liked the poutine bit. I mean, I had to add that to give the story a little Canadian flare. Guilty as charged. ;) I've decided that I work better when I don't think about writing a plot. just kinda going with the flow and hoping ppl are still reading. Anywho. The m/r bit that you were waiting for.. Uhm. well. read and find out. ;) that's all I'll give you.
Steph: Thank you for understanding why I made Roxton as evil as I did. And thank you so much for your question about William. I wasn't even thinking about him when I started writing this. but you inspired me!!! whooo!!! So yes. I must give you credit for some of this chapter. *jumps up excitedly* THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Robin2409: I'm sorry for making you wait so long for this chapter. Hopefully it'll live up to your expectation. :) Your enthusiasm for this chapter made my day!
Anyanka: Thank you so much for your review!!! Careful you don't fall off your chair. ;)
Melanie-Anne: Hee hee. Glad you liked the little comment Finn made. ;) Who knows, it might come true. Hmm.
Rollypolly: I'm happy about how the flashbacks have been well received. As for the part about Roxton slamming Marguerite into the lockers. What were YOU thinking about? ;) wink wink. Lol! As for Veronica's attitude. I member the times when I was like that in high school. The line ups can be horrible. And 'specially when you're hungry. All you want to do is get your food, pay and then eat. And the whole needing to get out as soon as the clock says class is over. Trust me ppls, it doesn't end. You still do that in University and then at work. My co-worker starts counting down right when he gets in the building. It's pretty funny.
Chelsea: I know I'm a slow writer. But I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. Hopefully this one is even better.
Alanna: filler. Go filler chapters!!! As for the strange reunion between V/N/M. I'm glad you liked it. ;) And as for Danielle. I'll tell you one thing. She does make another appearance in this chapter.
Michi: I know. I'm being evil in making you ppl wait so long for this chapter and the whole second reunion of m/r. sorries. ;)
Galxychld: it's okey about not reviewing before. But thank you for doing so now. :) yup yup. I hyped up a reunion and the whole evilness of roxton. Lalala. okey. I'm still stalling.
Ascamelien: the horror! I'm very disappointed that you didn't review earlier. :( hee hee. just kidding. Eez okey. But wow. Only been back too ff.net 3 times a month? Gasp! I wouldn't be able to survive!!! ;) The high school reunion thing. It kinda just popped up out of nowhere. But eh, I'm glad you think it works perfectly with the story. That really makes me feel special. :) And I'm quite happy that ppl (even Finn- dislikers) are enjoying her friendship with Marguerite. Anywho. thanx for reviewing!
Maggie: I have a number one fan? *vision becomes blurry from the overwhelming feeling* wow! You can't imagine how special that makes me feel. :) Thank you.
Also. I would like to give a special thank you to two mysterious reviewers. Due to some whacked out computer problemo. I dunno who reviewed. But I thank you for taking the couple of seconds to review.
And even though you didn't review. I will still thank you. EIE, you've been always so amazing to me and supportive of my work! And for that, I'm truly grateful. Kinda sad you didn't review. But it's the summer and ppl are busy. so I totally understand. What I don't understand is why you haven't written another chapter to your fic, though? ;) hint hint nudge nudge.
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Now. As I promised. And after the long wait. I finally have gotten around to writing their second reunion and even reveal what Roxton did. Hmm. now that I've hyped it up. I'm scared that it won't live up to ppls expectation. But . I guess I'll have to live with it. ;) anywho. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I did while writing it. Now.. What we all've been waiting for. (well. hopefully)... onto the chapter!
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Marguerite could already hear the loud nostalgic music blaring from the auditorium. When they entered the auditorium they were both greeted to bright lights and people dancing and generally having a good time. *Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea.*
That is, until she heard a very familiar voice. And not one that she particularly enjoyed either.
"Marguerite! Darling! Is that really you?"
She turned just in time to see the bubbly brunette. *Oh no.* She thought inwardly. *But after all these years, she had to have become more tolerable and mature, right?* Marguerite decided that she should just try to ignore the past or it would eat her up inside. Putting on a brave face she smiled, "Danielle. It's good to see you."
Danielle smiled sweetly in return. A little too sweetly though. "I can't wait to tell you about Raulph. He's royalty. You know, somewhere in Europe. Look at the ring he bought me! Isn't it too die for?" She waved her hand in Marguerite's face. Marguerite took a quick look at the ring and could tell it was obviously worth a lot more than Danielle deserved.
"And how about you, Marguerite? Don't be so modest. You can stop hiding YOUR ring."
So that's what Danielle wanted. Sighing lightly, "Danielle. I'm not married."
"Oh." She looked at Marguerite and then finally noticed Finn standing right beside her. "Ooooooooooooooooh. I'm happy for the both of you. I mean. whatever way you want to swing is fine with me."
"What are you talking about?" But as soon as the words slipped out of her mouth, it dawned on her what Danielle was implying. She rolled her eyes at Danielle's sheer display of stupidity. "You think that." she pointed at herself and at Finn, "What on earth is the matter with you???"
Danielle let out a sinister laugh. "Oops. My mistake. Though, I should've known that you wouldn't be able to find a husband." And then she sauntered off without another word.
Finn stared in disbelief at how unresponsive Marguerite was. The Marguerite she knew would have chewed her head off and spit it back at her. But for some reason she wasn't doing anything in her own defence.
Marguerite could feel her cheeks starting to flush and fought back the tears that were threatening to fall. How little things had changed. Even after all those years, Danielle still had the power to render her speechless with a flip of her tongue.
flashback
Marguerite ran to her locker in hopes of finding another letter. She tried to hide her smile but without any luck, her face was beaming with delight. As she reached her locker, she found Roxton standing a few lockers away. He had a crowd of friends gathered around him laughing and talking loudly. Normally, this wouldn't be so unusual since his locker was only a couple down from hers. However, today was different. As her hand grasped the lock, the gang around Roxton's locker suddenly stopped speaking and stared intently at her. *Weird. Why are they all staring at me? Do I have something on my face???* She looked curiously at Roxton hoping that maybe he would give her a clue as to why all their attention was focussed on her. Trying her best to ignore the unwanted eyes on her, she opened her locker. A single sheet of paper gently fell to the ground.
She smiled as she picked up the piece of paper and lightly fingered it. The handwriting matched all the other letters. And as far as Marguerite was concerned, the penmanship belonged to John Roxton. The same John Roxton who she had spent countless hours working on a Family Studies assignment and became good friends with. It just had to be Roxton. Opening the letter she silently read its contents.
Stunned, she looked at the piece of paper in her hand and then back at Roxton. Her mouth was suddenly very dry and something that sounded like a strangled cry travelled past her lips, "Roxton?" Her voice was so weak and strained. She looked to him for some sort of explanation. But his reply was silence.
"I can't believe she fell for it! How pathetic can one person be? Did you really think that those secret admirer letters were from him because he actually LIKED you??? What a complete and utter joke you are! Please, give me a break! You know why you don't have a boyfriend? It's because no one will want you."
*Oh yeah? Who'd want you, you prissy Barbie doll?* The words were in her head but her brain wouldn't let her say it. Danielle's biting remarks were forever embedded in her brain. The same brain that was too busy trying to figure out what exactly went wrong. Roxton was her friend, wasn't he? All the in-depth conversations she had with him in the coffee shop, the countless weekends when they would meet at the library to work. Did they mean nothing to him? Was it all part of some sick plan to make her feel like scum? Lower than scum? So low that even the scummiest of scum would shun her? Whatever the reason, she had to know why. She could feel her mouth open as words started to fly out.
"How could you do that to me? I thought we were friends!".
end of flashback
No. I refuse to let her make me cry again. I'm not a child anymore. She straightened up and held her head up high. I will be strong. All Marguerite wanted to do was to put Danielle and the incident behind her.
Finn sighed. "Why do you put up with this? You could have put her in her place with one word. I know you Marguerite. You've put up with less than that. Why did you let her say all those things?"
"Finn. Please, can we just drop it?"
"I don't understand, Marguerite."
"Look, she hated my guts since the day I started to even talk to Roxton. Like I would really try to fit myself into that kind of crowd. It's just laughable."
"I think that in her mind you were competition."
"For what?"
"Apparently, Roxton's attentions."
"You're joking, right?"
"Why would I? He obviously has a thing for you."
"And how exactly, Sherlock, do you suppose that?"
"Please. A guy who wronged you way back in high school comes to you and sends you a bouquet of flowers and an apology note. What person does that? Unless he WAS secretly in love with you." She teased.
"Whatever."
"Alright. I'll drop it. Why don't I get us something to drink?" She motioned towards the refreshments table.
"Thanks, Finn. I'd really appreciate it. Get me something strong."
"I'm not going to let you get drunk on your reunion. Besides, what possible hard liquor could they be serving? A Shirley Temple?" She laughed. Marguerite shook her head and grinned.
As soon as Finn left, Marguerite felt a tap on her shoulder. She slowly turned to see Danielle standing beside the old gang that tormented her in high school. There they were, the three of them smirking. *Here we go again.*
"Hello Lita, Calista."
"Why if it isn't Marguerite Krux. Still a spinster, eh?" Calista laughed.
"Oh hush, it isn't her fault that she couldn't find a husband." Lita said in reply.
~~~~~
"I can't believe that I'm actually here." Roxton muttered as he closed the front door to his car.
"Roxton? That you?"
He turned in time to see Ned and Veronica step out of their car. "Hey. And here I was thinking that I was late."
"You are. It's just that I had a meeting that went overtime." Ned replied.
"Veronica, it's good to see you again." He said as they shook hands.
"Same here, Roxton."
"Well, Roxton, you ready to go 'relive your horrible past'?" Ned said in quotation marks to mocked him.
"I guess now is as good as any time"
As they walked in the halls Roxton had flashes of his high school years. Those years of his life were now long gone. He had grown up and left that old life behind. But they still haunted him to this day. Even now, Roxton felt a lot of shame for how he behaved. Being popular was all he had cared about, that and having fun. Nothing else mattered. He would spend his nights drinking and partying with his friends. That all changed after the accident. He had just come back totally wasted from a wild night of binge drinking. Groggily, he had stumbled his way up the stairs and to his bedroom making sure not to make a sound and wake up the rest of his family. To his surprise, when he opened the door, his parents were sitting on his bed. His father had this pained look as he was comforting his sobbing mother. "Roxton, you might want to sit down for this. While you were out tonight something happened."
It had seemed as if it was some kind of nightmare or the plot of some made for TV movie. But not something that could happen in real life. That night, while he had been busy getting himself smashed, his brother had been on his way back home from University for the weekend. On the drive back, he had been struck by a swerving car that had crossed the median. The other driver turned out to be none other than one of his "buddies" who had been partying with him that night. His blood alcohol levels were way over the limit. He should NOT have been driving. Roxton could have stopped him from getting on the road but being totally intoxicated himself, he didn't care. The thing that added even more salt to the wound was that his buddy came out of the hospital almost completely unscathed. Except for a couple bumps and bruises and a nasty hangover. William, on the other hand, wasn't as lucky. After the initial impact, his car had collided with a telephone pole. The head trauma he received had put him in a coma. A few days later, William had passed away. Ever since that fateful day, Roxton decided to turn his life around. That night, after drinking, he had driven home. Thinking that he was perfectly capable to drive home. After all, he wasn't THAT drunk.
What if he had hit William? What if it was his recklessness that cost someone their life? Why didn't he stop his friend from driving? Why didn't he stop himself from driving? It was as if he had pulled the trigger and killed his brother. True, he may have not been sitting in the driver's seat of the other car. But the thought of the possibility that he could have been the one to kill William had horrified him to no end.
"Roxton? Buddy, you okay?"
Roxton blinked and suddenly he was back in the hallway of his school.
"Huh?"
"You blanked out on us." Veronica spoke with a worried expression on her face.
"Oh. I'm fine. I was just."
"Thinking?" Ned finished.
"Yeah."
They walked into the auditorium and were greeted by lights and music. Trying to put his thoughts behind him and relax he let himself get taken in by the cheerful atmosphere. It put Roxton in a better mood already. He was beginning to think that coming wasn't such a bad idea after all. "Ned, I just wanted to say thanks for convincing me to come."
"No problem. What are friends for?" Ned smiled back.
Roxton started to look around the auditorium in hopes that he might catch a glimpse of. *Stop fooling yourself, Roxton, ol' boy. Even if she did choose to show up, who's to say she's not here with someone else? Besides, all I want to do is make amends. Nothing else.*
Yah, Right Roxton. You can't fool me. Another voice in his head popped up. *Who said that?* Me. You dummy. *And who are you?* I'm you! Gee, Roxton. You sure didn't get to where you are on your brains. *And just what exactly does that mean?* Whoa there. Calm down. Forget I said anything. *Whoever you are, get out of my head!!!* Trust me, buddy. If I could, I would've done that a looooooong time ago. *What do you want from me?* Admit the real reason why you're here. *Because Ned asked me to.* Is that your final answer? *Of course it is. Why wouldn't it be?* Uh uh. Wrong answer. No million dollars for you. Now that, sir, is why I'm here to begin with. Your constant lying to yourself is dangerous to your health, you know. *Who said I was lying? I can't believe I'm having a conversation with myself. I must be coming down with something.* Common. Be reasonable. You flew all this way to relive your horrible past just because Ned said so? How come I don't believe you? *Then what is the reason, smarty pants?* You mean to tell me that you coming to the reunion has absolutely nothing to do with a certain brunette??? Who just so happens to answer to the name Marg. *Oh shut up already!*
Finally, his eyes caught a glimpse of her. What was she doing talking to Danielle, Lita and Calista? His curiosity got the better of him and he found himself walking towards them to listen in on their conversation.
I thought you didn't care about her? The voice laughed. Choosing to ignore the voice, he walked close enough to hear their conversation.
"Why if it isn't Marguerite Krux. Still a spinster, eh?"
"Oh hush, it isn't her fault that she couldn't find a husband."
What was going on? Why wasn't Marguerite saying anything in return?
"Whatever happened to Charles, Marguerite?" Calista smirked.
Marguerite stared at them in silence. Her tongue was too frozen. All the witty comebacks in her head couldn't get past her lips.
"You didn't scare him off, did you?" Lita's voice taking on a condescending tone as if she was speaking to a child.
"How come I think that he found someone else and dumped you? Seems like a pattern that revolves around you, doesn't it? Just when you THINK someone actually likes you, they go around and throw it back in your face."
That had been the last straw. Roxton couldn't take it anymore. First, they were insulting Marguerite. Secondly, they were throwing back his stupid "prank" back in her face. He had to do something.
Without even thinking about the consequences, he casually stepped even closer to her. With his hands behind his back, he swiftly took off the ring from his pinky finger and slipped it on his ring finger. He finally was standing behind Marguerite and had caught Danielle, Lita and Calista's attention. With that being said, he snaked an arm around Marguerite's waist, turned her so that she was facing him and then lightly brushed his lips against hers. "Marguerite, honey, where have you been hiding yourself? I was looking all over for you."
THE END.
Nah. I'm just playing with you. Do you really think I'd leave it like that? The fun has just begun! ;) Alright. Some ppl might be thinking. "you hyped it up for THIS?!?!?!" and turn and look away disgusted. I don't know how this turned out. I just wrote whatever popped in my head. I have been debating with myself as to what I should've made Roxton do. But some being WAY too harsh, even for our 'rebellious' Roxton, I decided to make it less traumatizing. Not saying that what he did wasn't horrible. But yes. I've been trying so hard to come up with something that wouldn't disappoint you readers. And as for the reunion. What do you think? I'm sure many were able to see this coming a mile away. But that's too bad. This was my original plan, and I'm sticking with it. Anywho. Please let me know what you think. If you have any suggestions, comments, words of wisdom or just mindless rambling/rantings, I'd love to hear it! Clicky on the submit button and speak your mind! :)