Mismatch 19
Alright. I have one more exam to go... and I WAS productive yesterday so after some serious studying I decided to take another crack at this chapter. I was going to wait till after exams (tomorrow) but I just couldn't wait! Honestly tho, this has been written at least 2 or 3 different ways and took me forever to write. It's true, this is coming to a close. I'm just trying to point my story in the correct direction. So please be patient with me... :)
~~~~~
Steffi: You've always been so good to me in reviewing!! :) You can't imagine how happy I get when I see a review from you! Thank you so much!!! And don't worry... I seem to enjoy writing alt-u fics... if ppl complain about something I can play the alt-reality card... ;) So, I'm sure you'll see more from me (eventually)
A. Windsor: Glad you liked the chapter! Now onto more important matters. Where's my next chapter of YOUR fic????
Galxychld: I apologize for the wait. And Marguerite and Roxton are totally made for each other... just gotta get them to both realize it. ;)
Sarah: Thanx for the review... I Will finish it soon... :)
Fab: Your question will be answered very soon... read on ahead...
Anyanka: :) hee hee... as I said to fab, you'll find out who's at the door...
Robin2409: It's weird... I go crazy when other ppl write cliffies. but I seem to do it so often myself. Thanx for the compliment!
Jessie: OMGosh! Can I give you a hug??? I'm on your fave list? Awww... that's so sweet of you!!! Thank you so much!!!
CrimsonCat: Sigh... the reunion didn't turn out *exactly* as it was planned... can you believe it? SNOW??? For goodness sake.. we had like a sprinkling of snow and then you guys get it dumped all over!!! We MUST plan another one! Which I know we Will eventually plan. :D
g-Prime: Apologies for causing such confusion about a TLW marathon... it was just a bunch of us TLW fans in the Southern Ont area planning to meet and just basically stuff ourselves with food and watch TLW. :D
EIE: O-M-G! You're reviews always send me into hysterical fits of laughter! I SO tried to catch you before you fell outta your chair but the time zone diff caused me to miss. *shrugs* I'm sorry I couldn't get this out sooner to end your suffering. Hope this isn't too late! :D
Rumor: Hee hee... I sure did throw Marguerite into a large hole and am just standing at the top staring down at her trying to get out. I know... I'm horrible... ;)
Gabbo: You're back!!! :D Thanx for dropping me a note! Now where's that final chapter of yours??? I can't believe you did that!!! Ack!!! I totally didn't expect that!!! You sneaky person, you!!! ;)
Maggie: Brilliant? Awww... *blushes* You're too kind! :D
Anonymous person: Thanx for the review... tho I'm still curious as to how ff.net makes ppl's name disappear so I can't thank the person... uh... in person? :)
Michi: I'm a-hurryin'... not fast enuff. :P ah well. Here's un autre chapitre!
Asd: a newbie reader! :D Wow! I'm honoured! Thank you so much for your review!!!
~~~~~
and NOW, here's the next chapter (after numerous re-writes tho that does NOT mean it is error free. Ignore any typos and stuff. Thankee)
**************************
(previously on Mismatch...)
She cleared her throat nervously. *It's now or never, Marguerite.* "There has been a misunderstanding... John and I are..."
"ENGAGED?!?!?!" Everyone's head snapped to the front door. If Marguerite thought this night couldn't get any worse, she was VERY wrong.
************************
"Charles? What on earth are you doing here?" She gasped in horror.
"Me? Funny you should ask! *I* asked you to marry me. You turn me down and then suddenly you're ENGAGED... to another man?!"
"Charles, please, can we talk about this some other time?" She gave him a pleading look and started to usher him out the door. But he caught sight of Roxton who was still at the moment being "mobbed" by complete strangers.
"You!!!" Charles exclaimed as he pointed his finger accusingly at Roxton.
"Uh... Ned, I think that's my cue to leave. I'll call you as soon as I get back to L.A." He grabbed his coat and turned to walk out of the house. *Chicken!* His inner voice taunted.
Who are you calling chicken?
*Who do you think I'm calling chicken, Chicken? Hey Einstein, you do know that YOU'RE the only one who can hear me!*
Roxton grumbled some choice words. *Whoa there, drunken sailor boy. Ease up on the language. I can hear your thoughts and I do wish not to have my innocence robbed from me...*
He sighed. What do you want from me?
*You're going to leave? Just like that?!*
And what exactly do you want me to do? Obviously she's in a relationship with someone. And a serious one too. He asked her to marry him... for real. Not like our sham of a marriage.
*And you seriously believe that? Common, their relationship sounds like its been over for a while. She turned down his proposal and pretended to be engaged... to you, for that matter. She let people thing that you two were engaged! Out of all the people in the world, she had to go and choose you. Go figure!*
Shut up, brain...
*Or what? You're going to stab me with a Q-tip?* His inner voice quipped. But before Roxton could reply, his train of thought was interrupted.
"Roxton! Wait!" Marguerite ran out after him.
"Marguerite!" Charles stared in disbelief. "How could you do that to me? How could you forget all that we meant to each other and fly straight into the arms of that playboy?" He exclaimed.
That caught Roxton's attention. "Now wait just a minute. I resent that!" Roxton turned abruptly.
Charles ignored Roxton. "This... man... could never love you they way I do. He would make your life miserable! Don't do something you'll regret for the rest of your life!"
"Listen here, I don't know who you think you are..."
"Of course you wouldn't. An *old* Richie Rich from big city L.A., like you, wouldn't care whose toes he steps on. It's just grab and go! Take what you want. Marguerite, I bet he slept his way to the top. What happened? Slept with the bosses daughter and she asked *daddy* to help you out?! Just what DO you do at ICOMP, Mr. John Roxton?" He spat out curtly.
"Charles!" Marguerite pleaded.
"No. It's about time someone gave this big shot a reality check."
"But you don't understand..."
"Marguerite, darling. We were meant for each other! You and I, together forever. I love you!" Before Marguerite could react, he grasped her arm and pulled her to him. One arm moved to her face to stroke her cheek.
"Charles. Please." Feeling more than a little uncomfortable, she struggled in his arms.
"Forget him, Marguerite. We don't need him. I'll take care of you." His head lowered and his lips were getting dangerously close to hers. Her hand unconsciously beginning to rise to slap him clear across the face.
Roxton's blood began to boil. "You get your hands off of her!" He yelled as he lunged at Charles, fist first.
Stunned, Charles let go of his grip on Marguerite and stumbled backwards. He was only startled momentarily though. "You think you can use force to get her? Think again!" And in turn, leapt forward and pummelled into Roxton, sending them both hurtling to the ground.
"Stop it! The both of you! I'm not some prize to be fought over in some caveman ritual!!!"
They continued their scuffle. "Oh, but I think so." Roxton said matter of factly before turning back to Charles and successfully landing a right hook. Charles flew back from the sheer force of the blow. And blood began to trickle from his nose.
"Marguerite. I love you." He said softly before fainting.
"Charles!!!" She ran to him and cradled his head. "Oh no!" She lightly tapped the sides of his face. "Charles?" He didn't respond. "Please, Charles wake up!" She stared at the front door where a crowd had gathered. "Someone get some ice, call a doctor... DO SOMETHING!"
Finn waved off the unwanted on-lookers. "Common people! Show's over! Back it up!" As she pushed them back like a bodyguard of sorts. "And would someone at least get some ice from the freezer?! Move it, people! Hey! I'm talking to you!!!"
"Mrs. Krux, why don't we bring all the guest to the dining room." Ned and Veronica then ushered the very traumatized woman along with the guest away from the door.
Marguerite sat on the ground, staring at the unconscious man in her arms. "Oh Charles. I'm so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. I never meant for you to get hurt. This is all my fault. I'm so sorry..." So this was it. The consequences of her lies. Suddenly, Marguerite was overwhelmed with disgrace at all the pain she had caused Charles, her mother... Roxton... All it took was one tear to escape and suddenly all her defences broke down. Sobs wracked her body and she buried her head in her hands in shame.
With the bitter copper taste of blood on his tongue, Roxton raised his arm and wiped the blood from a cut on his lip with the back of his hand. Upon hearing a soft whimpering, Roxton looked up. What he saw tore his heart to shreds. Marguerite was hunched over Charles and crying. Misinterpreting her tears as tears for the man lying on the ground, the man she loved, rather than what they truly were - tears of selt-loathing, Roxton finally had to admit defeat. She already loved another man who obviously returned her feelings. *She must hate me now.* He thought bitterly and stared at his hands. Weapons. Deadly weapons. And once again, they had caused Marguerite pain. *I don't deserve her. All I've ever done is hurt her. I did it back then and now I did it again. She deserve so much better.* Turning, in self-disgust, he walked to his car and drove.
~~~~~
He stared out the window of the plane watching as it ascended higher and higher. The ground moving further away. Sighing, he gently touched the glass window with his fingers and muttered in a low voice, "It was silly of me to think there could ever be anything between us..."
TBC...
~~~~~
LOL! I had planned all along to have Charles show up. But after so many ppl thought it was Danielle I was seriously debating whether to have her make another appearance. :D Tho, I did decide against it. Oh. Someone pointed out to me that for a M/R fic there doesn't seem to be much M/R interaction. Why is that? Hmm. I don't even think I know the answer myself. :D Anywho. I have the outline for then next chapter written out. Just gotta get myself to actually write the chapter. Don't worry. My last exam is tomorrow. I won't have any excuses. I mean, I technically should be studying instead of working on getting this chappie out. But... :) Yah. Oh before I forget. If you haven't read "Christmas Pudding" by Beckers... you should! Aww... Snowy's chat! *sighs dreamily* ;) Anywho. As always, reviews are encouraging and put a smile on my face! :) And you wouldn't want to refuse me that, now would you? *pouts* :D
Alright. I have one more exam to go... and I WAS productive yesterday so after some serious studying I decided to take another crack at this chapter. I was going to wait till after exams (tomorrow) but I just couldn't wait! Honestly tho, this has been written at least 2 or 3 different ways and took me forever to write. It's true, this is coming to a close. I'm just trying to point my story in the correct direction. So please be patient with me... :)
~~~~~
Steffi: You've always been so good to me in reviewing!! :) You can't imagine how happy I get when I see a review from you! Thank you so much!!! And don't worry... I seem to enjoy writing alt-u fics... if ppl complain about something I can play the alt-reality card... ;) So, I'm sure you'll see more from me (eventually)
A. Windsor: Glad you liked the chapter! Now onto more important matters. Where's my next chapter of YOUR fic????
Galxychld: I apologize for the wait. And Marguerite and Roxton are totally made for each other... just gotta get them to both realize it. ;)
Sarah: Thanx for the review... I Will finish it soon... :)
Fab: Your question will be answered very soon... read on ahead...
Anyanka: :) hee hee... as I said to fab, you'll find out who's at the door...
Robin2409: It's weird... I go crazy when other ppl write cliffies. but I seem to do it so often myself. Thanx for the compliment!
Jessie: OMGosh! Can I give you a hug??? I'm on your fave list? Awww... that's so sweet of you!!! Thank you so much!!!
CrimsonCat: Sigh... the reunion didn't turn out *exactly* as it was planned... can you believe it? SNOW??? For goodness sake.. we had like a sprinkling of snow and then you guys get it dumped all over!!! We MUST plan another one! Which I know we Will eventually plan. :D
g-Prime: Apologies for causing such confusion about a TLW marathon... it was just a bunch of us TLW fans in the Southern Ont area planning to meet and just basically stuff ourselves with food and watch TLW. :D
EIE: O-M-G! You're reviews always send me into hysterical fits of laughter! I SO tried to catch you before you fell outta your chair but the time zone diff caused me to miss. *shrugs* I'm sorry I couldn't get this out sooner to end your suffering. Hope this isn't too late! :D
Rumor: Hee hee... I sure did throw Marguerite into a large hole and am just standing at the top staring down at her trying to get out. I know... I'm horrible... ;)
Gabbo: You're back!!! :D Thanx for dropping me a note! Now where's that final chapter of yours??? I can't believe you did that!!! Ack!!! I totally didn't expect that!!! You sneaky person, you!!! ;)
Maggie: Brilliant? Awww... *blushes* You're too kind! :D
Anonymous person: Thanx for the review... tho I'm still curious as to how ff.net makes ppl's name disappear so I can't thank the person... uh... in person? :)
Michi: I'm a-hurryin'... not fast enuff. :P ah well. Here's un autre chapitre!
Asd: a newbie reader! :D Wow! I'm honoured! Thank you so much for your review!!!
~~~~~
and NOW, here's the next chapter (after numerous re-writes tho that does NOT mean it is error free. Ignore any typos and stuff. Thankee)
**************************
(previously on Mismatch...)
She cleared her throat nervously. *It's now or never, Marguerite.* "There has been a misunderstanding... John and I are..."
"ENGAGED?!?!?!" Everyone's head snapped to the front door. If Marguerite thought this night couldn't get any worse, she was VERY wrong.
************************
"Charles? What on earth are you doing here?" She gasped in horror.
"Me? Funny you should ask! *I* asked you to marry me. You turn me down and then suddenly you're ENGAGED... to another man?!"
"Charles, please, can we talk about this some other time?" She gave him a pleading look and started to usher him out the door. But he caught sight of Roxton who was still at the moment being "mobbed" by complete strangers.
"You!!!" Charles exclaimed as he pointed his finger accusingly at Roxton.
"Uh... Ned, I think that's my cue to leave. I'll call you as soon as I get back to L.A." He grabbed his coat and turned to walk out of the house. *Chicken!* His inner voice taunted.
Who are you calling chicken?
*Who do you think I'm calling chicken, Chicken? Hey Einstein, you do know that YOU'RE the only one who can hear me!*
Roxton grumbled some choice words. *Whoa there, drunken sailor boy. Ease up on the language. I can hear your thoughts and I do wish not to have my innocence robbed from me...*
He sighed. What do you want from me?
*You're going to leave? Just like that?!*
And what exactly do you want me to do? Obviously she's in a relationship with someone. And a serious one too. He asked her to marry him... for real. Not like our sham of a marriage.
*And you seriously believe that? Common, their relationship sounds like its been over for a while. She turned down his proposal and pretended to be engaged... to you, for that matter. She let people thing that you two were engaged! Out of all the people in the world, she had to go and choose you. Go figure!*
Shut up, brain...
*Or what? You're going to stab me with a Q-tip?* His inner voice quipped. But before Roxton could reply, his train of thought was interrupted.
"Roxton! Wait!" Marguerite ran out after him.
"Marguerite!" Charles stared in disbelief. "How could you do that to me? How could you forget all that we meant to each other and fly straight into the arms of that playboy?" He exclaimed.
That caught Roxton's attention. "Now wait just a minute. I resent that!" Roxton turned abruptly.
Charles ignored Roxton. "This... man... could never love you they way I do. He would make your life miserable! Don't do something you'll regret for the rest of your life!"
"Listen here, I don't know who you think you are..."
"Of course you wouldn't. An *old* Richie Rich from big city L.A., like you, wouldn't care whose toes he steps on. It's just grab and go! Take what you want. Marguerite, I bet he slept his way to the top. What happened? Slept with the bosses daughter and she asked *daddy* to help you out?! Just what DO you do at ICOMP, Mr. John Roxton?" He spat out curtly.
"Charles!" Marguerite pleaded.
"No. It's about time someone gave this big shot a reality check."
"But you don't understand..."
"Marguerite, darling. We were meant for each other! You and I, together forever. I love you!" Before Marguerite could react, he grasped her arm and pulled her to him. One arm moved to her face to stroke her cheek.
"Charles. Please." Feeling more than a little uncomfortable, she struggled in his arms.
"Forget him, Marguerite. We don't need him. I'll take care of you." His head lowered and his lips were getting dangerously close to hers. Her hand unconsciously beginning to rise to slap him clear across the face.
Roxton's blood began to boil. "You get your hands off of her!" He yelled as he lunged at Charles, fist first.
Stunned, Charles let go of his grip on Marguerite and stumbled backwards. He was only startled momentarily though. "You think you can use force to get her? Think again!" And in turn, leapt forward and pummelled into Roxton, sending them both hurtling to the ground.
"Stop it! The both of you! I'm not some prize to be fought over in some caveman ritual!!!"
They continued their scuffle. "Oh, but I think so." Roxton said matter of factly before turning back to Charles and successfully landing a right hook. Charles flew back from the sheer force of the blow. And blood began to trickle from his nose.
"Marguerite. I love you." He said softly before fainting.
"Charles!!!" She ran to him and cradled his head. "Oh no!" She lightly tapped the sides of his face. "Charles?" He didn't respond. "Please, Charles wake up!" She stared at the front door where a crowd had gathered. "Someone get some ice, call a doctor... DO SOMETHING!"
Finn waved off the unwanted on-lookers. "Common people! Show's over! Back it up!" As she pushed them back like a bodyguard of sorts. "And would someone at least get some ice from the freezer?! Move it, people! Hey! I'm talking to you!!!"
"Mrs. Krux, why don't we bring all the guest to the dining room." Ned and Veronica then ushered the very traumatized woman along with the guest away from the door.
Marguerite sat on the ground, staring at the unconscious man in her arms. "Oh Charles. I'm so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. I never meant for you to get hurt. This is all my fault. I'm so sorry..." So this was it. The consequences of her lies. Suddenly, Marguerite was overwhelmed with disgrace at all the pain she had caused Charles, her mother... Roxton... All it took was one tear to escape and suddenly all her defences broke down. Sobs wracked her body and she buried her head in her hands in shame.
With the bitter copper taste of blood on his tongue, Roxton raised his arm and wiped the blood from a cut on his lip with the back of his hand. Upon hearing a soft whimpering, Roxton looked up. What he saw tore his heart to shreds. Marguerite was hunched over Charles and crying. Misinterpreting her tears as tears for the man lying on the ground, the man she loved, rather than what they truly were - tears of selt-loathing, Roxton finally had to admit defeat. She already loved another man who obviously returned her feelings. *She must hate me now.* He thought bitterly and stared at his hands. Weapons. Deadly weapons. And once again, they had caused Marguerite pain. *I don't deserve her. All I've ever done is hurt her. I did it back then and now I did it again. She deserve so much better.* Turning, in self-disgust, he walked to his car and drove.
~~~~~
He stared out the window of the plane watching as it ascended higher and higher. The ground moving further away. Sighing, he gently touched the glass window with his fingers and muttered in a low voice, "It was silly of me to think there could ever be anything between us..."
TBC...
~~~~~
LOL! I had planned all along to have Charles show up. But after so many ppl thought it was Danielle I was seriously debating whether to have her make another appearance. :D Tho, I did decide against it. Oh. Someone pointed out to me that for a M/R fic there doesn't seem to be much M/R interaction. Why is that? Hmm. I don't even think I know the answer myself. :D Anywho. I have the outline for then next chapter written out. Just gotta get myself to actually write the chapter. Don't worry. My last exam is tomorrow. I won't have any excuses. I mean, I technically should be studying instead of working on getting this chappie out. But... :) Yah. Oh before I forget. If you haven't read "Christmas Pudding" by Beckers... you should! Aww... Snowy's chat! *sighs dreamily* ;) Anywho. As always, reviews are encouraging and put a smile on my face! :) And you wouldn't want to refuse me that, now would you? *pouts* :D