Taya: They are the perfect match! No arguments here. Those two stubborn people belong together. Yet, I was aiming for bleakness. I'm glad it worked!
MMJ: winces Yeah, he was killing himself. DON'T SHOT!
Sierra: Does this mean I'm forgiven? hopeful smile
Amy: Gee, that cough sounds kind of like a hint. Lol. I'll see what I can do, but no promises.
Panda: You're wish is my command! (This time, anyway. Lol).
KDC: "I think you should do one for Marguerite, too." Well, my friend, this one is for you!
Fab: You know, quite a few reviewers have taken note to mentioning "a happy ending" to me. Lol. Anyway, no, the cane isn't from age. And, yes, he was killing himself. Thanks for the kind review!
E1stwin: Thank you very much. Now, say, where have you been lately? I haven't seen you around on the board. Is everything ok?
A. Windsor: I know. How could I have done that to the adorable man? shakes head sadly
NOTE: Well, the reviewers have spoken! Here's a second installment:
Marguerite's POV:
I sailed away into a gray sky morning, watching as your forlorn figure drifted further and further away. Well, that's not quite right. I was the one drifting away: the cruise liner heading off towards the horizon, stealing me away from you.
No. It wasn't the ship's fault. I abandoned you. I left you feeling deserted and rejected, your eyes laced with heart-wrenching anguish even as you slowly lifted up your arm to give a tender, final farewell. I cried then. I cried when I saw your hand give that small, dismal wave.
I know you cried, too. I saw your knees give out as you sank to the ground, dropping your cane as you brought your hands up to cover your tear-stricken cheeks. It tore my heart apart. I nearly leapt over the side, intend on swimming against the current…back to you. Yet, I've never been one controlled by emotions. So, I simply turned away…
But I did look back…
I still look back.
I sit on the shores of the beach gazing out over the rolling waves of whatever current ocean, sea, or lake I'm nearby; and think of you. You see, I've kept my promise: I remember. I remember how it was and who we were. And then I watch as my tears join the river of regret.
You stole my world. And now I'm just an imposter. I pretend my way through life. I guess I always have. Yet, you saw through the mask of deception, ridicule, and malicious manipulation. You saw into my heart; the heart I shielded from the world; the heart no one knew was there, hidden beneath my callous fascia; the heart you eventually snuck in and captured in your warm embrace.
None of that matters now, though. Ten long years changes a person. Yet, I suppose, it doesn't necessarily change one's soul. For I still am who I am, though, different. Does that make sense?
I rise myself to my feet, dusting off the sand that has clung to my skirt. I take one final, longing stare at the waves and then turn and walk away.
I always walk away.
END Marguerite's POV
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