Note: Hey everyone thanks for reviewing again. I posted my two prologues for my other stories; check them out if you haven't already! I can't believe I got so many reviews for only a chapter from those two. Anyway, hope you enjoy the 3rd chapter of Love Again. Review!
Chapter Three: The ConfrontationHilary's POV
She knocked on the apartment door (she would've just used her keys, but she had to be sure she was there.)
Hilary had walked to the apartment since she knew that would be the first place Mariah would go to.
There was a sound of a scuffle and the doorknob being turned open. A gold eye peeked in and sighed in relief before fully opening the door.
Hilary walked in and listened to Mariah as she led her to the couch.
"Thank god it's you; I thought for sure it was someone else." Mariah sunk into the couch and sighed.
Hilary plopped next to her and asked concerned "Are you okay Mariah? You walked out there was looking so hurt I felt like punching Ray."
Mariah giggled (though it looked like she had been crying a bit since her eyes were red) and said "Relax Hil, I'm okay. And you don't need to punch Ray in the nose." She sobered a bit and looked a teensy bit grim.
"I'd like to though."
Hilary shuddered a bit at the tone of Mar's voice and tried to soothe her "Don't get angry Mariah. I'm sure he just forgot to tell you on accident. I mean you guys haven't been in contact with each other in years. Things change!"
If only she didn't have to tell herself that everyday as well.
Mariah looked at her and exclaimed "That's still not a very good excuse Hilary! He can't just forget to invite me to his wedding! And he already proposed to her! I don't even know the girl! He didn't tell me anything about her. Even if my infatuation with him as ended way back, I'm still hurt as a friend. And we've gone through so much together."
She just laid down and propped her feet on Hilary's thighs while her head rested on the arm of the couch. Mariah looked like she was feeling stressed out so Hilary didn't have the heart to protest.
'So have Tyson and me Mariah, so have we.' Hilary thought.
Tyson's POV
He walked through the park looking slightly dejected. Though going out with Alicia was fun last night, it still didn't lift his mood when he had to interview other talent less (and creepy) people who wanted the job.
Tyson sat on the bench and watched all the people talk and the kids play. He had visited the San Francisco Park (AN: I'm making the name up since I haven't been to San Francisco for a very long time!) often because there were a lot of trees and it was sunny. A nice place to just sit and relax.
Tyson noticed a lady with long brown hair out of the corner of his eye. She was eating a hot dog and sitting on the grass while taking pictures of the trees and people with her camera.
He approached cautiously from behind. He tapped her shoulder and asked attentively "Excuse me miss?"
The woman turned around and he was greeted by a pair of ruby eyes.
Really familiar ruby eyes..............
Ray's POV
He leafed through the yellow pages.
"Mariah Hillman, Mariah Himalayas (Himalayas!?), Mariah...........ah! Here we go, Mariah Hiroshi!" He was about to pick up the phone and call when he heard the doorbell ring.
Ray groaned and got up to open the door. He was greeted by a man with blue eyes and blond hair and a woman with blue hair and green eyes.
"Max! Merriam! What are you two doing here?" Ray asked surprised.
Max grinned and asked "Is that any way to greet a friend?"
Ray looked a bit sheepish and replied "Sorry, I've just been busy doing stuff and wasn't expecting any visitors. Come in though!" He let them in and guided them to the living room.
Merriam looked around and turned back to Ray with her eyebrow raised "Busy huh? I suspect this doesn't have anything to do with your upcoming wedding though. Looks like you were trying to make a mess of things."
It was true. There were books strewn all over the floor. Half finished meals were everywhere. The whole thing looked like trash.
Ray scratched his head and answered indignantly "I was not trying to make a mess of things! If you must know, I was trying to find Mariah's address in the yellow pages."
Max asked confused "Why mess everything up then? And what do you mean, Mariah?!" He and Merriam both circled Ray, making him feel like he was getting ganged up on.
This will take a long time to explain.
After all, how do you explain you met up with an old friend you haven't contacted in over 6 years and mistakenly forget to tell her you're getting married?!
Hilary's POV
She sucked in some air and just sat there, staring.
It was him.
Of course, how could it not be?! He still had that gorgeous blue hair and those entrancing dark brown eyes. Though he also looked really different. He was wearing a suit and had no cap on.
Maybe it wasn't him.
"Tyson." She whispered quietly, almost trying to convince herself that it really was him.
He blinked and leaned down closer "Excuse me? I didn't quite catch that."
She shook her head and stood up "Nothing. I just-never mind. Um, do you need something sir?" She asked with a confused expression.
Tyson (if it really was him) answered a bit slowly and curiously "Actually yes. I just wanted to know if I could see your pictures for a minute." He stared curiously at the pile of photos in her hand.
She blinked and then handed over her photos.
"Okay......" Hilary trailed off uncertainly as he looked through them.
Why would he want to see them?
Third Person's POV
"Okay, let me get this straight." Merriam finally said after Ray had done talking.
He had just used up 30 minutes explaining why he had faked sick from work for two days and why it his house looked like a pigsty. Ray had told them about meeting Mariah and all that other stuff. He was a bit tired after talking so much that he sunk into the couch and just listened to Merriam.
"You met your old teammate Mariah, who you haven't been in contact with and had no idea about what she's been doing these last 6 or 7 years and vice versa in the Olive Garden (which may I add, is a superb restaurant!) with some other unfamiliar girl who's only half as important. You find out she's going to work at the same place as you under the same boss. Then, you mistakenly let out you're getting married to your long time girlfriend Salima. Mariah had no idea since you never bothered to tell her so she rushed out of the restaurant hurt and angered. Her other friend, Hilary followed her and now you're trying to find her address so you can come up with a full front apology and have her forgive you for your betrayal." Merriam finished and took a deep breath.
"Wow, Ray, you are in big doodoo." Max remarked as he popped a potato chip into his mouth and added "And Merriam, you have a good memory."
Ray rolled his eyes and retorted "I think we've already established that Max, which reminds me.............why are you two here in the first place? Kenny informed me you two were going to that Topaz restaurant to celebrate Merriam's raise. Why are you in my apartment then?"
Max blushed and looked a bit sheepish as Merriam glared at him. She answered, while still keeping her eyes on his face "Well, Lover Boy over here forgot to make reservations. So we ended up being kicked out when he tried to 'bribe' his way in."
Max indignantly responded "Well, you said that people do that all the time! In fact, you were the one who suggested it!"
Merriam exclaimed "Well, I never said you had to offer $1,000! And for your information, you threatened him with a banana after he wouldn't accept the money! What kind of guy threatens a guy with fruit?!" She threw her hands up in the air and looked at him with the 'look'.
Max sputtered while trying to come up with some good comebacks. He and Merriam kept arguing while Ray just kept checking his watch. Finally, he was getting impatient.
"You guys! What about my problem?!" He finally interrupted after Merriam hurled an insult at Max. They both seemed to be coming to an end with their argument as they both seemed a little tired (but just a little bit).
Merriam coughed and apologized "Sorry Ray, we didn't mean to just forget you and your problem."
He accepted it "Its okay."
"Good then." Merriam added as she sat up straighter "Now Ray, about your problem. I do think that apologizing as soon as you can is a good idea, but exactly how are you going to apologize? I mean, after you ring the doorbell to the apartment.........exactly what are you going to say after she lets you in?"
Ray shrugged and answered "I don't know, I never really thought about that. I just figured that when I saw her, I'd just know what to do and say."
Max chuckled and said "Oh Ray that never works. Believe me, I speak from experience. And speaking from experience is the best kind of advice you can get." He gave him Ray a thumbs up.
Ray raised an eyebrow "Okay......why does that sound like bad advice to me?" He questioned.
"Cause it probably is?!" Merriam answered as Max glared at her "Anyway, don't worry my friend, because if there's one thing I know it's that I, Merriam, will not lead you wrong!" She took up an 'I will lead you to victory' stance.
"I didn't know that."
"Well....you're blonde! And you're my boyfriend! So......you never ask me for anything! Well you shouldn't at least!"
Third Person's POV
Tyson looked at the pictures amazed.
They were astounding. She had taken pictures of everything at the park. There were pictures of kids, adults, trees, flowers, and lots of other things.
"You took pictures of these? And by yourself?" He asked in an awed voice.
Hilary scratched her head and said "Yes. I've been taking pictures for a long time and usually without help or anything. Taking photos has sort of become a hobby of mine. Plus, I really like. You know, capturing a special moment for life, that sort of thing." She stared uncertainly at him as he looked through the rest of the pile.
Hilary loved those pictures, and couldn't really take criticism that well, but she also always had to know what others thought of her photos whenever someone wanted to see them "So.....what do you think of them? Good or bad?" She asked while biting her lip.
He finally looked up and answered with happiness laced through his tone "Miss, though I don't know you, I have a generous offer for you."
She asked curiously "What is it?" She placed her hands on her lap and waited for an answer.
(AN: Here's how they're positioned, Hilary is on the ground with her legs crossed and looking up at Tyson, who is standing in front of her and looking down at Hilary.)
"My name is Tyson Granger (her heart skipped a beat) and I work at the BBA. Beyzone's going to have our pictures of our matches in its magazine. Unfortunately, our photographer got injured in an accident and can't use his arm. How would you like to substitute for him?" He waited patiently as it sunk in.
Hilary's mouth popped open, then closed it. Working for the BBA! And getting to take pictures of Beyblade matches! There was only one question.......................
"How much do I get paid?" She asked as she stood up so they were eye to eye.
He chuckled, leaned in, and whispered something in her ear.
Tyson stepped back and watched amused as her eyes expanded twice their size, then a huge smile appeared on her face and she grasped his hand.
"Sir, my name is Hilary Tatibana and I would love to take the job."
Though his mind was crowded with thoughts of happiness, in a very deep and hidden corner, that name lit up a faint and distant memory in his mind.
A memory that he couldn't see nor remember, but felt its presence.
Ray's POV
"Mariah, look, I am dreadfully sorry and I sincerely beg of you forgiveness." Ray stood on one knee and looked up into the eyes of a woman.
"Oh Ray, of course I forgive you!" A high pitched voice from the woman said.
Ray smiled and said "Thank you Mariah. I'm so glad to have a friend like you." He stood up and shook her hand.
"CUT!"
They both groaned and the woman turned around to face Max "What's the problem now?! We rehearsed several times already and you keep finding flaws in everything!"
Max shrugged and argued "What can I say!? First of all, Merriam, Mariah sounds nothing like that! Second.......Ray you looked at the notes like 5 times already! How are you going to apologize to Mariah if you can't even apologize properly?!" He placed a hand on hip and waited for an answer.
Merriam had come up with the idea of rehearsing and practicing what Ray should say when he meets Mariah. Max and she had written down some tips and words that might help him on some index cards. Then, they had rehearsal and Merriam had substituted for Mariah for Ray when he said his apology.
So far, they had practiced at least 10 times and Max the 'Director' had been saying the overuse of the word 'cut' many, many, many times.
"Well, it's hard!" Ray exclaimed "You guys sure wrote a lot of things on these pieces of paper and I've been trying to take it all in! You know what? I've just thought of something!" He faced both Merriam and Max.
They both simultaneously asked "And what's that?!"
"I am going to march into that apartment!" He answered as stared determinedly.
They both shouted in enthusiasm "And!?"
"I will face her!" He answered as his fist rose into the air.
"AND!?" They yelled/asked.
"AND I WILL MAKE HER FORGIVE ME!" He yelled back.
"YEAH!" They both yelled in approval and they moved their hands to handshake him with.
And he walked out on them as he headed to face his challenge.
Mariah's POV
"Mariah, you'll never guess what happened!" Hilary immediately exclaimed as soon as she opened the door. She stood in front of her with an excited and happy smile on her face.
"Um, you got a promotion from being a janitor to a waitress?" Mariah asked as she sat up straight (Mariah was still laying on the couch) and faced her.
She shook her head and said "No! Even better, I got a new job!" Hilary started jumping up and down with that still happy face.
"What is it?" She asked with a hint of grumpiness in her voice. Mariah was just trying to sulk in peace, but no, Hilary just had to go and disturb her!
Mariah instantly felt guilty after she had thought that. She had absolutely no reason to be angry at her, after all, Hilary had tried to make her feel happier earlier (even though it didn't really work) and she should try and do the same thing.
Luckily, she didn't think Hilary noticed as she answered with enthusiasm "I got a job at the BBA! I'm their official photographer! My pictures of the matches with get posted into Beyzone! Plus, I get paid thousands for the job! Certainly enough to pay for the rent and lots of other things as well!" She finally lost some energy and stopped jumping but still had a huge smile on her face.
"Oh my god, that's great! I'm so happy for you Hil!" A huge grin lit up on Mariah's face and she stood up and gave Hilary a hug.
"I know, it is great! We'll get to see each other at work and stuff! It'll be so much fun!" Hilary hugged Mariah back while saying that.
Mariah heard the doorbell and turned to face the door.
"Hold on, I gotta go get that." She said as she removed herself from her friend's embrace and headed to open the doorbell.
Mariah opened the door and was immediately greeted by a pair of gold eyes.
"Ray......" She whispered in shock.
Hilary's POV
Mariah immediately shut the door with a slam and leaned against it, taking deep breathes with a frown on her face.
"Are you okay Mar?" Hilary asked cautiously as she put her hand on Mariah's arm "And who was that?"
Mariah jerked and said "Of course I am! I just spaced out there for a second! I'm fine though!" She shook her head in an entirely unconvincing way.
Hilary raised an eyebrow and replied "Okay.....just who was that at the door?"
"No one. Just one of those kids who were also trying to prank us and stuff." Mariah shrugged.
The doorbell rang again but Mariah didn't move away from her position.
"Mar, I think you need to get off!" Hilary said as she pried Mariah off the door. Hilary opened the door unconcerned that Mariah was lying on the floor with a disgruntled expression. She opened the door, and before she could even see who it was, a figure zoomed in and faced Mariah.
It was Ray.
"Ray? What are you doing here?" Hilary asked curiously as she watched Ray look a bit nervous under the glare Mariah gave him.
"Look Mariah." Ray started, as if he didn't hear her question "I just wanted to say I was sorry. I honestly didn't mean to just forget to tell you. Honest I didn't! It just....happened!" He looked at her with a pleading look on his face.
Mariah snorted and exclaimed "That's not a very good excuse Ray! We grew up together and went through so much together! We were really good friends! You don't just forget to tell your really good friend that you're getting married! I didn't (and still don't!) know anything about the wedding! All I know is that you're getting married to some Salima girl who you never even bothered to tell me about!" She poked him in the chest.
Hilary decided she should keep out of this and just keep her mouth shut. But that doesn't mean she couldn't at least watch the show. She quietly walked to the couch (though she didn't think they would've heard her if she sounded like a stampeding rhino) and sat on it, all the while tuning into them like the finale episode of her favorite sitcom.
Ray sighed and said "I guess you're right. But Mariah! You haven't told me anything about what you've been doing these last few years as well! I didn't even know you were in San Francisco, California! Much less America! So face it, Mariah! We grew apart and stuff happened!" He threw his arms up in the air and just looked at Mariah with a helpless expression.
Mariah just looked back at him with a blank expression on her face. She sighed and said.
"I'm sorry; I guess you're right Ray. When you haven't been in contact with each other for a long time, things happen, and you forget about the old stuff. And it's all my fault!" She shrieked while reaching for the tissues to blow her nose with.
"No Mariah, it wasn't your fault!" Ray tried to calm her down while trying to stop his own tears "It was mine!" He couldn't hold it in any longer and both began sobbing.
Hilary bit her lip and tried to say something over the noise "If I may, I think I have a suggestion!"
Well that certainly stopped them. They had both stopped crying for a second and faced her.
"What is it?" Mariah asked.
Hilary shrugged and said "Oh I don't know, how about getting reacquainted? You guys can try to spend some time together with lunch dates and stuff, finding out what's been gong these last few years. And maybe Ray, you can introduce Mariah to Salima and stuff. Maybe even invite her to the wedding!" She waited for their response.
"That's a great idea!" Ray exclaimed "Thanks for the idea Ms. Tatibana!"
"Please, call me Hilary. Ms. Tatibana just makes me sound weird." I said.
Mariah chuckled and turned back to Ray "Well Ray, thanks for coming over to apologize, I'm glad we got to sort things and stuff. I'll see you at work!" She ushered him out the room.
When she closed the door, she turned to me with a grin on her face.
"I knew there was a reason why you're my best friend!" She exclaimed in happiness.
Hilary raised an eyebrow. There was a faint smell of something. She couldn't quite identify it.
Then, it hit her.
"Mariah?" Hilary asked a bit anxiously.
"Yeah Hil?" She asked back.
Hilary gulped a bit before questioning "You didn't happen to put in any food in the oven did you?"
"Yeah..........so what?" Mariah asked confused.
"Well.........I think it's burning." She answered as she pointed a finger at the oven.
And it certainly was. There was smoke peeking through the oven and you could really smell the fumes ad stuff.
"AHHHHHHHHH!" Mariah screamed before the both ran to the oven.
Third Person's POV
Hilary put on the mittens and rushed to open the oven door.
Mariah helped Hilary carry it (she also had mittens on) and set it on the table. She grabbed a fire extinguisher and fired it at the chicken.
Soon, the extinguisher gas had vanished and all that stood of the chicken was a tine piece of a black chicken (though it was more like a chick now).
Hilary picked the thing up and announced.
"Mariah, there's a word we should use more often."
"What is it?"
"Take out."
Chapter Three Ends..........To Be Continued
Note: Okay, this was 10½ pages. Hope you liked it! I realized I didn't put in any clues about why Hilary hasn't been in contact with the group (stupid me!), but I promise I'll do it next chappy. Anyway, there was also some pointless humor in this chapter, which I don't know why I put in.
What To Expect In the 4th chapter:
1. Mariah and Ray spend some quality time together.
2. Hilary spends her first day at work.
3. Learn more about why she hasn't been in contact.
4. The plot develops slightly.
Okay then, I hope you liked this chapter because I have some homework I gotta do. Sorry if Max or Merriam seem OOC! Remember to leave a review! Thanks for taking the time you read it! See ya!