Chapter 3 - Ring in Pocket, Ring on Table
He was walking down the street, and he seemed to have an extra bounce in his step for once. Strangers passing him by wouldn't notice it, but those that were close to him would have. He seemed anxious, in a hurry to get home. He had just finished up at band practice and couldn't wait to tell his girlfriend the good news, nor could he wait to finally show her his love, finalize it really. It was sitting there in his pocket, in its velvet box, all ready to be given. Sure, he got it at a pawn shop, but it was the symbol that mattered, not how much he paid or how big the diamond was. Hell, he thought with a chuckle its not even a real diamond. Its fake. But he knew she would love it and what it symbolized.
When he finally got to the building he was mentally rehearsing the words he would say. He honestly couldn't believe it, he was going to do it. He, Roger Davis, was going to ask his girlfriend to marry him. And the only other person to know was Mark. That was just because he needed Mark to help him pick out the ring, cause lets face it people, if he's not gay, he's the gayest straight man ever.
When he opened the door to the loft he had such a silly grin on his face, he was practically laughing at himself in happiness. Then he looked around.
Mimi was on the couch with a strange man, both were almost totally nude, and on the coffee table was a wad of money. Roger's face froze, still grinning, and then slowly his expression crashed down. Mimi saw him, and immediately pushed the stranger away, scrambling to stand up and put her t-shirt on. Roger didn't say anything. He just stood in the doorway, watching her, watching the guy realize he was there. Roger couldn't believe it, Mimi, his Mimi whom he was supposed to love and be with forever had sold her body. He just looked at her, he could feel tears in his eyes, but he stubbornly ignored them.
He walked over to the stranger, who by now had his shirt on and was standing, and grasped the mans elbow. The man followed, though a bit reluctently at first to the door. Roger led him into the hallway and simply said "Stay." The man saw the fury and grief in Roger's eyes, he was afraid Roger wasn't even sane at the moment, so he stayed perfectly still. Roger walked back into the loft and picked up the mans clothing. He placed it in a plastic bag before walking back into the hallway and handing it to the man. "Get out of here. Now." He said it very quietly, and the man practically tripped over himself to obey.
Roger reentered the loft once again, and saw Mimi standing there, just staring at him in shame, the money still there on the table. Roger was livid, he knew this was the end. He could never be with her now, never touch her again. She ruined it. Ruined it for money.
He sat on the couch and just looked at her. Almost sorrowful. He was determined not to rage at her, though god knows he wanted. Never had he been so tempted to hit a woman before, but he held himself back. He narrowed his eyes and softly said "You're a fuckin' whore."
She just looked at him for another moment before saying "we needed rent." He nodded and stood up. He didn't want her to see how she hurt him, tore his heart out. He headed towards the door of the apartment, before pausing. He didn't even turn around when he addressed her, "Mimi, pack your belongings, I want you out of here by the end of the week."
And he walked out.
It was easily the hardest thing he had ever done.
He walked out, and didn't stop until he reached the Life Cafe and sat down. He didn't order anything, just placed his forehead on the table and traced the wood grains with his eyes. He didn't even look up when someone sat on the other side of the table and ordered tea. He just didn't have the energy.
Finally, he did look up, he saw Mark watching him, clueless about what happened, but insistant that he would not budge until he knew. Roger stood and fished the ring out of his pocket, and threw it on the table. Mark nodded and didn't ask specifics. He just stood and put his arm around Roger's shoulder. "Is she moving?" Roger nodded. "Lets go find a place to stay until then." With that Mark pocketed the ring and grabbed Roger's wrist.
Roger let himself be led out of the Cafe and down the street, his heart shattered, unknowing, or caring, about what he would do now.
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A/n: I'm on a roll here. Go me.