1That night we went out to celebrate. Mark had gotten everyone together. Collins, Maureen and Joanne, and even Benny, who we had not seen in a while. Apparently, he moved out of Allison's place and soon after filed for divorce. Mark ran into him at the Life Café. The plans we dinner, then drinks at a local bar. None of us knew what was to be ahead of us that night.

Dinner was amazing. Mark stood up, starting a trail of toasts. Each one saying how "meant to be" we were and how wonderful it was for us to be starting a life together. Truthfully, I was expecting this when Mark decided we all needed to go out. He did this for Maureen and Joanne a year ago when they announced they were going to try the commencement ceremony again. This time there weren't any fights, just their love. Even Benny, as nervous as he was, gave a toast.

"To Roger and Mimi," he started. "There is no one like either of them. Perhaps that's why they found each other. They needed each other."

I didn't have the heart to tell him that what he was saying sounded kinda dumb, but at the same time, it wasn't dumb. He was trying. He gave him a hard time with rent and all of it. He was conforming to his in-laws, he had just lost sight of who he was.

I looked at him and mouthed "Thank You."

He looked back, I think realizing there was no need to be nervous. "You're welcome."

After dinner, the real party began. We went over to the Cat Scratch Club, a place Mimi had not been since she quit 3 years prior. She didn't mind being back. It was a mini reunion for her. One of the other dancers she had worked with talked her into getting on stage for one song with them. A bit drunk, we all told her to go for it, to let loose. Little did we know it would be the wrong move.

Half way though the song, a fight broke out. We hurried to get out, to no hope. A drunk had held on to Mimi.

"Where are you going beautiful?"

"Could you let me go please."

"Common, lets go have some fun..."

"Let me GO!"

Mark, the only sober one, heard her scream.

"I think she said let go."

"What are you going to do about it..."

At that moment, I knew it wasn't good. He leaned over and kissed her. Fondling, grabbing and obviously hurting her.

"Get off of her!"

He threw her down. "Tell you're boyfriend to go F off. You're with me now..." He slid out part of what looked like to be a gun.

"Don't hurt me."

I had to do something.

"Mimi" I screamed.

"One more step and she gets it... " He turned to Mimi. "And one more peep out of you and its over."

Tears fell rapidly. Mimi wasn't scared of much. It hurt to see her this way.

"Now come on..." He said, harshly grabbing her by the wrists.

"LEAVE HER ALONE." Mark demanded.

Mark! What are you doing. I though.

"Roger!" She screamed.

"That's it!" He took out his gun. "Say goodbye to you're girlfriend."

I saw my life flash as I saw Mimi there, not knowing what would happen. It felt like slow motion. One moment I saw Mimi, next I saw Mark

"MIMI!" he screamed.