Author's note: Okay, we're back for Act Two. Get ready to laugh cry, and be utterly shocked some more!
Even a month later, the mention of Charlene's name caused Roger's temper to flare. His friend all began to avoid the subject altogether. Maureen, in particualr, tried her best to cheer him up. She spent all her time trying to fix him up with her friend April, who had a major crush on him. Roger never really noticed. Between mourning Saylinda's death and mourning the loss of his beloved Fender, Roger went back to version of himself everyone remembered from freshmen year, becoming sullen and withdrawn again. His grades, which had slid to B's in the last couple months, peaked again, the only sign that Roger was still human. Mark started badgering him more and more to do something after school. Roger finally agreed. Late in their junior year, Mark, Maureen, Roger and April headed to the Life Café after school for a group date. Halfway through, Maureen was happily buzzing, Mark was enjoying himself (for the first time since before Saylinda had died), and even Roger had cracked a smile or two. He was really warming up to April, and starting to enjoy her company. They were all having a great time. Of course, they hadn't counted on their surprise guest…