Soon everyone arrived at the banquet. "Wow. You ladies look lovely," said Eric. "Thank you. You men look pretty good yourselves," said Calleigh. "Hey Sammie," said Natalia. "Hi Natalia, how are you doing," asked Sammie. "I'm doing great," said Natalia. "Has anyone seen Mallory," asked Sammie. "No. I haven't seen her. Maybe she's coming with Roxanne," said Calleigh. "That's right. I forgot she told me she would be," said Sammie. "I can't wait to see her," said Horatio. "Nervous much," asked Eric with a laugh.
"Just a little I guess. I can't help it. It feels like it's been forever since I've seen her," said Horatio. "Does seem like a long time doesn't it," asked Ryan. "It's been almost a year," said Sammie. "Wow. I thought it had been longer," said Ryan. "So did I," said Calleigh. Natalia was about to comment when someone walked up to them. "Hey guys," said Mallory as she walked up to Horatio and the others.
"Hey Mallory, you're looking great," said Calleigh as she hugged Mallory. "Thanks. You look great also. You all look fabulous," said Mallory smiling. "You're too kind. So, is Roxanne here," asked Horatio. "Yes. She's around here somewhere I'm sure. Have ya'll seen Speedle," asked Mallory. "No. We haven't seen him yet," said Natalia. "I thought for sure he would be here by now," said Mallory. "I'm sure he is here. He's probably talking to some people who haven't seen him in a while," said Sammie.
"There you are," said Speed as he walked up to Roxanne and Melinda. "Hey. You made it. I'm glad," said Roxanne as she hugged Speed. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when they see you. It's gonna be great," said Speed with a grin on his face. "You're crazy," said Roxanne. "I know I am. I can't help myself sometimes. Are you nervous," asked Speed. "Yes. I'm very nervous, but excited at the same time. I want to see Horatio so bad. It's been a long time," said Roxanne. "I know it's been a long time since you saw Horatio, but it'll be worth it. Trust me," said Speed. "I know it'll be worth it. I'm still nervous though," said Roxanne. "You'll be fine. Melinda, Mallory, Sammie, and I will be right there with you," said Speed.
"Speaking of Speed, isn't that him over there talking to two women," asked Ryan. "Hey. You're right. That is Speed. Let's go see who he's talking to," said Eric as he started walking towards Speed and the two women. "Do you know who Speed is talking to," Horatio asked Mallory. "One of the women is my friend Melinda. I'm not sure about the other woman," said Mallory as she and the others followed Eric.
"Oh, no. Horatio and the others are coming this way. What do we do? I didn't want them to find me this soon. I'm not ready to face them just yet," said Roxanne as she started to panic. "Don't worry. Stay calm. I'll figure out something," said Speed. "Everything will be okay," said Melinda. "I hope so," said Roxanne with a sigh as Eric and the others walked up to them. "Hey man. We were wondering where you were," said Eric. "I've been right here talking to these two beautiful women," said Speed. "Hi. I'm Melinda," said Melinda as she shook Eric's hand. "And what's your name," asked Horatio as he looked at Roxanne who was wearing a mask.
At first Roxanne didn't say anything. She didn't want Horatio to know it was her until later, but after a few minutes she decided it was best if she went ahead and told him and everyone else. She took a deep breath and started slowly taking her mask off. When she had the mask completely off everyone expect Speed, Melinda, Mallory, and Sammie gasped in total shock.