Is It Revenge Or Love?

Missing Years

~Jaylene~

I look around the private dining room, wondering how I ended up here. It’s crazy to me that I’m dining with Monroe Rivers from high school. This is the boy that I wanted to have a relationship with. I got to know him in high school, and he became someone I never knew I needed in my life.

It took a while to get over him, to deal with the fact that he disappeared in thin air. To this day, I have no idea why he left or where he disappeared to. A part of me wants to ask him where he’s been, but another part of me doesn’t want to revisit all of that.

Monroe Rivers. I thought he was attractive in high school, but this more mature version of him blows that one out of the water. It seems like he’s done well for himself, though I have no idea what his business is in. If he can afford a place like this, he’s definitely doing well.

Being here is flooding me with memories from childhood. I can remember my mom making a big deal of me looking the right way and acting the right way while we were out to eat. I never really liked places like this. I mean, it’s great for a once-in-a-blue-moon thing, but Mom’s the type to have weekly visits. It was always too much pressure for me, and I hated it. The best thing I ever did was leave this life of luxury behind and pave my way on my own.

The door opens, and his presence fills the room. He sits back in front of me, flashing me a panty-dropping smile. “What was all that about? Is everything okay?” He reaches over and rubs the back of my hand.

“Everything is fine. There’s nothing to worry about.” I nod and take a sip of my drink. “So I have to ask. What made you work with children?” I smile and look away from him for a bit.

“It was a random meeting, actually. I had an appointment one day, and there was this kid in the waiting room. He walked up to me and just started talking. He had down syndrome and I was captivated. I was able to talk to his mom about a few things about his disability. I wanted to know more, I wanted to deal with more kids like him. I started to volunteer and then applied for a position. I’m not sure if I want to be a teacher or not, but I’m good with what I’m doing right now.” Monroe keeps his attention on me the entire time I speak. It feels good to be listened to. The men my parents would pair me with men who would have no desire to hear me say anything.

“Wow. That’s such a refreshing story. I’m sure you know that many in these circles would never.” I giggle and nod my head.

“I’m sure you can imagine what my parents think about all this.” I watch Monroe sip his drink, paying attention to his neck as he does so. I close my eyes and turn my head, trying to tell myself we can’t go down that path right now.

“Speaking of our parents, what’s going on there?”

“What do you mean?”

“Jaylene, look at where you live. I’m sure your roommate pays more than her fair share. I see the car you drive and the clothing you wear. Did you get disowned?” The question is funny, but I’m not in the mood to laugh. I’m not offended; I just don’t understand why it matters. “I’m sorry. I stepped over the line. You don’t have to answer.”

“No, it’s okay. I got tired of it all. I got tired of the shallow attitudes, the fake smiles, and the greedy behaviors. I just wanted my life to be different, be better. I told my parents that I was cutting myself off and I left. I already had the job and then I found a place. I’ve been a lot happier this way.”

“Happier with no money? That’s interesting. I remember that the kids with no money were the easy targets in school.” He’s talking about himself, and it hurts. I found out that many kids were messing with him, and it wasn’t just because of his limited funds. It was also because of his parents. I thought it was just a light teasing, but right before he left, I found out it went deeper than that, and Deon was at the center of a lot of it.

“I grew in school and realized there were more important things in life.” Some unknown emotion flashes in his eyes. He doesn’t respond but keeps his eyes on a point past me. There are unanswered questions here, but I guess that’s how it will remain.

“So let me ask you something. Where did you disappear to? Why did you leave?” Silence covers the table. Monroe seems to be formulating his answer, making me wonder if some major life event caused him to leave. Before he could answer, his phone rings.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

~Monroe~

Okay, I should have known that question would come, but I guess I was fooling myself. I can’t answer that question yet. Thank goodness for the phone call.

As my secretary drones on and on, I go back over our conversation. I almost lost it when she said that she had grown in school. She must be delusional if that’s what she really thinks. She was just like the others that flocked around the jocks and the other popular kids. Hell, she used to be one of them. After that night, she should never deny who she really is.

I disconnect the call and get back to the table. “So, you and Amber are still friends? That’s pretty interesting. Most people don’t still talk to those they went to school with.” I see recognition cross her face. She realizes that I’m purposely changing the subject.

“Amber has always been a special person to me. I would be crazy to lose contact with her.” I nod, not having anything to add to that. Jaylene’s phone rings, and when she checks the caller ID, her face drops. Whoever’s calling her is someone she doesn’t want to hear from. I place my hand on hers and stroke her soft skin.

“You don’t have to answer that, you know. Let’s silence our phones.” Her smile is small and doesn’t reach her eyes.

“I actually have to take this or it will be worse.” I nod and watch her get up to take the call. She connects the call before she leaves the room, so I’m able to hear who’s on the line.

“Hello, mother. What can I do for you?