Is It Revenge Or Love?

Unrecognized

~Jaylene~

I swear I fu.cking hate my parents. I don’t know why it didn’t cross my mind that they would bring him here, but it didn’t. I guess since it’s been so long, I figured they had let that go.

The air’s getting thin, and I’m having trouble drawing breath. I pull myself away from Deon and step back. I hear a deep voice on the microphone, but don’t try to listen. I slightly turn and hurry out of the room. I need to get away and figure this sh.it out.

On my way out of the room, I grab a glass from a waiter's tray. I hear the voice again, and I stop in my tracks. It sounds so familiar, causing a shiver to travel down my spine. I decide against turning around, not wanting to deal with Deon again. I hurry out the door and end up in a beautiful garden.

I down the contents of my glass, wishing I had taken another one with me. I must have psychic mind powers because a waiter appears with a tray. I take a glass, replacing it with my empty one. I drain that way and do the exchange again. The waiter hurries away, and I guess that’s a good thing. I don’t really need to get hammered here.

I sit on a marble bench in front of a huge fountain. I sip on my new glass and look out into the fountain. Fu.ck! I can’t believe I have to deal with Deon all over again. I thought I shook him before high school was over.

Don’t get me wrong, Deon and I used to be a thing. We kind of tumbled into each other the summer before sophomore year. I went through something really traumatic, and he was there for me. I leaned on him a lot that summer, and then we sort of started dating.

We were intimate and serious; I thought I was in love. We hit senior year, and things changed. Well, I guess I can say that I changed. I wasn’t who I had been in the past. I matured, and I started to notice things about him that I just didn’t like. Deon was a bully, and that’s putting it mildly. He would mess with people for his own enjoyment and to get what he wanted from them. I must have been blind to it before, but I couldn’t sit back and watch it happen. It was the Rivers kid who opened my eyes to the way things really were.

He wasn’t new to the school, but he kept to himself. He came in mid-junior year, but everyone kept their distance. His parents were criminals that many people in town had a run-in with. They were known to cheat people out of their money and other things. I heard all the stories and rumors but didn’t attribute their crimes to him. He was his own person. During my senior year, in English class, we were partnered on a big project. I was able to get to know him, and I liked what I found out. While getting to know him, I saw who Deon really was, and I wasn’t impressed.

I ended things with Deon and hoped to get closer to Rivers, but it didn’t work out that way. I wanted him to ask me to prom, but he didn’t. After prom, he disappeared. He didn’t even attend our graduation. I have no idea what happened to him, but I think of him often. I can never forget how his hazel eyes would peer into my soul. He had the most beautiful smile.

I shake my head and finish my drink. There’s no point in dwelling because I’m sure I’ll never see him again. He was a high school crush that never became anything more. I can only hope that he’s found happiness in his life.

I stand and sigh, turning toward the door. I need to get out of here. There’s nothing inside for me, and I don’t want to see Deon again. I know my parents will be pissed when they find out I left, but they will get over it. I need to get home and under the covers.

~Monroe~

I’m swarmed by the guests and have to make small talk. Many want to introduce me and propose different deals. I’m not interested in doing any business tonight, so I try to push them off as gently as possible.

Dixon stays close to my side, helping me avoid whoever I need to. I know she ran outside, but she hasn’t been back. I wonder if she saw me or recognized my voice. I shouldn’t care, and I don’t. At least, that’s what I plan to continue to tell myself.

A throat clears behind me as Dixon hands me another drink. “That’s Korben and Renata Gage of Stardusky Inc.” I slightly nod at Dixon and slowly turn around. I look past the couple to see him standing there. He’s looking at me but doesn’t seem to know me. I swear I can feel my scar throbbing even though I know that’s impossible.

“It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Korben Gage, current CEO of Stardusky Inc.” He holds his hand out to me, and I take it. It’s sweaty and cold. I try to keep my face neutral, hoping it’s over soon. “This is my wife, Renata.” I nod at her, not missing the way she eyes me. Korben steps back and motions him forward. “This is the future CEO, my son Deon.” He holds his hand out to me, and I take it. I stare him in the eye, but there’s nothing there. He seems to really not know who I am.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet the man behind Lenetronics. You’ve taken the business world by storm.” He lets go of my hand, and I don’t respond to him. “I hate that you missed my wife, she was here a moment ago.” His wife, huh? I can’t say that I’m surprised that they got married.

“Oh, D. Stop that. You and Jaylene aren’t married.” His mom giggles, and my heart hitches at the sound of her name being spoken. I try to calm my nerves, irritated to respond this way. It’s been 8 years, and I’m over the entire incident; I have to be.

“Semantics, mother. We will be married soon enough.” She smiles and nods, and my stomach churns. This is fu.cking ridiculous. I couldn’t care less if they were together or not, so why this reaction? He turns to me and smiles. “I can’t wait to partner with you.”

“I’m sure we meet later to speak about possible partnership opportunities. Tonight is simply a meet and greet.” I notice Dixon walking toward me. “Please excuse me. I need to speak to my assistant.” They nod and turn to speak to each other. I walk toward Dixon, draining my glass.

“Is everything okay sir?”

“I want everything you can find on Deon Gage and Jaylene Mackey. I want it in the morning.”

“Is there a probem?”

“No, but I need to know how to go about my revenge.” Dixon seems to want to say something but thinks better of it. I wasn’t sure before, but now I am. I’m going to get my revenge on them for what they did to me all those years ago. Yes, in theory, I’d be mature and have let it go. This is reality; I can be a petty bastard when I want to be. What they did to me almost ruined my life. He doesn’t recognize me and they are living a happy life together. They need a small taste of what I went through all those years ago; it’s only fair.