You Don't Know Me (Open)

[BlueEyedLady]

I looked at my face in the mirror with the wonder that I always felt since the car accident fourteen months ago. Plastic surgery had repaired the massive damage that had occured when I went through the windshield and you could hardly notice the scars now, just a few on my neck where my long, light brown hair or a stategically placed piece of jewlery covered them from all but the most prying of eyes.

Everything had been reconstructed. My cheekbones, nose, jaw. It had been an indescribable period of pain and lonliness. Both I had brought on myself.

Turning away, I sighed and left the bathroom to get ready for my flight. I was going home. Or what used to be my home. The place I was born and raised and fell in love. Yes, fell in love even though I didn't deserve him because it was also the place where I had broken his heart telling him that I was leaving him and giving him back his ring.

Oh, I had made sure he wouldn't be part of my life alright. I had told him things that nobody should tell someone else. I told him how I had decided that I wanted to explore the world, that he was no longer needed in my life, that I would find someone else.

And I had. But they weren't him. And now I had a chance to go back and make things right. I had a chance, a slim one, to win back his heart.

I had it all planned. I was going to go back and arrange to meet him by accident and then I would tell him who I really was after he had fallen so in love with me again that he couldn't bare to push me out of his life.

It would work, it had to work. Because I found out I couldn't live without him. That all I had said was lies and that I had given up everything that I wanted for everything I thought I wanted.

I would go back but not as Christy Bates, no, I was now Missy Andrews. Until that time when I thought that I could tell him who I actually was.

And if that time never came? Than I would be Missy until I died because I wasn't going to leave again...ever.



OOC: Okay, a dramatic beginning and something I have been batting around. Plenty of roles open for some creative writers who would like to join. If you can imagine it, it can happen.

 

[allonblack]

OOC: I will play the lead male, the one that she left behind.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Wunnerful!

Welcome aboard hon.

And there are plenty of other roles that could be played. Brothers, sisters....on both sides...friends, anyone in the neighborhood or in her past life.

Come on and join if you have a good idea for a character!

 

[allonblack]

OOC: Once again I'm honored to work with BlueEyedLady

IC: Preston Michaels, wealthy jewelry importer, playboy in his youth, met his soulmate and lost her tragically in a car accident the year before

Fourteen months had past since Christy had left me. I refused to go to places that reminded me of her. I could never figure out why she left me, I thought to myself as I sat stirring my drink in the smoke filled bar. I could give her everything she ever wanted, money, travel opportunities, whatever her heart desired. But maybe that was the problem, I neglected her desires and filled them material things. It was ironic she left me to travel the world, I have a private jet I use on business ventures but I guess what she wanted most was independence, I had filled the role of sugar daddy long enough for her.

My heart had shredded as she told me it was over. I didn't believe it though because the restaurant where we met for our date had an ever changing theme. That night it was Hawaiian night, I can still remember the smell of the barbeque smoke filling my nostrils. I remember making her laugh as we entered and waited for the hostess. I saw some leis sitting on the table and grabbed one. Placing it around her neck I smiled and said "Hey, you just got leied" That was the last smile I would ever see from her.

Nothing felt tangible when she broke the news to me, nothing that is until she placed the ring in my finger. The cold metal steel sent chills up my spine. Her hand was cold too, I was worried about her but anything I said now would just seem like desperate attempts to get her back.

After that night I rarely visit Northport, too many bad memories here. Yet tonight I was drawn back to this place. I opened my wallet to pay my tab and saw it again. The newspaper article about the wreck near the airport. "Christy Bates, driver of the vehicle was thrown from the car, her body never found but she is assumed dead." "Assumed dead" I muttered to myself folding the clipping and placing it back in its leather holder. It was disintegrating, I should've laminated it.

I often though Christy had faked her own death, not only to get away from but to get away from herself. She hated this town, she hated herself. She wished she was someone else many times, she told me. I, like her friends and family held out hope for a month or so. Hope that she had been swept away in the river current, the cold water stimulating her heartbeat enough to keep her alive until she would wash up on the beach a few miles down river in the busy fishing village of Solomonton and be rescued. But graphic photos of mangled wreckage and broken glass can kill hope quickly.

I hadn't tried to move on. I had a date now and then but that was just to fulfill my manly needs and prevent loneliness. I dated the waitress from this bar, Sally, for a little while. We never officially called it quits but I would leave town for weeks at a time, I figured she could take the hint. She barely made eye contact with me anymore. This night she was busy setting up for the big dart tournament. I shot her a few casual glances out of courteous respect.

I decided to go back to my office and work on my latest project. It was mostly paperwork so I began thinking about the ring. The ring had been in my desk since that night. I tried fitting it with custom jewels after Chrisy left. I don't know if I planned to give it to anyone else but I had planned to let her pick out the jewel she wanted for it. Mostly I just wanted to hold it in my hand, rub my fingers over it, be soothed by the few dna strands she might've left on it, the last thing of mine she ever touched, besides my heart.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

"Missy"

The plane ride was uneventful, just like the many plane rides I had taken trying to get away from my past. I gave a mirthless chuckle. It seemed so long ago that I had run away and here I was running right back to the place I had so clearly stated that I hated. Because I couldn't do anything else. I had left my most precious possesion behind...my heart.

Landing at the airport and fighting the crowds was exahusting. The only thing I wanted to do once I got to my hotel was to lay down and fall asleep. My stomach, however, had other ideas so I showered and changed into jeans and a Tshirt and headed out to my rental car to grab a bite.

I don't know how I arrived at 'our' resturant. I really hadn't been heading towards it. In fact, I had not had a specific destination in mind and didn't realize where I was until I had parked and turned off the ignition.

Staring at the resturant brought back memories, both good and bad, and I felt my chest tighten with them.

I almost turned the car back on and left but I berated myself for my weakness. I was just going to go in and eat and then go back to the motel. Hell, I could get take out and eat at my motel and I sure didn't feel like driving around look for someplace else.

Getting out of the car, I headed determinly to the entrance, my steps hard as I forced myself to enter the place. Swinging the door open I collided with a hard male chest and stumbled back, feeling a hand grab me to steady me.

"Oh! I'm...I'm...so sorry..." I said and then I looked up and saw him. Preston. The man I had come back to find. And I found I couldn't say anything else as I stared dumbfounded at him, clutching the arm that had steadied me as I tried to get a grip on what had just happened.

 

[allonblack]

Preston

I began to walk out to my car. "Boop Boop" the auto door unlocker squeaked as I aimed it at my car. I had offered to buy Christy a new car, something better and safer than that little red deathtrap she drove. But alas that was all in the past.

I turned my head slightly to wave goodnight to Sally and collided with a young lady. "Oh dear, I'm sorry, are you ok?" I said steadying her so she wouldn't fall onto the hard cement. She stuttered and looked as if she had seen a ghost. "Miss?" I said repeating myself, "Are you ok?" Her grip tightened on me and through exhausted eyes hampered by a few drinks, I squinted to see who it was. She looked familiar, eerily familiar, but then again everyone in this town looked pretty much the same. Except for Christy, her look was unique, she was about the only girl in this town with naturally brown hair.

Northport was settled by Scandinavian settlers so most here had a blonde hair, blue eyed look about them. A few dyed their hair and wore color contacts but I can always tell who's sporting a bad dye job.

The woman gathered herself and still gasped. I wondered if she was having an asthma attack or needed medication. I offered my hand to her and said "Hello, I'm Preston, Preston Michaels." She placed her hand in mine and it fit perfectly, she shook it but with a gentle friendly squeeze, I had a feeling I had met this girl before. But then again I met many woman, I was a jewelry customizer after all, so I handled womens' hands all day long fitting rings. I looked at her hands, no rings, so where could I know this girl from?

 

[BlueEyedLady]

"Missy"

Say something! My brain screamed at me and I opened my mouth to speak even as I took his hand but found that my throat was dry and I couldn't speak past the cotton that seemed stuck there.

Clamping my mouth shut, I looked dumbfounded down at his hand holding mine and I cleared my throat wishing I could get rid of the fog in my brain just as easily.

"I...I'm..." Christy! I'm Christy No, no, I couldn't tell him...not yet!

"M...Missy..." I finally managed to get out,"Missy Andrews. I...I came to get something to eat. Just got off of the flight and...well, you know...airline food...."

Oh great, now he was going to think I was a babbling idiot. Not the first impression I wanted to give him. I groaned inside.

"Well," I said, gently taking my hand from his and moving backwards toward the door, a stupid smile on my face,"I...guess I'll go order something to eat now...and thanks...you know...for not letting me trip over myself and skin my knee or anything..."

Yup, first impression...babbling idiot supreme. I could feel my face flushing hot as I turned to go into the resturant, my appetite all but gone.

 

[allonblack]

Preston

The young lady still couldn't speak, she stuttered "I...I'm..." I could've swore I heard her say "I'm C.." but maybe she just coughing in the cool night air.

"Nice to meet you Missy Andrews" I said shaking her hand. "Oh, I know how airline food is, I travel quite often, perhaps next time you can pack your own food, they don't mind if you bring apples, pretzels, etc. just don't bring your own peanuts, I learned that the hard way, they went ballistic about that." I said smiling at her. "But if you want better food than airline food, I wouldn't go in this bar." I said motioning at the building behind us. I was trying to keep her out of there. This building was full of bad memories. Tonight the bar didn't have a theme, they had decided not to do it as often. Once a month though, they would have a theme. Tomorrow there was a costume party planned. I had to attend since I was bringing the tiara and crown to crown the best dressed. It was our version of a trophy, but they only got to wear it for one dance.

She thanked me but grasped the door handle anyways, she seemed anxious to get in there. I assumed she had a date or something and didn't want to anger her man by talking to a stranger in the doorway. "Ok miss, I'll let you get to your dinner, maybe I'll see you around here again." I said opening the door for her.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

"Missy"

Don't say goodbye! Don't let him go! My mind was screming at me but I couldn't think of anything to say to him to possibly make it seem natural for me to stay there.

"Yeah," I said as I looked into the place, my stomach churing at the familiar sight and suddenly not wanting to go in there at all. "I was just going to get something to go...you know...eat in my room. Long trip and all."

I looked back at him and my heart lurched in my chest. God, he was so handsome. Maybe a few more worry lines around the face but still the same as when I left. I left. That thought was enough to break me from my stupor.

"Well," I said, taking in a deep breath,"I'm sure I'm keeping you from your girlfriend...wife?" Suddenly the thought hit me that he could have found someone new. God, why didn't I think of that before? I had left him. Maybe he had gotten over me and went on with his life.

I tried to smile at him even as I pushed the door open a bit more, the smells from it making my stomach churn again.

"Don't worry," I said, my voice a bit tight,"I promise not to get you in trouble with anyone. I'll let them all know that you were Sir Gallahad all the way."

 

[allonblack]

Preston

"May I ask where you're staying?, I don't want to seem overly curious but there's only one hotel around here that I know of, if you're at the Regal, just mention my name to the main desk and tell them to put your bill on my tab." Money was no object to me, I didn't mind paying for her room and meal. Honestly it made me feel good to something for this stranger. Yet, a part of me wanted to create a paper trail from her, some way to find out who she was and why she looked so darn familiar. As I held the door open I stared into the parking lot, mental writing her license plate down.

"Oh, by the way I'm single, I was engaged but..." I looked at her eyes, she seemed interested but I wasn't interested in telling my tale of love lost to a total stranger, "but well, I'm not anymore." "And don't worry about getting me in trouble, my theory is trouble only finds you if you let it, trouble doesn't go looking for you." I said smugly letting the door swing and walking towards my car. I heard the crunch of gravel beneath my feet. I turned back to the doorway she was standing and looking at me.
I felt her eyes burning a hole into my back as I quickened my pace to get into my car and get away from this place. I knew I would be hearing from her again. I'm well travelled and feel I can judge a person's personality quickly, she seemed like the type that would call and thank me for paying her bill or send a thank you card after she left town.

I was tempted to go back inside, maybe I should move on I said. I couldn't see the harm in staying with her for dinner, I did want to tell someone about Christy, everyone in town already knew but I guess I denied myself closure and indirectly was denying myself the chance to be loved again. I knew I could never love again but I could at least be loved again, even if it was just for my money.

I toyed with the key in the ignition while staring at the doorway. She stared back at me. We were strangers, behind glass, tangible but safe in our glass cages that separated us.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

"Missy"

I stood there like a statue, watching him go to his car. I should move, should go in. I should have let him live in peace.

I also shouldn't be glad that he hadn't found anyone but I could feel my heart skipping a beat as he told me that he was still single.

I was jerked out of my thoughts as a couple who had definately had one too many beers staggered by and pushed me against the door frame. Glaring at them I was at least relieved to see a cab pull up to take them whereever they were gong. The bartender was still as responsible as I remembered.

When I looked back up, I could see Preston still standing there and he was looking at me. When we first met, when I was Christy, we had always had some kind of connection and I could feel that same connection with him now and wondered if he could feel it too.

Taking a deep breath, I let the door go and walked out to where he was standing, jerking my head back to indicate the resturant.

"I don't suppose you would consider having dinner with me," I said, holding my breath and hoping I wasn't being too forward. "Because...you know...being new in town I could use someone to give me some pointers about the place."

It was a lie. I had been born and raised her. I could tell you everything about this place. But I had to find a way to start on my plan to win him back. Even if the plan had been put in motion earlier than I had anticipated.

 

[allonblack]

Preston

I gripped the steering wheel and door handle, ready to spring into action as I saw some a couple staggering towards her. They pushed her against the doorframe but the man didn't appear to grope her. Nevertheless the gentleman in me took over and knew I should go make sure she was ok.

I opened the door and stepped out of my car. She was still there looking at me from the doorway. I began wondering if she was in trouble. Perhaps a prostitute, a criminal, a woman trying to get away from an abusive relationship, I didn't know.

Suddenly she was walking towards me. I shut the car door and stiffened to speak to her. She spoke first, by inviting me to dine with her. She seemed awfully nervous and so I didn't want to leave her.

"Sure, I'd be honored, I can tell you what's actually edible in this greasepit." I said with a laugh. The owner, Charlie walked past us towards the dumpster and muttered something about "I'll show you greasepit you rich son of a " then his voice trailed off. "Oh relax Charlie, you know I'm just joking, I'm your most loyal customer." Missy seemed amused as I led her back to the doorway.

We stood side by side at the front of the restaurant, the bar was in the back. As we stood I noticed our silhouettes on the floor. It looked familiar. I remembered all the times I had stood here with Christy. I started to get a little chocked up but covered by clearing my throat and rubbing my eyes. "Sorry, this darn smoke, burns my eyes, I wish they'd make them smoke outside."
We stood there for what seemed like hours. "So, if they're not going to seat us right away, we might as well get the formalities out of the way, tell me a little about yourself Christy, where are you from? where are you going? what brings you to Northport?" Her body stiffened at my last question. Had I hit a nerve?

 

[BlueEyedLady]

"Missy"

Oh God! He had called me Christy. Did he know? Had I blown it already? No, his next questions told me it was just a slip of the tongue and I breathed a sigh of relief, trying to cover my nervousness by speaking.

"It's...Missy," I said and then went on,"Actually...I come from a town alot like this but I...I don't have anyone anymore. I'm alone."

That much was true. Due to my own actions and everyone assuming I was dead, I was alone. And it seemed that me standing next to Preston only made that aloneness deepen.

"And I was thinking about settling down here. Finding some kind of work. Haven't gotten the specifics worked out but I'm tired of traveling and I need to find a place to put down roots."

That much, at least, was true. I had gotten tired of running and the accident had shown me what was really important. Now, if I could just somehow find a way to make sure that I didn't let Preston get away again.

 

[allonblack]

OOC: Total accident about calling her the wrong name but may have created a little plotline

Preston

I felt my face flooding with redness. "Oh...my mistake Missy, sorry but I guess the vodka decided it wanted to talk for me again." I said with a nervous smile.

"Well you're not alone right now, and you won't be for the next 45 minutes or so." I said with a smile. "As far as finding a job here..." I inhaled sharply "Well, there's not much here, most of the factories have shut down and banks, insurance companies, all that stuff is family owned and they don't hire outside of the families." "But I could really use a gopher down at my office, it's only part time, just someone to run to the post office for me, answer the phone sometimes, stuff like that. Do you have a good driving record?" She pulled back when I asked that question, maybe I'd hit another nerve. "That's not important, but I can't offer much in terms of benefits other than telling you won't have to eat lunch alone at the office." I said with a wink.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

"Missy"

OOC: LOL I figured, hon.

IC: I had to find a safe subject. So far there were a thousand and one ways I could have blown my cover in just the last five minutes. And I had to stop acting like a deer in the headlights!

I tried to smile and said,"Well, you won't find a bad driving record under Missy Andrew's name, that's for sure!"

Well, it was true. It had taken alot of doing but I had officially gotten my name changed and there wasn't even a speeding ticket under that name. I had also managed to pretty much get the fact that Missy Andrews hadn't existed until about fourteen months ago buried under a pile of paperwork thanks to one of the cops that had befriended me during my recovery time.

While I was deep under the influence of pain medication I had talked to him as he sat by my bed. I guess my story had hit a nerve. He was an older man with a daughter about my age who was a bit wild and he sympathized. Except for myself, he's the only one who knows my secret.

"And...thanks..." I said, not knowing if accepting a job with him would be the best thing in the world but not being able to resist a chance to be with him, to see if something wasn't still there between us. "I...I could come by tomorrow and fill out an application if you like."

 

[allonblack]

Preston

"It's ok, I don't run background checks, you know small town mentality, we're taught to trust everyone. I just asked because of insurance reasons, you'll be on my insurance and though I may be wealthy that doesn't mean I like to give money away." I said wondering if I should've revealed my wealth so quickly to this strange, beautiful young lady.

"As far as the application don't worry about, I trust you. This is a slow time of the year anyways, so once you get to used to where the post office, bank, and other places are you'll be fine. Actually tomorrow, or when you get settled in I can show you around town, it won't take long." I said with a chuckle.

"Well, it doesn't look they're going to seat us, I see a booth in the back corner, hope you don't mind sitting back there but it's away from the smoke. It's the honeymoon booth as Charlie calls it. Basically it's a candle on the table and it's the only booth not held together by duct tape." I said putting my arm around her to lead her to our booth. She let out a cry of pain mixed with surprise as I felt her skin through her blouse. It appeared to be scar tissue in some places so I quickly removed my hand so I wouldn't cause her anymore discomfort or pain.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

"Missy"

It wasn't my scars...well not the physical ones...that had caused me to cry out. Those had healed. It was the one on my heart, the achingly familiar feel of his arm around me that had caused my foolishness.

I swallowed hard and tried to smile at him. "Sorry, it's just...nevermind...this booth looks fine."

In fact it was one of the booths that Preston and I had often sat in. It was the one he proposed to me in. The one I broke up with him in. And I was really, really feeling like I didn't want to sit down in it.

Looking around, trying not to let my panic show, I said,"Ummm...Preston, really, I'm kind of getting claustrophobic in here. The smoke must be bothering me too. Would you mind very much if we got something to eat somewhere else? I could use the fresh air."

And that was the total truth. I felt right then that if I didn't get some air I was going to black out and faint. In fact I was feeling more and more as if I needed to get out that door and away from all this all too familiar setting.

 

[allonblack]

Preston

Missy didn't look comfortable at all. I was starting to worry and couldn't hold my tongue any longer. "Missy? Are you ok? I know you're new here and all but you seem scared of something or someone, is there anything I can do to help you?" I asked with stern concern.

I called to Sally and told her to fix us two plates to go. "Would you like to go eat at your hotel room? I won't come in so you don't think I'm assuming anything. I was on my way to my office anyways, so perhaps we should just say goodnight now, but if you don't mind at least give your room number or some way to get in touch with you tomorrow so I know you're ok." I said digging in my jacket pocket for a pen.

In all honesty I didn't want to sit in the booth either. I just wanted to see it again and see if I could bring myself to sit in it. It was just wood and screws, just a thing, it didn't break my heart, I couldn't blame a table. But I did blame it, I blamed everything and everyone but Christy.

I hadn't been at this booth since the night after she disappeared...or died. I finally started to believe she was dead myself. I had returned to take the candle from the table and burn it as a silent memorial to her each day for a few minutes.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

"Missy"

I looked up into his eyes, my mind again screaming for me to make a confession of who I was to him but I knew I couldn't. He would hate me. He probably did hate me. I had to know he loved me again before I told him. It was the only way.

"I...I'm fine," I managed to stutter and sighed in relief when the waitress came and handed our plates to us,"Just tired. Long flight and I haven't really slept very well for a few days."

Looking down at the dinner that I really didn't have the appetite for, I said,"I'll come by tomorrow and see about that job, okay? What time do you want me there?"

I looked up to see the waitress looking at us in expectation and I colored, reaching in my pocket and pulling out some money, shoving it into her hands.

I could have been wrong but she seemed to look from me to Preston and gave me a withering look. Now what was that all about?

"Keep the change," I said to her with a smile she didn't return,"As a tip."

With a stiff nod, she walked off and I couldn't help but stare at her back. Was that jealousy I was reading in her eyes? If Preston didn't have designs on anyone I could tell someone at least had designs on him.

Turning back to him I looked at him expectantly, waiting for his reply. I had deliberatly ignored his question about my room number. The last thing I needed was him showing up unexpectedly at my door. I had had enough surprises for one night and I didn't think I could stand the shock of more.

 

[allonblack]

Preston

Sally returned with the food and an attitude. "Sorry about her, you know small town women, they are intimidated by any new lady that arrives in town." I said reassuringly.

"About that job, where or how can I get in touch with you?" I asked as calmly as possible. Her intrigue was starting to frustrate me. I didn't like being jerked around, I guess it was the businessman in me. "Hey, look if this is too much, you can just find me ok, I'll be at my office all day tomorrow, it's on 7th Street, stop in anytime."

I looked down at the greasy paper bags Sally had handed us.
They didn't look too appealing, I would probably toss mine out the window on the way to my office. The raccoons and other critters could fight over it.

I escorted her to the door and asked with concern "Are you sure you're ok to drive? You look dead tired and the hotel isn't far, but these roads are windy, and dangerous at night. My ex-fiancee was driving and --" I cut myself off before I plunged headfirst into my tragedy. I didn't want to find myself crying in her arms, that's no way to make a first impression. "Anyways I can show the way and you can follow me if you want, or I can follow you, or I drive you there. Whatever you want, I hope you don't think I'm being too forward, just want to show you some small town hospitality." I smiled and reached for my keys.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

"Missy"

I could tell that my non-answers were starting to wear on Preston and it worried me. I didn't want to drive him away moments after I finally got to find him again.

As he walked me to my car, he spoke, briefly about the accident and I could hear the pain in his voice. My heart felt like it was rending in two as he spoke and I cursed myself for causing that pain. With a sigh, I resigned myself to letting him know where I was staying. I couldn't bear to bring more hurt to him. Not on top of all I had caused as Christy.

"Sure," I said, trying not to show lack of enthusiasm,"If it would make you feel better I could probably use someone to help me find the way back. Being a stranger and all."

Lies on top of lies but what was I to do? I had entangled myself into them and now I didn't know where to stop and now wasn't the time to tell him the truth.

 

[allonblack]

Preston

"Ok then without further ado, are you ready to play follow the leader?" I said to winking. "I'll lead you follow." I heard her engine start and looked over at her, she nodded, only a shadow behind the glass in the night.

I pulled out of the driveway and started to head to the Regal. I passed the cornfields, billboards, closed signs, all the familiar sights yet tonight seemed different. I knew I was getting close to the accident site. Until tonight I had refused to drive this road so I went slow, because some things looked different now.
A wave of highway hypnotism swept over me. I felt possessed. I turned the radio off and just listened to the sounds of the road. I tapped my brakes and signaled that I was turning right. I pulled off to the side of the road. Fumbling around the glovebox I pulled out the stub of the candle. It hadn't burned in ages. I exited the car and heard the crunching gravel as Misty pulled over as well.

"Sorry,"I said "There's just something I have to do first." I walked around my car to the fresh piece of guardrail where Christy's car had crashed. The fresh silver metal gleamed in the moonlight, but looked so out of place against the other dirty metal. Some people had written prayers, messages of hope, even their goodbyes on the guardrail, but I refused to.

Taking a deep breath I toss the candle stub on the ground in front of the guardrail. Tonight was a night of new beginngings, closure. I didn't expect much with Missy but maybe she was my sign to stop moping and realize I was still alive and had to live, not just mourn.

Christy gazed at me with curious eyes. "Okey Dokey," I said cheerfully, "Let's continue, we're almost there."

 

[BlueEyedLady]

"Missy"

As he slowed down and pulled off the road I knew where he was going. Oh, God, the memories that came back. The trees passing by at a speed I shouldn't have been driving, the panic I felt, almost tasted as I realized my brakes weren't working. The last thought of how I should have worn my seatbelt as my car dived into the railing and I was thrown through the windshield. The pain I felt until I blacked out, knowing I wasn't going to live only to come to in the hospital, the pain returning in force.

Someone had found me soon after the wreck but not where the wreck had been. Somehow, I don't remember, I had ended up downstream from where the wreck took place. Through a slip up in paperwork, no one had associated me with the wreck in the next town and I was so afraid that I had been mangled for life that I begged the only other person who knew my secret not to tell. I couldn't go back there, didn't want anyone seeing me like this. He had agreed and helped the paper trail get buried so that I could continue to be assumed dead.

It was wrong. I didn't realize that until later. But the damage had been done and I couldn't go back now. Wouldn't tell them what a man who had taken pity on me had done and get him in trouble. No, I would be Missy Andrews and Christy would be dead to everyone...except me.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed the images out of my mind as Prestone placed the candle down by the rail. I didn't want to see the good wishes and pain I had caused others so I looked away. They would all hate me if they knew what I had done.

I tried to smile at him, knowing the color had left my face and hoping that he would put it down to fatigue.

"Right," I said, my voice a bit strained and I got back in my car and we left that place but not the images it had caused to resurface in my mind.

 

[allonblack]

Preston

As I drove to the Regal guilt flooded me. Was I really ready to move on? Why did I, one of the wealthiest men in the country, not toss a few grand in the direction of the streets department and tell them to fix that crooked-ass road. But guilt is only for those who have something to feel guilty about. I didn't tell her to break up with me and go chase some crazy dream. I hoped that she would see the error of her ways and return to me, realizing all she ever needed was in the place she tried so desperately to escape.

In my younger years I was a playboy but since Christy had came into my life I had learned how to be faithful, not only to my partner but also to myself. I couldn't say the same about her. There were many nights she would arrive late for dates and appear to be hiding something. I didn't care if she had an affair or numerous ones, I love her with my heart and soul. I thought getting engaged could make her see she loved me too whether she wanted to show it or not.

We pulled into the regal and she made her way to her room. Now came the awkwardness. Would I be invited into her room to munch on cold french fries and greasy cheeseburgers or would I get a quick goodbye so the mysterious lady could get some rest? She fumbled with her key having trouble unlocking the room door. She was visibly nervous about something and I had to know what.

I watched her struggle and was struck the similarity to Christy. Christy couldn't sew or work well in tight spaces but she could throw a dart from 100 feet away and nail a bullseye. I had never met anyone else with accuracy like that. Missy didn't appear to have that, perhaps she was just tired. A plan began to hatch out in my head. I placed my hand around hers and said "Here, let me help you with that." Together we opened the door. "Old buildings," I said rapping on the door, "sometimes the humidity makes them stick."

My plan took shape, "Oh hey Missy, they gave me an apple, I don't want it, here you can toss into the woods there and let the deer eat it." I handed her the red delicious and she hesitated. "I should explain, it's a Northport tradition. Newcomers are supposed to make an offer of food to appease the animals. I know ancient superstition but it's worked so far, I tried it when I first moved here with my family when I was thirteen and now I'm a diamond mogul. Go on try it." I said pushing the apple closer to her. The woods were at least 50 yards away and from this angle it would be difficult for her to even throw past the parking lot. She grasped the apple and with a might heave launched it into the tall prarie grass at the edge of woods. I raised an eyebrow at her and said "Wow, nice throw, I've never seen anyone do that before."

 

[BlueEyedLady]

"Missy"

I was tired, so tired and being so near Preston was unnerving. I couldn't even get my key in the lock for heaven's sake. And I was only half listening when he asked me if I wanted to throw his apple to the deer. I knew the story and had always thought it was silly but, at that moment, I was not thinking and so I picked it up and tossed it.

Yup, softball champ of my high school and I even beat out the boys when we played a guy vs girl game. And stupid as hell for not thinking before I threw it because if anyone would know that no one but Christy Bates could make that throw it would be Preston.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Okay, there had to be a way to salvage this and get his mind off of the similarity. If I didn't know better I would think he was suspicious of me.

I laughed and shrugged it off. "Begginers luck," I said pushing open the door and going inside to put my dinner down. "Probably couldn't do that again if I tried."

Trying to think of what I should say I asked,"Do you want to come in and eat? I've got a microwave that came with the room. We could heat up our dinner and...maybe watch some TV or something."

What I wanted to do was get him out of here so I could gather my thoughts and try not to make a fool of myself tomorrow when I went to work for him. But I couldn't let him go off with a thought in his head about that stupid throw. So now I had to try and distract him.