62: Greg

(originally posted 03/09/2012)

The long-overdue Greg story.


I live with Sylvia now. I don't know how she convinced me to move in. It was a weak moment. I find myself standing around thinking about Elena as the pain of losing her eats at me from the inside out.


Well do I remember the day I met Elena.

I had broken up with Sylvia for the last time, or so I thought for many years, the previous week. I had held a job as a supervisor at the nectary for the orchard section. I really liked that job.

Then one day, in walks this beautiful woman with jet black hair piled up on her head and wearing a dress the same shade as her unusual eyes. She told me she loved gardening and I was eager to help her out in any way I could. From that moment on, I was hooked.

Let me back up again for a second. The reason I broke up with Sylvia, well, okay so she broke up with me, is because she caught me with Betty. All it was was a one night stand. How was I to know she would get pregnant? I married her. That's what you're supposed to do, right? She turned out to be a real b---h.


I don't really know what possessed me to have that fling with her. I can only guess I was mostly intrigued with the idea of woohoo with a much older woman. We had nothing in common. I was just going to stay married to her for the kid's sake.

I was so thrilled when Elena came to visit me. Betty had been a particularly spiteful cow that day. I could do no right! I'm sure anyone would've rather had Elena over Betty. Okay, except for maybe Betty. I don't know why she expected me to be faithful to her anyway. Our whole relationship was a farce to begin with!

Well, Betty tells me she doesn't want me to be my own kid's father. At the time, I didn't want a kid, but that really hurt all the same. He's my kid! She divorced me and I didn't get to have Demarco in my life for several years.


Betty walks out, and I spend a DE-lightful afternoon and evening with the beautiful Elena. I couldn't believe I was her first. Every other man in the world is an idiot.

Well, my divorce with Betty gets pretty nasty, and I'm constantly distracted by that. Before I know it, Elena has taken up with John Parren! I mean, I know we weren't going steady or anything, but she could've at least talked to me about it!

John and I have never been friendly towards one another. His youngest brother, Jonah, was my best friend, and I spent a lot of time at their house while we were growing up. Their mom was ... very strange. John always acted the "parent" and drove Jonah and me nuts. Just because you're five years older doesn't make you god of the universe. Also, he was violent. Eric was the only one able to keep John's temper under control. This violent person was with that sweet girl?

I waited for them to inevitably break up. It happened, but before enough time passed, in my opinion, for her to get over him they get back together.


Then, the awful party at Joshua Maro's. I made an *** of myself.


I tried dating other women, but I couldn't get Elena out of my head. And that John would just NOT break up with her. No, in fact, they get ENGAGED!?!


What was worse was that John was catching on to me trying to break the two of them up. I got my butt whooped that day. After that embarrassing incident, I started working out more.


The night before her wedding, I made a feeble attempt to get her to not go through with it. I wish I had tried harder.


Her wedding day was one of the worst days of my life.


After that, I dated as many girls as I could. Nothing helped get rid of the pain of losing her. We stayed friends. She always acted wary around me at first, but miraculously I kept enough distance between us to cause her to eventually relax. Then, she gets pregnant. They have a boy with Elena's hair color, but John's eyes. At least he didn't get her eyes.


Then there was the fateful day she happened upon my campsite. That was the first time I was sure I saw in her eyes that she still felt something for me. I was so happy! I had a very hard time keeping myself under control that night in the tent, but I was determined not to let her go home so soon. I needed her to admit to me what exactly she felt. I fell asleep before I could get her to confess anything. When I woke up the next morning, she had left.


Sylvia brings me back to the present moment: Greg, honey, are you alright?
Me: Yes. I'm just thinking.

I smile at Sylvia to try and ease that worried expression she has. My mind then keeps on the same path it was on before she interrupted.


I knew I had to strike while the iron was hot. I called and pretty much demanded she come talk to me, or I was going to go her house and do it. She finally told me she loved me. I had anticipated having to take longer to fight it out of her, but I was very pleasantly surprised. It was almost funny how she said, "And there's nothing you can do about it." I knew then I had to get her away from John. There was no way I could live knowing that she loved me but was still married to him.


John wasn't happy. I got my *** kicked again. Elena convinced me to leave. I never should've let her do that. John beat her up too. I've never forgiven him for that.


Sylvia: Honey, I was thinking. Let's move to a new town. There's just too many bad memories in this place.
My head shakes a little as again I'm brought back to the present: Huh? Why? No, I don't want to do that.
Sylvia sighs: I just wish you'd stop moping around all the time.
I smile: I'm not moping now, am I?
Sylvia: Well, not at this second, but I can tell your mind is elsewhere.


Me: I'm sorry, honey. I'll try not to look so down in the dumps all the time.

Sylvia presses up against me and I start running my fingers through her long hair. Why does she love me? I don't deserve it. I cannot count the number of times we've broken up and gotten back together. I don't love her. I just love how she accepts me for the scumbag I am. I wish I wasn't.

My mind returns to Elena.

I bought that house for us. It was a little tight when all the kids were there, but we were happy. Elena finally divorced that hothead. I asked her to marry me, and she said yes.


Then, when she was pregnant with our son, I made the dumbest mistake of my life. Sylvia came by and I couldn't stand the sight of her upset. Elena had been wanting to not woohoo as much due to the pregnancy, and my willpower was weak. I mean, it's not like I don't think Sylvia is hot, she is. I should've controlled myself.

That ruined everything. I couldn't live with the guilt, and I told Elena.


Naturally, Elena was angry. I further proved my stupidity and left her when she wouldn't forgive me fast enough. To get back at her, I divorced her. Oh god. I divorced her. I wish I could go back in time just a little and slap myself around until I gave myself a clue to not be so brainless.

Then, we "dated" each other. Once again, I got frustrated, and in that weak moment I went to Sylvia again. Elena has not forgiven me this time. I don't deserve it, but I really wish she would.


I pull back from the current Sylvia's embrace a little and look at her. She looks back at me with so much love in her eyes. I can't stand it. She deserves better than me.

 
I let her go and walk around her towards the front door: I gotta go to work.
Sylvia spins around and wraps her arms around me from behind: Wait a sec! What do you want to do for dinner?
I sigh and reach up to de-tangle her arms from around me: It doesn't matter to me really. I think I'm going to go out anyway.

Having successfully unwrapped myself, I start towards the door again. Sylvia darts in front of me.


Sylvia: Why go out? We could stay in and watch movies. Or... (She giggles.) mess around.
Me: Maybe later after I get home. I want to go get a few drinks tonight.
Sylvia pouts up at me: Well, can I go with you?


I wrap my arms around her and rub her back a little to make her feel better: Sure.
Sylvia: Where? When?
Me: Sometime after the game, whenever it ends. And I think I want to go to Leo's tonight.
Sylvia smiles: Good. I'll see you there then.


I don't go to Leo's. I go to Elena's bar, hoping she'll show up. I dance with some random woman, but she quickly gets aggravated with me being so distracted.


I see Brook! I wonder if she has any news about Elena what with her being her best friend and all. Brook looks nervous. I get the feeling she's re-thinking coming to the bar because it's getting crowded.

Me: Hey, Brook. What's up?
Brook: I just came from a party at Elena's house.


Me: She threw a party?
Brook suddenly looks stricken that she revealed too much: Er, well, Marie threw the party actually. It was nice of her to invite some adults as well.


Me: Well, that at least explains why she isn't here.
Brook: Yeah, well, um. I think I'm just going to go home after all.


I reach for my phone almost automatically: Ok, Brook. See you later.

I call Elena's number. I MAY be calling her too much lately. I just don't want her to forget about me.

Elena (over the phone): Hello?
Me: Hey, it's me Elena darling.
Elena: I told you, Greg, I'm not your darling.

I hear male laughter at the other end of the line. I'm immediately angry. That sounds like John.


Me: But you are.
Elena: What do you want?
Me: Can I come over? I need to see you. Or, maybe you could come here. I'm at your bar.
Elena sounds like she's talking to a child: No, Greg. I don't want to see you.


Me: Now, hold up just one minute!

I hear whom I assume is John say, "Just hang up."

Elena: Greg, I gotta go.
She hangs up.


I stare at my phone for a few seconds, dumbfounded. She hung up on me!

Not knowing what else to do now, I go and take a bar stool. I'm reminded of when I used to sit in a stool at Leo's down at the end of the bar where it's a little darker so I could scope out which woman to go after and not be as easily seen.


Then I notice Betty has come to sit beside me. She orders a drink, then turns to me.

Betty: Hello, Greg. You look introspective, which means something probably isn't going your way.
Me: Oh? Is that what you think?
Betty: Oh come off it, Greg. You normally act c*cky and talk alot when you like the way your life is going.

Normally I'd laugh at her audacity. This is what turned me on to her that one night. I loved how sure of herself she was. However, I just stare blankly back at her.


Betty: It's Elena, isn't it?
Me: Butt out, Betty.
Betty: You blew it, buddy. Elena is moving on.
Me: I said butt out.
Betty: You know, that Sylvia really loves you. You should stick with her. Lord knows she has stuck by you through all kinds of messes.
I look blankly back her, saying nothing.
Betty chuckles: Chalk this up as an old woman that can't keep her nose out of other people's business. I saw John looking at rings the other day.

I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me. I actually do double over in the seat as I feel the pain of what she said hit me in the gut.


I can't stay here.

Me: I've gotta go.
Betty: Oh, PLEASE don't go make an idiot of yourself by going over to her house.
Me: Betty, I said butt out.

I'm irritated because going to Elena's house is exactly what I want to do. It's only a short walk away.


As I walk up to the house, I hear her voice in the backyard.


Then I hear John. It WAS him I heard.


I freeze solid in my tracks at the next words out of Elena's mouth.

I don't stand a chance. I've lost her. I've.... lost.

61: Marie's Party

(originally posted 03/08/12)

The Previous Day

Marie decides to invite Armand (boyfriend) over for a study date.


Armand: Good lord, Marie! What did you do to your hair?
Marie's voice gets sarcastic: Well, that's a nice hello.
Armand: Erm, yeah. Sorry, but what were you thinking?
Marie: That I wanted a change.
Armand: That's quite a change.
Marie sounds almost hurt: Well, if you don't like it, just say so.


Armand gets defensive now: Hey! I didn't say that! It's just... going to take some getting used to. (He smiles slightly.) I do like the purple, though.
Marie laughs: Yeah, that was a stroke of brilliance wasn't it?


Armand looks at the ground, then back up at Marie: Just, if you're going to do something like that, warn me first, okay?
Marie lifts one eyebrow: I make no promises.
Armand raises both eyebrows and smiles slightly: So, you promise you make no promises?
Marie: No, that doesn't make sense. (She teases him back now.) Get inside, goober! I'm going to get the mail then I'll be right there.
Armand shakes his head with his fingertips on his forehead while walking into the house.

Marie turns to go down the stairs when she hears another voice call her name once Armand has closed the front door.

Marie turns to see Dawson across the street: Hey, Dawson!
Dawson runs across the street so he doesn't have to yell anymore: Hey! I was wondering... have you started on that awful bit from Mr. Stuart yet?
Marie groans: Ugh, no. I hate chemistry.
Dawson smiles slightly: I don't mind it so much, need a little help?


Marie nervously shifts her weight from one foot to the other: Um, Armand just came over so we could work on it.
Dawson shrugs his shoulders: Well, since I've already finished it, maybe I could help both of you. By the way, I like your hair. When did you do that?
Marie smiles a small smile: Yesterday night and this morning.
Dawson: So, you guys need help do you think?
Marie: Um...
Dawson: Oh, I see. That's right, Armand wouldn't want me to intrude.
Marie: You know what? Yeah. C'mon in. We could probably use your help.
Dawson grins as he watches Marie get the mail. Then he follows her into the house.


Armand turns to see Dawson: Well, look what the cat dragged in.
Dawson smiles slightly in challenge: Well, I've never really thought of Marie as a cat, but if you say so.
Armand snorts: What are you doing here, Dawson?
Dawson: Helping with chemistry homework.
Armand: I think we've got that under control. (To Marie) You want to work on it over here at the desk?
Marie looks over at the desk and thinks that it will be a tight squeeze for three: Why not we go sit at the table?
Armand makes a scoffing "ugh" sound: YOU go sit at the table if you want. I like the desk.
Marie looks confusedly at him: What's wrong with the table? There's more room there.
Armand's eyes cut back and forth from Marie to Dawson: Exactly.


Armand plops himself down at the desk, glares at the two of them, and starts to get out his homework. Marie shoots him a "what is your problem?" look. He shakes his head and promptly ignores her and Dawson.

Dawson: We can go sit at the table if you want, Marie.
Marie stares at Armand for a moment or two before she answers loud enough for Armand to hear: I'm sorry Armand is being a jerk, Dawson.
Dawson chuckles slightly: I'm not worried about him, Marie, and if you really need help with that assignment, let's get started.
Armand can't help but cut in: So, where's your GIRLFRIEND, Dawson?
Dawson doesn't miss a beat: Visiting her cousin this weekend. (He turns back to Marie.) Where's your textbook?
Marie: It's in my room. I'll go get it.
Dawson: We could just stay in there and work on it if you'd like.
Armand suddenly sits up, slams his notebook shut, and glares at the two of them again: If I'm going to end up working on this alone, I'm going home.
Marie: Armand! What is the big deal about getting more help!? Dawson says he's already finished it.
Armand shoots her a withering look: If you're not catching on to this Marie, then you are the most clueless girl in the universe.
Dawson raises his eyebrows in challenge: Catching on to what? I'm here to help!
Armand turns the look to Dawson: Right.

Armand shoves his notebook away and stomps out of the house.


Marie watches him go with confusion: I just don't understand why he still doesn't like you.
Dawson smiles widely as he says teasingly: Maybe he thinks I'm going to steal you!
Marie laughs: Then it was stupid of him to leave like that. (She shakes her head slightly.) And besides, you and Cristina have been together forever. (Now she bites her lip, thinking about prom.) Um, so... has her black eye cleared up yet?


Dawson chuckles: Oh, she was soooo mad at you for ruining our pictures with her torn dress. To me, it made them more interesting. But yeah, it's starting to clear up. What started that anyway?
Marie: To be honest, I don't really remember. She just said something to start me off. ... Oh yeah, it was something about how I had a boyfriend yet went alone that not even my boyfriend wanted me there.
Dawson blinks a few times in shock: She said that?!
Marie nods: Yeah. Maybe not word-for-word, but close to that.
Dawson: That's... that's terrible. (His brow furrows as he looks at the floor.)


Dawson: Why DIDN'T he ask you anyway?
Marie shrugs: I don't really know. We had had an argument about you so it might've had something to do with that.
Dawson: Me?
Marie: Er, yeah. Same old, same old. He doesn't like me being friends with you. Again, I don't get why. I mean, anybody can see how happy you and Cristina are so why should he be suspicious.
Dawson: You should've told me you were dateless. We could've gone as friends and Cristina could've just gotten over it.
Marie: What?! That's crazy, Dawson! I couldn't make you do that to her, even if I don't really like her.

Dawson looks at Marie for a moment, acting like he wants to say something but can't figure out how. Then he checks the time on his phone: Oh man! I forgot! I have to work today! Crap.
Marie chuckles: Hey, don't worry about it.
Dawson: Yeah, but now you've lost both study partners.
Marie: Studying is for nerds.
Dawson: Hey, watch who you're calling a nerd here.
Marie laughs, then posts a more serious question: Oh, I'm throwing a party tomorrow. You and... um... Cristina should come!
Dawson puts his phone back into his pocket and makes his way to the door: Cool! We'll be here. See you!

The Next Day (Sunday)


Xavier actually comes out of his art studio for the party. Marie purposely invited some kids his age for that reason. This is Lee Rose. She has a twin sister that's pure evil and is best friends with Demarco (who is, incidentally, just to Xavier's right). I wonder if this is the good twin. At any rate, the two of them have a great time playing tag outside.

Marie stands there staring at her ex-boyfriend, Andy, for a few minutes before she gets the nerve to go talk to him.


Andy: Heya, Marie. Isn't that your boyfriend over there dancing with another girl?
Marie: Yes. That's Janie Williams from school. She's a sophomore... um, would you go and distract her? She's always trying to get his attention for whatever reason. I don't know what on earth possessed me to invite her. I didn't think she'd come. I mean, yeah, her mom and my mom are friends, but so what.
Andy chuckles a little: No prob, Marie.


Andy looks over at the two of them: Yeah, and my brother looks bored. Cristina said she wouldn't come, but he decided to come anyway.
Marie: No big surprise that Cristina didn't come. She hates me.
Andy chuckles: Haha, yeah. I saw the pictures. You gave her a nice shiner.
Marie looks over at Armand: Get her off of him, please.
Andy: Right.

Andy walks over to start up a conversation with Janie.


Marie: Armand, I like your hair, and what was up with you yesterday?
Armand: Might as well ask what's up with me today as well. Why did you have to invite HIM?
Marie: If you mean Dawson, I invited him AND Cristina, but she didn't want to come.
Armand: That or he didn't tell her. Wasn't she at her cousin's this weekend or something?
Marie: Oh. Yeah. I forgot.
Armand blinks slowly and purses his lips slightly before he says: Yeah.
Marie: But ANDY said that Cristina didn't want to come--implying that Dawson invited her.
Armand: Fine.


Marie: What is your problem?
Armand: I'm just not getting the feeling you want this relationship to continue, Marie.
Marie: What?!
Armand: Yeah, and the way that he's staring at you right now, maybe I'm just in the way.
Dawson: You do realize I'm standing right here, don't you?
Marie jumps at the sound of Dawson's voice.
Armand: Yes, of course I see you standing there. So, awfully convenient that Cristina didn't want to come, huh?
Dawson rolls his eyes.
Armand looks back at Marie: I'm going to go get some pizza.


Dawson: You do that, Armand. Hey, Marie, guess what?

Marie turns around with a smile to see what Dawson wants. Armand doesn't immediately go get the pizza that I have set out in the kitchen. Instead, he stands there with a half angry/half sad expression on his face as he watches Marie.

Of course, I notice all this secondarily to my own plight. Marie also invited both John and Laurie. Laurie is manning the bar, quietly watching me. John is outside playing with Xavier and that little girl. When Laurie notices that I notice that he's watching me, he leaves the bar to go mingle. No one was wanting any drinks. It's no fun when they're all virgin drinks anyway haha.




Laurie seems particularly interested in meeting my friend Brook's daughter, Janie. Her dad was Tate. Poor child.


Armand never gets another chance to talk to Marie for the rest of the party. She and Dawson dance until it's finished.


After the party, Marie gets very introspective. I wonder if she needs any help with her apparent guy troubles. I think Armand is right. Dawson IS flirting, and Marie isn't stopping it. If she'll let me, I could be the perfect one to help her with this.

I also need to find out what Xavier is doing.


I find him outside talking with John.

Me: X-man, time for bed.
Xavier: Sure, Mom. Night, Dad.
John: Night, X-man.

John looks up at me warmly as I kiss Xavier on the top of his head as he passes me on his way into the house. John smiles widely as I walk towards him. The sun is setting, and I can just barely still see a bit of its light glistening on the river behind the house.


I notice John's beard has grown more this past week. I like it. I see him exhale slowly and shake his head slightly. His gaze glides up and down me as I've approached him now.

John: I really, really need to talk to you, Elena.

I feel a flutter of excitement in my stomach that spreads in a tingle everywhere else. His eyes burn with an intensity that I instantly recognize. He wants to do more than just "talk".