:Pierre: Leave the past in the past gonna find the future :Bouvier: Fifteen

Edit: 24/08/08

I was going to write an epilogue of this, Chantal's report. But a) I'm no journalist. It would have been shite compared to her profession. b) It was too forced. I'd always end up writing a few sentences and closing it. It wouldn't flow, and it was so hard to write. c) I'm not a big fan of this ending, so I'd rather let it be than try and smudge it and make it worse trying to fix the last part. So yeah, this is the last part. Enjoy!
I finally finished my week 4 article. I finished filming. All I had to do now was write my overall report that would be published in the actual magazine. Now, this will sound terrible to come out of a professional writer, but I would write it as I go. I didn't have a specific plan or theme, but I knew once I started writing I'd pick up on one.

I had gone into the Chicago office and spoken to an executive about my future at the magazine, and well, there wasn't one. And that was okay with me. I had found an alternative and it was great.

But, the most important thing and interesting thing at the moment. How was I reacting around Pierre? Michelle had called me up and apologised for being so rude about me gaining a journalist job and not her. I think Pierre told her how mature I was about the situation, and she realised she should apologise to me. I also think they now had something going on, due to my "blessing" but they were hiding it. I was actually pretty grateful they were hiding it though. I was now talkative to everyone again, so although it was a little weird, I think the break up was a great thing. It made things normal again.

Now however, was the day of my high school reunion. 10 years gone in a blink of an eye. I had changed occupations twice, and gone to college in that time. It seems like just a week ago it was the first high school reunion (They had a 'catch up' session about a week into college) and I had run out, and went crazy due to Pete insulting me. It makes me shiver that I could be married to him right now.

But I wasn't. I was now single, and I was now in a stable career. I was ready to rock and make the most out of life.

This was my last day on the bus. I had gotten ready for my school reunion, and nearly finished packing; I would stop off at Mom's and dump my stuff before I went off to the reunion. Simple Plan were leaving town in a couple of hours, and I wouldn't have time to say goodbye.

"Why are you dressed nicely?" Pierre asked me, as I zipped up my suitcase.

"I would hardly call this 'nice' but my high school reunion is today, I thought I'd at least dress up a tiny bit." I shrugged, moving the suitcase onto my bed.

"So when are you catching the train?" He asked me.

"Uh, the next one is in half an hour, so I'll be leaving in about 15 minutes. I guess I better do my rounds of goodbye, back in a tick." I said, and quickly said my goodbyes to everyone on this bus, and then the roadie's bus. In no time at all I was back on the SP bus, grabbing my suitcase.

"You were going to say goodbye to me, right?" Pierre asked, a small smile on his face.

"Yeah, you were last." I weakly smiled, as I rolled my suitcase off the bus.

"Sorry things turned out this way." Pierre said, looking down at his feet.

"Don't worry about it. If we suppressed our feelings, we might not have grown close. If we didn't break up, we definitely wouldn't be here talking right now that's for sure. Things turned out alright, so there's no need to worry." I said.

"Thanks for being so understand." Pierre said, and grabbed me into a big bear hug.

"No worries, best of luck with Michelle. I like being your friend more." I said, and Pierre nodded.

"Listen, I'll call your cell before we leave town." Pierre said.

"Alright, well, talk to you later." I waved, and with my suitcase began to walk to the train station.

***

Damn me and my earliness. I never found myself "fashionably late" because I always panicked and came early. With the reunion, about 2 hours before the actual reunion began; they were giving a tour of the school to show past students how the school is currently going. Knowing our class though, they'd only turn up to the reunion. I don't think any of them gave a crap about the school, and to be honest I don't blame them. I just want to laugh to myself how this place doesn't haunt me anymore, even though it was the sole purpose of my depression for 2 years.

There were currently 5 other people waiting for the tour to begin. None of them were in my "friendship group" in High School. 2 I didn't recognise, 2 I think I knew who they were but I wasn't 100% sure and one I recognised from my English class in sophomore year. I think we were too nervous or apathetic towards the situation to exchange conversation.

Over the next few minutes, more people came. I think about 30 of us turned up. I spoke to a few people while we waiting for our 'tour guide' although most of it was fake. I didn't speak to them in high school, why start now?

"Welcome back, class of '98." I heard a voice boom, and we all looked over and I saw, Ms Jackson. Of course back in '96 when I attended this school, she wasn't Ms Jackson. However it was a well known fact she was having an affair with one of the PE teachers and by the time '98 rolled around and I returned to Chicago, she was 'Ms Jackson' and I assume the affair got founded out.

"My, it seems like just yesterday I was teaching some of you. To the ones willing to learn, and the troublemakers," her eyes flashed onto me "It was a pleasure to teach each and every one of you."
Her eyes didn't leave mine, and I knew exactly what she was trying to say. It was a peace offering. We were both at very different places in our lives now than when we were during our teacher-student rivalry back when I was 16. Of course I didn't call her out on her offer, but I sent a warm smile to her.

"Well, I have some more organising to do with the actual reunion party. Yeah, shock horror I'm one of the very few teachers that still teach here from your generation. Instead I'm going to hand you over to our vice principal, Mrs. Kennedy who has been our vice principal since 2000. I will see you all in an hour or two." Ms Jackson said, and we all clapped as our attention shift to "Mrs. Kennedy"

After a few speeches which no one paid attention to (Dammit this bitch wasn't even here when we were, and we just wanted to see this school) she finally led us through some doors, which led to the school.

Straight away, I was met with the location of my sophomore year lockers. Instead of being an ugly tan/grey colour they had been painted a green and stickers had been stuck on with an actual number on them. Knowing this school though, I wouldn't be surprised if these were the same lockers in the past 12 years, just repainted.

While we were admiring the courtyard, a girl who was running late for class hurried to her locker. She opened it, and her books came tumbling out. She looked annoyed, but said nothing as she slammed her door shut and locked the door and ran to her class. I saw her locker, on the door was scratched things like "Hate you!" and "go die" and "nobody likes you" underneath them, written in sharpie was an underlined "CARE FACTOR=0!"

"Yes well, it seems since your time the school has received an admirable paint job." The vice principal said and I just rolled my eyes.

And we were given a walkthrough tour of the school.

It was amazing how nothing inside had changed. Sure, a few flowers were planted, and the outside had 3 coats of a new paint. But the classrooms were exactly same. Dull and boring. They hadn't been changed in the 12 years since I'd last seen them. But even before then, they hadn't changed since the school was built.

I was actually horrified that in the science classroom, one of my assignments was still hung up on the wall. Albeit it was hidden and hard to see, it was still there. I had written a 5 page analysis for some biology assignment, and got a C. Some girls did a "colourful" presentation with literally 2 sentences and got an A because it was "presentable" but the real reason was it looked better on the walls, I was so angry; I'd never forget that...

Needless to say, their presentation had been taken down and mine was still up.

Towards the end of the tour, we entered the English block. My favourite block then due to it housing my favourite subject, and my favourite block due to memories. More bad than good, but more that makes me smile now than frown. I did frown though, when I noticed the same girl from the locker before who looked uncomfortable. My sight instantly shifted to the group of guys behind her. The leader of them being a guy with bleach blonde hair. Grabbing enough of the conversation, it seemed he was hitting on her as a joke, and his friends were laughing about it. The exact same thing that happened to me, down to the hair colour. The girl even looked like me. It felt exactly like I was an insecure 16 year old girl again.

I knew I couldn't say anything to these guys. The girl would be embarrassed, and the guys would give her hell after I left. Instead, I devised up a plan...

"Hey, you um, dropped this." I said to her as I passed her table, giving her a scrunched up piece of paper.

The guys let out roaring laughter, and she flushed red and muttered a 'thanks' being so embarrassed she didn't notice she didn't even drop anything.

As she read it, her face scrunched up, but she mouthed to me "thank you" as she looked up.

"Hey, Blondie," She said to the gang, following my script "I just wanted to thank you for being such a pansy."
"Pansy?" He asked in confusion.

"Yeah, you know. Acting like a girl." She grinned.

"Do you swing that way?" He asked, thinking he would be the one to win.

"No, because that way I would be all over you. Notice I'm not? Or many other people for that matter..." She muttered.

I smiled that although she was following my script, she added in little details to make it swing her way.

"How is he a girl? Because you could totally pass up as a guy." One of his friends asked.

"Oh don't worry I think you're all pansies." The girl said, feigning pity. But I don't think a lot of it was fake...

"Why?" One of the guys snorted.

"Because you're picking on a girl. In culture, it's always seen as weak to pick on girls. At other schools guys get beaten up if they're mean to a girl, because that's weak. It's pathetic. Not doing a lot to represent the school boys." The girl said, and tsk tsked.

The boys were dumbstruck for a second. Then they turned to their books, and started doing their work. I knew they wouldn't bother her for a while...

"That concludes the tour, our reunion is starting right now in the gym, so feel free to walk up there and mingle with other people from your year!" The vice principal said and people started to walk up slowly to the school gym. I stayed where I was though, I would be fashionably late and I wanted a feel of nostalgia.

The bell went signaling lunch was starting, and the courtyards filled with students. I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned around and saw the girl from before. I got a better look of her; she had dyed black hair, skinny jeans and a "Panic at the Disco" top on.

"I didn't thank you before, seriously, they've been annoying me for so long," The girl said "Oh, I'm Caitlyn by the way."

"Haha let me guess, you don't find what they say offensive, just annoying and tiresome and you wonder what they're accomplishing." I asked.

"Exactly that." She sighed.

"Heh, 12 years and this dump still hasn't changed. This school's a hole, but stick to your studies and you'll get a good education. I'm just lucky I got out of here towards the end of sophomore year." I said.

"Oh. Yeah I'm a sophomore. Are you here for the reunion?" She asked me.

"Yep." I replied.

"Um, were you here when Fall Out Boy were here?" She asked shyly.

I laughed.

"Yep." I said smoothly.

"Oh my god, did you know them?" She asked, wide eyed.

"Too well." I snorted.

"So you were friends with them?" She asked me.

"You could say that." I cringed.

"Wow. I can't believe I'm talking to someone who was friends with Fall Out Boy. Still in contact?" She asked.

"Well, not really. I spoke to a few members last week, but that's been it for years." I said, and felt sort of weird for namedropping, but I had never done it before.

"Which members were you close with in high school?" She asked.

"Um, all sort of. Like, Andy dated one of my co-workers who is my best friend now, and Patrick went out with one of my friends at the time, and from them I met Joe's girlfriend and another one of Patrick's girlfriends. But I was closest to Pete and Patrick." I said, and she blushed.

"Were you like, friends with Pete's girlfriend Chantal?" She asked, and I laughed at how predictable this was coming. I decided to have a bit of fun.

"Ah Chantal Judge. Yep, I sort of knew her. She was a bit like you, constantly picked on by those sorts of guys. She seemed nice enough though." I shrugged.

"Wait, so you're saying I'm like her? That's totally cool!" She grinned.

"Do you know all of their exes and stuff?" I laughed.

"No, I'm not that pathetic. I know Patrick is married to Dena, oh speaking of her did you know her? And I know Pete went out with Chantal for ages, and both Dena and Chantal went here, but that's it." Caitlyn said.

"Yeah, Dena is one of the girls I was talking about before." I said.

"This is seriously so cool!" She smiled "But hang on, I never got your name?"
"Hm...Well you see, if I tell you, you won't believe me, or you'll freak out." I smirked.

Her face was twisted in thought for about 10 seconds, but she clicked her fingers and squealed "YOU'RE SO CHANTAL!"

A few pass byers gave her weird looks, but no one said anything. Psh, I'm not famous anyway.

"Yep! Well sorry to cut this conversation short but I best be off to the gym to attend the actual reunion. If Pete comes, shall I tell him you say hello?" I asked, and she feverishly nodded.

"Haha I dare you to. Nice meeting you, I can't wait to brag to people online I met Pete Wentz's coolest ex." She said, and waved as she said goodbye.

***

I was sitting down, bored. The only reason I attended today was to brag to all these losers that used to give me hell I was doing well in life, and they were doing crap. The best part was Rose, my ex best friend turned relationship elitist had 5 kids, 3 screaming ones with her and was single and on welfare. I only in the middle of my gloating when she got kicked out because her oldest brat was causing chaos.

Even bragging had gotten old. The 28 year old real version of Blondie started hitting on me again, but for real and I shut him down, just as Caitlyn did to her sophomore Blondie.

I could easily get up and go back to Cassie's but I didn't and I knew the answer wasn't because I hadn't finished gloating. I secretly wanted to see if Pete would turn up, to hold a civil conversation with him, to see if he was doing alright. I know I should hate him after the whole Pierre thing, but the friendship we used to hold actually makes me wonder how he's doing. I know after his actions it proves he doesn't wonder the same thing, but to be quite honest I was always a better person than him.

When I finally gave up hope they were coming, but didn't want to admit that's the real reason why I was staying, Dena and Daisy walked in side by side. Following them were Joe and Andy. Their eyes scanned the room, and locked on me for a second until they passed. It wasn't until Patrick and Pete arrived that the room stopped. That people gushed to them. That people cared.

When Patrick was pretending to be nice and interested in talking to random people, Pete was pushing them off. He was ready to tell them they didn't care about him in high school so he doesn't care about them now. I decided I would go now. I couldn't handle this. I couldn't pretend to be civil with Pete Wentz after all he's put me through. I was sick of pretending.

I walked right past him, not even looking back to see if he noticed me.

I sat down on the steps, and tried to make sense of the past month or so.

I dropped out of the business career. I began writing. I toured with Simple Plan. I dated the lead singer. I broke up with the lead singer. I came back to home town. I had a sister I knew nothing about. I came back to my high school.

It left a strange feeling on me. I think sadness was the best way to describe it. Everything that affects my life had changed, some greater than others. It was hard to adapt to.

"Hey." I heard a voice say, and I turned around and saw Mr. Wentz there himself.

"Hey." I growled, and turned back around.

"Emo monster grabbed your happiness?" He asked me, taking a seat next to me.

"Why after 3 years, can you read me well?" I asked.

"Well, it's kind of obvious. You're outside a supposed to be happy event, by yourself, all deep in thought with sadness written on your face." He said.

"Oh," I replied. "Wait, happy event? More like piss lame."
"I know right," he grinned "I only came to show these losers I actually made something of myself."
"Me too!" I happily squealed, but the happiness drained from me when I realised I had something in common with him, and looked away quickly.

"Listen, Chantal. I'm sorry about what happened last week. It was such a shock, seeing you for the first time in 3 years. I just, I didn't know how to act. So I was a bastard. Sorry." He grumbled.

"So that's all your sorry for? Not about turning people against me when we first broke up?" I asked.

"Well you know me, I needed my revenge and I got it. Besides, I didn't say anything to change their mind; they had their own free will." Pete said.

"You're lucky I'm now so apathetic to the situation I don't care anymore." I told him.

"So how have you been?" Pete asked me, catching me off guard.

"Me? Pretty good. Dropped journalism, went into business, and picked it up again. I'm boring, what about you? You're a big rock star now." I replied.

"Yeah, I am. I'm still that boring boy that complains too much you know though." Pete said.

"Yeah." I laughed.

"So did you and Pierre..." Pete trailed off.

"Break up? Yes. Don't be so happy about it though, you did us a favour. He liked someone else and you saved us pain." I said.

"Oh. How did you even meet him?" Pete asked.

"Just because I didn't previously know any rock stars, doesn't mean I don't have connections. I had a journalist gig with SP for the Rolling Stone." I explained to him.

"So you write for the Rolling Stone?" Pete asked, amazed.

"Um, for this one thing. They decided my 'talents' should be shifted from pop culture to politics, so they got me a job as a Chicago journalist for the BBC, I'm like a correspondent one." I beamed.

"As in the British Broadcasting Corporation?" Pete asked.

"Yup. If anything happens in Chicago, I'm right on it. The great thing is, by doing that I'm also covering the event for other nations. Like Australia's ABC for example." I said.

"That's seriously rad." Pete said, and we were engulfed in silence once more.

We both started talking, but stopped.

"You go first." I said to Pete, and he nod.

"This will sound creepy, but uh, you've always been my favourite girlfriend." Pete said.

"Aren't you dating Ashlee Simpson though?" I asked.

"Let me explain first. I've had other girlfriends, not just you and her but other girls. And out of them, you yourself have been the best. Plus the time we spent. And Ashlee, she's effing amazing. Literally. The reason why you've been my favourite girlfriend and probably always will be, is because I'm going to propose to her in the next week." He said, and my mouth hung down.

"Your own words keep racing through my head. The reasons why you said no are guiding me. You said we both weren't financially stable, but that's definitely not a trouble now. I know we're both ready for it. With you...I just imagined how great it would be to be married to you, I never considered your feelings. All I've been thinking about and studying is how she'll react. I know her so well, I think now is perfect." He said, and had a huge smile on his face.

"Aww Pete, that's so sweet. I'm glad to be of some sort of assistance. So I'm one of the first people to know?" I asked.

"The very first. I want it to be top secret, and I know you'll never tell anyone. I'm telling Patrick and probably my Mom later on tonight though," He grinned "So what did you want to say?"
"Well, I miss having you in my life. Don't you dare take that meaning in a romantic way; I could not be bothered with you again. I just miss you personally. Even now I have moments when I think 'I can't wait to tell Pete this...oh yeah..." I know it's been 3 years and that makes me lame, but yeah." I said.

"Chantal, I feel the same way. I need a familiar face that isn't Patrick, Joe or Andy. I need that close female friend, that isn't my girlfriend/fiance/wife" Pete sighed.

"So um, what happens now?" I asked.

"Maybe not now, because I think we have a lot of thinking and adjusting to do, but maybe in a few weeks we should become friends and work our way up close friends, the way we did when we were 16? You know, enemies, friends, close friends? And this time stop where we know we're meant to." Pete suggested.

"Hey, it took us 12 years, but I think we've finally found what we're both meant to be." I said.

"Come on, let's go back inside. I think we both have some more bragging to do." Pete said, and helped me up.