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TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

"No," April says flatly and angrily, "At least ... No. He'd have said something."

She shakes her head, and watches Ian as he laughs. Her face gets redder and redder. Finally, she stands up, pushing her chair back sharply.

"If you must know," she says, drawing herself up in self-conscious dignity, "Jean treats me like I'm just a person ... and he wants to spend time with me anyway."

Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

"Ah. You really bring out the best in me. I don't remember ever laughing that hard...are you mad at me?" This almost sets him off laughing again, but he puts the guitar down and stands up, facing her. "You aren't just a person, you're special. Especially to me. And of course he wants to spend time with you, who wouldn't?"

TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

"What, because I'm pretty? Because I'm strong?" April fumes. "I want more than that! I want ... I want ... AGGGGH! You just don't get it."

Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

"Yes and yes. And maybe you're right. Maybe I don't get it. Why don't you enlighten me. Right now, you sound like Mom. When she gets mad, she doesn't make any sense either." There is the slightest hint of annoyance in his tone and the slightest signs of his rising ire in his eyes.

TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

April draws her breath in with a quick, savage hiss.

"Don't ... you ... dare ..." she begins, then is reduced to just gritting her teeth and fuming.

Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

"You know, maybe the problem is that you're hanging around with these Shadow people. How can you stand it? Don't just stare at me. You have no business being this mad. Or did Jean get you this mad? If he did, tell me, and I'll cut his throat so he won't do it again." He scoops up the three glasses and the guitar and turns his back on her, walking back into the house.

TonyLB · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 494

"You keep away from him!" April shouts at Ian's retreating back.

She balls her fists up, and looks around ... at the door, then the table. She strides over to the table, but before she can even lash out, she starts sobbing and shaking. She staggers over to the far side of the tree, away from the house, and falls against it, curling up in a small, hidden, miserable ball.

Ian · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 521 Location: South Carolina

After a time, she notices that only her light is on. If she goes inside, she sees that except for the back door and back window, everything is locked up. A note is on the table.

Dearest April,

Maybe the problem is me. Maybe I've been in New Orleans too long. I'm sorry for hurting you and I hope you and Jean will find much happiness. Cash is in the safe, you know where it is. The keys for it are with my keys, on the hook. Use the house well, its paid off and the bills are covered for the next twenty years or so.

I never meant to hurt you, and the fact that I could shows I need to go. And I could never kick you out. (Who would take you?)

I will be walking in Shadows,

Until we meet again, Love, Ian

And like that...he's gone.