Miss Jackson {b.u.}

{66}

I finally took the breath before walking into my old high school for a reunion. I didn't want to do this, but Alex begged me too. Dad was watching the kids this time, which I didn't mind. Brendon wore a white buttoned up shirt, with a black tie. Black suit pants and dress shoes to accompany him. I wore a tight fighting, long, dark green dress. My hair was straightened and put half up and half down. Alex wore this small dark blue dress with extravagant makeup. Nikki wore he usual. Jeans and a sweater. I took one more breath before I opened the door to the people I hated the most. Brendon interlocked his hand with mine and I knew in that moment that this wasn't going to be as bad as it would be without him.

The lights beamed through the disgusting gym. Everyone that I knew, glanced at me. But, I quickly turned to Brendon, who looked down at me and kissed me. That small gesture made everything seem better, "you find us a seat, doll and I'll go get us some drinks."

I could smell the mint on his breath from the gum he had been chewing slowly. I nodded my head and walked over to a far and open table that fit all of us. Nikki and Ronnie sat across from me. Alex sat next to Nikki and on my right. It sucked being back in California, but I had to get this done, plus I didn't have a show this week due to unexpected construction. I set my phone face down on the table. I felt a tap on my shoulder and I glanced up. It was Alex's old friend, Marley. She sat down quickly, "Hey, Al, are you guys sisters? I can't ever fucking remember."

I stared at her, then at Alex, then at Marley again. My mouth was hanging open. But I quickly composed myself and stared at her, "no, we're John Wilkes Booth, Abraham fucking Lincoln and the pope."

Marley jerked her head back and shrugged, "so you're not sisters?"

"Oh my god," I began and threw my hands up, "Alex, please remind me why you were friends with her."

"No, Marley. We're sisters," Alex began and then nodded her head, "now go."

Marley didn't hesitate and she left rather quickly. I rolled my eyes and fixed the bottom of my dress. Brendon had come back, with both of our drinks in his hands. He leaned down and put mine in front of me, "for you, darling."

I picked the glass up and took a sip. Brendon sat down next to me, resting his hand on my thigh, that was hidden under the table. He gripped it lightly and he leaned over and smiled slightly at me. A couple of taps had fallen on my shoulder and I glanced up, but I had to do a double take. It was my theater partner, Peter. He was the male lead every time I was the female lead. I got up quickly, gasping and embracing him into a slight hug. I could see Brendon's demeanor change into protective and jealous. Peter pulled me aside and we hugged once more.

"It's so good to see you, Joanne!"

I smiled, "it's good to see you too, Peter. How've you been? How's life!?"

Peter set his hands on his hips and sighed, "well, I'm a--costume designer for small theater shows. I wanna hear about you, how are you?"

I crossed my arms and glanced over at Brendon, who was sitting smug in his seat and staring at us. I looked back at Peter, "Good, good. I'm married to the most amazing man and I have three kids now. Uhm...I moved back to New York."

"Oh yeah! I heard that you married that uhm...guy from-"

I smiled and nodded my head, "Panic at the disco."

"Yeah," he began and pointed at me, with a smile on his face, "that's good, i'm really happy that you found a guy that treats you well. And I heard that you're Christine in Phantom of the Opera! You fuckin' kidding? I am so proud of you!"

I perked up and could feel a sense of happiness. I felt like I had finally made it in life, "Thank you! Uh, opening night was like a couple days ago."

Peter nodded his head and he got excited, "Yeah! I-I know, I went to see you on opening night!"