A mystery

         Pam couldn’t get to sleep. She kept tossing and turning, thinking about the reunion. She hadn’t kept in touch with all her old friends that much but she was really looking forward to seeing them.
         Jared, her old boyfriend, and the father of her grown daughter would probably be there, although he would still not admit Tracy was his. That didn’t matter though, that was almost all in the past. He had married that skank of a wife, Heather McPherson, who had given him 2 sons and another daughter so what use did he have for Tracy.
         Jack Delaney, he ex-husband, had adopted Tracy anyway and no one was the wiser. Pam and Jack thought it best that way as Jared didn’t want any part of Pam or Tracy, yet here she was still thinking about him, again. It’s strange how time changes some things, but some things you just never forget or are willing to forgive.
         Pam, though, was looking forward to seeing Jane, Stella, Marlene and Raquel. They had all grown up on the same block, been in the same class and gone to the same high school together.
         As is often the case they drifted apart and this was her chance to find out what had happened to them all. In high school they had all been tight and hung around together, but things change and as soon as high school was over
everyone seemed to go on their separate ways.
         Jane was a famous journalist, who covered stories for CNN and it was a big deal for her to come back to this hick town, but everyone was glad she was. It was published in the paper and it was all anyone in the town was talking out. They couldn’t believe our Jane, the very plain, and not to outspoken Jane had become such a celebrity and had bloomed into such a young girl. It was an amazing transformation and everyone was stunned, amazed and grateful for her new success.
         Stella, on the other hand, was the exact opposite of Jane. She was a welfare mom who lived from payday to payday all the while trying to manage her three rowdy boys who each had a different father.  Stella, everyone thought, was going to be the one to succeed. She had the looks, the beauty, the talent, but she had fallen hard for Drew who left her with her first and ran off while she was still pregnant. Folks in town figured she never got over him and that is why she kept trying to get back with different men, but none of them seemed to work out.
          Marlene was the organizer. She always organized all the get togethers, parties, wedding. everything. she was good at organizing and was probably now putting all the detail together on their 15 year reunion. Marlene was probably
now making sure all the t's were crossed and I’s dotted. Everything always turned out perfect on Marlene’s watch although she always complained about something, some small, insignificant detail that no one else noticed would put Marlene into a spin, but everyone knew just to ignore her because if you gave her a change she would tell you her whole life story. Her life story wasn’t boring, by no means, but the gang got tired of hearing every single detail of how her marriage was perfect and her kids were angels, well that was Marlene’s take anyway, most of the other’s knew better. Her husband was a cad who had been having an affair with his shop clerk and her children were holy terror’s and when they needed a babysitter they had to practically bribe the sitters with promises of new car’s just to get them to sit for the kids.
         And that left last but not least, Raquel. Raquel was the quiet, shy type and all the women wondered about Raquel. She was still their friend but they were never sure if he liked boys or not. The whole lot of them would talk for hours about their beau’s but not Raquel. They couldn’t tell if she had really liked boys and had been to shy to date or if she was into girls. Maybe, just maybe they would learn at the reunion
         Pam was really hoping all of them would come. Marlene had rented a motel in the God-awful town of Delano. The heat was unbearable at this time of year, but at least the motel had air conditioning and they would spend most of their time talking and visiting so it didn’t matter that they were
going to be back in the place it all started.
         The phone rang and it was Tracy calling to tell her Mom goodnight. Tracy was like that. She was very thoughtful and was always thinking of her mother. She was happy in her new life as a wife and soon Pam would have a grandchild. She couldn’t wait to tell her girlfriends about that.
         “Hi Mom. How are you doing tonight? Are you still
thinking about the reunion? I know that is all you have
been talking about for the last month. Mom, why don’t you
go. It will be good for you to see all your old friends.”
         “I’m thinking about it honey. I just don’t know.”
         “What’s not to know? Its next weekend. Please Mom, just go. I don’t want to see you mope around because you missed it, like 5 years ago."
         “You’re right. What do I have to be afraid of?”
         “That’s what I keep telling you Mom.”
         “Okay, Okay. I’ll go. Now let me get some sleep.”
         “I love you Mom.”
         “I love you too, Tracy.
         What Tracy doesn’t know, thought Pam, is that I am frightened to death to attend that reunion. I want to see all my friends but there is a reason we all drifted apart and it will bring up old scars, but maybe they need to be healed. So I will go, Pam thought to herself and mentally made plans in her mind as to what she had to do. She had put it off for way too long. It was time to get the gang together and confront them all. It was time to find out which one had betrayed her, which one had stole Jared away from her and ran off with him. She had to know. It ate at her and it was tearing her apart.
         The next day she swallowed her pride and called Marlene, who was so happy to hear from her. She had indeed made all the arrangements and everyone, even Stella; who had to borrow the money from her mom, was coming. It was going to be like old times Marlene said and she couldn’t wait.
         Marlene had also stated that Jared, who had recently separated from his wife, was coming and he had asked about her. That had thrown Pam for a loop. After 15 years not a word and now he asks about me? Marlene was shocked too. She told him she didn’t know because at the time, she didn’t and Pam made her promise not to tell him. She did. Some things are better take care of in person.
         She also had some bad news. Jared’s ex was also coming as she wanted to get back together with him. She still loved him and wanted him back with the children so she begged Marlene to let her come. What could she say? She had relented. Pam told her that was fine because, although he had asked about her there really was nothing left to say between them.
         Marlene also told her that Raquel had gotten married and was bringing her spouse to the reunion, but Marlene was to shocked to ask whether it was a man or a woman. I guess, she told Pam, we will just have to wait and see.
         She also told Pam that Drew was also coming and she had been too afraid to tell Stella because she might not come. He was bringing his wife and his 2 kids with him and if Stella knew she might be running the other way. Pam told her that was smart as maybe they could work things out, at least to help Stella move on with her life.
         “And what are you doing with your life, Pam? Still
trying to write? Have you sold anything?”
         That was Marlene trying to get at her again for not
making it. She once had a promising career as an attorney but she pushed it all aside for Tracy and never looked back.
         “No, Marlene. You know damn well I haven’t.”
         “Why don’t you go back to law school?”
         “I’m 33 with a grandchild on the way.”
         “So women are doing more and more these days.”
         “I like writing. It helps.”
         “Helps get you in the poor house.”
         “I have a good job at the store and I make enough
to take care of myself.”
         “Okay, Okay. Maybe Jane can help you see the light.”
         “Oh, yes Jane. Delano’s answer to Nancy Grace.”
         “You want me to tell her you said that?”
         “Why not? What haven’t they called her there. Its as if the second coming is happening in Delano.”
         “How many famous people do you know from Delano?”
         “Uh”
         “Exactly. Let them have her, do I detect a note of jealousy?”
         “Maybe. It’s just I never thought it would be Jane, you
know?”
         “None of us did, but God works in strange ways. Oh, gotta go I have a call on line 2. We’ll finish this talk in person. Glad you are coming Pam. I missed you the last time.”
         “Bye Marlene.”
         Pam hated to admit it, but Marlene was right, again. Her writing career had never taken off, not that she had given it much help, though. She was happy working in her second hand store that her father had left her. It gave her a good living, not a great one and she did write occasionally. Her law career, well that had eneded with Tracy, but maybe one of these days, she would go back. She was never sure anymore what she was going to do or say. It had been so long since she had free time and she wasn’t use to filling it so she had started to write to pass the time.
         The week went quickly by and as it got closer and closer to the reunion day her stomach started getting into knots that not even her old prilosec would help cure.
         Then it was time to go. Tracy came over to watch her off and to look after the store. It was only for a weekend, she was healthy and the doctor said she was okay to do it, even at 6 months, so Pam kissed her daughter and left in her
old blue Honda civic that she had scraped to buy. It was a 1997 but it was still a good car and it got her were she needed to go. Tracy’s husband, Steve, had inspected it and made sure all things were okay so she set on her wild adventure, not knowing what was waiting for her on the other side of that mountain.
         When she arrived in Delano at the Delano Inn she meet Raquel at the desk. Raquel was a natural redhead and looked as beautiful as ever. Pam reached out and gave her a hug and noticed an attractive,woman standing near Raquel.
         “Pam, this is my wife, Melanie.”
         “Nice to meet you Pam. I have heard so much
about you.”
         “Don’t listen to everything Raquel says.”
         “I don’t,” and then all three of them laughed and Pam knew right away that she was going to like Melanie. She knew right away why Racquel had married her.
         “Raquel have you talked to anyone else?”
         “Only Melanie. She was so excited that you were coming.
She said it is going to be like old times.”
         “I hope not,” Melanie shot back.
         “Oh behave,” Raquel said and gave her a look.
         “Okay, okay. I am just not use to having to share Raquel. When we go anywhere I usually have to do all the talking and Raquel wants to leave early, but she couldn’t wait to get here.”
         “Yes, we were all so tight in high school.”
         “I know. Who did Raquel date? She won’t tell me
anything?”
         “I am not going to tell you either.”
         “You’re a spoiled sport.”
         “Thanks Pam. I told you we were tight. Besides that’s anciet history. I am with you now.”
         “That’s not fair. I told you all about my other lovers.”
         “But I didn’t ask you to. Maybe one day I will spill my secrets.”
         “Great we have to wait for one day.”
         “Raquel has always been secretive,” Pam chimed in,
“but when she’s ready she will tell you.”
         “Pam, Melanie and I are going to go over to the Delano Bar and Grill for a drink. Why don’t you come? If any of the old gang get’s here we’ll invite them too.”
         “You’re on after I get unpacked. Since the reunion isn’t till tomorrow.”
         “Great. See you there.”
         “Nice meeting you Pam,” Melanie says as her and Raquel head off together.
         As Pam head off in a different direction to her room she almost literally runs into Stella and her suitcase.
         “Stella, is that you?”
         “Pam, Pam?”
         “In the flesh.”
Pam and Stella hug.
         “I didn’t think you were coming.”
         “How could I not? I wanted to see all of you. I just
meet Raquel and her wife.”
         “Raquel has a wife? I guess we all are full of surprises. Look at me I’ve gained 30 pounds.”
         “You still look great.”
         “You are still an awful liar, but thanks.”
         “Listen, Raaquel and Melanie have invited me to the bar for drinks and they want all of us there. Want to come?”
         “Are you kidding? My first time in 5 years without the kids. Of course I’m there. Let me get settled in and I will meet you there.”
         As Pam is getting ready to walk over to the bar a flash of camera’s and newscaster all filling up the lobby of the hotel and following around this pretty woman, who Pam recognizes immediately as Jane.
         “Jane, is that you?”
         “Pam. You came. You really came. I didn’t believe
Melanie, but you’re here.”
         Pam and Jane exchange hugs while the camera crew are trying to get Jane’s attention.
         “Come on Jane give us a statement.”
         “Look boys, I know you guys have a job. How about if I give you an elclusidve tomorrow after the reunion, say about 7? That way I can spend some time with my friends. What do you say?”
         “You promise, Jane?”
         “I promise and I always keep my promises.”
The news and camera crew all roll up all of their equipment and leave much to Pam’s amazement and utter delight.
         “Wow, you sure know how to handle them?”
         “It’s my job. Now about you?”
         “I was just going to the bar across the street. Stella, Raquel and her wife Melanie are there.”
         “Great. As soon as I check in and get changed I will be
there.”
         “You look so good Jane. I can’t believe how much you’ve changed.”
         “Not bad for plain Jane from Delano, huh?”
         “Hell you’re not plain anymore.”
         “I know and it’s wonderful. I’ll see you guys in a bit.”
         The Delano Bar and Grill is hopping with people tonight when usually there are only a few. Pam hears Melanie and Raquel laughter and finds there table right away.
         “I bet Delano hasn’t seen this much exitement since we left, “Raquel squeals.
         “I met Jane and Stella. They both will be here in a bit.”
         “I talked to Melanie. She will be here in a hour. Wants to make sure everything is done. You know her. We ordered a picher of margarita’s for everyone. Enjoy.”
         “So Raquel how did you and Melanie meet?”
         “You really want to hear that boring story?” Raquel asks.
         “Yes they do and I will tell them,” Melanie replies.
         “Not again,” as Raquel shakes her head.
         “Raquel was at a conference in Vegas with her company and I am sales representative and we started talking and jut hit it off.”
         Stella and Jane both approach the table and are warmly greeted by all. They all hug each other fondly and start reminscining. They pour everyone a margarita and start enjoying themselves.
         “I thought you didn’t drink anymore Stella?”
         “I don’t but tonight is special. Hell, I haven’t been out in 5 years and this is the first night I am away from my kids so keep the booze coming.”
         As they are starting to loosen up, Melanie walks in and they all gave her a warm greeting and set up a margarita for her.
         “Get everything done?”
         “I sure hope so. We had almost everyone come. They all heard about Miss Big shot Jane and they wanted to be here. Even some of the boys you shot down.”
         “And who were they?” Stella inquires as she is starting to slur her words a little.
         “Oh, just a few losers.”
         “Just a few losers, then tell us who?”
         “Stella, why do you want to know?”
         “I thought we didn’t kept things from each other, but
that’s not true is it Jane. You kept a lot of things from us.
         “Shut up Stella. You’re drunk.”
         “What are youg talking about Stella,” Pam starts inquiring.
         “Oh I forgot, shhs. I am not suppose to tell. Am I Jane?”
         As they are reminiscing a lot of their old high school classmates are filling the bar and one of them, an old boyfriend of Jane’s walks in and comes over to the table.
         “Well, well. I heard you were coming. Look at you
Jane. You sure done well for yourself.”
         “Yes I did Mark, seeing as I didn’t marry you.”
The whole table starts laughing and Mark storms out.
A few minutes later Jared walks in and Pam spies him out of the corner of her eyes and starts shaking and reaches for her drink.
         “Pam, Pam what is the matter?” Stella asks and looks around to see Jared sitting at the bar.
         “You want me to ask him to leave,” Jane thoughtfull aks.
         “No Jane, one of the reason I came was to try and make amends with him, but maybe not tonight.”
         “Yeah, Jane why don’t you go say Hi to him. I heard you two knew each other in high school,” Stella still sluring her words..
         “We all knew him in high school, Stella.”
         “Yes but not like you knew him, oops…. I wasn’t suppose to say anything in front of Pam.”
         “Jane, what is she talking about?” Pam demands to know.
         “Pam, she’s drunk. Don’t listen to her.”
         “It was you. You were the one he ran off with. I see the way he is looking at you and I thought you were my friend.”
         “I am your friend.”
         “Yeah, well you have a funny way of showing it. I’ve had enough. I am going back to my room.”
         Pam angrily jumps up and leaves the table as Jane starts to chase after her, but Jared stops her in her tracks.
         “Hey Jane, long time no see.”
         “Oh shut up and leave me alone.”
Jane starts to storm after Pam but Marlene gets to her first.
         “Come on Pam. Let’s go to your room and talk.”
         “Great going Stella,” Raquel says.
         “What---What did I do? I just told the truth.”
         “No wonder you don’t drink.”
         Jane upset and angry comes back to the table. She sits there for a few moments pouting and not saying anything while the table is silent while finally Raquel decides to break the ice.
         “How could you Jane? You knew how much he meant to her?”
         “He came after me?”
         “Oh so that makes it alright?”
         “If he was happy with her he wouldn’t have been chasing me.”
         “And you knew she was pregnant.”
         “Don’t lay that guilt trip on me. I did not know and he sure as hell was going to tell me. Who are you to judge me anyway?”
         “What do you mean?”
         “I know your dirty little secret. Marlene, Stella and Pam may not know but I do.”
         “I don’t know what your talking about?”
         “Oh no, huh. Hey Melanie do you know why Raquel hates men. Has she ever told you.”
         “What is she talking about Raquel?”
         “Just ignore her. Can’t you see she likes trouble.”
         “At least I wasn’t raped by my step-dad when I was 15.”
         There are loud GASPS at the table and Raquel’s face lights up as the anger swells in her.
         “You weren’t happy ruining Pam’s time now you have to ruin mine too. I hope your happy. Now I know why we never get together. Let’s go Melanie. I’ll tell you about it later since big mouth here decided to share it with the class.”
         Raquel and Melanie both get up and storm off to their rooms also.
         “I guess it’s just you and me,” Stella says as she pours herself a drink. As she is doing that Drew walks in and makes a beeline for her table.
         “Drew, what are you doing here?”
         “I just came to see our new superstar. I remember when I was 15 she wasn’t such a superstar in the back of my daddy’s pickup.”
         “Drew shut up,” Jane scolds him.
         “You should of hear her holler, Stella. She told me not to tell you as she was afraid you wouldn’t be friends with her anymore, but miss plain Jane did everybody in school. How do you think she made it out. Isn’t that right miss plain Jane.”
         “I ain’t so plain anymore, am I Drew? And I bet you want me now. I bet you want to take me in the back of your daddy’s pick now but I am done with sloppy ass boys’s like you.”
         “I’ll take you Drew. Come with me.”
         “Shut up you luse. Anyone can have you at anytime. Why would I want you?”
         Jane gets up from the table, leaves while Stella sits drowing her sorrows in the rest of the margarita glasses until they are all gone and she staggers to her hotel room.
         Pam and Marlene are starting to talk when Raquel and Melanie come knocking at their door. They want to vent with them.
         “What happened?” Pam asks.
         “Jane has got a big mouth.” Raquel tells her.
         “I can’t believe she took Jared away from me. Did you guys know?”
         “I heard rumors, but I didn’t know,” Stella tells her.
         “Same here,”Raquel says, “I didn’t want to hurt you anymore and I wasn’t sure it was true. I thought maybe someone had just started it to get back at you.”
         “Well,” Pam says, “I did come here to find out who stole Jared and I guess I got my answer.”
         “Really Pam, we all thought you were too good for Jared,” Raquel tells her, “but we were afraid to tell you as you were so in love with him."
         “I know. Love makes you do stupid things sometimes. You never told me what did she do to you?”
         “I never told anyone, not even Melanie, until tonight but my stepfather raped me when I was 15. How did she find out about that?”
         “I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” Pam tells her, “and she is a reporter.”
         “The only one I ever told was my mother, but she….I guess she told, that bitch.”
         “I’m glad its out Raquel. It will help you heal and move on,” Melanie tells her.
         “You know, you are to good for me.”
         “I know,” Melanie says and caress her face.
         “Damn and I thought Jane was our friend,”Pam laments with the group.
         “How do you think she got out and go on CNN?” Marlene tells the crowd.
         “What do you know,Marlene?”
         “Come on and spill Marlene?”
         “Well I heard that she slept her way up. She started with anyone who was someone and kept moving. Truth be told she has a lot of skeltons in her closet.”
         “Maybe we need to rattle them around a little,” Pam tells the women.
         “What are you thinking, Pam?” Raquel inquires.
         “Let’s see how Jane likes everyone knowing her secrets.
Marlene tell me everyone you knew that she has sleep with, I think Jane needs a real dose of reality for her big interview tomorrow at 7.”
         “I like how you think.”
         “It’s only what a friend would do, don’t you think?”
         “Of course.”
The women start whispering, plotting, and planning their take down of Miss CNN Plain Jane and how they are going to get even with her for stealing Pam’s boyfriend for telling the world about Raquel’s rape.