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Chapter 5: Epilogue - Raise Your Glass

***6 Months Later***

“Bog, guess what?” asked Marianne, plopping down on Bog’s only comfortable chair in his dorm room (not his).

Bog looked up from his homework, not realizing she had come in. Thang must have left the door open again, trusting one that he was (even if Bog had told him a million times that he liked his privacy).

“What is it?” answered Bog, noticing the excited smile on Marianne’s face.

“I got good news from Dawn, and from Sunny naturally. They got in! And on early admittance, too,” she said with pride for her baby sister.

“Congrats to them both for being accepted here,” said Bog before folding his arms and looking pointedly at Marianne. “But what’s this got to do with me? I knew they would both get in. Why are you telling me now?”

Marianne looked put out, knowing she was caught. Bog knew her too well.

“Looking for another roommate, by chance? Sunny needs a roommate, and I figure it’d be cheaper if you three shared one room. You and Sunny both want to save money, after all.”

Bog shook his head before replying, “No thank you, Tough Girl. I didn’t want to room with Thang as it was. The only reason I did was because I was forced to by the stupid rules set forth by the college. Come next year, I’m getting a room by myself. When I get an apartment, I’ll reconsider sharing my living quarters with someone.”

“So you’re living alone next year? Did you already sign up for campus housing?” asked Marianne, surprised that he was able to do it already.

“Yes, done and accepted. I haven’t told Thang yet, as I just did it yesterday. I’ve been talking to our hall’s resident advisor, and he helped set it up since I was discontent. He doesn’t want me being a ‘rabble-rouser’ any more than needed,” chuckled Bog as he remembered the conversation.

“We did have some good times during Dorm Spirit Week, didn’t we?” said Marianne, recalling the time with fondness. “I don’t think I’ve had that much fun since senior lock-in. Has it been six months since then?”

“At least,” said Bog. “Feels like a long time. Moving into the dorms and dealing with Thang is enough to drive me crazy. Add in college classes and work, and I’m ready to strangle every idiot who comes near me.”

“But that’s why you have me,” teased Marianne, a smile tugging at her lips. “At least, that’s what your friends and classmates say.”

Laughing, Bog replied, “I’m sure they do. I’m a cranky, ill-tempered night owl who only seems to smile around you. I’m sure they’re baffled how you do it as my girlfriend.”

“I understand you,” said Marianne, smiling at Bog before adding, “just like you understand me better than anyone else. We watch out for one another.”

“Agreed,” said Bog, getting up to join Marianne in the big chair. He was distracted at this point from getting any homework done. Might as well be comfortable and spend it close to Marianne.

“I think they learned the hard way during the Hall Decorating Contest that, even though I’m more than capable of taking care of myself, you won’t stand for it. I think you might have gone a little overboard in locking them out of their dorm rooms by switching the combinations for their electronic keycards. But I enjoyed decorating their hall with you the night before. Who would think covering the papers with ketchup and white-out would leave such a strong odor for days to come?” asked Marianne with an evil grin.

“I’m just glad that the cafeteria does a horrible job of guarding their supplies,” said Bog. “Switching the combinations was really easy. Trying to get a hold of enough red and white to switch their color scheme completely was much harder.”

“That red snow, though,” laughed Marianne. “It was something to behold, just like white Santa hats.”

“We should do that again next year,” said Bog. “We’ll have to one-up ourselves somehow.”

“We’ll figure it out. Now, what should I do about Sunny? Dawn’s been bugging me for weeks about him, and I told her I would help.”

“Thang and he can share a room. Let Sunny deal with the scatterbrained slob,” said Bog, looking over at Thang’s messy side of the room. “I can’t understand his desire for clutter.”

“Then you’re in good company with Stuff, as I’m pretty sure she’s running out of ways to ask me politely to clean more,” said Marianne, shaking her head. “I’m not super messy like Thang, but I leave things out overnight. Stuff is just uber-organized and OCD about everything. I’m surprised she hasn’t gotten on Thang’s case before about the state of his room.”

“She has, many times,” said Bog, remembering several occasions. “But for all his loyalty and willingness to help, he still does things his own way, like with clutter. He just forgets about it and assumes it’s fine as is.”

Bog’s fists clenched, and Marianne quickly grabbed his wrists, applying light pressure. Upon feeling the smooth fingers of Marianne, Bog let go of some of his tension and looked into Marianne’s eyes.

“Thanks, Tough Girl. I needed that. With exams around right now, I don’t like dealing with him. He says he will clean, does it, and then turns around and makes it messy within hours. It’s impossible!”

“What’s impossible?” asked Thang, walking into the room with Stuff, arm-in-arm from Stuff’s room in the adjoining hall.

“Sunny and Dawn got accepted here. Sunny needs a roommate,” said Marianne simply, giving Bog a glare to do/say something.

“Why?” asked Thang innocently. “We could fit another in our room next year.”

“I’m living by myself next year, so it’s impossible for me to do it,” said Bog. “Go right ahead, Thang. I need my personal space.”

Thang looked a little hurt when Bog first spoke, but his explanation seemed to satisfy him.

“Maybe I don’t clean as much as I should,” said Thang. “But how does Sunny feel about clutter?”

“He loves it. You’ll get along great,” said Marianne, perking up at once.

“Which hall did you choose, Bog?”

“Primrose Haven. It had the most open spots in it.”

“Awesome!” screamed Thang. “That’s the co-ed hall. We’ll all get to be buddies in the same hall. I think Brutus will join us. I hope it has three-person rooms for the girls.”

“As long as Dawn and Marianne share a space,” said Stuff.

“Done! Here’s to taking over the Primroses!”

***1 Year Later***

“One year down, three to go,” said Bog, laying back in the comfy chair. Marianne laid across the chair’s arms and Bog’s lap.

“That’s such a relief. Our last exam is done at last. I say we have group nap time,” said Marianne, leaning closer to Bog in hopes of using him as a pillow.

“You know I can’t do that, Tough Girl. I have to leave tomorrow morning for my programming internship,” said Bog seriously before adding in a mock-serious voice, “I’ve got a six hour drive with my mother tomorrow. You still have to help me pack; you wouldn’t leave me alone to my fate, would you?”

“Nah, not that, even you don’t deserve that. I wish I could drive with you to help,” said Marianne with understanding.

“Me too,” said Bog, “but you have research that beckons. When the professor took you on after the end of first semester, I thought you’d turn into a vampire from all the time you started spending there, away from the light.”

“It just means I look more like you,” said Marianne, elbowing Bog in the stomach. “But, with any luck, now that I’ve got enough programming experience, I can try to actually build a computer. Now that sounds interesting.”

“What have I unleashed on the world?” said Bog, pushing Marianne off of him and stepping away from her in mock-fear.

“More than you realize,” said Marianne, coming over to Bog and kissing him on the cheek. “Thanks for taking the time to show me your world.”

“Anytime, Mari,” breathed Bog before pulling her close. “I don’t know what I’d do without you in it.”

“You didn’t seem to think that half the time we were in class together, competing for the best grades,” said Marianne, snuggling in closer to him.

Bog struggled to find words until Marianne looked up, and he realized that she was just messing with him.

“We worked together. We just got mad at one another when the other figured it out first,” said Bog.

“Because we’re way too competitive,” said Marianne with a laugh. “But we were able to help one another. We bonded during studying.”

“If throwing spitballs at unsuspecting computer users counts,” said Bog, bringing Marianne closer to himself.

“It definitely does. We should do that one more time before you go,” said Marianne, poking him in the side.

“Later. Right now, I just want to be alone with my girlfriend,” said Bog bringing her back to the chair.

At some point, the two left the chair, but not for several hours. Food was found, and they ended up practicing fencing together outside on their way to the computer lab since it was a nice day. When they arrived in the computer lab, spitballs were made. Somehow, Bog still got packed in time. Griselda was happy to watch the couple hug and kiss, knowing then that that would be the last time the two separated like that.

***1 Year, 6 Months Later***

“So, do you want another roommate?” asked Marianne, plopping into a new loveseat that Bog had bought after his internship.

“No way,” said Bog, leaning back in his chair and stretching, his neck cracking. “Who wants to move out now?”

“I do,” said Marianne. “Sunny and Dawn are way too cutesy for their own good. Can I just take up permanent residence on this loveseat? It’s quite comfy and smells really good.”

“I think that loveseat is the best investment I’ve made,” said Bog, smiling at Marianne. “But how does it smell good? The new furniture smell is gone.”

“Exactly. It smells like you now. Why do you think I haven’t given you back this sweatshirt, even after you returned from the internship?” asked Marianne, pointing to the oversized sweatshirt she was wearing.

Bog was still surprised to hear that it was him who made it better, but that was one of many reasons why he liked Marianne so much. She was different. He smiled with pride. “This explains it a little, yes. But eventually you’ll have to wash it.”

Marianne gave Bog a fierce look and put her arms around her waist, to protect the sweatshirt.

“Mine now.”

Bog shook his head. “I bet everyone in the lab gave you strange looks when you came in wearing that in the summer.”

“The computer lab is cold! It was a perfectly legitimate excuse,” said Marianne. “Besides, they stopped noticing that I wore it when we started doing more of the fun stuff in the lab. We all got sucked into long nights experimenting.”

“I wish I could have been there. It sounded like fun from everything you said on Skype,” said Bog wistfully. “But I did learn a lot about at my internship. I just don’t think I’m going back to it again. I want to try something different, and preferably closer to you.”

“I want that, too. I missed you a lot,” said Marianne, her voice growing soft as she looked away. She pulled her legs together and stared at the floor.

“Thank goodness for weekly Skype dates,” said Bog, getting up and cuddling next to Marianne. “But now that we’re together again, we need to wreak havoc more often. We won that Hall Decorating Contest this year, and had some good fun together, I’d say. Switching people’s supplies and leaving buckets of liquid in closets was a lot of fun.”

“Makes me itch to do more now,” said Marianne, a gleam coming into her eye. “Want to go to the freshman computer lab and welcome them properly?”

“I think that’s a great idea. They keep taking our spots,” said Bog as both got up.

As the two walked to the computer lab, Marianne continued to talk.

“I don’t think our room’s common room is big enough to accommodate all the cuteness and PDA’s of Sunny and Dawn. I don’t know what to do about it. I love her to death, and Sunny is great and all. But they really need to go somewhere else! I’ve told them a few times, and they always forget.”

“I’m glad we’re not like that,” said Bog, taking Marianne’s hand.

“Me too,” said Marianne, squeezing his hand. “Let’s agree never to be like that.”

“Agreed. Now, how shall we convince them otherwise? Shall we be killjoys?” asked Bog, an evil grin coming onto his face.

“How do we do that? I’ve tried,” said Marianne with resignation.

“I’ll come over to the common room more often, and I’ll try to drag the others over. Oh! I know! We can start playing our board games in your room,” said Bog. “Your common area is much bigger anyway.”

“Yes! That’s great!” said Marianne, leaning in and kissing Bog on the lips.

“And we can convince everyone to have our weekly card game night at your place, too. That should help,” said Bog, glad to not be forced into a cramped store room with others, or worse, his room.

“Perfect! This is so wrong to do, but they’ll thank us later. It’ll be better for all. Here’s to good ideas!”

“Cheers to us,” said Bog.

***2 Years Later***

“I’m so glad to finally be moving out of the dorms,” said Bog, heaving the last box into his beat-up car.

“Words can’t describe how happy I’ll be when I can do it next year,” said Marianne. “Then Dawn can join Stuff and me.”

“In the meantime, you’re always welcome at my place. Thang and Brutus will be there, but I have the biggest room,” said Bog, opening the door for Marianne as she hopped in. The two drove to Bog’s new apartment, where Thang and Brutus were waiting.

“I’ll be visiting a lot this summer,” said Marianne, “as well as next year when I want to avoid Dawn and Sunny. Somehow, they still keep doing their cute couple things despite our interference.”

“We’ll figure something out,” said Bog, looking at Marianne sympathetically for a moment before turning his eyes to the road.

“We can figure it out when we have lunch together,” said Marianne. “I’m so glad that your internship is in town now. I wasn’t sure if they’d want your brand of engineering.”

“Only a select few, and I’m the best,” said Bog, head high as he drove.

“Naturally,” replied Marianne. “We’ll determine that tonight when we play video games. I’m gonna kick your butt at Mario Kart, though.”

“I regret telling you my strategy,” said Bog, parking the car. “Actually, I’m not sure which I regret more, telling you my strategy, or having you figure out my ticklish spots on my back.”

“Let me help you figure it out,” said Marianne leaning in and reaching for his back.

Several minutes later after much shouting and thrashing, Marianne ended up in Bog’s lap, arms wrapped around him. She proceeded to kiss him and throw him an innocent gaze.

“Definitely my strategy,” said Bog, his eyes glazed as he looked at Marianne.

The two remained in a staring contest until oblivious Thang came over and started opening Bog’s trunk. Marianne brought her head back and hit the ceiling, making Bog reach out and pat her head for bumps.

“Some things never change,” said Marianne, looking at Thang fondly.

“Indeed,” said Bog with an idea. “So maybe we should inflict Thang instead upon the couple.”

“Right on! We got this. Now, let’s get this all done. I want to school you already in Mario Kart.”

“Bring it on, Tough Girl,” said Bog, running his hands through her hair.

***2 Years, 6 Months Later***

“Where’s Sunny?” asked Marianne as she walked into her shared room with Dawn. Dawn was on her bed, reading a textbook.

“He’s got a job interview today. I’m hoping he gets it, as he needs a second job to make ends meet,” answered Dawn, putting her book down and facing her sister.

“I’m really worried about him. His parents can’t afford to give much more, and I’m trying to help any way that I can. Dad has said that he’ll try to help Sunny, but he’s been saying that since last year. What if he doesn’t get this job?” asked Dawn.

Marianne got up and sat on Dawn’s bed, hugging her sister.

“It’s going to be fine. Sunny can take care of himself. He’ll figure things out, just you wait. Just have faith in him if nothing else.”

Dawn was quiet for a few minutes as she hugged Marianne back.

“You’re right. Things will be fine,” said Dawn when she finally let go of her sister. “So how are things with you and Boggy?”

Marianne opened and closed her mouth, not sure how to respond. She fiddled with her hands while Dawn’s face became worried again.

“Marianne? Do you want a hug? Is everything okay? Is this why you’ve been in the room so much the last few weeks?” said Dawn, starting to panic.

“I’m not sure what’s going on with Bog right now,” said Marianne at last. “I’m confused. We had so much fun over the summer, and then we came back to school. Suddenly, classes were overwhelming, and we’re not taking the same classes anymore since I’m doing a different type of engineering, even if it’s still related to computers and programming. Bog’s disappeared, and whenever I do see him, he’s quiet and aloof.”

“Aww, I’m sorry, Marianne,” said Dawn giving her sister a hug. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? And why haven’t you confronted Bog about it? I’m sure he doesn’t realize what he’s doing.”

“I think he does,” mourned Marianne. “He told me a couple days ago that he got another internship offer from the same company this past summer, and I suggested we celebrate. He said that he didn’t want to because he had a lot to do and was sure that I did as well. Then he left. I was hurt by it. I mean, I was glad he told me. But, he just seems to be ignoring me, and I don’t know why.”

Marianne squeezed her hands together, trying not to cry. Dawn patted her shoulder.

“Do you think it has something to do with you deciding to take Dad’s suggestion and doing an internship of your own this upcoming summer?” asked Dawn, trying to get Marianne to look at her.

“Maybe,” said Marianne. “I’m not sure. I told Bog I was doing it, but I don’t think I told him why. It’s only to satisfy Dad’s desire for me to try something different besides research. He doesn’t think that’s a good way to go. But he’s always been a little confused by my choice of major, saying that it isn’t normal for girls to do.”

“He’s got good intentions,” said Dawn, gripping Marianne’s arm for emphasis.

“I know, but I really enjoy doing this research. Not doing it for a summer like that could mean I miss out on important discoveries. At least I’ll hear some about it since I’ll be a teacher’s aide this summer. Once I finish classes this year, I can do it for any class I want for the lower grades. I’m so excited for that. I’m one step closer to becoming a teacher.”

“How can you do both?” asked Dawn with confusion.

“Classes are in the nighttime, and I’m not being paid. Someone else is doing the grading, but I’m watching and helping students. He’s graduating, so it’s his last class as an aide. He’s showing me how to do it,” said Marianne, making wide gestures with her hands as she tried to explain.

“Okay, that makes more sense. Is Bog okay with you spending all that time with him?”

“Bog seems fine, but we haven’t discussed it much.”

“You two really need to work on communicating your feelings to one another,” said Dawn seriously.

“We’ll figure it out eventually, once we start talking to one another again. When Bog’s ready, he’ll talk to me,” said Marianne, confident in how Bog normally acted.

“I hope it’s soon,” said Dawn.

“I hope so, too. Christmas is coming, and Bog’s coming this year. Us not talking might give Dad more reason to ‘encourage’ me to call it quits with him. Those two never did get along,” said Marianne, concerned for Bog.

“I’m sure it’ll all work out in the end. Just have faith in Bog,” said Dawn, trying to help.

“I do. I just don’t like waiting,” said Marianne.

***3 Years Later***

“We made it!” cheered Dawn, attacking Marianne with a tight hug.

“Somehow, yes. It’s been one heck of a year, but we survived. I hope that’s the worst,” said Marianne, squeezing her sister back with a smile.

“I think so,” said Dawn pulling back and nodding her head. “I know what I’m studying now, and Sunny got a scholarship! He’s good for the rest of his school career, and he can work at the theater for whatever hours he wants this summer. It’s perfect for him.”

“I’m happy for you both,” said Marianne, pleased to see her sister’s spirits back in full force. She had even been able to handle all the cute couple stuff they had been doing of late, which was saying something about how happy she was for Dawn.

“It’s going to be a great summer, as I got my job at the café, and then you all can visit me during lunch. Sunny promised that he’s come as often as he can,” said Dawn, practically jumping.

“He better, seeing as the theater is across the street from you,” Marianne replied indulgently, moving away from the barely contained excitement in her sister.

“And are you excited yet for your internship?” said Dawn, a smug grin on her face.

“Yes, I am. I didn’t think I would be, but seeing as I’ll be working at the same place as Bog, it should be entertaining. I fear for everyone else who has to deal with us and our antics. There’s going to be so many rubberband wars,” said Marianne, imagining the walk-by assaults she would perform on Bog on a daily basis.

“I’m just glad you don’t own a nerf gun,” said Dawn. “You’d never get any work done.”

“Hmm, you know, I might get one of those for Bog in the future. He and I have been talking about investing in them so we can have nerf gun wars on campus. Maybe Christmas, but that’s a long way off.”

“I think that’s because we all can’t forget what happened at this past Christmas,” said Dawn smiling in remembrance.

“It was very unexpected,” said Marianne, sitting down on her bed. Dawn joined her.

“I don’t think Dad ever realized until then just how happy Bog made you,” said Dawn, leaning against Marianne. “It was really sweet what he did for you and Bog.”

Laughing, the brunette shook her head and said, “Sweet, and out of the blue. Out of all the people who would sit down with the two of us, as silent and moody as we were, I didn’t expect it to be Dad. But, he asked me to sit with him in the living room with Bog, and then he asked me why I wasn’t talking to Bog and refused to let Bog leave. I think the only reason I didn’t leave was because Dad said that he expected an answer from Bog afterward.”

“None of us like seeing you unhappy,” said Dawn. “After what happened with Roland, Dad and I were glad you had found someone else and were happy. I just think Dad took it for granted after a while. But, he saw it plainly when you came home and were away from Bog and not talking. He felt like he failed you before, and he didn’t want to do so again,” continued Dawn, remembering her initial conversation with her father when she arrived home with a silent Marianne.

“I’m glad he did it. At first, I was upset, but once it became obvious that we both suck at communicating our feelings and telling one another that we were hurt by the other’s actions, I’m glad we could clear it all up before Christmas. It was a long time coming. Apparently we’re both willing to wait for the other to give enough space.”

“I’m not surprised,” said Dawn, rolling her eyes. “You’re both very similar in some respects, especially in your stubbornness. You get along so well normally that it’s weird to not see you together.”

“Well, we’re together now, and stronger for it. Bog and Dad are on much better terms as well, so I can’t ask for more,” said Marianne, feeling content.

“It’s shaping up to be a great summer, now that we’re both in good spots with jobs and relationships. I can only imagine what next year will bring,” said Dawn excitedly.

“Away from the noise of campus and doing research again? It’s going to be good. With Bog close, even better,” said Marianne, looking at the door, hoping Bog would appear soon with Sunny.

“Hey! What about me and all the rest of your friends?” said Dawn playfully.

“You’re important, too. I’m just glad you and Dad care so much,” said Marianne, hugging her sister.

“Best family ever, for sure. Here’s to more sister bonding this summer.”

“And pulling pranks on the guys,” chuckled Marianne.

“To family, and summer!”

***4 Years Later***

“Is my cap on straight?” asked Bog to Sunny.

Sunny considered Bog for a moment and then turned the graduation cap slightly.

“You’re all good now. You about ready to go join the girls in their apartment? I think Thang is already there,” said Sunny, hand on the doorknob, ready to go.

‘One more thing,” said Bog, running to his bedroom and slipping something small into his pocket.

“What’s that?” asked Sunny suspiciously. For a moment, Sunny thought it was a jewelry box but dismissed it at once.

“What’s, uh, what?” asked a guilty Bog.

“That thing you just put in your pocket. Whenever Marianne does that, she’s trying to hide something,” said Sunny, looking suspiciously at Bog as he remembered Marianne acting like that.

Bog’s face turned even more white than before (which Sunny had doubted could happen), and his eyes widened. Then, he looked off into the distance, seeming to argue with himself about something if his sudden head movement were any indication.

When Bog made his decision, he said, “You’ve known Marianne for a long time, haven’t you?”

“It’ll be sixteen years this year,” said Sunny with pride, “and Dawn for just as long. They’re great.”

“So you know them pretty well,” said Bog, hope seeming to come into his eyes as he stepped forward.

“Sure?” said Sunny, beginning to become worried when Bog stood less than a foot in front of him and started hunching over. He wanted to back up, but he was right against the door.

“You’ve got to help me,” said Bog, taking both of his gigantic hands and engulfing Sunny’s tiny shoulders with them.

“Wait, what?” stammered Sunny, now thoroughly confused.

Bog pulled out the dark item, and it was indeed a jewelry box. When Bog opened it, Sunny saw an engagement ring, a sapphire with two oddly-cut emeralds around it. It reminded Sunny of a flower.

“I know how much Marianne loves sapphires and flowers, and I saw this recently. I had to get it for her,” said Bog in a rush, similar to how he had seen the ring, stared at it, then bought it before anyone else came near him. He had been searching for a ring for a while, and when he had seen that one, he knew at once. He had not taken any chances that someone might see him or take it before him.

Sunny did not want to know how much the ring had cost, but he imagined that with Bog’s internship money and bonus for accepting a job with the technology company, he had more than enough to afford it. It was a stunning ring, and Marianne would love it. Sunny just stared open-mouthed, trying to think of something to say.

Bog got restless when Sunny did not speak. He closed the ring box, and slipped it back in his pocket. He started to explain himself, not knowing what else to do.

“Last year, when Marianne and I weren’t talking, well, you saw me. It was rough. I couldn’t handle it. I’ve never been so miserable before. I thought it had hurt to be rejected by that girl all those years ago, but to feel the lack of Marianne, and knowing she was uncomfortable around me and was hurt, I just couldn’t deal with it. I didn’t want to make her more upset with me. A lot was weighing on me then. Sure, I was angry that she had changed her mind suddenly about doing research, but I just wanted her to be happy.”

“Why didn’t you say something to her?” asked Sunny, trying to understand and guiding a nervous Bog to the loveseat.

“I couldn’t. Marianne was upset. It was best to let her get it out of her system. I was so sure that she’d start poking and tickling me as soon as whatever it was passed. She was always like that before. We’d have a fight, involving words and weapons usually, and then walk away, tired. We’d cool off, and then one of us would come back to the other. We just didn’t this past time.”

Bog stared at his hands, trying to figure out what he had done wrong. Sunny watched for a few moments, remembering what Marianne would say about Bog when he was in that pose, that he was blaming himself for all the world’s problems.

“If you didn’t understand her then, are you sure you’re ready for marriage?” asked Sunny. As Bog gave him an angry look, Sunny pulled away, putting his hands in the air in defense of himself. “Hey now, just trying to help! That’s a big step to be considering with Marianne. What if you fight like that again?”

“Marianne and I have already discussed this at length,” grumbled Bog, “in front of her father. No more silent treatment. We have to communicate.”

After a pause, Bog continued, “But even if we hadn’t, I’ve learned my lesson. We need to talk. I need to stop blaming myself, and all that. Besides, the problem is that I don’t know if I can go back to not having her in my life. She’s become such an important part of it in every possible way. It’s so normal to have her around. I don’t want to relive those few months of hell. If nothing else, it made me realize that I was lucky to have her in my life. Our time spent together afterward convinced me that I’m going to work as hard as I have to in order to make our relationship work.”

Sunny gulped before he asked his next question. Both Bog and Marianne were good friends of his, and he did not want either of them getting hurt in the process. It was clear that Bog felt strongly about Marianne, but what about her?

“Do you know how Marianne feels? Do you think she loves you?”

Bog nodded quickly with confidence.

“I’m sure of it,” Bog said, a smile appearing. “Even if she has never said it out loud, I know she cares about me in all the small things she does for me. We both believe actions speak louder than words, seeing as neither of us are any good with words.”

“And you love her?” asked Sunny, sighing with relief at Bog’s first answer.

“Yes. More than anything,” said Bog, making eye contact with Sunny. “I’d jump off a cliff and save Marianne from a falling building if it meant she lived, even if I didn’t. I can’t lose her again.”

Sunny breathed deeply, realizing just how much Bog cared. Now he knew that someone cared for Marianne as much as he loved Dawn. He looked at the door, making Bog realize that they were still in their apartment.

“We should, ah, probably get over to their place. Can’t be late to my own graduation,” laughed Bog.

“For sure,” said Sunny getting up. “Marianne doesn’t, seeing as it starts her graduate career off on the wrong foot.”

Bog smiled at the mention of Marianne. “She’s going to be a great professor one day, Queen of the Classroom, dazzling all with her intimate knowledge of computers and how to wire them. I can’t wait to see her in action. These next three years will fly by for her as she gets her PhD. I’m proud of her as it is, to see her running with my idea from four years ago.”

“She won’t even need you to support her,” said Sunny, nodding sagely.

“No, she won’t. But I’ll be there anyway. I’ve got good benefits, and one day, when we have kids, I’ll be able to support them if nothing else,” said Bog, turning red.

Sunny gave Bog a pointed look, and Bog held up his hands, saying, “Hey! Don’t judge! This is all my mother talking and reminding me to be ready!”

Sunny grinned and walked out the door.

“Hey, wait!” screamed Bog, trying to catch up to Sunny and grabbing him.

“What now?” asked Sunny, trying to shake off Bog’s iron grip. “We got a graduation to go to!”

“How do I propose to Marianne? You know her well. You know I don’t do words well,” whispered Bog seriously.

Sunny laughed loudly, grabbing hold of his stomach.

“You’ll figure it out, Bog. I have faith in you,” said Sunny, walking away.

“But Sunny!” cried Bog helplessly.

***5 Years Later***

“C’mon, Bog, this’ll be fun! It’s been five years since graduation from high school, and we’ve enjoyed every second of it. Let’s stick it to everyone and show them how much fun we’re having, especially as a couple,” said Marianne, dragging Bog to the bar where the informal Henson High 5 Year Reunion Party was happening.

“I don’t know, Marianne. I just get this bad feeling,” started Bog, looking about.

“It’s probably just gas,” said Marianne, shaking her head at Bog’s nerves. “We’re going to have so much fun. We’re-“

“Buttercup! It’s been too long! Why didn’t you ever answer my phone calls and keep switching colleges on me?”

“Roland, what are you, wait, switch colleges?” asked Marianne, turning to Bog with a stern look.

Bog looked properly innocent.

“Yeah, Sugar Pie, you went from the West Coast to the East Coast, then back again. I spent so much money trying to keep up with you! But don’t worry; I’m back now, to take you away from this beast,” said Roland, reaching for Marianne.

Marianne recoiled away from Roland before saying, “Don’t touch me! I told you before that I never want to see you again or deal with you. Why can’t you leave me alone?”

“Because I love you, Sugar Cake. Can’t you see?”

“I don’t love you, Roland; I love Bog. Get away from me,” said Marianne, storming away. She turned around suddenly and screamed, “And if you try to touch me again, I will make sure that you never reproduce!”

After that, Marianne ran to the other side of the bar, onto the stage behind a curtain. Bog made large strides to hurry after her, with Roland laughing in the background.

“Tough Girl, wait!” shouted Bog after Marianne, not wanting to lose her again. He looked around for Stuff and Thang, but could find neither one. No matter, he would deal with Roland after.

“I can’t believe this,” stated Marianne once Bog was behind the curtain with her. “Who invited that prick? They said he wasn’t allowed.”

“Clearly, some woman was convinced otherwise,” said Bog with disgust. “If you want to leave-“

“No, Bog,” said Marianne, turning her head away and standing tall. “I’m done running away from Roland. He’s taken enough of my emotional health and well-being, and I won’t let him do it again. I’m going to go back out there and show him I’m having a good time.”

“You may look like that to everyone else, Mari, but you don’t fool me,” said Bog quietly, reaching for Marianne’s cheek. At that, Marianne leaned into his calloused hands, enjoying his touch. The hard lines of her face softened, and she looked up at him.

“Why does he always get the upper hand? And why did he think that I went to multiple universities? Bog?”

Bog looked shamefaced and stared at his shoes.

“Well, I, uh-“

Marianne pulled Bog down so that their heads were at the same level. “Tell me, Bog. What did you do?”

“I didn’t want Roland to follow you, and I know that you created a new facebook and email for yourself in college. But Roland didn’t know that, and he was trying to track you. I’d change your location on a regular basis, as I could figure out his computer pretty fast from how often he seemed to visit your page and send you anonymous messages.”

“You lied to me. Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Marianne, growing angry.

“Because I didn’t want you to have to worry about him. I wanted you to enjoy college, without him. I knew he hurt you bad. You deserved better,” said Bog, looking down. “If you want me to go, I understand. But I don’t regret what I did.”

Bog could feel Marianne’s grasp on his shoulders tighten a lot as he spoke, and he kept his head down. He knew it had been wrong, but after all she went through, she needed a fresh start.

Marianne removed her hands from his person, and Bog looked up. He saw her angry brown eyes, and a moment later, she slapped him. Bog took it as gracefully as he could, but the force of it still knocked him against the curtain.

As the slap was heard on the other side of the curtain, Roland took that as his cue to find a microphone. He had no cronies with him now, but surely it could not be that hard.

“That’s for not telling me,” said Marianne with hostility, arms folding in front of her.

Bog was about to speak when he saw Marianne’s eyes soften, and her arms reach for his head. He did his best to fight back this time by putting his arms around her waist, to hold her back since her arms were shorter, but he found that he did not have to. He was prevented from separating himself from her and instead found himself dragging her closer when her hands cupped his cheeks, she kissing him.

“That is for taking care of me when I didn’t ask or want it. I’d much rather fight my own battles, and I’d like you to respect my wishes from now on,” said Marianne, looking Bog in the eye.

Bog nodded in agreement and replied, “Yes, Marianne. At first I did it because I still didn’t know you as well and just wanted to be the hero for once, but later I did feel bad. But I wasn’t about to stop and tell you. I know now.”

“Thank you, Bog. I wish you had told me,” said Marianne, a smile creeping onto her face.

“Why?” asked Bog, tilting his head in confusion.

“Because we could’ve had so much more fun sending him on wild goose chases together, silly,” said Marianne, pretending to whack Bog upside the head.

“Remind me to show you Roland’s messages from the time when we were apart. Those ones were particularly good. I sent him to so many places, and he got frustrated,” said Bog. “He almost dropped his act of caring about you.”

It was at that moment that Roland came back with the microphone and stand, and put it next to Bog and Marianne on the other side of the curtain. He stepped back to sit and enjoy the fireworks. Stuff told her husband, Thang, to bring out his phone and start recording.

“Is that part of the reason why you were quiet, Bog?” asked Marianne curiously.

“Yes, it was, Marianne. It weighed on me a lot during that time. I felt bad not telling you, but I felt worse not having you in my life. You’ve become so important to me over these five years. Our time apart told me that I never want to lose you again.”

“Oh, Bog, I feel the same way,” said Marianne, reaching in and hugging him. Bog held her close, not wanting to let go.

“I love you, Tough Girl. I don’t think I realized it for a while, but even when we bonded that fateful night, I knew you were different. Stuff knew that I liked you before even I realized it, but when your father pulled us aside, I realized how much I loved you. I hated the idea of being called out by your father, but if it meant getting you back, I’d take all the tough talks he could throw at me. I’d do anything for you,” Bog said, his voice growing soft.

As Marianne continued to hold him close, Bog was encouraged to continue talking. It was then that he felt the weight of the engagement ring in his pocket, and he decided to do something about it at last, now that she finally knew.

“You said earlier that you love me. I’ve always felt that way, but we’ve neither of us said it out loud. I do love you,” he said, repeating himself as he tried to think of a good way to lead into a proposal.

“Yes, I heard you the first time, Bog. I love you so much,” said Marianne, pulling Bog down so their foreheads could touch.

Before Bog knew what he was doing, he found himself saying, “Will you marry me?”

Bog froze once he said it, and Marianne pulled away, looking at him as though he had sprouted wings and looked like an insect.

For one tense moment, Bog could not move, and Marianne just continued to stare at him. Then she asked, “After all this time? Is this what you’ve been so hesitant about these last couple months? Marriage?”

“You have no idea how much I’ve worried about it,” said Bog honestly, his hands spreading out in front of him as he tried to show her the depth of his worrying. “For the last year I’ve-“

“Yes. Always yes. Yes, I’ll marry you, Bog,” interrupted Marianne, putting a finger to Bog’s lips.

“Thank you, Marianne. You’ve just made me the happiest, luckiest man there is,” said Bog, pulling out the ring.

Marianne took a moment to gawk at the ring while Bog put it on her hand. Once the ring was in its new home, Marianne reached up to Bog, clinging to him with all her might.

“Thank you, Bog! It’s beautiful!”

The couple kissed, and neither noticed that wild cheering had begun on the other side of the curtain. They certainly did notice when Stuff pulled back the curtains, letting in the light and catcalls. All the while, Thang continued to record the very public proposal so that he could share it with friends and family for a long time to come, sniffling loudly about Bog and Marianne.

“Finally! At long last, they’re getting together after five years together. It’s so sweet!”

Thang teared up a little after saying that, and Stuff came back to him to hug him, her eyes wet as well.

“What just happened?” asked Bog, looking around at everyone once they all calmed down.

“Roland put a mic by you so that we could listen to the proposal. It was beautiful and so romantic!” said one girl, swooning.

“Don’t worry, BK, we’ll send this to your mother and Dawn at once! We got it all on film,” said Stuff proudly.

Bog looked ready to scream at them for their actions, but Marianne thought it was a little sweet. She pulled Bog in for one more kiss, making him forget all about their actions, or so she thought.

After the kiss, Bog said, “Better send it quick, before I change my mind. I’m in a particularly good mood right now.”

The married couple did not have to be told twice. Soon, screams of joy could be heard throughout the city. No one was quite sure who was louder, Dawn or Griselda. Most said Dawn’s singing was louder, but Griselda’s initial shrill scream of joy was louder.

***10 Years Later***

“Cheers to Associate Professor Marianne King, the best professor who lived!”

Amidst much cheering and clinking of glasses, Marianne blushed at all the attention from her friends and family around her at the ten year high school reunion. She had gotten her PhD a few years ago, and after doing her time as a post-graduate, she had found a university to do research at while she taught.

Bog held her close, choosing not to drink that night to support Marianne, seeing as she would not be able to drink for another couple months, after the baby was born. The girl would be their second child, the first an already tall boy who looked just like his father. Bog worked from home, happy to get away from his annoying coworkers, and even happier to spend time with his son.

Dawn was enjoying some alcohol, having given birth a year ago now to her first child, a girl who combined all the best things about her parents, Dawn and Sunny. Sunny had a night off from taking care of his theater, a joint venture he had with Stuff, ever the resourceful investor from her insight, economics degree, and MBA. Thang worked with Bog, whenever Bog actually came into the office.

Stuff had given birth to a girl a few months after Marianne had, and she had already decided with Thang that their girl would be their only child. The girl was a curious, bossy thing, and she loved to ride on her father’s back and play with Marianne and Bog’s son. Griselda thought that the two young ones would one day get married, but all the parents gave her evil glares to silence her.

As the night wore on, everyone began to reminisce about their high school days, looking around the room at those in attendance. Some seemed different, and others stayed the same. It was Marianne who asked the question, rather surprised by the turn of events.

“Where’d Roland the Rat go? I thought for sure he’d sneak into the school somehow.”

“I heard Barbie Boy drank himself into a stupor and became an alcoholic after you agreed to marry Bog,” said Stuff, pleased with herself.

“I heard he became a druggie,” said Sunny, looking around for confirmation from someone.

“He’s doing none of those things; he’s in jail,” said Bog with authority.

“How do you know?” asked Marianne suspiciously.

“Don’t you all read the paper? It was in this morning’s paper about his ‘fall from grace’. It was glorious. Here, brought it with me to share,” said Bog, smug as can be as he gave the paper to Marianne.

After reading, Marianne threw her head back and laughed. “It figures that Roland would be in jail for trying to get out of a speeding ticket by offering a female officer drugs. Idiot.”

“Busted him with quite a bit, too,” said Bog, enjoying a laughing Marianne. “Sounds like all his time from high school was an ongoing thing.”

“Serves him right. Though, he did help bring us together, in high school and marriage, Bog. That has to count for something,” said Marianne seriously, tilting her head toward her husband.

“Sure does. We’ll drink in his honor. Raise your glass, everyone. To Roland!”

“To high school!”

***20 Years Later***

“Has it really been twenty years since we graduated from high school, Bog? It feels longer,” said Marianne, leaning against her husband in the old high school gym.

“Only because we have two grown children in high school now. The only thing I fear now is having Miss Plum succeed your father as principal. This worries me a lot,” said Bog, looking around for any sign of the newest principal.

“I had always thought she was pretty old when she taught us,” said Sunny, putting an arm around his wife. “I’m confused how she’s still here.”

“Magic, my boy. Magic,” said the lady in blue, appearing out of nowhere.

Sunny jumped and screamed, his surprise contorting his face. Sugar Plum laughed and made a similar scream.

“You should see your face!” she cackled.

“Oh wait, I can show you,” said Stuff, laughing as she showed her phone’s picture to Sunny. Unlike the guys, she had seen Plum approaching and got her camera ready.

“Having fun are we?” asked Plum.

“Much. Just trying to figure out how our children ended up in high school already,” said Dawn, smiling at Plum pleasantly. She had always liked Plum.

“Good. Don’t worry about your children; I’ll take good care of them, just like I did for Bog and Marianne,” said Plum as she smiled and sashayed away.

“What did she mean by that?” asked Bog, staring at Plum with furrowed brows.

“I don’t think I want to know,” said Thang, looking at his laughing wife.

“Don’t you all remember that night at lock-in?” asked Stuff after she finished laughing. “She’s one of the reasons why no teachers came to pick up Bog and Marianne for the longest time. I talked to teachers about that later; she delayed them. Then, she gave Marianne the needed weapon to defeat Roland and his cronies. Our children are doomed.”

“You’re taking this awfully well,” said Marianne, not amused by Stuff’s laughter.

“There’s Strange Magic at work here. There’s nothing we can do to stop it,” said Stuff, gesturing to the school around them. “We might as well enjoy the adventure.”

“I’ll drink to that,” said Bog, picking up his glass.

“Me, too,” said Marianne, intertwining her hand and glass with Bog’s. “To more adventures!”

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Chapter 5: Epilogue - Raise Your Glass

***6 Months Later***

“Bog, guess what?” asked Marianne, plopping down on Bog’s only comfortable chair in his dorm room (not his).

Bog looked up from his homework, not realizing she had come in. Thang must have left the door open again, trusting one that he was (even if Bog had told him a million times that he liked his privacy).

“What is it?” answered Bog, noticing the excited smile on Marianne’s face.

“I got good news from Dawn, and from Sunny naturally. They got in! And on early admittance, too,” she said with pride for her baby sister.

“Congrats to them both for being accepted here,” said Bog before folding his arms and looking pointedly at Marianne. “But what’s this got to do with me? I knew they would both get in. Why are you telling me now?”

Marianne looked put out, knowing she was caught. Bog knew her too well.

“Looking for another roommate, by chance? Sunny needs a roommate, and I figure it’d be cheaper if you three shared one room. You and Sunny both want to save money, after all.”

Bog shook his head before replying, “No thank you, Tough Girl. I didn’t want to room with Thang as it was. The only reason I did was because I was forced to by the stupid rules set forth by the college. Come next year, I’m getting a room by myself. When I get an apartment, I’ll reconsider sharing my living quarters with someone.”

“So you’re living alone next year? Did you already sign up for campus housing?” asked Marianne, surprised that he was able to do it already.

“Yes, done and accepted. I haven’t told Thang yet, as I just did it yesterday. I’ve been talking to our hall’s resident advisor, and he helped set it up since I was discontent. He doesn’t want me being a ‘rabble-rouser’ any more than needed,” chuckled Bog as he remembered the conversation.

“We did have some good times during Dorm Spirit Week, didn’t we?” said Marianne, recalling the time with fondness. “I don’t think I’ve had that much fun since senior lock-in. Has it been six months since then?”

“At least,” said Bog. “Feels like a long time. Moving into the dorms and dealing with Thang is enough to drive me crazy. Add in college classes and work, and I’m ready to strangle every idiot who comes near me.”

“But that’s why you have me,” teased Marianne, a smile tugging at her lips. “At least, that’s what your friends and classmates say.”

Laughing, Bog replied, “I’m sure they do. I’m a cranky, ill-tempered night owl who only seems to smile around you. I’m sure they’re baffled how you do it as my girlfriend.”

“I understand you,” said Marianne, smiling at Bog before adding, “just like you understand me better than anyone else. We watch out for one another.”

“Agreed,” said Bog, getting up to join Marianne in the big chair. He was distracted at this point from getting any homework done. Might as well be comfortable and spend it close to Marianne.

“I think they learned the hard way during the Hall Decorating Contest that, even though I’m more than capable of taking care of myself, you won’t stand for it. I think you might have gone a little overboard in locking them out of their dorm rooms by switching the combinations for their electronic keycards. But I enjoyed decorating their hall with you the night before. Who would think covering the papers with ketchup and white-out would leave such a strong odor for days to come?” asked Marianne with an evil grin.

“I’m just glad that the cafeteria does a horrible job of guarding their supplies,” said Bog. “Switching the combinations was really easy. Trying to get a hold of enough red and white to switch their color scheme completely was much harder.”

“That red snow, though,” laughed Marianne. “It was something to behold, just like white Santa hats.”

“We should do that again next year,” said Bog. “We’ll have to one-up ourselves somehow.”

“We’ll figure it out. Now, what should I do about Sunny? Dawn’s been bugging me for weeks about him, and I told her I would help.”

“Thang and he can share a room. Let Sunny deal with the scatterbrained slob,” said Bog, looking over at Thang’s messy side of the room. “I can’t understand his desire for clutter.”

“Then you’re in good company with Stuff, as I’m pretty sure she’s running out of ways to ask me politely to clean more,” said Marianne, shaking her head. “I’m not super messy like Thang, but I leave things out overnight. Stuff is just uber-organized and OCD about everything. I’m surprised she hasn’t gotten on Thang’s case before about the state of his room.”

“She has, many times,” said Bog, remembering several occasions. “But for all his loyalty and willingness to help, he still does things his own way, like with clutter. He just forgets about it and assumes it’s fine as is.”

Bog’s fists clenched, and Marianne quickly grabbed his wrists, applying light pressure. Upon feeling the smooth fingers of Marianne, Bog let go of some of his tension and looked into Marianne’s eyes.

“Thanks, Tough Girl. I needed that. With exams around right now, I don’t like dealing with him. He says he will clean, does it, and then turns around and makes it messy within hours. It’s impossible!”

“What’s impossible?” asked Thang, walking into the room with Stuff, arm-in-arm from Stuff’s room in the adjoining hall.

“Sunny and Dawn got accepted here. Sunny needs a roommate,” said Marianne simply, giving Bog a glare to do/say something.

“Why?” asked Thang innocently. “We could fit another in our room next year.”

“I’m living by myself next year, so it’s impossible for me to do it,” said Bog. “Go right ahead, Thang. I need my personal space.”

Thang looked a little hurt when Bog first spoke, but his explanation seemed to satisfy him.

“Maybe I don’t clean as much as I should,” said Thang. “But how does Sunny feel about clutter?”

“He loves it. You’ll get along great,” said Marianne, perking up at once.

“Which hall did you choose, Bog?”

“Primrose Haven. It had the most open spots in it.”

“Awesome!” screamed Thang. “That’s the co-ed hall. We’ll all get to be buddies in the same hall. I think Brutus will join us. I hope it has three-person rooms for the girls.”

“As long as Dawn and Marianne share a space,” said Stuff.

“Done! Here’s to taking over the Primroses!”

***1 Year Later***

“One year down, three to go,” said Bog, laying back in the comfy chair. Marianne laid across the chair’s arms and Bog’s lap.

“That’s such a relief. Our last exam is done at last. I say we have group nap time,” said Marianne, leaning closer to Bog in hopes of using him as a pillow.

“You know I can’t do that, Tough Girl. I have to leave tomorrow morning for my programming internship,” said Bog seriously before adding in a mock-serious voice, “I’ve got a six hour drive with my mother tomorrow. You still have to help me pack; you wouldn’t leave me alone to my fate, would you?”

“Nah, not that, even you don’t deserve that. I wish I could drive with you to help,” said Marianne with understanding.

“Me too,” said Bog, “but you have research that beckons. When the professor took you on after the end of first semester, I thought you’d turn into a vampire from all the time you started spending there, away from the light.”

“It just means I look more like you,” said Marianne, elbowing Bog in the stomach. “But, with any luck, now that I’ve got enough programming experience, I can try to actually build a computer. Now that sounds interesting.”

“What have I unleashed on the world?” said Bog, pushing Marianne off of him and stepping away from her in mock-fear.

“More than you realize,” said Marianne, coming over to Bog and kissing him on the cheek. “Thanks for taking the time to show me your world.”

“Anytime, Mari,” breathed Bog before pulling her close. “I don’t know what I’d do without you in it.”

“You didn’t seem to think that half the time we were in class together, competing for the best grades,” said Marianne, snuggling in closer to him.

Bog struggled to find words until Marianne looked up, and he realized that she was just messing with him.

“We worked together. We just got mad at one another when the other figured it out first,” said Bog.

“Because we’re way too competitive,” said Marianne with a laugh. “But we were able to help one another. We bonded during studying.”

“If throwing spitballs at unsuspecting computer users counts,” said Bog, bringing Marianne closer to himself.

“It definitely does. We should do that one more time before you go,” said Marianne, poking him in the side.

“Later. Right now, I just want to be alone with my girlfriend,” said Bog bringing her back to the chair.

At some point, the two left the chair, but not for several hours. Food was found, and they ended up practicing fencing together outside on their way to the computer lab since it was a nice day. When they arrived in the computer lab, spitballs were made. Somehow, Bog still got packed in time. Griselda was happy to watch the couple hug and kiss, knowing then that that would be the last time the two separated like that.

***1 Year, 6 Months Later***

“So, do you want another roommate?” asked Marianne, plopping into a new loveseat that Bog had bought after his internship.

“No way,” said Bog, leaning back in his chair and stretching, his neck cracking. “Who wants to move out now?”

“I do,” said Marianne. “Sunny and Dawn are way too cutesy for their own good. Can I just take up permanent residence on this loveseat? It’s quite comfy and smells really good.”

“I think that loveseat is the best investment I’ve made,” said Bog, smiling at Marianne. “But how does it smell good? The new furniture smell is gone.”

“Exactly. It smells like you now. Why do you think I haven’t given you back this sweatshirt, even after you returned from the internship?” asked Marianne, pointing to the oversized sweatshirt she was wearing.

Bog was still surprised to hear that it was him who made it better, but that was one of many reasons why he liked Marianne so much. She was different. He smiled with pride. “This explains it a little, yes. But eventually you’ll have to wash it.”

Marianne gave Bog a fierce look and put her arms around her waist, to protect the sweatshirt.

“Mine now.”

Bog shook his head. “I bet everyone in the lab gave you strange looks when you came in wearing that in the summer.”

“The computer lab is cold! It was a perfectly legitimate excuse,” said Marianne. “Besides, they stopped noticing that I wore it when we started doing more of the fun stuff in the lab. We all got sucked into long nights experimenting.”

“I wish I could have been there. It sounded like fun from everything you said on Skype,” said Bog wistfully. “But I did learn a lot about at my internship. I just don’t think I’m going back to it again. I want to try something different, and preferably closer to you.”

“I want that, too. I missed you a lot,” said Marianne, her voice growing soft as she looked away. She pulled her legs together and stared at the floor.

“Thank goodness for weekly Skype dates,” said Bog, getting up and cuddling next to Marianne. “But now that we’re together again, we need to wreak havoc more often. We won that Hall Decorating Contest this year, and had some good fun together, I’d say. Switching people’s supplies and leaving buckets of liquid in closets was a lot of fun.”

“Makes me itch to do more now,” said Marianne, a gleam coming into her eye. “Want to go to the freshman computer lab and welcome them properly?”

“I think that’s a great idea. They keep taking our spots,” said Bog as both got up.

As the two walked to the computer lab, Marianne continued to talk.

“I don’t think our room’s common room is big enough to accommodate all the cuteness and PDA’s of Sunny and Dawn. I don’t know what to do about it. I love her to death, and Sunny is great and all. But they really need to go somewhere else! I’ve told them a few times, and they always forget.”

“I’m glad we’re not like that,” said Bog, taking Marianne’s hand.

“Me too,” said Marianne, squeezing his hand. “Let’s agree never to be like that.”

“Agreed. Now, how shall we convince them otherwise? Shall we be killjoys?” asked Bog, an evil grin coming onto his face.

“How do we do that? I’ve tried,” said Marianne with resignation.

“I’ll come over to the common room more often, and I’ll try to drag the others over. Oh! I know! We can start playing our board games in your room,” said Bog. “Your common area is much bigger anyway.”

“Yes! That’s great!” said Marianne, leaning in and kissing Bog on the lips.

“And we can convince everyone to have our weekly card game night at your place, too. That should help,” said Bog, glad to not be forced into a cramped store room with others, or worse, his room.

“Perfect! This is so wrong to do, but they’ll thank us later. It’ll be better for all. Here’s to good ideas!”

“Cheers to us,” said Bog.

***2 Years Later***

“I’m so glad to finally be moving out of the dorms,” said Bog, heaving the last box into his beat-up car.

“Words can’t describe how happy I’ll be when I can do it next year,” said Marianne. “Then Dawn can join Stuff and me.”

“In the meantime, you’re always welcome at my place. Thang and Brutus will be there, but I have the biggest room,” said Bog, opening the door for Marianne as she hopped in. The two drove to Bog’s new apartment, where Thang and Brutus were waiting.

“I’ll be visiting a lot this summer,” said Marianne, “as well as next year when I want to avoid Dawn and Sunny. Somehow, they still keep doing their cute couple things despite our interference.”

“We’ll figure something out,” said Bog, looking at Marianne sympathetically for a moment before turning his eyes to the road.

“We can figure it out when we have lunch together,” said Marianne. “I’m so glad that your internship is in town now. I wasn’t sure if they’d want your brand of engineering.”

“Only a select few, and I’m the best,” said Bog, head high as he drove.

“Naturally,” replied Marianne. “We’ll determine that tonight when we play video games. I’m gonna kick your butt at Mario Kart, though.”

“I regret telling you my strategy,” said Bog, parking the car. “Actually, I’m not sure which I regret more, telling you my strategy, or having you figure out my ticklish spots on my back.”

“Let me help you figure it out,” said Marianne leaning in and reaching for his back.

Several minutes later after much shouting and thrashing, Marianne ended up in Bog’s lap, arms wrapped around him. She proceeded to kiss him and throw him an innocent gaze.

“Definitely my strategy,” said Bog, his eyes glazed as he looked at Marianne.

The two remained in a staring contest until oblivious Thang came over and started opening Bog’s trunk. Marianne brought her head back and hit the ceiling, making Bog reach out and pat her head for bumps.

“Some things never change,” said Marianne, looking at Thang fondly.

“Indeed,” said Bog with an idea. “So maybe we should inflict Thang instead upon the couple.”

“Right on! We got this. Now, let’s get this all done. I want to school you already in Mario Kart.”

“Bring it on, Tough Girl,” said Bog, running his hands through her hair.

***2 Years, 6 Months Later***

“Where’s Sunny?” asked Marianne as she walked into her shared room with Dawn. Dawn was on her bed, reading a textbook.

“He’s got a job interview today. I’m hoping he gets it, as he needs a second job to make ends meet,” answered Dawn, putting her book down and facing her sister.

“I’m really worried about him. His parents can’t afford to give much more, and I’m trying to help any way that I can. Dad has said that he’ll try to help Sunny, but he’s been saying that since last year. What if he doesn’t get this job?” asked Dawn.

Marianne got up and sat on Dawn’s bed, hugging her sister.

“It’s going to be fine. Sunny can take care of himself. He’ll figure things out, just you wait. Just have faith in him if nothing else.”

Dawn was quiet for a few minutes as she hugged Marianne back.

“You’re right. Things will be fine,” said Dawn when she finally let go of her sister. “So how are things with you and Boggy?”

Marianne opened and closed her mouth, not sure how to respond. She fiddled with her hands while Dawn’s face became worried again.

“Marianne? Do you want a hug? Is everything okay? Is this why you’ve been in the room so much the last few weeks?” said Dawn, starting to panic.

“I’m not sure what’s going on with Bog right now,” said Marianne at last. “I’m confused. We had so much fun over the summer, and then we came back to school. Suddenly, classes were overwhelming, and we’re not taking the same classes anymore since I’m doing a different type of engineering, even if it’s still related to computers and programming. Bog’s disappeared, and whenever I do see him, he’s quiet and aloof.”

“Aww, I’m sorry, Marianne,” said Dawn giving her sister a hug. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? And why haven’t you confronted Bog about it? I’m sure he doesn’t realize what he’s doing.”

“I think he does,” mourned Marianne. “He told me a couple days ago that he got another internship offer from the same company this past summer, and I suggested we celebrate. He said that he didn’t want to because he had a lot to do and was sure that I did as well. Then he left. I was hurt by it. I mean, I was glad he told me. But, he just seems to be ignoring me, and I don’t know why.”

Marianne squeezed her hands together, trying not to cry. Dawn patted her shoulder.

“Do you think it has something to do with you deciding to take Dad’s suggestion and doing an internship of your own this upcoming summer?” asked Dawn, trying to get Marianne to look at her.

“Maybe,” said Marianne. “I’m not sure. I told Bog I was doing it, but I don’t think I told him why. It’s only to satisfy Dad’s desire for me to try something different besides research. He doesn’t think that’s a good way to go. But he’s always been a little confused by my choice of major, saying that it isn’t normal for girls to do.”

“He’s got good intentions,” said Dawn, gripping Marianne’s arm for emphasis.

“I know, but I really enjoy doing this research. Not doing it for a summer like that could mean I miss out on important discoveries. At least I’ll hear some about it since I’ll be a teacher’s aide this summer. Once I finish classes this year, I can do it for any class I want for the lower grades. I’m so excited for that. I’m one step closer to becoming a teacher.”

“How can you do both?” asked Dawn with confusion.

“Classes are in the nighttime, and I’m not being paid. Someone else is doing the grading, but I’m watching and helping students. He’s graduating, so it’s his last class as an aide. He’s showing me how to do it,” said Marianne, making wide gestures with her hands as she tried to explain.

“Okay, that makes more sense. Is Bog okay with you spending all that time with him?”

“Bog seems fine, but we haven’t discussed it much.”

“You two really need to work on communicating your feelings to one another,” said Dawn seriously.

“We’ll figure it out eventually, once we start talking to one another again. When Bog’s ready, he’ll talk to me,” said Marianne, confident in how Bog normally acted.

“I hope it’s soon,” said Dawn.

“I hope so, too. Christmas is coming, and Bog’s coming this year. Us not talking might give Dad more reason to ‘encourage’ me to call it quits with him. Those two never did get along,” said Marianne, concerned for Bog.

“I’m sure it’ll all work out in the end. Just have faith in Bog,” said Dawn, trying to help.

“I do. I just don’t like waiting,” said Marianne.

***3 Years Later***

“We made it!” cheered Dawn, attacking Marianne with a tight hug.

“Somehow, yes. It’s been one heck of a year, but we survived. I hope that’s the worst,” said Marianne, squeezing her sister back with a smile.

“I think so,” said Dawn pulling back and nodding her head. “I know what I’m studying now, and Sunny got a scholarship! He’s good for the rest of his school career, and he can work at the theater for whatever hours he wants this summer. It’s perfect for him.”

“I’m happy for you both,” said Marianne, pleased to see her sister’s spirits back in full force. She had even been able to handle all the cute couple stuff they had been doing of late, which was saying something about how happy she was for Dawn.

“It’s going to be a great summer, as I got my job at the café, and then you all can visit me during lunch. Sunny promised that he’s come as often as he can,” said Dawn, practically jumping.

“He better, seeing as the theater is across the street from you,” Marianne replied indulgently, moving away from the barely contained excitement in her sister.

“And are you excited yet for your internship?” said Dawn, a smug grin on her face.

“Yes, I am. I didn’t think I would be, but seeing as I’ll be working at the same place as Bog, it should be entertaining. I fear for everyone else who has to deal with us and our antics. There’s going to be so many rubberband wars,” said Marianne, imagining the walk-by assaults she would perform on Bog on a daily basis.

“I’m just glad you don’t own a nerf gun,” said Dawn. “You’d never get any work done.”

“Hmm, you know, I might get one of those for Bog in the future. He and I have been talking about investing in them so we can have nerf gun wars on campus. Maybe Christmas, but that’s a long way off.”

“I think that’s because we all can’t forget what happened at this past Christmas,” said Dawn smiling in remembrance.

“It was very unexpected,” said Marianne, sitting down on her bed. Dawn joined her.

“I don’t think Dad ever realized until then just how happy Bog made you,” said Dawn, leaning against Marianne. “It was really sweet what he did for you and Bog.”

Laughing, the brunette shook her head and said, “Sweet, and out of the blue. Out of all the people who would sit down with the two of us, as silent and moody as we were, I didn’t expect it to be Dad. But, he asked me to sit with him in the living room with Bog, and then he asked me why I wasn’t talking to Bog and refused to let Bog leave. I think the only reason I didn’t leave was because Dad said that he expected an answer from Bog afterward.”

“None of us like seeing you unhappy,” said Dawn. “After what happened with Roland, Dad and I were glad you had found someone else and were happy. I just think Dad took it for granted after a while. But, he saw it plainly when you came home and were away from Bog and not talking. He felt like he failed you before, and he didn’t want to do so again,” continued Dawn, remembering her initial conversation with her father when she arrived home with a silent Marianne.

“I’m glad he did it. At first, I was upset, but once it became obvious that we both suck at communicating our feelings and telling one another that we were hurt by the other’s actions, I’m glad we could clear it all up before Christmas. It was a long time coming. Apparently we’re both willing to wait for the other to give enough space.”

“I’m not surprised,” said Dawn, rolling her eyes. “You’re both very similar in some respects, especially in your stubbornness. You get along so well normally that it’s weird to not see you together.”

“Well, we’re together now, and stronger for it. Bog and Dad are on much better terms as well, so I can’t ask for more,” said Marianne, feeling content.

“It’s shaping up to be a great summer, now that we’re both in good spots with jobs and relationships. I can only imagine what next year will bring,” said Dawn excitedly.

“Away from the noise of campus and doing research again? It’s going to be good. With Bog close, even better,” said Marianne, looking at the door, hoping Bog would appear soon with Sunny.

“Hey! What about me and all the rest of your friends?” said Dawn playfully.

“You’re important, too. I’m just glad you and Dad care so much,” said Marianne, hugging her sister.

“Best family ever, for sure. Here’s to more sister bonding this summer.”

“And pulling pranks on the guys,” chuckled Marianne.

“To family, and summer!”

***4 Years Later***

“Is my cap on straight?” asked Bog to Sunny.

Sunny considered Bog for a moment and then turned the graduation cap slightly.

“You’re all good now. You about ready to go join the girls in their apartment? I think Thang is already there,” said Sunny, hand on the doorknob, ready to go.

‘One more thing,” said Bog, running to his bedroom and slipping something small into his pocket.

“What’s that?” asked Sunny suspiciously. For a moment, Sunny thought it was a jewelry box but dismissed it at once.

“What’s, uh, what?” asked a guilty Bog.

“That thing you just put in your pocket. Whenever Marianne does that, she’s trying to hide something,” said Sunny, looking suspiciously at Bog as he remembered Marianne acting like that.

Bog’s face turned even more white than before (which Sunny had doubted could happen), and his eyes widened. Then, he looked off into the distance, seeming to argue with himself about something if his sudden head movement were any indication.

When Bog made his decision, he said, “You’ve known Marianne for a long time, haven’t you?”

“It’ll be sixteen years this year,” said Sunny with pride, “and Dawn for just as long. They’re great.”

“So you know them pretty well,” said Bog, hope seeming to come into his eyes as he stepped forward.

“Sure?” said Sunny, beginning to become worried when Bog stood less than a foot in front of him and started hunching over. He wanted to back up, but he was right against the door.

“You’ve got to help me,” said Bog, taking both of his gigantic hands and engulfing Sunny’s tiny shoulders with them.

“Wait, what?” stammered Sunny, now thoroughly confused.

Bog pulled out the dark item, and it was indeed a jewelry box. When Bog opened it, Sunny saw an engagement ring, a sapphire with two oddly-cut emeralds around it. It reminded Sunny of a flower.

“I know how much Marianne loves sapphires and flowers, and I saw this recently. I had to get it for her,” said Bog in a rush, similar to how he had seen the ring, stared at it, then bought it before anyone else came near him. He had been searching for a ring for a while, and when he had seen that one, he knew at once. He had not taken any chances that someone might see him or take it before him.

Sunny did not want to know how much the ring had cost, but he imagined that with Bog’s internship money and bonus for accepting a job with the technology company, he had more than enough to afford it. It was a stunning ring, and Marianne would love it. Sunny just stared open-mouthed, trying to think of something to say.

Bog got restless when Sunny did not speak. He closed the ring box, and slipped it back in his pocket. He started to explain himself, not knowing what else to do.

“Last year, when Marianne and I weren’t talking, well, you saw me. It was rough. I couldn’t handle it. I’ve never been so miserable before. I thought it had hurt to be rejected by that girl all those years ago, but to feel the lack of Marianne, and knowing she was uncomfortable around me and was hurt, I just couldn’t deal with it. I didn’t want to make her more upset with me. A lot was weighing on me then. Sure, I was angry that she had changed her mind suddenly about doing research, but I just wanted her to be happy.”

“Why didn’t you say something to her?” asked Sunny, trying to understand and guiding a nervous Bog to the loveseat.

“I couldn’t. Marianne was upset. It was best to let her get it out of her system. I was so sure that she’d start poking and tickling me as soon as whatever it was passed. She was always like that before. We’d have a fight, involving words and weapons usually, and then walk away, tired. We’d cool off, and then one of us would come back to the other. We just didn’t this past time.”

Bog stared at his hands, trying to figure out what he had done wrong. Sunny watched for a few moments, remembering what Marianne would say about Bog when he was in that pose, that he was blaming himself for all the world’s problems.

“If you didn’t understand her then, are you sure you’re ready for marriage?” asked Sunny. As Bog gave him an angry look, Sunny pulled away, putting his hands in the air in defense of himself. “Hey now, just trying to help! That’s a big step to be considering with Marianne. What if you fight like that again?”

“Marianne and I have already discussed this at length,” grumbled Bog, “in front of her father. No more silent treatment. We have to communicate.”

After a pause, Bog continued, “But even if we hadn’t, I’ve learned my lesson. We need to talk. I need to stop blaming myself, and all that. Besides, the problem is that I don’t know if I can go back to not having her in my life. She’s become such an important part of it in every possible way. It’s so normal to have her around. I don’t want to relive those few months of hell. If nothing else, it made me realize that I was lucky to have her in my life. Our time spent together afterward convinced me that I’m going to work as hard as I have to in order to make our relationship work.”

Sunny gulped before he asked his next question. Both Bog and Marianne were good friends of his, and he did not want either of them getting hurt in the process. It was clear that Bog felt strongly about Marianne, but what about her?

“Do you know how Marianne feels? Do you think she loves you?”

Bog nodded quickly with confidence.

“I’m sure of it,” Bog said, a smile appearing. “Even if she has never said it out loud, I know she cares about me in all the small things she does for me. We both believe actions speak louder than words, seeing as neither of us are any good with words.”

“And you love her?” asked Sunny, sighing with relief at Bog’s first answer.

“Yes. More than anything,” said Bog, making eye contact with Sunny. “I’d jump off a cliff and save Marianne from a falling building if it meant she lived, even if I didn’t. I can’t lose her again.”

Sunny breathed deeply, realizing just how much Bog cared. Now he knew that someone cared for Marianne as much as he loved Dawn. He looked at the door, making Bog realize that they were still in their apartment.

“We should, ah, probably get over to their place. Can’t be late to my own graduation,” laughed Bog.

“For sure,” said Sunny getting up. “Marianne doesn’t, seeing as it starts her graduate career off on the wrong foot.”

Bog smiled at the mention of Marianne. “She’s going to be a great professor one day, Queen of the Classroom, dazzling all with her intimate knowledge of computers and how to wire them. I can’t wait to see her in action. These next three years will fly by for her as she gets her PhD. I’m proud of her as it is, to see her running with my idea from four years ago.”

“She won’t even need you to support her,” said Sunny, nodding sagely.

“No, she won’t. But I’ll be there anyway. I’ve got good benefits, and one day, when we have kids, I’ll be able to support them if nothing else,” said Bog, turning red.

Sunny gave Bog a pointed look, and Bog held up his hands, saying, “Hey! Don’t judge! This is all my mother talking and reminding me to be ready!”

Sunny grinned and walked out the door.

“Hey, wait!” screamed Bog, trying to catch up to Sunny and grabbing him.

“What now?” asked Sunny, trying to shake off Bog’s iron grip. “We got a graduation to go to!”

“How do I propose to Marianne? You know her well. You know I don’t do words well,” whispered Bog seriously.

Sunny laughed loudly, grabbing hold of his stomach.

“You’ll figure it out, Bog. I have faith in you,” said Sunny, walking away.

“But Sunny!” cried Bog helplessly.

***5 Years Later***

“C’mon, Bog, this’ll be fun! It’s been five years since graduation from high school, and we’ve enjoyed every second of it. Let’s stick it to everyone and show them how much fun we’re having, especially as a couple,” said Marianne, dragging Bog to the bar where the informal Henson High 5 Year Reunion Party was happening.

“I don’t know, Marianne. I just get this bad feeling,” started Bog, looking about.

“It’s probably just gas,” said Marianne, shaking her head at Bog’s nerves. “We’re going to have so much fun. We’re-“

“Buttercup! It’s been too long! Why didn’t you ever answer my phone calls and keep switching colleges on me?”

“Roland, what are you, wait, switch colleges?” asked Marianne, turning to Bog with a stern look.

Bog looked properly innocent.

“Yeah, Sugar Pie, you went from the West Coast to the East Coast, then back again. I spent so much money trying to keep up with you! But don’t worry; I’m back now, to take you away from this beast,” said Roland, reaching for Marianne.

Marianne recoiled away from Roland before saying, “Don’t touch me! I told you before that I never want to see you again or deal with you. Why can’t you leave me alone?”

“Because I love you, Sugar Cake. Can’t you see?”

“I don’t love you, Roland; I love Bog. Get away from me,” said Marianne, storming away. She turned around suddenly and screamed, “And if you try to touch me again, I will make sure that you never reproduce!”

After that, Marianne ran to the other side of the bar, onto the stage behind a curtain. Bog made large strides to hurry after her, with Roland laughing in the background.

“Tough Girl, wait!” shouted Bog after Marianne, not wanting to lose her again. He looked around for Stuff and Thang, but could find neither one. No matter, he would deal with Roland after.

“I can’t believe this,” stated Marianne once Bog was behind the curtain with her. “Who invited that prick? They said he wasn’t allowed.”

“Clearly, some woman was convinced otherwise,” said Bog with disgust. “If you want to leave-“

“No, Bog,” said Marianne, turning her head away and standing tall. “I’m done running away from Roland. He’s taken enough of my emotional health and well-being, and I won’t let him do it again. I’m going to go back out there and show him I’m having a good time.”

“You may look like that to everyone else, Mari, but you don’t fool me,” said Bog quietly, reaching for Marianne’s cheek. At that, Marianne leaned into his calloused hands, enjoying his touch. The hard lines of her face softened, and she looked up at him.

“Why does he always get the upper hand? And why did he think that I went to multiple universities? Bog?”

Bog looked shamefaced and stared at his shoes.

“Well, I, uh-“

Marianne pulled Bog down so that their heads were at the same level. “Tell me, Bog. What did you do?”

“I didn’t want Roland to follow you, and I know that you created a new facebook and email for yourself in college. But Roland didn’t know that, and he was trying to track you. I’d change your location on a regular basis, as I could figure out his computer pretty fast from how often he seemed to visit your page and send you anonymous messages.”

“You lied to me. Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Marianne, growing angry.

“Because I didn’t want you to have to worry about him. I wanted you to enjoy college, without him. I knew he hurt you bad. You deserved better,” said Bog, looking down. “If you want me to go, I understand. But I don’t regret what I did.”

Bog could feel Marianne’s grasp on his shoulders tighten a lot as he spoke, and he kept his head down. He knew it had been wrong, but after all she went through, she needed a fresh start.

Marianne removed her hands from his person, and Bog looked up. He saw her angry brown eyes, and a moment later, she slapped him. Bog took it as gracefully as he could, but the force of it still knocked him against the curtain.

As the slap was heard on the other side of the curtain, Roland took that as his cue to find a microphone. He had no cronies with him now, but surely it could not be that hard.

“That’s for not telling me,” said Marianne with hostility, arms folding in front of her.

Bog was about to speak when he saw Marianne’s eyes soften, and her arms reach for his head. He did his best to fight back this time by putting his arms around her waist, to hold her back since her arms were shorter, but he found that he did not have to. He was prevented from separating himself from her and instead found himself dragging her closer when her hands cupped his cheeks, she kissing him.

“That is for taking care of me when I didn’t ask or want it. I’d much rather fight my own battles, and I’d like you to respect my wishes from now on,” said Marianne, looking Bog in the eye.

Bog nodded in agreement and replied, “Yes, Marianne. At first I did it because I still didn’t know you as well and just wanted to be the hero for once, but later I did feel bad. But I wasn’t about to stop and tell you. I know now.”

“Thank you, Bog. I wish you had told me,” said Marianne, a smile creeping onto her face.

“Why?” asked Bog, tilting his head in confusion.

“Because we could’ve had so much more fun sending him on wild goose chases together, silly,” said Marianne, pretending to whack Bog upside the head.

“Remind me to show you Roland’s messages from the time when we were apart. Those ones were particularly good. I sent him to so many places, and he got frustrated,” said Bog. “He almost dropped his act of caring about you.”

It was at that moment that Roland came back with the microphone and stand, and put it next to Bog and Marianne on the other side of the curtain. He stepped back to sit and enjoy the fireworks. Stuff told her husband, Thang, to bring out his phone and start recording.

“Is that part of the reason why you were quiet, Bog?” asked Marianne curiously.

“Yes, it was, Marianne. It weighed on me a lot during that time. I felt bad not telling you, but I felt worse not having you in my life. You’ve become so important to me over these five years. Our time apart told me that I never want to lose you again.”

“Oh, Bog, I feel the same way,” said Marianne, reaching in and hugging him. Bog held her close, not wanting to let go.

“I love you, Tough Girl. I don’t think I realized it for a while, but even when we bonded that fateful night, I knew you were different. Stuff knew that I liked you before even I realized it, but when your father pulled us aside, I realized how much I loved you. I hated the idea of being called out by your father, but if it meant getting you back, I’d take all the tough talks he could throw at me. I’d do anything for you,” Bog said, his voice growing soft.

As Marianne continued to hold him close, Bog was encouraged to continue talking. It was then that he felt the weight of the engagement ring in his pocket, and he decided to do something about it at last, now that she finally knew.

“You said earlier that you love me. I’ve always felt that way, but we’ve neither of us said it out loud. I do love you,” he said, repeating himself as he tried to think of a good way to lead into a proposal.

“Yes, I heard you the first time, Bog. I love you so much,” said Marianne, pulling Bog down so their foreheads could touch.

Before Bog knew what he was doing, he found himself saying, “Will you marry me?”

Bog froze once he said it, and Marianne pulled away, looking at him as though he had sprouted wings and looked like an insect.

For one tense moment, Bog could not move, and Marianne just continued to stare at him. Then she asked, “After all this time? Is this what you’ve been so hesitant about these last couple months? Marriage?”

“You have no idea how much I’ve worried about it,” said Bog honestly, his hands spreading out in front of him as he tried to show her the depth of his worrying. “For the last year I’ve-“

“Yes. Always yes. Yes, I’ll marry you, Bog,” interrupted Marianne, putting a finger to Bog’s lips.

“Thank you, Marianne. You’ve just made me the happiest, luckiest man there is,” said Bog, pulling out the ring.

Marianne took a moment to gawk at the ring while Bog put it on her hand. Once the ring was in its new home, Marianne reached up to Bog, clinging to him with all her might.

“Thank you, Bog! It’s beautiful!”

The couple kissed, and neither noticed that wild cheering had begun on the other side of the curtain. They certainly did notice when Stuff pulled back the curtains, letting in the light and catcalls. All the while, Thang continued to record the very public proposal so that he could share it with friends and family for a long time to come, sniffling loudly about Bog and Marianne.

“Finally! At long last, they’re getting together after five years together. It’s so sweet!”

Thang teared up a little after saying that, and Stuff came back to him to hug him, her eyes wet as well.

“What just happened?” asked Bog, looking around at everyone once they all calmed down.

“Roland put a mic by you so that we could listen to the proposal. It was beautiful and so romantic!” said one girl, swooning.

“Don’t worry, BK, we’ll send this to your mother and Dawn at once! We got it all on film,” said Stuff proudly.

Bog looked ready to scream at them for their actions, but Marianne thought it was a little sweet. She pulled Bog in for one more kiss, making him forget all about their actions, or so she thought.

After the kiss, Bog said, “Better send it quick, before I change my mind. I’m in a particularly good mood right now.”

The married couple did not have to be told twice. Soon, screams of joy could be heard throughout the city. No one was quite sure who was louder, Dawn or Griselda. Most said Dawn’s singing was louder, but Griselda’s initial shrill scream of joy was louder.

***10 Years Later***

“Cheers to Associate Professor Marianne King, the best professor who lived!”

Amidst much cheering and clinking of glasses, Marianne blushed at all the attention from her friends and family around her at the ten year high school reunion. She had gotten her PhD a few years ago, and after doing her time as a post-graduate, she had found a university to do research at while she taught.

Bog held her close, choosing not to drink that night to support Marianne, seeing as she would not be able to drink for another couple months, after the baby was born. The girl would be their second child, the first an already tall boy who looked just like his father. Bog worked from home, happy to get away from his annoying coworkers, and even happier to spend time with his son.

Dawn was enjoying some alcohol, having given birth a year ago now to her first child, a girl who combined all the best things about her parents, Dawn and Sunny. Sunny had a night off from taking care of his theater, a joint venture he had with Stuff, ever the resourceful investor from her insight, economics degree, and MBA. Thang worked with Bog, whenever Bog actually came into the office.

Stuff had given birth to a girl a few months after Marianne had, and she had already decided with Thang that their girl would be their only child. The girl was a curious, bossy thing, and she loved to ride on her father’s back and play with Marianne and Bog’s son. Griselda thought that the two young ones would one day get married, but all the parents gave her evil glares to silence her.

As the night wore on, everyone began to reminisce about their high school days, looking around the room at those in attendance. Some seemed different, and others stayed the same. It was Marianne who asked the question, rather surprised by the turn of events.

“Where’d Roland the Rat go? I thought for sure he’d sneak into the school somehow.”

“I heard Barbie Boy drank himself into a stupor and became an alcoholic after you agreed to marry Bog,” said Stuff, pleased with herself.

“I heard he became a druggie,” said Sunny, looking around for confirmation from someone.

“He’s doing none of those things; he’s in jail,” said Bog with authority.

“How do you know?” asked Marianne suspiciously.

“Don’t you all read the paper? It was in this morning’s paper about his ‘fall from grace’. It was glorious. Here, brought it with me to share,” said Bog, smug as can be as he gave the paper to Marianne.

After reading, Marianne threw her head back and laughed. “It figures that Roland would be in jail for trying to get out of a speeding ticket by offering a female officer drugs. Idiot.”

“Busted him with quite a bit, too,” said Bog, enjoying a laughing Marianne. “Sounds like all his time from high school was an ongoing thing.”

“Serves him right. Though, he did help bring us together, in high school and marriage, Bog. That has to count for something,” said Marianne seriously, tilting her head toward her husband.

“Sure does. We’ll drink in his honor. Raise your glass, everyone. To Roland!”

“To high school!”

***20 Years Later***

“Has it really been twenty years since we graduated from high school, Bog? It feels longer,” said Marianne, leaning against her husband in the old high school gym.

“Only because we have two grown children in high school now. The only thing I fear now is having Miss Plum succeed your father as principal. This worries me a lot,” said Bog, looking around for any sign of the newest principal.

“I had always thought she was pretty old when she taught us,” said Sunny, putting an arm around his wife. “I’m confused how she’s still here.”

“Magic, my boy. Magic,” said the lady in blue, appearing out of nowhere.

Sunny jumped and screamed, his surprise contorting his face. Sugar Plum laughed and made a similar scream.

“You should see your face!” she cackled.

“Oh wait, I can show you,” said Stuff, laughing as she showed her phone’s picture to Sunny. Unlike the guys, she had seen Plum approaching and got her camera ready.

“Having fun are we?” asked Plum.

“Much. Just trying to figure out how our children ended up in high school already,” said Dawn, smiling at Plum pleasantly. She had always liked Plum.

“Good. Don’t worry about your children; I’ll take good care of them, just like I did for Bog and Marianne,” said Plum as she smiled and sashayed away.

“What did she mean by that?” asked Bog, staring at Plum with furrowed brows.

“I don’t think I want to know,” said Thang, looking at his laughing wife.

“Don’t you all remember that night at lock-in?” asked Stuff after she finished laughing. “She’s one of the reasons why no teachers came to pick up Bog and Marianne for the longest time. I talked to teachers about that later; she delayed them. Then, she gave Marianne the needed weapon to defeat Roland and his cronies. Our children are doomed.”

“You’re taking this awfully well,” said Marianne, not amused by Stuff’s laughter.

“There’s Strange Magic at work here. There’s nothing we can do to stop it,” said Stuff, gesturing to the school around them. “We might as well enjoy the adventure.”

“I’ll drink to that,” said Bog, picking up his glass.

“Me, too,” said Marianne, intertwining her hand and glass with Bog’s. “To more adventures!”