Why Do Fools Fall in Love?

Part Four

Author’s note:

In Fools, Part Three, we took a peek inside of the mind of Jim. Hopefully, you all felt his pain. We left off with Jim staring at two engagement rings; one for Trixie, one for Amanda. He had just made a decision and grabbed a ring as the story ended. Did he make the right one?

Tune in to Part Four of “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” to find out!

Wordlessly, Diana Belden sat down beside her sister-in-law. Instinctively feeling her pain, she silently placed a comforting hand on Trixie’s arm. Trixie covered Di’s hand with her own and gently squeezed.

“Is Mart keeping the ‘Cackling Witch with a Capital B’ occupied?” Trixie asked, her voice missing its usual exuberance.

At first, Diana looked a bit perplexed at Trixie’s terminology. However, after a moment, she figured it out and smiled wryly. “I think that particular mantle has been passed on to Dan,” she explained. “Mart distracted Amanda for a while, but we all know how much patience he has. After she kept honking at him, he began making strangling motions behind her head. Brian relieved him.

“I’m not quite sure if it was out of pity for Mart, or out of fear for Amanda’s life,” Di continued, almost as if musing to herself. “Within minutes, Brian began rolling his eyes and signing SOS. Dan felt sorry for him and cut in.”

Diana stopped and looked around the ballroom. Upon spotting Dan, she continued. “Uh-oh. Since Dan’s dancing with Kaye, I don’t know who’s keeping a lid on Amanda now. Maybe we need to scan the perimeter for victims.”

“I thought everybody just loved Goosey-Loosey,” Trixie commented with a snort.

Diana rubbed Trixie’s back. “Sweetie, none of us actually like Amanda. We were only tolerating her for Jim’s sake, and believe me, it’s been getting harder every day. She’s better than some of the girls he’s dated in the past, but she’s no you.”

Trixie rolled her eyes. “That’s reassuring. I was beginning to question your sanity.”

“Where is Jim?” Di asked, scanning the room for any sign of the guest of honor.

Trixie sniffed indignantly. “I don’t know, and I don’t care.”

Diana merely smiled. Trixie’s tone belied her claimed that she “didn’t care”.

Honey appeared and sat on the other side of Trixie. “I thought you were with Jim, Trix,” she remarked, immediately sensing something was amiss. “Where is he?”

Trixie groaned and buried her face in her hands. Honey peered over curiously at their ebony-haired friend, who only rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders.

“I’m such an idiot,” Trixie moaned. “How could I be so stupid?”

A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of Diana’s lips. “I suppose now wouldn’t be a good time for me to act like my husband and smart you off, would it?”

Trixie sat up and looked forlornly at her two best friends. “Actually Di, I deserve all the Mart-isms you can muster. Hit me with the best polysyllabic insult you can think of.”

Honey giggled in spite of the despondent look on Trixie’s face. “It can’t be that be that bad, Trix. Exactly what happened when you danced with Jim?”

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing,” Trixie answered softly. “And that’s the problem. I had a golden opportunity to spill my guts to him, and I blew it.”

“What do you mean?” Honey reached into her small, gold handbag and pulled out a dainty handkerchief, which she handed to her teary friend. Trixie took it and blew her nose in a most unladylike manner.

“I had my chance to finally tell Jim how I feel about him, but I chickened out,” Trixie explained sadly. She noisily blew her nose once more in the handkerchief, before handing it back to Honey. Honey stared at it in repulsion, and then tactfully motioned for Trixie to keep it.

“Honey and I have suspected all these years that you love Jim as more than a friend, but you’ve never really talked about it. How do you feel about him?” Di questioned gently.

Trixie’s expression grew wistful. “I love him more than anything else on this earth,” she whispered, her voice choking with emotion. “I love him more than a cool breeze on a humid day, more than the sun as it rises in the morning sky. I love him more than the snow as it settles on the pine branches in the preserve and more than the rainbow as it peeks out after a summer storm. I love him more than life itself.”

Trixie hurriedly wiped a tear trickling down her cheek and ruefully laughed. “After all these years, I can finally admit to myself that I love him. I love James Winthrop Frayne the Second, and it’s too late for me to do a stinkin’ thing about it.”

“Oh, sweetie!” Honey put an arm around Trixie, her hazel eyes swimming with unshed tears. “It’s not too late. Find Jim now and tell him what you told us. I know he feels exactly the same way about you.”

Diana squeezed Trixie’s hand and began sniffling as well. “Honey’s right, Trix. Now that you’ve admitted your feelings to us, it’ll be easier to tell Jim. Talk to him before it’s too late.”

“I can’t,” Trixie said, her lower lip quivering and tears pooling in her china blue eyes. “What if he laughs in my face?”

“He won’t!” Honey assured her. “All these years, it’s been so obvious that you and Jim are crazy about one another. Tell him how you feel, Trix.”

“But what about Amanda?” questioned Trixie.

Diana giggled. “Let her find some eighty-year-old geezer to mooch off of. Maybe he’d be too deaf to hear that goose laugh of hers.”

“All’s fair in love and war,” Honey commented loyally. “And besides, you found him first.”

“And if you don’t, think of how miserable you’ll be without him,” Di warned.

Trixie nervously chewed her lip. “You’re right,” she said, hopping up as quickly as her tight dress would allow. “It’s now or never.”

Unfortunately, before she could complete her mission, Mart and Brian returned to their spots at the table and sat down.

“You might as well sit down, Trix,” Brian replied. “Mr. Wheeler told us there was going to be some sort of announcement.”

“Announcement?” Trixie repeated with a worried voice.

Mart shrugged. “Jim’s probably going to tell everyone about the school.” He looked at his wife’s plate which still held a few appetizers. “You gonna finish those, sweetie?”

Trixie’s pulse pounded and sweat beaded on her forehead. Her instincts told her something big was going to happen. Dan and Kaye joined the group and sat down to wait for the announcement. Trixie watched in slow motion as all her friends chatted without a care in the world. Her heart beat furiously as she reclaimed her seat. The pianist gave a chinkering on the keys as Jim stepped onto the stage. After all eyes were upon him, he nervously cleared his throat and took the microphone out of its stand.

Trixie took a sip of her water, trying to relieve the dryness in her mouth and throat. She focused on Jim and tried to think positively, but that was an impossible feat. She was sure nobody else in the room could tell how nervous the redhead was, for on the outside, he appeared calm, cool and collected. However, Trixie had always had a connection with Jim, and she could sense the tension oozing out of him.

“Thank you all so much for coming tonight,” Jim began, his confident voice belying his angst-ridden thoughts. “As you know, we are here to celebrate the completion of Ten Acres Academy School for Troubled Children. Many years ago, my biological father, Winthrop Frayne, he talked about his desire to open such a school for needy children. However, his untimely death prohibited him from achieving that dream.

“After my father’s passing, I became one of the troubled boys my dad had longed to help. I was a poor, abused runaway with no known relatives to whom I could turn. But, I was fortunate. I was adopted into a loving family and given opportunities beyond my wildest imagination. However, most orphans aren’t that lucky.

“It is written in the Bible, ‘For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required,’ and I’ve been given a lot. Therefore, as a teenage boy, my father’s dream became my own. I determined in my heart to one day build a school for underprivileged orphans.

“Finally, after years of planning, the school and several dormitories have been completed. In a week, the doors of Ten Acres Academy will be officially opened, and my father’s dream will be realized.

“I couldn’t have accomplished this without the help of some special people in my life. First and foremost, I want to acknowledge my parents, Winthrop and Katje Frayne. The school is lovingly dedicated to their memory. I will never forget the values they taught me, and the unconditional love they showed me.

“I also wish to thank my adoptive parents, Matthew and Madeleine Wheeler. Without their emotional, as well as financial, support, this school would still be a dream. Thank you so much for loving me as your own. May this school influence needy children as you have influenced me.

“I also wish to mention my great-uncle, James Winthrop Frayne the First, who left me a great deal of money upon his death. My adoptive father wisely invested this inheritance, and the profits have enabled me to begin this academy.

“In addition, I must cite a special group of friends who’ve always been there for me. They rescued me during a particularly difficult time in my life, and if it had not been for their friendship and encouragement, who knows where I would have ended up. I thank God every day for the friends I have found in the Bob-Whites.

“Brian, you’ve been my best friend for several years now. Without you, I never would have made it through our first years of college. For several years, we’ve shared this dream. A position as the academy’s physician awaits you upon the completion of your residency. There’s no other person more qualified, or more deserving.

“Mart and Diana, your humor has always been a bright spot through the years. Your love for one another is inspiring, and I hope that your marriage will be an example to our students. I appreciate all that you’ve done for the school, and I’m looking forward to working with you both. Mart, a reporter for the Sleepyside Sun, will head the journalism department of Ten Acres Academy, as well as assist in our agricultural department. His lovely wife, Diana, will be helping with the extracurricular art and drama classes.

“Dan, your friendship means everything to me. When nobody else could understand the trials I’ve faced, I always knew I could talk to you. You’ve overcome more than most know, and your life has been an inspiration to me, and will surely inspire the children who attend this school. I know with you will help our students to become better citizens. Through the years, you’ve been a faithful confidant, and you’ll never know how I’ve appreciated your friendship. I’m eager to see how you will help mold the lives of the students here.

“Honey, I’m so thankful to have been blessed with a sister like you. Your selfless attitude is an example for others. When I first came to Sleepyside, you made Manor House more than a place to stay; you made it a home. I love you, and I thank you for all your support through the years. Without your encouragement, this dream would’ve died long ago. Thank you so much for all you’ve done, and for being the sister I always wanted but never had until our parents adopted me.

“Trixie…” Jim’s voice, usually so confident, cracked, and he had to clear his throat. “Trixie, without you, none of this would be possible. You found me when I was lost. If you hadn’t tracked me down, I would’ve surely ended up on that cattle boat all those years ago, alone and afraid. Your belief in me has driven me to succeed.” His green eyes locked across the room with Trixie’s blue ones. “You’ll always have a special place in my heart,” he added with a slight tremor in his voice.

Jim took a deep breath and clasped his trembling hands. With all the strength he could muster, he tore his gaze away from hers.

“Finally, I want to acknowledge another special person, Amanda Woodward.” At his nod, Amanda, every golden hair in place, a perfect smile on her perfect face, joined him at the podium. “Tonight is a special night as we celebrate the opening of Ten Acres Academy. It’s even more special because Amanda Woodward has just agreed to become my wife.”

Polite applause erupted throughout the ballroom, save from one table. At that particular table, an audible, collective gasp could be heard. Total shock filled each of the Bob-Whites.

Trixie sat in stunned silence, her heart breaking with every breath she took. A single tear trickled down her cheek. Honey and Di each immediately placed a comforting hand on their friend. Brian’s brow furrowed as he studied his sister’s reaction. Mart seethed silently in his seat, trembling in anger. Dan nervously glanced at Trixie and silently handed her the faux handkerchief from his tuxedo. Even Kaye sat in uncomfortable silence, not knowing exactly what to do or say.

After the congratulations ended, the orchestra began a slow song, and Jim led his fiancée to the dance floor. Trixie sat in her seat, gaping at the sight before her. Without a word to any of her friends, she stood and escaped out the French doors leading to the terrace.

Honey and Di each rose to follow her, but Brian laid a gentle hand on both of their shoulders. “I think she needs a moment to herself,” he said softly.

Honey looked at Brian helplessly, her perfectly sculpted brows raised in shock. However, she followed his advice and sat back down, and Diana followed suit.

“How could Jim do this?” Mart hissed. “What’s he thinking? He doesn’t love Amanda!” The stocky blond was shaking with anger. The pain he saw in his sister’s eyes made him want to rip every limb off of Jim’s body and beat him about the head and shoulders with them.

Dan placed a soothing hand on Mart’s back. “Well, it’s not going to help Trixie for you to go beat the crap out of him,” he advised his friend. Dan knew redheads didn’t have the franchise on tempers; Mart’s hothead could rival Jim’s any day of the week.

“It may not help Trixie, but it would sure make me feel better!” Mart sputtered angrily. “He could’ve at least warned her! To throw this at her like this…”

“Mart’s right,” Brian replied, his lips set in grim determination. “After all they’ve been through, he could’ve at least told her ahead of time.”

“Well, you should be happy,” Honey snapped furiously. Although she wasn’t pleased with Jim right now, she felt she had to defend him. He was her brother, even if he was acting like an idiot. “All these years, you’ve tried to keep them apart. I guess it finally worked.”

Brian turned to her, pain etched on his classically handsome features. “You don’t mean that, Honey.”

Angry tears brimmed in Honey’s hazel eyes. She furrowed her brow and took a deep breath. “Yes, I do. Even after we became a couple, you always watched Trixie like a hawk. Nobody was ever good enough for your baby sister, not even your best friend.”

“This isn’t helping!” Diana insisted. “Fighting amongst ourselves won’t keep Jim from making this mistake.” She gripped her husband’s hand in an attempt to soothe him. Her violet eyes implored Mart to settle down, and help her calm down their friends, as well.

“Well, obviously, I was right. Jim isn’t good enough for my sister,” Brian retorted, ignoring Di’s efforts at peacemaking. “He wasn’t man enough to confront her about his feelings; so instead, he hooked up with some high-class floozy who sounds like a mortally injured walrus with a head cold when she laughs.”

“You know I love Trixie like a sister, but she’s as much to blame as Jim,” Honey argued, her tone low and controlled. “She could’ve just as easily told Jim her feelings.”

“So, you’re taking his side?” Brian demanded, his voice rising slightly, and no doubt carrying to nearby tables.

“I’m not taking his side,” Honey hissed vehemently, making an effort to keep her voice down, as to avoid a scene. “Trixie’s my best friend, and I love her! I’ve always wanted them to end up together. But Jim’s my brother. Just because he’s being King of Stupidville right now doesn’t mean I’m going to quit loving him. I’ll support him even if he has made the biggest mistake of his life.”

“Did you know he was going to propose to Amanda?” Brian questioned angrily, his tone low and grim as he carefully enunciated each word.

Honey gasped. “No! It surprised me just as much as it did everyone else. I knew they were serious about one another, but I had no idea they were that serious!”

The rest of the Bob-Whites stared at one another anxiously. Finally, Dan spoke. “Do you think we should go over and congratulate him?”

“I know how I’d like to congratulate him!” Mart growled.

Di squeezed her husband’s hand. “Sweetie, you’ve got to calm down. People are looking at us.”

“I don’t want to calm down! I want to go kick his—” Before Mart could finish the statement, he looked up to see Jim and Amanda approaching their table.

Meanwhile, outside…

Trixie silently wiped the tears streaming down her cheeks with the faux handkerchief from Dan’s tuxedo. She looked over the horizon to the east, where she saw the newly constructed Ten Acres Academy. Her lips quivered and her stomach churned as she remembered her first meeting with the boy who would forever change her life.

She and Honey had been snooping around the original Ten Acres, when they had found Jim sprawled out on an old mattress in the middle of the living room. Trixie had inadvertently knocked over a pile of mildewed books, which had woken up the husky redhead. He’d jumped up and grabbed the gun which lay at his side.

She would never forget, for as long as she lived, how Jim looked at that precise moment. His freckled face had shown no sign of friendliness, and his jaw was set in determination. His dark red hair was slightly disheveled from his sleep. Even in the dimly lit room, Trixie could tell his eyes were a deep green.

As he pointed the gun at them, her heart raced. However, her pounding pulse had nothing to do with fear. When Trixie laid eyes upon James Winthrop Frayne the Second for the first time, she knew she’d found her destiny. Never again would her life be the same. She stared silently at the figure before her, entranced by his presence.

It wasn’t the fact that he was overwhelmingly attractive. It wasn’t the fact that he had a virile presence about him. It was because when Trixie’s eyes locked with his, she felt, for the first time in her life, complete.

I wish he’d just shot me with that gun, Trixie thought scornfully. It would’ve been a lot less painful than having my heart broken. She closed her eyes, allowing sweet memories of ID bracelets and white orchids to flood her mind. The sound of the patio door opening and closing brought her back to reality.

“Do you mind if I keep you company for a moment?”

She looked up to see Madeleine Wheeler standing behind her, immaculately dressed and looking perfectly perfect, as always. Trixie stiffened slightly. Honey’s mother had always intimidated her, although the lady had always treated her kindly. In Madeleine’s presence, she always felt like a poorly dressed, klutzy tomboy.

Trixie shrugged and nonchalantly tried to wipe away her tears before Madeleine could see them. “I don’t mind. I was just getting some fresh air.”

“It was rather stuffy in there, wasn’t it?”

“Stifling,” Trixie admitted.

“Lovely party, though, isn’t it?” Madeleine inquired.

Trixie looked up at her in surprise. It sounded as if the ever-poised Madeleine Wheeler was nervous.

“Y-yes,” Trixie stammered. “It’s a very nice celebration. I couldn’t be happier for Jim. It’s wonderful that his dream’s finally coming true.”

“Jim certainly deserves this moment of happiness,” Madeleine replied. At the mention of her son, a fond look passed over her delicate features. “He’s worked very hard and has been through so much.” She paused momentarily and studied Trixie. “I must admit, his announcement took Matthew and me by surprise.”

Trixie swallowed deeply. “It was a big shock to me… to the Bob-Whites… to all of us, I mean. I had no idea things were so serious between him and Amanda.” She took a deep breath and attempted a bright smile. “I’m sure you and Mr. Wheeler are very pleased with his choice for a bride. Amanda is… very nice, and will… make a fine… wife for Jim.”

“I suppose so,” Madeleine agreed, her tone devoid of any emotion. “She’s from an upstanding family. The Woodwards have old money, and are well-respected. I’m sure their ties will be valuable to Jim and his school. And Amanda is a lovely girl. She’s polite, civic-minded, and cultured. Very beautiful, as well.” She paused again. “However, I must admit that I imagined Jim married to someone else.” Madeleine laid her hand on top of Trixie’s and gently squeezed it.

“But I thought you’d be ecstatic that Jim’s marrying someone with money and an important family,” Trixie gasped.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, Trixie, it’s the fact that money and power are nice, but they’re no substitute for love,” Madeleine answered softly. “If Jim truly loves Amanda, and will be happy with her, then I am happy. However, if Jim’s in love with someone else, then I wish he’d marry her instead,” Madeleine continued, looking pointedly at the sandy-blonde.

“Don’t you think Jim’s in love with Amanda?”

Madeleine pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Only Jim knows for certain. I believe he genuinely cares for her, otherwise he wouldn’t propose. I also think that he wants to love Amanda, but something’s holding him back. Or should I say someone.”

Trixie sighed. “Even if he does love someone else, he’s marrying Amanda.”

“Not for at least a year,” Madeleine commented casually with a slight smile. “These society weddings take that long to plan, at the minimum. Jim wouldn’t be the first groom to change his mind in that span of time.”

Trixie gaped at Madeleine, her china blue eyes round with surprise. “Are you hoping Jim changes his mind?” she asked incredulously.

Madeleine laugh sounded like a soft tinkling. “I didn’t say that. Matthew and I will support our son whatever he chooses to do. Even if we did disapprove of this marriage, it wouldn’t do any good. Jim’s a stubborn young man, like his father and his adoptive father.”

“You can say that again,” Trixie snorted in agreement.

Madeleine smiled and patted Trixie’s hand. “Give him time, Trixie. On the outside, Jim appears very strong; but inside, he’s quite vulnerable. This is partly my own fault, I’m afraid. If only I had insisted upon Jim getting the therapy he needed after we first adopted him, this may not have happened.” Her lovely hazel eyes filled with tears of regret.

“Jim suffers more than any of us know,” she continued, her voice quavering. “It’s difficult for him to trust his heart to anyone. In fact, it may be easier to not trust it to anyone, and merely settle for something safe.”

“But, if you really love someone…” Trixie began earnestly. “I just don’t understand.”

“You’ve never faced the same demons Jim has,” Madeleine explained. “You grew up in a home where you’ve always felt secure and loved, and for the most part, you’ve been shielded from the sort of heartbreak that Jim has come to expect. He’s afraid to love, for fear of losing those he loves most. That’s why he’s always been afraid to love you.”

Trixie’s head whipped up, and she stared in disbelief at Madeleine. “Jim doesn’t love me.”

“He does,” Madeleine stated adamantly. “I’ve known since you were teenagers, since the moment I met you at Autoville. Fate led you to him, and fate will bring you together again.”

Trixie shook her head and fought back tears. “It’s too late for me and—”

“It’s not too late,” Madeleine interrupted. “Love’s worth fighting for. There’s nothing sadder than a man with an unrequited love. Believe me, I know.”

Trixie curiously studied Madeleine’s forlorn expression. “What do you mean?”

“This goes no further,” Madeleine clarified. After Trixie’s nod of affirmation, she continued. “When I met Matthew in college, he was in love with someone else. Circumstances being what they were, he was unable to tell this girl his true feelings toward her.”

Trixie inhaled sharply. “Who was she?”

Madeleine smiled sadly. “It’s not important now. The girl married someone else. In fact, Matthew was in the wedding. By this time, he and I had met and had started dating, but I knew he didn’t love me as he loved this girl. I watched him at the wedding. He smiled and tried to act happy, but I knew his heart was breaking.”

Her eyes grew distant and her smile a bit melancholy as she continued. “Knowing there was no chance with that girl now that she was married, Matthew became more serious with me. I believe he loved me, but I was his second choice. I loved him so much that I didn’t care. But soon I learned that I could never compete with his true love. It broke my heart, knowing he was pining for what might have been, and that he didn’t really love me.”

Trixie stared at the woman before her in total shock. “But Mr. Wheeler adores you!” she blurted out.

“He does now, yes. Years later, we worked out our differences. We’re very happy and in love, but we faced some rocky moments early in our marriage. There were times I thought we wouldn’t make it. I was a spoiled socialite, and he was a stubborn redhead,” Madeleine concluded with a laugh.

“We were very blessed, indeed, to have been given a second chance,” she continued. “However, it was no way for a couple to live. I wouldn’t wish that upon Jim, and I wouldn’t wish that upon Amanda, either. Jim would always pine for you, as Matthew pined for his first love, and there’s no guarantee that Jim will come to love Amanda as Matthew came to love me. So, although Amanda isn’t perfect, I wouldn’t want to see her suffer as I did.”

Trixie lowered her head, as the tears streamed down her cheeks. “Me either.”

Madeleine placed a slender hand on Trixie’s shoulder, gently turning the younger woman around to face her. With a delicate index finger, she pulled up Trixie’s chin so their eyes met. “So, just between you and me, I’ll keep hoping that the best girl wins.”

Ignoring propriety, etiquette, and all thoughts of messing up her hair, Madeleine tenderly embraced Trixie, who began sobbing in earnest. For several minutes, she patted the weeping girl’s back and stroked her hair. Finally, Trixie pulled away.

She blew her nose a final time on Dan’s poor faux handkerchief. “I think this thing has had it,” she giggled through her remaining tears as she waved the desecrated piece of material. “I guess I’d better wash it before he returns it to the rental shop.”

“I think you’d be better off burning it,” Madeleine teased.

“I should go in and congratulate Jim, huh?” Trixie asked nervously.

Madeleine shook her head. “You go to the Farm, dear. I’m sure your father will give you a ride to your apartment. He and your mother left early. I’ll tell everyone inside that you received a phone call and needed to leave. I’ll pass along your regards to Jim.”

“Thanks.” Trixie grinned gratefully. “I wouldn’t want Jim to see me like this anyway. All of Roberto’s hard work’s down the drain. The mascara he globbed on is now all wiped off on Dan’s hanky.”

Trixie removed her ridiculously high-heeled shoes and hitched up her evening gown. After another impulsive hug to Madeleine, she trotted away down the footpath leading to Crabapple Farm.

Madeleine sighed unhappily as she watched Trixie make her way to her parents’ house. She’d watched her daughter’s best friend blossom from a clumsy tomboy to a vibrant young woman. She knew deep in her heart that her son loved Trixie Belden. She only hoped he would do something about it before it was too late and he lost her forever.

“Why do perfectly sensible people turn into fools when they fall in love?” she mused as she watched Trixie’s shadow disappear down in the hollow.

Credits:

Kaye and Kathy, you are the bestest editors in the whole wide world! I am amazed (not to mention ashamed) by the stupid mistakes I make! Thank you for correcting them without making me feel dumb! {{HUGS}}

Thank you, Kathy, for Trixie’s pet name for Amanda. The Witch with a Capital B. Hehehe. *VEG*

Please check out the Blooper Reel for an extra laugh or two. J

“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required,” is a quote from Luke 12:48.

I’ve actually known of people to use faux handkerchiefs to blow their noses. *G*

Stupidville is not an actual place, that I am aware of, but I’d say if it was, right now Jim could easily be appointed king.

See, I don’t hate Madeleine Wheeler. I made her nice in this story for all you Mrs. Wheeler fans out there!

Did you notice the ever-so-sneaky mention of my alternate uni, What Might Have Been? Hey, it’s my story, so I can promote my other stuff here if I want to! Any guesses on who the mystery lady was? More about that in another uni…

Why weren’t Peter and Helen at Jim’s party? ‘Cause it was Friday night! *VEG* Lucky for Trixie, who just happened to need a ride home.

And of course, Roberto is the man who did Trixie’s hair and make-up during Part Two of this story.

Boy, what a mess we have now! Jim is going to marry the wrong girl, Trixie’s heart has been broken, Mart and Brian want to kill Jim, and Honey and Brian are angry at each other. What will happen next? Will this story have a happy ending? Or will this evil author drag it on forever?