Ignored

Matthew looked like he did not want to answer Jaqueline's question. He took a deep breath and began. "Do you remember when we all were in college?"

"We all?" Jaqueline queried

"Yeah, the three of us." Matthew confirmed.

"Steven and I discovered that we went to the same university at the same time and that you and he were classmates so we all must have been there at the same time." Sam said. "It makes me wonder if out paths ever crossed."

"Your path never crossed anybody's in college. Any vague memories you have are mine." Jaqueline snared and Sam back down and tried to hide next to Steven. Jaqueline was starting to feel like the odd man out. For month's this "Sam" was getting to know her story and making connections that made this whole mess fit together.

"Actually, our path's did cross. At least yours and mine. We had bumped into each other at the book store. I tired to get your number and you blew me off. I am not dismissed very often and when someone tries it is not easy. And you blew me off. We saw each other a few more times. I still could not get you to give me one little bit of attention. Fast forward to the development of our robot program and when it came time for the prototype I knew exactly who I wanted."

With narrowed eyes, Jaqueline spoke through gritted teeth. "Because I ignored you 20 years ago you have decided to put me and my life on parade?"

"I told you it is not easy to blow me off."

"This is insane. You are insane."

"But, here we are together, and have been for months as we have prepared this roll out." Matthew said with a mischievous grin.

"Get out. Get out this instance." In shock, Matthew sat there. "You don't seem to understand. I can still blow you off. Get. Out. Now." Jaqueline stood up like she had been kicked. "Now."

Steven had underestimated Jaqueline's response and stood up. With as much power she could muster she walked Matthew to the door and excused him without offering any more words. As the door dramatically slammed shut, Jaqueline leaned forward and let her forehead rest on the door and breathed a huge sigh. "Now what am I going to do with the love birds on my couch?" she muttered under her breath.