47

Warmly, Caroline assured Dennis that things could go back to the way they were before, and she reached out to gently touch his hand.

However, it wasn't the case. After Elizabeth's passing, nothing could ever return to the way it had been before. Nothing. And Dennis had some significant reservations over the gathering that Caroline was attempting to organize. She could feel it in the pit of her stomach, a faint nagging that told her it was a very, very poor idea for some unknown reason.

She brought up the fact that "Merit's birthday has already come and gone." "It was on Saturday just before last."

"On the other hand, she did not throw a party, at least not a legitimate one like this one. Because my parents won't be arriving until Sunday AM, we get the whole night to ourselves. Come on, Dennis; just imagine how amazed she will be."

Dennis had the idea, "Oh, she'll be astonished, that's for sure." I am astounded that she could end up killing me in the end. "Look, Caroline; the reason why Merit did not throw a large party is because she does not feel particularly in the mood to celebrate right now. It seems to be insulting in some way."

"However, that is not the case. You and I both know that Elizabeth would want us to enjoy ourselves if she were here. She was a big fan of gatherings.

She would be horrified to think that we would still be mourning her absence six months after she had passed away." Caroline assumed an aggressive stance, her typically emerald-green eyes taking on a serious and seductive look. There was no pretense about them at this point, none of Caroline's typical nefarious manipulation of the situation. Dennis was able to detect that she was being sincere.

Caroline said, "I want us to be friends again the way we used to be." "Do you all remember how we used to always spend each of our birthdays together, just the four of us? Do you recall how the boys would constantly attempt to walk in on us while we were having fun? I'm curious to see whether they'll give it a go this year."

Dennis had the impression that the situation was getting out of her hands. She had the feeling that this was a terrible idea, a really terrible idea. But Caroline continued on, her expression becoming more daydreamy and even romantic as she reminisced about the simpler times. Dennis didn't have

the guts to tell her that those carefree days of yesteryear were as extinct as disco.

"But now there are just three of us here instead of four. There isn't much of a party to be had with only three people "She raised a feeble objection whenever she had the opportunity to do so.

"I'm also going to extend an invitation to Sue Carson. Doesn't it seem like Merit is able to get along with her?"

Dennis was forced to acknowledge that Merit was correct; Sue was much liked by everybody. Caroline had to come to terms with the fact that things could not go on in the same manner as they had in the past. It would not be possible to simply replace Elizabeth with Sue Carson and then declare that the problem has been solved.

But how am I supposed to explain it to Caroline? What Dennis was thinking. She realized it all of a sudden. "Let's ask Vee Ben," she added.
The focus was on Caroline. "Vee Ben? You must be kidding. Invite that strange little dribble who stripped naked in front of the majority of the school, would you? In light of all that took place?"

Because of all that took place, Dennis said, "because of everything that transpired." "Look, I'm aware that she was never a part of our group.

However, she is no longer accepted by the quick crowd; they do not want her, and she is petrified of them. She has fallen out of favor with them. Friends are important to her. We need human beings. Let's invite her."

At first, Caroline's expression was one of hopeless frustration. Dennis jutted out her chin, placed her hands on her hips, and waited with an expectant expression. At last, Caroline let out a sigh.

"Okay, you've got this; I concede. She will be invited by me. On the other hand, it is incumbent upon you to ensure that Merit arrives at my residence on Saturday evening. And Dennis, you need to ensure that she is completely unaware of what is taking on here. I truly want for this to come as a shock to you."

Dennis responded with a gloomy "Oh, it will be." She was unprepared for the unexpected smile that appeared on Caroline's face, as well as the spontaneous embrace that Caroline gave her.

Caroline said, "I am overjoyed that you are seeing things the way I do." "And getting back together with everyone will be such a welcome change."

As Caroline walked away, Dennis slowly came to the realization that she did not comprehend anything.

What exactly should I say to her to clarify this? Sock her?

And then I was like, "Oh, God. I have to tell Merit now."

But at the end of the day, she came to the conclusion that maybe Merit did not need the information. Caroline expressed her desire for Merit to be astonished; thus, maybe Dennis should surprise Merit. That way, at least before to the event, Merit wouldn't have to be concerned about it. Dennis came to the conclusion that it was most likely the most considerate thing to not say anything to Merit.

She wrote this on Friday night in her diary, and who knows what it means. It's possible that I'm being overly critical of Caroline. Perhaps she feels terrible about all she's done to us, like attempting to embarrass Elizabeth in front of the entire town and working to have Katherine arrested for murder. It's possible that she truly regrets her actions. Perhaps in the time since then, Caroline has grown up and learnt to think about other people in addition to herself. At her party, maybe we will end up having a fantastic time after all.

As she put the journal away, she mused, "And who knows? Maybe extraterrestrials may abduct me before tomorrow afternoon." The most she could do was hope.

The journal was a cheap blank volume purchased from a pharmacy, and the cover had a design of several little flowers. Since Elizabeth had passed away, she had just recently begun to retain it, but she found that she was already developing a little addiction to it. It was the one location where she could say anything she wanted without others staring at her in surprise or shouting things like "Oh, Dennis!" or "Dennis McCullough!"

She switched out the lamp and climbed beneath the covers while continuing to mull over Elizabeth's presence in her thoughts.


She was lounging on beautiful, well-manicured grass that extended in all directions as far as she could see for a considerable distance. The sky was an immaculate shade of blue, and the air was pleasant and fragrant. There was a chorus of birds.


Elizabeth exclaimed, "I am overjoyed that you were able to make it."

"Oh—yes," answered Dennis. "Well, of course, the same goes for me. Of course." She cast another glance in every direction before hurriedly returning her focus to Elizabeth.

"More tea?"

Dennis was holding a teacup that was as delicate as an eggshell despite its thickness. "Oh—sure. Thanks."

Elizabeth was dressed in a gown from the seventeenth century made of sheer white muslin. The way the fabric clung to her body highlighted how thin she was. She poured the tea with absolute precision, without wasting a single drop.

"Would you want a mouse?" the waiter asked. "A what?"