by Melody Landeros

Created on: August 28, 2011

Marnie paused in front of the hall mirror to glance on last time at her hair and makeup, as he would be here any minute.  Her stomach turned cartwheels as she thought about Danny, her first love.  For six years, they were inseparable.  The shock of his sudden departure graduation night sent Marnie spiraling into depression for six months.

The sudden email from Danny twenty years later asking to meet brought back a rush of familiar feelings.  “Who am I fooling?” she told her reflection.  “I love Danny, always have, always will.” 

The doorbell pealed loudly.  Marnie’s hand shook as she turned the knob. Her Danny had returned. 

Opening the door, she noted a well-dressed tall blond woman .  ‘Oh not Danny,’ she thought disapointedly. 

The woman smiled, face alit with happy recognition of Marnie.

“Hello.  Can I help you?” she asked politely. 

The woman’s happiness disappeared, and frowning slightly asked, “You don’t recognize me?”

With a slight smile, Marnie shook her head.  “I apologize, but no.  Usually I do remember a face, but I’m drawing a blank.”

The woman smiled softly.  “It can’t have been that many years Marnie.  True, I don’t look the same, but it’s still me inside.  Some things change, others don’t.” 

Marnie felt the blood rush from her face.  She didn’t want to say what she had to say. 

“Marnie are you ok?” the woman asked watching her face turn a ghastly shade of white.  “Oh God, I’m so sorry.  I didn’t mean for you to find out this way.”

Marnie tried desperately to say a word.  She gulped air and closed her eyes. ‘Oh please no. This can’t be happening.’

“Marnie, I thought mom told you years ago.  It’s a long story, and it’s taken me twenty years to see you,” the woman half-whispered.  “Yes, it’s me, Danny.”

Marnie slid into unconsciousness; the shock of the old Danny gone, a first love shattered and a new Danny was more than she could bear.

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