'Maybe I should look for her,'Sharon said uncertainly. The silence following Jasmine's exit was deafening. No one talked, not a sound. Everyone was stunned. Especially Jasmine's mother.

'I didn't know. Oh, my baby. She had to go through this all on her own,'she started to murmur. Then she looked at Sharon and for once, her eyes were not angry, accusing nor springing flames. It was the eyes of a mother who thought she'd failed her child. 'Did she talk to you about it?' They were at Sharon's table, separate from the entire hall. People were starting to recover from their shock and talked amongst themselves.

'Yeah. It was during our senior year. The year Dad died. She thought it was one of those vaginal infection that'll just need cream or something. But it was something nastier and more virulent. By the time we went to the doctor, it had damaged her uterus soo bad.  I went with her to the doctor's appointment.  She was soo heartbroken when the doctor broke the news to her. Inconsolable, in fact. She hid in my room for days, crying. And then one day, she stopped crying and acted normal. Went on with her life as usual. But I knew that she wasn't over it. I tried soo hard to get her to talk to an adult. I was too young for that. Even roped in Amelia since she should know the people but she refused every attempt.'

'Yeah. Eventually, the therapist said it's best to let her deal with it in her own ways,'Amelia said, backing her up. Then she frowned, as if recalling something. 'Hey, isn't that when you started losing friends? Like, during that period?'

'Yeah. But that's because I kind of neglected them while I grieved for Dad,'she said, not seeing the significance of the timing.

'Actually, that was when rumors about you started circulating the school,'Tony said. She'd forgotten that he had still been in high school. 'I don't recall what it was but it was pretty damaging. And when one was finally dying out, another one would start.'

'Do you remember any of this?'Cameron asked her. She shook her head, shocked.

'I thought it was my grief along with Mom always dressing me down in public that chased them away,'she said softly.

'I-I got wind of the rumors and believed them,'her mother confessed into the silence. Everyone turned to look at her and she fidgetted under their gaze. 'I asked Jasmine about it and she said it was all true. She looked soo earnest and troubled. She told me she didn't know what to do to help you. That's why I'm soo harsh on you. It was to get you to stop doing all those heinous deeds.'

'Plus you've always resented that Dad championed her. So it didn't take much for Jasmine to convince you that she's bad,'Amelia sneered. It was too much for Sharon. Being told that her best friend's betrayal had gone soo far back as high school, and coming soo close to her father's death, her mind started to crack, her head and heart hurt.

'I need to go to the bathroom,'she said suddenly, standing up. Cameron stood as well, wrapping a supportive arm around her. 'I need to go by myself.'

'I'll go with you. I need to pee as well,'Amelia said, coming to hook her arm with hers. Sharon didn't say anything. She just allowed Amelia to lead her. 'Are you alright? I know this is a lot to take in.'

'I don't know how to feel. How to think. Wait, I know what to think. Why? Why did she do this? Did she hate me soo much? Why?'Sharon shouted to the otherwise empty bathroom. Her body was too restless to stay still, she had to move, to burb off some of the anger and betrayal. 'Why?'

'I don't know, baby sis. I doubt we'd understand even if we asked her. It's like her mind had been twisted. That's my best guess,'Amelia said, pulling her to her side. 'Even so, you've pulled through. You've found a guy who's totally into you. You have a job that has taught you skills that you wouldn't have learnt here. You were able to start over without any prejudices-'

'Well, not quite,'she said. 'I did get the job because of Cameron and the entire world knows my sister is a renowned model and my brother-in-law is one of the richest man on earth. I wouldn't call that ''without any prejudices''.'

'I would because they know all of that but they don't know who you really are. You had to work for it, earning the respect I see you have at work. Earning your job because of who you are and not because you're Cameron's fiancee or my sister. I would say that this is a blessing in disguise. You've grown soo much. Don't let this person take that away from you.'

Sharon agreed with what she said. She had grown. She wasn't the same mousy doormat when she left. Look at the way she stood up to her mother. And the way she staked her claim on Cameron. No one could walk over her again. And she wouldn't let these revelations from the past faze her one bit.

'You're right. Now let's go back. I still feel bad for revealing her secret though-'

When they opened the restroom door, they were greeted with the most shocking and rage-inducing sight.

  - ----------@@@@@-----------

Cameron tried to extricate himself from the viper's grip but she just clung harder. He moved his head about so as to prevent her tongue from entering his mouth. How did he get into this predicament?

He had been worried and decided to wait for Sharon outside the restroom. When her shout could be hear throughout the room and into the corridor, he had been tempted to barge in but he knew he wouldn't be welcomed. After waiting for 15 minutes, he had been raring to go in when the viper, AKA Jasmine, sauntered to him, shooting appreciative looks up and down his body, mentally undressing him. He felt a shiver of disgust climb up his spine.

'You've lost your fiancee so soon after the proposal?'she drawled, trying to sound seductive but it only grated his ears.

'I haven't proposed yet and no. I'm waiting for her to get over your betrayals,'he told her, warily inching back. He didn't know why but his gut told him to stay on his toes and get as far away from her as possible. And he always listened to his guts. They've helped him in the past.

'Oh, pah. She's soo sensitive. I don't know how you could stay with her. She's ugly, fat and the worse thing of all, a pushover. Sex with her must be soo boring. She must be a cold fish in bed. Let me show you a good time. I assure you, I'm much better than that lifeless sack of fat.'

Cameron was starting to become nervous. She had been steadily stalking him, following his retreat. Not that he couldn't overpower her but his mother had taught him better. Although, at her words, his anger had grown as well.

'And I can assure you that our love life is far from boring. She's fun and adventurous and she does not take shit from people anymore. In fact, she could-'

He had been soo busy defending Sharon that he was unprepared for the viper's attack. And that was when Sharon had to come out. His luck could not get any worse.

Finally, he was freed of her vile touch. Sharon apparently had superhuman strength and tore her away. Although her eyes were spitting anger at her former friend, she sent a glance back to check on him. He sent a small smile. She returned it and they turned to Jasmine, who was looking cool and unaffected.

'What was that?'Sharon demanded angrily. He knew it was inappropriate but he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked. Anger was a lovely look on her. Hell, any emotion was a good look on her. Dang, he had it bad.

'What? Your boyfriend has never cheated on you before? I find that quite hard to believe because he's the one who came on to me,'she said, looking all wounded and vulnerable. They shared looks of disbelief.

'As if Cameron would ever be turned on by you,'Sharon scoffed. She didn't see the change in Jasmine's face and demeanor but he did. He moved closer to her. 'Even if he had been attracted to you, all that had been revealed in the hall would turn any interested man cold. Bitch, he has never been attracted to you. And he's faithful and protective to a fault. So don't come to me with-'

'You get everything,'Jasmine suddenly shrieked as she lunged for Sharon. What happened next both made Cameron worried and slightly turned on. Come on, two women fighting, rolling around on the floor. It was hot.

Jasmine had her hands and fingers jammed in Sharon's beautiful hair and tried to claw it off  while Sharon tried to get her hair free. They were loud, screeching and screaming. It attracted everyone from the hall and they stopped short when they saw the spectacle.

'Stop!! Stop!'Jasmine mother shouted but they ignored her. Sharon had started clawing and kicking at Jasmine in a bid to get away. Jasmine's mother looked at him. 'What are you standing there for? Separate them!'

'Nah. Sharon'll tell me when to stop-'

'Cameron!'he heard her scream and moved to save her immediately.

'Like now,'he continued as he and Scott helped Sharon. Both of them were heaving from the exertion and 2 men had to physically restrain Jasmine. 'Are you alright?'he asked Sharon. He was slightly worried about the wounds he saw on her. They looked pretty deep and nasty.

'Yeah. I'm fine. Nothing that a good soak and massage won't help,'she said with a wink at him. He laughed slightly and leaned down to give her quick kiss.

'What were you thinking?'Jasmine's mother said. They thought she was talking to Jasmine until she continued. 'To hurt the bride on her wedding? Are you lacking in good manners?'

'I didn't start it. She did,'Sharon said emphatically. He saw that most of the women who came out were looking at Sharon with censure. He couldn't believe these people. They saw the way Jasmine was raring to have a go at Sharon again and they still blamed Sharon? 'Are you still going to think that your daughter is a fucking angel? Haven't you heard a thing in the hall? I don't know what's wrong with her but she's been after me since high school and now she tried to hurt me! So don't come blaming this on me.'

'She's right. I saw the whole thing before I had to puke,'Amelia said weakly, leaning against the restroom door. Scott and Sharon went to attend to her. He was slightly ashamed to realise that he had forgotten about her. 'I'm soo not having another kid if this morning sickness doesn't go away,'she mumbled to Scott and Sharon laughed softly.

'We'll see a doctor when we get back,'he said soothingly but Cameron knew he was worried. He would, too, when Sharon gets pregnant. Hopefully, he'd be mentally prepared then. Sharon's eyes met his and he knew she was thinking the same thing.

'This is all your fault,'Jasmine suddenly shouted, interrupting their moment. Only Tony was beside her and he had a cautionary restraining arm around her. She looked dishelved. Her white lace and chiffon dress was horribly wrinkled with a few tears at the sleeves and hem. Her high updo was listing to the side and in danger of falling. And her face. Scratches on her cheeks and the beginning of a black eye. But her eyes made her look dangerous. It was dark with rage, looking at Sharon with hatred. This was not the blushing bride from the morning.

'What are you talking about?'Sharon demanded. He drew her into his arms for support and to protect her.

'You're the reason I can't have kids. You made me go out with Matt Willis and he gave me that infection. You! Now I can't have kids and Tony will leave me! All. Your. Fault,'she screamed.

'I didn't make you go out with him. You wanted to and nothing I said could convince you otherwise. You just had to go out with him. And Tony won't leave you because of the fact you can't have kids. He'll leave you because you lied to him,'Sharon told her. Cameron could see her softening and tightened his hold on her. He could see Tony doing the same. He didn't want her to approach the witch until he knew for sure she was safe.

'No! You are the liar! You lied when you said it'll get better, that any man will want me even if I can't have kids. Do you know how many nights I dream about holding a baby and then waking up knowing I can't have one?'she sobbed, having a break down in front of them. Tony caught her when when she collapsed. It was like she didn't have any more energy to hold herself up, her hatred and anger leaving her in a flash. 'It made me soo happy when the pregnancy test showed a positive but Tony didn't want me. He wanted you. You always get in the way. And you say you're my best friend. You're not my best friend. You have never been my friend at all.'

'I think it's best if you bring her home, Tony,'Sharon said into the silence. He nodded and picked her up tenderly. 'We can safely say that she has not gotten over the news at all. It has just festered and poisoned our friendship. If only I had tried harder,'she sighed once they were out of sight.

'Hey, don't beat yourself up,'Cameron told her sternly. 'You can't help someone who doesn't want to accept it. She should had talked to someone but she didn't.'

'My family will take care of her,'Jasmine's mother said tearfully. 'I-I apologise for my harsh words. Even knowing that it had been Jasmine spreading those rumors, it was hard letting go of my preconception. Thank you for all the help. We will keep you updated of any changes.' She was led away by her husband and children and Tony's family left as well. This affected their family too.

'This is the worse wedding ever,'Amelia groaned before she rushed to empty her stomach again.

  - -------@@@@@@----------

'I didn't know anyone else would be up,'Veronica said. Sharon sent her a small smile as she entered the kitchen, switching the lights on. 'Why didn't you switch on the lights?'

'I prefer to think in the dark,'she said. She couldn't sleep. The confrontation with Jasmine was still playing in her head. How could she not have noticed that her friend needed help? Yeah, they might not be best friends but she was still her friend.

'Sharon,'Veronica said hesitantly, taking a seat beside Sharon.

'Yeah?'

'I would like to.... apologise.'

'Why?'she asked in surprise. She did not see that coming.

'I know I haven't exactly been mother of the year with you. And as much as I want to blame it on Jasmine, my late husband had always said never lie to yourself.'

'That was his favourite saying wasn't it?'Sharon said with a smile. Veronica nodded with tears in her eyes. That made Sharon worried. 'Mom, are you alright? This is very not like you.'

'I thought you didn't have a mom anymore?'she choked. Sharon couldn't bear to see her mother sitting by herself, looking soo alone and old. Pulling herself towards her, she wrapped an arm around her and was surprised when she leaned into her.

'As much as I want to, we both know that Dad wouldn't have wanted that. He'd want us to work through our problems. Even though I don't know why you've always been hostile with me.'

'I have always been envious of your easy rapport with Darren. I know I'm his wife but sometimes I think he'd prefer to be with you. So when he's not here, I tend to take it out on you.'

'What? Mom. Dad loves you. You're the first person he looks for when he comes home from work. He'd wait for you and greet you at the door when you returned. Only then would he spend some time with Amelia and me. We know the drill so would try and get you to come home earlier.'

'Well, it had always been Sharon who did it,'Amelia said when she walked into the kitchen. 'She'd badger you until you came back and when you do, she'll make me stay in my room until the next day. It's sweet when I think back on it but a pain when it happened.'

'What are you doing up?'Sharon asked her, both curious and giving their mother time to gather her thoughts.

'I wanted pistachio ice cream,'she stated. Sharon was lost but Veronica chuckled.

'Cravings started already huh? I remember when I was carrying the both of you. I started craving food even before I knew I was pregnant. I made Darren go to the next town or two in the middle of the night. It drove him wild.'

'So Scott is out right now trying to find a place open that hopefully has what you want?'Sharon asked incredulously. In their town, all the stores are closed. He'd have to drive far to even find a sign of life. She nodded. 'Man, I hope Cameron would do that for me too.'

'I'm sure he will,'Veronica said, looking at her proudly. 'You've found yourself a keeper. And your dad would be soo happy for you. I am, too.'

'Thanks, Mom,'she said through her tears, hugging her tightly. 'And I forgive you,'she whispered against her cheek. And she did. She didn't want to hold the past against her. 'This will be our new start. I love you, Mom.'

'Oh, I think we should celebrate,'Veronica said cheerfully through her tears. 'Let's go to that diner you love soo much for breakfast. My treat.'

'No, Mom-'Amelia and Sharon tried to protest but she cut them off.

'No! It'll be my treat. Now, I'll see you later in the morning. Good night, girls.'

'Night, Mom,'they echoed. Once they couldn't hear her anymore, Amelia turned to Sharon.

'I'm glad you patched it up with Mom. It would have been soo awkward to be between the both of you,'she said. Looking at her, Sharon realised Amelia had helped her soo much on this road to discovering herself. She wouldn't have known how to start again but Amelia had given her a place to regrouo and Cameron did the rest.

'Thanks, Amelia. I wouldn't be here without you,'Sharon said, with a smile. Amelia suddenly engulfed her with a bone-crushing hug. 'What? Amelia, you're choking me.'

'Oh, you're my baby sister. I'm glad I was able to help at this stage of your life. I hope Cameron will be a good man for you. And if he does anything to hurt you, I'll crush his balls,'Amelia finished savagely.

'What is this about balls?'Cameron asked groggily as he joined them at the table. 'I missed you,'he said, bringing her close.

'I was talking about yours and how much damage it'll be if she ever gets hurt,'Amelia told him with a maniacal glint in her eyes.

Cameron was taken aback and was about to retort when Sharon stopped him. 'Hormones, babe. Hormones.'

'Ah, my sisters went through the same thing,'he mumbled. 'I pity Scott.'

'Be quiet,'she hissed, hoping Amelia hadn't overheard that. Once she saw the coast was clear, she stood up and pulled him up as well. 'Let's go to bed. Night, Amelia.'

'Night, baby,'she said pleasantly before turning her evil eye on Cameron. 'Remember my warning, punk.' Sharon giggled and pulled Cameron away before he dug himself into a bigger hole.

She couldn't believe how happy and content she was. 6 months ago, she left town, sure that her life was going to fall apart. Now, she had a good life and her past was settled. She knew the Jasmine problem would solve itself, even without her involvement. They could never be best friends but she hoped they'd could still be friends. Her future was bright and she wouldn't have had it without her accidental roommate beside her.

'I love you, Cameron,'she said, kissing him on the stairs.

'I love you, too, babe,'he replied, smiling into her eyes. Suddenly, he became urgent. 'Let's christen your childhood room.'

AN Hey guys. This is the last chapter. Epilogue next. Enjoy :)