Chapter 1

Posted on Wednesday, 26-Aug-98

t is a truth universally acknowledged that if one sister is happily in love with a wonderful guy, then her sister must also be just as in love with someone as wonderful. It would be great if the that someone happened to be the very best friend of her boyfriend.

That is the way Janine Bennet felt. Her boyfriend Charles Bingly was the sweetest, most romantic, good-humored and generous man she had ever known. He also happened to be the most gorgeous man she had ever laid eyes on.

Her sister and best friend was Elyse Bennet. Although there was a one year age difference, Elyse had been skipped a grade in school. So she and Janine were like twins. They even looked very much alike, but that is where the similarities ended. Janine was trusting, sweet, even tempered and very pretty. She had the ability to see good in anyone, even if it was the devil. Elyse was the opposite. Elyse was a highly intelligent young woman. She had scored a 1580 on her SAT's. However, she was an emotionally complex person. She also had a sharp tongue, and God help you if you were on the receiving end of it. She got along with few people, not that she cared, because she was not interested in other people's opinion of her. With the exception of Janine, Celeste (their junior high school friend), Charles and James (Celeste's boyfriend) she had no other friends; and this suited her just fine!

With the exception of Jane, Olivia Bennet and Elyse did not get along. Mrs. Bennet regretted having Elyse so soon after Janine. Although this was not Elyse's fault, her mother made her feel as though it was. She had a somewhat better relationship with her father Anthony. But it was her Aunt Meagan who proved to be the stabilizing influence in her life.

Then there was William Troy Darcy. He and Charles had been friends all of their lives. Most people upon meeting them had a hard time believing this. Will was the complete and total opposite of Charles. He was arrogant, stand-offish, proud, reserved and sometimes imposing; and that is if he knew you! Yet Charles and Will had a deep attachment to each other. They were closer than brothers. There wasn't anything that they wouldn't do for each other.

Janine, Elyse, Charles and Will met each other in college in their senior year. For Jan and Charles, it was love at first site. For Will and Elyse, it was instantaneous dislike. Will thought that Elyse was rude, disrespectful, insulting and a little neurotic. (although she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen). Elyse thought that Will was a conceited, snobbish, arrogant pig, (although he had the most amazing body she had seen. And those dimples……..)

Thus began the story of a dream come true.

"So Jan, are you sure I have to be at this get together? You know how I hate them. "

"Of course you do! It's in our apartment. Where else would you be?" replied Jan.

"Anywhere but here" she mumbled.

"Leese, you promised me you'd play nice this evening."

"O.K. I'll go get dressed." came her disgruntled reply.

So Elyse went in to get dressed. She chose a pair of black pants and a black turtleneck. She wore a lime green corduroy shirt over it. She looked nice. She even wore her shoulder length hair loose. She knew everyone would be surprised because she usually wore it in a ponytail or in a french braid. She heard the doorbell ring and went to answer it.

"Elyse, you look great" said Celeste.

"Thank you. This is all Jan's fault."

"Well I'll gladly accept the blame. You do look nice." Replied Janine as she hugged Celeste. "Where's James?"

"He's coming with the guys. I thought I'd come a little early to help you set up everything."

So the ladies got everything ready for their guests. It was a simple get together with the usual gang – Charles and James and their other friends. Janine neglected to mention to Elyse that Will was coming as well. She knew that she wouldn't have stayed. The ladies were laughing and talking when the doorbell rang. Janine answered it. Everyone had arrived together.

Elyse was saying hello to everyone when she spotted Will. She glared at Janine and said archly in front of everyone, "Ah, look who decided to come down off of his throne and grace us with his magnificent presence."

The guys chuckled, Janine was mortified and Celeste hit her on the arm.

William just raised an eyebrow and replied in the same sarcastic tone "Lovely to see you too, as always, Elyse".

"So what brings you out amongst us peons? After all you are such a superior card player to the rest of us. In need of a little amusement, perhaps?"

"Penance, actually" he replied dryly and walked away.

"Elyse, why must you always start with him?" chided Janine "He didn't even say anything to you"

"I know, that's why I started with him" she chuckled. "He thinks he is so much better than us. He shouldn't come out into society if he feels that way".

With that she went into the kitchen. There she caught Celeste and James stealing kisses. "Ugh," she said and rolled her eyes and walked out. On her way out she bumped into Charles. She really liked him. He was so different from his friend. She was happy her sister had found someone as sweet as herself.

"Elyse, you look great tonight."

"Thank you."

"Are you going to play Spades with us tonight?

"I don't know," she said, "I'll have to see how I'm feeling. You know I'm subject to acting neurotic at anytime you know." She looked right at William when she said this.

He just sighed and walked away.

"You take delight in discomposing him, don't you?" Charles laughed.

"Moi????? Never!!!!!!!"

Charles thought back to when they had first met the Bennet sisters. They had gone out a couple of times. One day while the guys were waiting for the ladies, they had a discussion about them, Elyse overheard their conversation.

"I tell you Will, Janine is the most beautiful woman I've met. She is so warm and caring. I can easily see spending the rest of my life with her. Elyse is very pretty too. And very intelligent and witty too. Janine told me she got a 1580 on her SAT's."

"Yes, she is pretty, I suppose. But not pretty enough for my taste. Besides, what you see as wit, is see as sarcasm. She's also a little neurotic. Did you notice her reaction when we asked them about their family?"

At that point, she coughed discreetly to let them know she was in the room. "Charles, how good to see you."

"Uh, Elyse,….uh, How are you?"

"Oh, I'm fine Charles" she said as he kissed her hand. "And you Mr. Darcy. How are you? It's so good of you to bestow upon us the great honor of your presence." She said. "Charles, Janine will be out in a minute. Can I offer you something to drink while we wait?"

"No, we're okay," replied Charles, with some trepidation.

"So do you mind if I ask where we are going tonight? I hope it somewhere that suits everyone's taste?" she said with an amused gleam in her eyes. Elyse never let William live down his remark.

Elyse did play cards that evening with Janine as her partner. The highlight of her evening was when she and Janine beat Will Darcy and Charles. However, for Jan's sake, she did not taunt him. She was willing to let this opportunity pass without saying anything, until he said, "Well, it's not a game of skill, it's a game of chance. Anyone can win. It's all who gets the good cards. We might as well had played I Declare War."

"Oh No!" groaned Janine and Celeste in unison, because with those words, Will did declare war.

"So let me make sure I understand this. When you were winning, it was a game of skill. But when we beat you, and rather soundly, I might add, it became a game of …chance? I see. It's okay Will. I understand that your male ego won't allow you to suffer defeat at the hands of a slightly neurotic woman. So I'll allow for it to be a game of chance, if that what it takes for you to feel like a man." She glared at him for a few seconds. "Now, if you'll excuse me." With that she left the card table and went and sat at the window and looked out at the beautiful New York skyline in the distance.

"Why do I continue to subject myself to this" William groaned.

"Because you like it" replied Charlie with a smile. "Besides you insulted her first. You opened yourself up to it."

The rest of the evening passed smoothly. Will and Elyse did not say anything more to each other. When everyone had left, Janine started to say something to Elyse, but she was cut off. "Save it Janine. I know what you're going to say. From now on, I wont say anything at all," and she went to bed.

Although she would never admit it, Elyse was hurt by what Will thought of her. Even though she thought he was stuck-up, she found him very sexy and intelligent. (The few times he smiled, she thought she would lose it. His dimples were soooo deep. ) They shared some things in common, such as a love of music, and sci-fi shows. However, they couldn't even discuss these as it usually turned into an argument. She usually didn't care what others thought of her, but it bothered her that he thought so little of her. But she was not about to be something that she wasn't to impress him.

Little did Elyse know, that Will did like her. His opinion of her began to change after he made his infamous remark. He noticed that she could care less what his opinion was. She seemed to laugh at him. No woman had done that before. This intrigued him. He watched her when she played cards. He listened to her conversations with others. (After all they didn't have conversations, they had verbal boxing matches). He watched every thing she did. He liked her laugh. He loved the way she smelled. (She wore Liz Claiborne perfume, just like his mother did.) She was so pretty, lively, intelligent. She had an affectionate relationship with Janine. Her eyes were so beautiful. They sparkled when she was happy. They gleamed with wry amusement when she was sparring with him.

But he knew that Elyse disliked him. He knew that his remarks about her were insensitive, but he was not sorry about them. He was stating facts. He also knew he had the right to be proud. He had his own consulting business that was doing very well. He had never had an outgoing personality. He was always quiet and reserved, especially after his parents died. He realized he could be imposing sometimes, but no one was perfect. He realized that her opinion of him would probably never change and as far as he was concerned, it didn't matter. William Darcy had no interest in a relationship. He had been hurt bad enough.

Chapter 2

Posted on Thursday, 27-Aug-98

Monday morning Elyse was called into her boss Mr. Lucas' office.

"Elyse, I want you to meet Mr. William Darcy. He will be working with us for the next six weeks on the Collin's project. I've assigned you to work with him."

Elyse just stood there stunned.

"We're aquatinted with one another," said Mr. Darcy with a wry smile on his face (for once).

"Oh great, then you two should have no problem." Said Mr. Lucas

"Ah, Mr. Lucas, maybe you should assign someone else to this. I have two other projects that need my attention, besides I'm sure Michael can do a much better job, he has more experience with cases like this," she stammered.

"Elyse, your modesty is refreshing. You are the best person for the job. And besides you and Mr. Darcy are already aquatinted with one another. I can give your other projects to Michael."

"But, Mr. Lucas…." protested Elyse.

"I will not hear any more Elyse. Mr. Collins is our biggest client, and I want the best person on the job, that's you. It's settled. Now why don't you show Mr. Darcy to his desk and help him with any supplies he'll need. You begin work this afternoon. Also, he has an assistant who will start…."

"Tomorrow," Will said.

"Yes, tomorrow. So get prepared for her as well."

Elyse just sighed, turned and stormed past William who was standing there with an amused look on his face.

"This way," she said coldly.

She did everything she was instructed to do. "Will there be anything else you need?"

"No, I don't think so, but if I think of something, I'll let you know"

'I'm sure you will you arrogant pig! He couldn't even say thank you.' she muttered under her breath

As soon as she got a chance, she called Janine. "I cannot believe this," she stormed. "I hate my miserable life!"

"Leese, calm down. It won't be that bad. You should give Will a chance. He's a really nice guy when you get to know him. He's very good at his job, as you are, and you two will work well together."

"Ugh!!!"

"Promise me you'll at least give it a chance."

"I won't promise you, but I'll try to get along with him."

So they began working together in the afternoon. It was not as bad as Elyse thought it would be, (after all he did smell good) but she did not enjoy it. 'He is good at his job, but he is still an arrogant, snobbish pig who looks down on others he feels is inferior,' she thought.

The next day bought new challenges for Elyse. His assistant was one Caroline Bingly, Charlie's younger sister. 'Oh God, it gets worse. I did not know she was his assistant,' thought Elyse. She was a vain, shallow woman whose only two concerns in life were money and William Darcy. 'Well, they make some team, proud and vain. This should be the best assignment of my life,' she thought.

"Elyse, how wonderful to see you. I understand you'll be working for us for the next six weeks. We'll see each other every single day and probably a weekend or two as well." said Caroline with an insincere smile."

"Yes, I will be working with you….two on a daily basis. Ah now my joy is complete." She said with sarcasm that only William caught.

The next three weeks did prove to be interesting. Elyse and William seemed to be getting along. For the sake of her sister, she spoke civilly to him and only laughed at him a couple of times. William's respect for Elyse increased daily as they worked together. She was really good at her job. He never let Elyse know this, of course and he maintained an air of indifference towards her. However, Caroline, who never missed anything as far as William was concerned, noticed his increasing respect of Elyse. She made it her goal diminish William's opinion of her. She was in rare form with her catty and cutting remarks from everything on Elyse's clothes, to where she went to school, to her family. Elyse bore Caroline's attacks with equanimity, however, for the sake of both Janine and Charlie. Little did Caroline know, this only improved William's respect for Elyse.

By the fourth week, however, the situation began to deteriorate. Elyse was beginning to lose her patience with both William's indifferent attitude and Caroline's ill-natured attacks. The situation exploded on Friday. It all began with a report draft that Elyse had written.

"Elyse, you call this a report"? William barked.

"It's a rough draft" she replied, never looking up at him.

"You're right about that, very rough. I think a high school sophomore could have done a better job. It is full of errors, both grammatical and spelling. You did type this on a computer, doesn't your word processing program at least have a spell checker?"

"Your point?" she asked coldly.

"My point is this, you will re-do this report. It will be in my hands on Monday morning at nine o'clock am. And it will resemble the work of at least a college sophomore. Do I make myself clear"?

"Crystal"! she stated with a forced calmness. "Will that be all, Mr. Darcy"?

"Yes."

She then turned to her boss, Mr. Lucas, who had came in on the last half of the discussion. "Mr. Lucas, do you have anything that I need to do this afternoon"? she said through clenched teeth.

Mr. Lucas, who could see the anger blazing in her eyes, allowed her to take the rest of the day off, as it was Friday and already three o'clock.

"Have a great weekend Elyse!" laughed Caroline mockingly as Elyse left.

She was so angry, she sat in her car and cried for a half hour from sheer frustration. 'How dare he talk to me that way in front of the whole office. If he was dissatisfied with my report, he could've told me in a respectful way and in private. How humiliating.' She went to the mall and bought herself two pair of shoes and a new Coach bag. It made her feel a little better.

When she pulled up at her apartment, she saw William's car parked outside. She became angrier than she had been that afternoon. 'How dare he come over here to socialize as if nothing happened.'

"Elyse, you're home. I was worried about you. It's 8 o'clock, and you left work early today. Where have you been?" asked Janine. But Elyse ignored her and walk up straight up to William Darcy.

"You arrogant, conceited son of a….."

"MELANIE ELYSE" her sister yelled. Charlie stood there with an amused look on his face.

"How dare you humiliate me like that in front of everyone. I realize that you have no home training or manners. However you did go to school and you do own your own business. Didn't you learn how to speak with co-workers at some sort of seminar or other? After all a high school sophomore would know that!" she said acridly.

"Elyse, this is not the time or place for this. We are here to have nice time. We can discuss this later." He said coldly.

"Oh this is the time and the place. There will be no nice time and there will be no later. You think because you own your own business and because you have some money that gives you the right to speak to people any way you please. It does not! You feel it gives you the right to treat people with little or no respect. It does not! I am not a Caroline who you bark commands at and I just obey. I am your equal. I went to school just as long as you did and I worked just as hard if not harder. After all, my daddy name didn't get me into school, I had to be accepted"!

"First of all. I had to be accepted just like you did. My father did not influence my getting into school. Second of all you have no right to be angry with me. Your report was horrible, even for a rough draft. You sure did not write it as if you are my equal." He said nastily.

"Will!" Charlie

"Please Charles, do not interfere. She wants to discuss this now, then let's!" he said condescendingly.

"Besides," he said turning his attention back to Elyse "you should be happy I chose you to work with me. It is a privilege that few have. You work for a small company doing small jobs. I am broadening your horizons. I am bettering your reputation in the field. Do you think anyone else of import would have worked with you before now? Do you imagine that you and your company are that great?" She just glared at him.

"I am not sorry I said those things in front of everyone. Maybe being humiliated, as you called it, will spur you on to greater heights. Maybe now you will begin to work up to your so-called potential."

She reached back and slapped him across his face with all her might.

"You are a mean, nasty, hateful man and I hate you. I wish I would have never met you."

William stood there with a look of utter disbelief on his face.

"From the beginning of our acquaintance you have been haughty, disdainful and condescending toward everyone, and I am sick of your attitude. How dare you make your malevolent actions appear as though they were for my benefit I have never sought your good opinion or that of the people of import as you refer to them. I like my company and I am proud of the work we do. And as for your bestowal of the precious privilege of working with you and the high and mighty Caroline, take it and stick it where the sun don't shine!"

"Are you quite finished, Elyse"?

"Not quite. From now on you will refer to me as Miss Bennet, or better, do not refer to me at all!" her eyes blazing with hate. She stormed into her room and slammed the door.

"I am sorry for that Janine. I'll be leaving now." William said.

"Will you don't have to go. I'm sure this misunderstanding can be cleared up. Just give me a few minutes to talk to her".

"I'm afraid If you had a few years, this misunderstanding could not be cleared up. She hates me." That last statement he said more to himself that to her. "But I thank you for trying. I shall trespass on your hospitality no longer. Accept my best wishes for the health and happiness of both you and Miss Bennet. Good night."

"Oh Will…." She said.

"Let him go. I'll go with him. You go talk to Elyse, I'm sure she could use a friend right now. And do not blame her for what happened. It was not her fault. I know William and I know Miss Caroline. I've been tempted to do that for over twenty years now, although I don't think I would have done such a good job."

"Charles!"

"I'm sure he has had that coming since they began working together. I am only surprised it took three weeks instead of one." Said Charlie. He kissed her. "I'll talk to you later. I love you."

"I love you too."

Chapter 3

Posted on Saturday, 29-Aug-98

William was leaning up against the car waiting for Charles to come.

"Well that was an interesting evening wouldn't you say Will?"

"Charles, do not start with me. I do not want to discuss this."

"Good, then maybe you will finally hear everything I have to say for once."

"I already know what you are going to say." William said

"I thought you didn't want to talk."

"You are going to tell me that I deserved that. But you are wrong. I did not deserve such disrespect and contempt from…..her. I was only telling her the truth about her report. She should be mad at herself."

"Oh no she is mad at the right person, or should I say people. I know how you and my sister can be. She was right Will. There is a way you talk to people and you don't know what it is. Just because you have accomplished so much does not mean that everyone is beneath you now. Would it have killed you to take her aside and in a nice way show her what you thought was wrong with the report?"

"I'm not paid to be nice"

"Soon you won't be paid at all. Let me ask you a question, how would you like it if someone spoke to you like that? You know there is always someone who is thinks he is better than you."

"Look Charles I do not want to discuss this. Besides I cannot be all bad, you still deal with me."

"That is because I know that behind that mask of hauteur is a kind, gentle and caring person who is a very good friend."

William was silent.

"You know I'm am reminded of the lyrics of one of your favorite songs Will.

"I know you think that you're safe Mister
Harmless deception that keeps love at bay
It's the one's who resist
That we most want to kiss
Wouldn't you say?"

William looked at him like a child who had been caught in the cookie jar.

"I know you're in love with her Will." He said softly.

"Really, did you figure that out all by yourself," he said sarcastically.

"I know you William Darcy. You are in love with her and you do not want to admit it. You do not want to open yourself up to be hurt again so you push her away with your arrogant behavior. Only you pushed too far. You heard three words tonight that blew you away. I saw the look on your face when she told you she hated you. It was as if I could see your heart shattering into thousands of tiny pieces all over again."

He just looked straight ahead. He too could hear the words to the song echoing in his mind.

Cowboys and angels
They all take a shine to you
Why should I imagine
That I'd be fine for you
Why should I imagine
That I have something to say

By this time William had pulled up to Charles' apartment.

"For what it is worth Will, I don't think that she hates you. I just think she was very angry. There may yet be hope for you, but you have to be willing to take down your barriers and let her in. Think about what I'm saying. I hate to see you so miserable. Good night."

"Good night Charles. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Chapter 4

Elyse laid across her bed sobbing. Janine came in and sat down on the bed next to her.

"Oh honey, please don't cry. It will be okay. I'm sure all of that was a misunderstanding that will be cleared up soon."

"It's so funny," she said through sobs – "You seem to support him all the time. I'm always the one in the wrong as far as William is concerned. Tell me, when will you support me?"

Janine was taken aback. She was a little hurt.

"Elyse that is not fair. You are my sister and I love you. I am always on your side. You know that."

"So why do you think that is just a little misunderstanding that can be cleared up. You heard how he talked to me. He is a hateful man, and I hate him."

"I heard the way he talked to you. It was very wrong of him to say the things he said, and the way he spoke to you was terrible. He acts proud and arrogant, but I assure you that is not the real Will Darcy. He is not a hateful man, and I don't believe that you hate him. I don't know exactly what happened in your office today, but I can see that it hurt you deeply. Do you want to tell me about it?"

"You pretty much heard everything. I gave him my report, he screamed at me in front of everyone. He told me it was a very rough draft and that a high school sophomore could have done a better job. He demanded that it be in his hands on Monday morning at nine o'clock or else. I have never been so humiliated in my life, not even by Mom. And then for him to stand here and tell me that he did it for my own good……." She began to cry again.

"Oh honey, I am so sorry. It's okay, it's okay," Janine just sat there and patted her back and spoke soothingly to her. Eventually Elyse began to calm down.

"Have you eaten anything today?"

"No. I'm not hungry." She said quietly.

"I know, but you need to eat something. How about a sandwich?"

"Okay."

Janine fixed her a sandwich.

"Janie I am sorry for yelling at you earlier. I know you support me and I am grateful. I don't know what I would do without you."

"It's okay. I know you didn't mean it and that you are very upset."

After a few minutes of silence, Janine worked up the courage to ask Elyse a question.

"Why does it bother you that Will said those things? You usually don't care what people think or feel about you."

"I don't know. All I know is that it has been a very long four weeks with him and Caroline, and I don't think I can do two more. If Mr. Lucas does not take me off of this project, then I will quit".

"Elyse, you cant quit."

"Yes I can and I will. I'm sure I can find another job with no problem. I'm exhausted Janine. I'm going to bed. Goodnight."

Neither William or Elyse got much sleep that night. Both were haunted by what Charles and Janine had said to them. William especially. He knew what Charles had said was the truth. He was in love with her. He had been for some time but he never acknowledged it. He did not think that he was capable of loving anyone. Not after her.

He never forgot pain he felt when he walked in and caught her in bed with George Wickham. She was the love of his life and he would do anything for. He had done anything for her. She repaid him by cheating on him with his childhood friend. He had ignored Charles when he told him that she wasn't what she seemed. He had ignored his cousin Richard when he told him that she was just using him. When his cousin David told him that she was cheating on him, he punched him in the jaw. As far as she was concerned, they were all lying. She would never do those things. But they were right. He caught her with George, and it was more than he could bear. From that point on he had put a fortress around his heart encircled with trenches and barbed wire. He put a moat around the fortress along with a dragon to keep people from even trying to get there. With the exception of Caroline Bingly, who tried anyway, it worked. It worked too well.

Elyse too grappled with complex feelings that night. Janine's question stayed in her mind. 'Why does what he thinks bother me? He is a horrible man. Why does Janie keep telling me that I don't know him? What more is there to know? I know he was involved in a relationship that went wrong, but I am sure that it is all his fault. That poor girl probably couldn't deal with him anymore. He is miserable and makes everyone around him miserable. I know he lost his parents and had to worry about his sister. But it could have been worse. He could have had my mother.' She finally fell into a fitful sleep.

Neither of them woke up feeling any better the next day.

Charles came to see Jane and Elyse the next day. He was concerned about Elyse. He also wanted to help his friend. He had decided that he would tell Elyse the story of William Darcy.

Chapter 5

Posted on Thursday, 17-Sep-98

"Good afternoon Gorgeous! How are you" he said as he kissed Janine.

"I'm okay."

"How is Elyse?"

Janine just sighed.

"You think she will talk to me?"

"Sure, you're not the enemy. I'll get her for you."

Janine knocked on the door to her room. "Leese, Charles is here and he wants to see you."

"Tell him I'll see him another time." She said through the door.

"Elyse please. I think what he says is going to make you feel better."

Elyse did not respond. Janine went back to Charles.

"I don't think she is going to come out. I guess you will have to tell her another time. Although I wanted her to know before Monday. She is talking about quitting her job. I don't know what to do. I think there is more to her feelings about Will than she wants to admit. She doesn't usually care what anyone thinks about her. Yet something about Will sets her off. How is he?"

"Well when we got in the car last night, I told him that I think he is in love with her. He didn't confirm or deny it. He just asked me did I figure that out all by myself. I told him that I don't think that she hates him, but that he had to take down those barriers he put up and let her in. He just said good night and thank you. I haven't talked to him. I don't guess he is in a talking mood either."

They heard the door open and Elyse came out. Charles stood up and hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. "How are you feeling" he asked her?

"Like I've been hit over the head with a baseball bat. How about yourself?"

"I love your dry wit."

"I'm hope that isn't why you wanted me to come out here?"

"No no. Actually I wanted to share something with you if you will let me. It's about Will." Those last three words he said tentatively. He expected her to say no and run back to her room. Surprisingly she just sat down and waited for him to start. 'This is a good sign. She doesn't hate him' he thought.

"Well as you know I've known Will most of my life. He and I, his cousin Richie and another boy, George Wickham grew up together. George's father worked with our fathers. Richie has another brother David who was four years older than us. He was our protector of sorts, when he wasn't beating us up. Will was always quiet and shy around people he didn't know. He was an only child until he was 13 years old when his mother had a little girl, named Georgianna.

"Will's parents were killed in a car accident by a drunk driver when he was 18 and Georgianna was 5. He took it very hard, although he didn't show it. He just withdrew further into himself. Richard's parents took Georgianna and raised her while Will went to school.

"Richard went to a military college, while me, Will and George went to school together. Will's parents left him and his sister a lot of money and so we were able to get an apartment together while we were in school. That's when he met her. Her name was Blair. She was a pretty girl who came from a family who had once been rich, but was losing everything now. At first, she didn't pay him any attention until she discovered that he just inherited a large sum of money. Of course, he didn't see her sudden change of heart as mercenary.

"Will fell deeply in love with her. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for her. He took her on lavish shopping sprees, he bought her jewelry and anything she desired. His uncle stepped in arranged it so that William could not spend all of his money. He was given an allowance and anything extra would have to be cleared through his uncle. Although Will resented it at the time, he came to appreciate it later.

"This went on for two years. We did not like her. If you think Will acts arrogant and looks down at people, you should have met her. She and Caroline would have gotten along well if it wasn't for the fact that she was Will's girlfriend. I tried to tell him that he should be careful and maybe slow things down as I did not think her motives were necessarily pure. He told me to mind my business. Richie, who had only met her a few times, but had heard all about her, told him that she was only using him. Will stopped speaking to him. David told him right out that she was only after his money, and if he didn't wake up and smell the coffee 'that gold digging witch would only take him for everything he had and leave him for the next fool'. That earned David a broken jaw."

"What did George say?' asked Elyse, who was engrossed in Charles' story.

"George told him not to listen to us. That we didn't know what we were talking about and that we were just jealous of him. Little did Will know that George and Blair were sleeping together the whole time he was dating her." He had a small gasp from Elyse.

"Will had come home from class early one afternoon. When he walked in his room, he caught them in bed together. I happened to come home early that day myself. I came in a minute after Will did. She cried rape and Will grabbed George by the throat and was going to kill him. I finally talked him into letting George go. George was so furious with her for crying rape that he proceeded to tell the truth right there. He told Will that he had been with Blair as long as he had. He told him that Blair was planning to marry him, get all she wanted from him, and then leave him for George, taking half of his money. She screamed that it was all lies. George pulled out all the letters she had written him as proof.

"Will was devastated. He ran out of the apartment and disappeared for three days. He finally came home drunk. His uncle took him home with him, and I closed up the apartment. Will stayed with his family for the summer. I went to stay with them for a month. Being with his family did him some good. He made up with both of his cousins. He and his sister became very close and he seemed to recover. He went back to school in September, although his family was afraid he wouldn't be able to handle it. But neither she nor George were there anymore. We stayed in the dorms for that year, and the next year we met you guys.

"But after that experience, he put a wall up around himself. He is determined that he won't open up his heart to anyone. And with the exception of myself and his family, he has detached himself emotionally from everyone. That arrogant reserve you now see is just his way of protecting himself from being hurt. He figures that if he acts that way, then no one will want anything to do with him. However, I don't think his "fortress" is as strong as he thinks."

If Elyse had hated William before, she no longer hated him now. She didn't feel however, that what happened to him excused his behavior.

"So just because he had such a bad experience, I should just let him treat me anyway he pleases? He doesn't know right from wrong?"

"I'm not saying that it excuses it. I agree with you. His behavior was wrong and I told him as much. I only hope this knowledge helps you to understand him and to know that he isn't a hateful person, just a person who has suffered and is suffering and that his behavior is how he copes."

Elyse turned to Janine. "Did you know this?"

"I knew he had a bad experience with a girl. I didn't know that much however."

"Is that why you kept telling me he wasn't as bad as I thought?"

"Yes."

"So do you have story about your sister?"

He chuckled. "Unfortunately, there is no story for her. She is just stuck up."

"Elyse" Janine chided.

"Well, I just though I'd ask".

"It's okay." Charles said. "I've been thinking of inventing one for her though. Elyse I hope my telling you this renders him a little less reprehensible."

"A very little."

"Well I guess that is better than nothing."

"Thank you Charlie for your concern. I'll leave you two alone now."

Elyse had a lot to think about now. All of her assertions about him were wrong. 'What am I going to do now?" She tossed these thoughts over in her mind for a long time. Finally she decided to call her aunt and get her opinion on the matter. 'She always knows what to say'.