Before I proceed with killing a Friday tradition many of us have grown to love, let me first say that last night's class went well. I accomplished everything on my to-do list and was able to fill up all but forty minutes of the two-and-a-half-hour session, which pleased me immensely because my primary fear was running out of material. And really, who doesn't expect the first day of an undergraduate class to let out early?
One down, twelve more to go.
This week has been so insanely busy that I'm not sure I'm in the right frame of mind to give TLF the send-off it deserves. I can't stop thinking about the Web site I need to update for work and the two entries I have to write for Parents.com sometime between now and 11:59 p.m. Saturday night. But know that I am so, so sad about its conclusion, because what good will Friday be without a serving of tragic love?
To keep things fair, I'd like to do the same thing for the sequel that I did for part one: hold a reader contest to determine who can produce the best summary. There will be a prize, but it won't be a 90210 box set because Geez Louise, didn't you hear I'm having a baby in December? Part Two soundtracks for everyone!
Be sure to send in your submission by Friday morning so I can post them later that day.
Under the circumstances, I don't think it's inappropriate of me to beg all TLF readers to post a comment today, if not for me, then for lil' Frema. God, she would've loved this.
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CHAPTER NINETEEN - KAYLA
I had failed. Michael hated me, Katherine couldn't stand me; Jenna was terribly bitter towards me. And I had ruined Kyle's life, and dragged Cassie into my plans, eliminating her chances at having love, a family, happiness. All those wrongdoings rested upon me; I blamed no one but myself.
The emptiness I felt engulfed me like the tide. I was lonely. I was also a burden to those around me. And I was going to subject another innocent child into all of this?
[Chin up, Kayla. The sun'll come out tomorrow. It's only a day away.]
Cassie was out at work, and Kyle had taken off, not saying when he'd be back. I came out of my room slowly and observed my house. I gazed at the pictures on the walls, and took the family portrait of Cassie, Kyle, and me. Then I went back to my room and searched through old photo albums until I found the pictures I needed. Clutching them all to my chest, I exited the house. The sky was a brilliant blue, and the snow had melted away. The air was crisp, and deeply I inhaled it, not wanting to lose the moment in which I finally felt peaceful.
Our garage was extremely messy and cluttered, but I finally located the gasoline. I poured it in the corners and around my car. I made sure the garage was sealed shut and locked. Then I made myself comfortable in my car, arranging my pictures by the window. When I found my book of matches, I gave it a gentle kiss. I couldn't stop smiling. I was free! I was whatever I chose to be!
[Apparently Kayla's court-appointed stint in therapy was NOT LONG ENOUGH.]
I turned on the radio, and Beethoven delighted my ears. I struck the match and threw it out through my door window. It landed in a corner, and a flame appeared. I thought of my children, Cassie, Jenna, Michael. "God, bless them and keep them safe," I whispered, closing my eyes. "I can't do it anymore."
[Especially now that you're going to burn in Hell.]
CHAPTER TWENTY - KYLE
As I walked along the dirt road, I saw a flicker of red-orange, not too far off. "Oh, God," I whispered, my insides turning cold. "Mom!" I broke into a run. "Auntie! Momma!"
[OK, hate the boy all you want, but even he doesn't deserve to watch his only parent go up in flames. Why couldn't Kayla just fake her own death via a horrible car accident in Switzerland like Dixie did on All My Children?]
I was there in a matter of minutes, fumbling through the smoke in the garage. The door had been turned to ashes. It took me forever to bump into the car. I couldn't see, and I felt a little dizzy. I yanked on the door and hurried inside.
Mom was sprawled out over the front seat, and if I didn't know better, I'd think she was sleeping. But she wasn't breathing.
"Momma!" I screamed, and screamed again when I saw how close the flames were to the door. The smoke was terrible. I slammed the door, then lifted up my mother's frame, checking for any signs of life. Nothing. "Get up, Momma! Mom, come on!" I yelled, slapping her cheeks and shaking her. "Please!"
[Of course his first reaction would be to physically abuse his mother. You'd think he was Michael's kid!]
Common sense was telling me to drag her out of the car; there was still a chance... Instead, though, I gazed at her pictures. There was our family portrait. Along with it was her and my d--- I mean, Katherine's dad's dance picture, the one Katherine had noticed the first day she came over; one of her and Jenna, arm in arm and laughing; a picture of a baby girl: I knew it was Katherine, my only true love. Michael was by himself, smiling shyly at the camera. He looked very young.
I caressed my momma's face and saw the serenity captured in its expression. I thought back to when I was 11 years old, when I found her like this, only then she was sprawled on the bathroom floor, and blood was pumping out of a huge gash on her wrist. I had saved her from death, only to let her go through more pain. Only to let her try again.
"I'm sorry," I sobbed, then went into a coughing fit. I knew what I had to do.
I laid Momma on me, cradeling her in my arms. "I love you, Momma," I told her, knowing somewhere she could hear me. "I'm sorry I saved you before, and for all your troubles. Hold on. I won't leave you go to Heaven alone."
[Oh, Kyle. You'll have to set your sights a wee bit lower. Maybe Purgatory will have you.]
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE - CASSIE
"As we lay down to rest Kayla Evans Hart and Kyle Hart, let us rejoice in their newfound happiness with God, and know that they will no longer suffer in his hands. Amen."
"Amen," I echoed, and shut my eyes as my best friend and her son were lowered into the ground, far below where sunlight could never reach them again. Right then I felt my heart break again. Jenna looked at me with red-rimmed eyes and held my hand. My mind flashed back to four days before today, when I'd found them....
On the drive home I'd seen fire trucks and police cars fly past me, sirens flashing. When I finally saw the orangey-red flames leaping off the garage and house, I pulled over and ran the rest of the way.
[Because that's faster?]
The garage had been completely destroyed, the house well on its way, but the firemen were getting it under control. I saw the ambulances, and two gurneys holding two people. White sheets covered them; or at least, they used to be white.
"OH MY GOD!!!" I screamed and fell to my knees. I dug my nails into my head.
[Is it wrong that this image makes me laugh?]
The police hurried to me, a mob of people following them. Michael, Jenna, Katherine, the twins.
"Cassie Donovan?" an officer asked kindly. I grabbed his collar. "Tell me they're OK! What the hell happened?" I shouted between sobs.
"Apparently, somebody doused the garage with gasoline, causing the scene you see here," he said, and I let go. "The corpses--"
The young officer checked his sheet, but Michael said, "no. She'll hear it from us." His eyes were bloodshot; his hair smelled of smoke. He knelt with me. "I'm sorry, Cassie honey," he choked, his eyes filling fast. "It was Kayla and Kyle. They said the bodies were burnt beyond recognition, so they won't say officially yet, but--it's them. Kyle had Kay in his arms--my Kayla--"
I look past this sobbing man towards Jenna and Katherine. Jenna looked as bad as Michael. "We came and found it like this," she whispered brokenly. "Mike tried to run in, but the flames--he stayed with the kids and I got help. They're gone, Cas. It's true."
[I'm sure the twins weren't at all traumatized at being left to watch their father's mistress and sister's biological brother meet the Grim Reaper. Smooth move, Spencers!]
"Oh, God," I wailed. My body couldn't keep it up, the uncontrollable crying hiccups that punctuated every sound. I'd lost the last of my family; no one else was left, except...
Katherine met my eyes briefly, and their spark was gone. Her face was streaked with tears. Her fists clutched tightly two photos. "They--they're with my baby girl," she told me, her voice wistful and heartbroken, but also relieved. "My parents, brother and daughter--my family is together. They'll be OK, I think." She started to cry. "Right, Auntie?"
I got up and hugged her fiercely as we sobbed on each other's shoulders. "Yes, baby, they will. Our family is together."
* * *
After the funeral, we all gathered outside. The twins seemed restless, which was understandable; they really had no bonds with Kayla and Kyle. Since the fire had destroyed practically everything, I was staying with Jenna and Michael.
[Selfish Kayla, too busy killing herself to remember that insurance companies don't pay out for suicides.]
We stayed behind until all the others were gone [what others? Her gang rapists?], and it was just us. Then each one of us went to pay our own (private) last respects. Michael was first, and when he was through, he kept his head down and hurried to the car. Jenna went next, then Katherine, finally me. I went over to their joined tombstones. In the corner of my eye, I saw everyone was in the car except my niece, who was waiting for me several feet away.
"Hi, guys," I said softly, gazing at their graves. "I have a few things to say to both of you. You first, Kay. I'm a little angery at you, I'll admit that. How could you do this, when you knew Kyle and I needed you? You took Kyle, too, and that pain is so deep in my heart." I held back a sob. "I know it wasn't easy for you, but-- You left me alone, and I've never been alone before. David protected me 'til the accident, and then it was you, and Kyle, too. Thank you for that. I truely think of, and will always love you as my sister, as well as my best friend."
[Notice she didn't say "gay lover," so there goes your lesbian theory. Nice try, guys.]
"Kyle. I really loved being your auntie; you made it so easy. I couldn't have been as happy as I was if you weren't around. You left me too, but I can figure out why, and I don't mind. Your mother came first, the way it was supposed to be. You made her real proud, and made me feel special. I was a somebody when I was your auntie." I sighed heavily and wiped my eyes. "Good-bye my angels. Remind my brother that his bitchy sister loves him, and to send some prayers my way."
I stepped away, and Katherine was instantly at my side. We stared at the graves. "I loved them both," she whispered. "I miss them so much."
"Me, too."
"I'm glad you're here, Auntie. I love you."
"I love you, too," I answered. Hand in hand, we walked to the car, our bond growing stronger with each step. I stared up at the sky. Thank you, I mouthed. Thank you for hearing me so soon.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO - JENNA
~ FOUR YEARS LATER~
The sky was a magnificent mixture of pink, blue and purple, as the sun started to set. The rolling hills and flat lands were a lush green. It was a breathtaking sight, and I was reluctant to leave my chair on the front porch, but I had to. I was expecting someone for supper.
[Lil' Frema sure was a fan of adjectives!]
I stood up and thought about time; it can do so much with so little. [?] I was now 38; I found my first grey hair this morning. It makes me feel old.
Michael and I divorced; it was hurtful, and it tore us both apart, but it had to be done. Kayla was his love, and by her death he'd been devastated, not to mention his grief over the child she was expecting. There were no hard feelings, and we kept in contact, but... It hurts me still to wake up and not have him beside me. No more anniversaries to celebrate, no loving words to whisper to each other. My best friend-turned-lover has gone back to being my friend. And we thought we'd last forever. Only forever lasts.
[Cheesy cliches aside, the idea of anybody's marriage breaking up makes me want to cry, especially now that I'm married myself. Can't they try just a little bit harder? Can't they give just a little bit more? Can't they try to understand it's love they're fighting for?]
I don't see Cassie and Katherine too much anymore. A couple of years ago Cassie got a surprise call from her mother. She developed AIDS, probably from being so loose and carefree with men when Cassie and David were teenagers. [Yeah, Jenna, it was "probably" that. The next Nancy Drew, ladies and gentlemen.] So Cassie moved back to Illinois to take care of her, and Katherine went with her.
"Mother," she'd told me when she had said good-bye to me, "She needs me in a way no one else does, and she understands me better than anybody else. We belong to each other now." I had known what she'd meant, and it cut like a knife, but I let her go. She was only 17 at the time.
Lucas and Leigh are 16 and live with me. Lucas isn't very good in school; it doesn't interest him. He mostly stays at home reading. Recently he took to painting. His first work was a beautifully done portrait of Katherine, and it hangs on our living room for all to see.
[Um, can we say "creepy"?]
If Lucas does bad in school, then Leigh is terrible. She dropped out, as a matter of fact, a couple of months ago. I could see she was unhappy, so I didn't make her go, which didn't go over well with Michael.
[Seeing as he's a FUCKING TEACHER, I would guess that no, Mikey wasn't jumping for joy at that.]
She's not a bad child, but a lonely one, who didn't get enough attention from her family. She wasn't the boy or the oldest, so she got the short end of the stick. That was my and Michael's fault.
[Sweetie, Lucas didn't turn out so well, either. Both of your biological children were shafted.]
She's beautiful, and goes out on a lot of dates. I worry when I see some of the boys she brings home, but I never stop her. They are the only ones who can make my Leigh smile.
[Imagine how ecstatic she'll be when taking her first pregnancy test!]
Sometimes I try to think back to when I was young, but the memories are distant and that makes it hard. I visit Kayla's grave on her birthday and every holiday, and whenever I need to talk to her. If only she were with me; I'd have so much to tell her. [Like "step off my husband, bitch!"] I even visit David and Mary Katherine's graves when I go see Cassie and Katherine, because they're family, too.
I shook my head and gazed at the sunset one more time before I went inside. I cleaned and then cooked dinner, spagetti with garlic bread. I set the table and stood by the screen door to wait for my visitor.
I spotted him on the road a short time later. His black hair shone, his eyes twinkled and his face broke into a smile when he saw me. I waved. he picked up his pace, and I met up with him in front of my house.
"You're late," I commented.
Michael laughed. "I know and I'm sorry." He shrugged and said, "Work. Nothing I could do." He kissed my cheek and offered his hand, just like he had so many times before [except when he wanted to leave you for his pregnant mistress]. I accepted, and together we walked up the steps. I smiled. I was never alone.
THE END
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Final thoughts:
I don't think Kayla was Michael's true love. He and Jenna belong together, just like Ross and Rachel. I really wish lil' Frema had written scenes with Michael and Jenna at Kayla's tombstone, because hot damn, those would have been good. I like the new relationship between Cassie and Katherine, though I'm not crazy about Katherine leaving her "old" family behind. I hate what happened to the twins and think both Jenna and Michael need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and RAISE THOSE CHILDREN before it's too late. Which it kind of is already, but still.
See all the loose ends we can tie up in part three?
Thanks, everyone, for indulging me all these Fridays. I really AM so glad we had this time together. And TLF?
See you in 2008!
Lucas paints creepy pictures of his sister and skips school to read? Leigh just drops out and goes out on dates with random guys but her mother is perfectly ok with becayse "they make her smile?" Kyle and Kayla went up in flames?! Literally?!
This may be the greatest story ever. I CANNOT wait for 2008!
Posted by: Whitney | August 24, 2007 at 02:03 PM
I haven't looked at anything yet. I just have to say that I can't believe I'm fixing to read the last TLF! Tear. I'll be back in a bit to post my thoughts on the ending.
Posted by: Silly Hily | August 24, 2007 at 02:08 PM
I read it, but I need to think about it more before I comment. Cuz, you know, that will make me sound more intelligent and all.
Posted by: Rachel | August 24, 2007 at 02:18 PM
Well...when someone asked if I was hot earlier this week, I replied, "Hotter than the southwest on fire." I see now, I was wrong, in fact, it was Kayla and a different David that were, quite literally, as hot or hotter than the southwest on fire.
Way to totally make me feel dumb with my predictions from last week, great job! I was definitely not expecting this. Way to give us that final little twist!
Other thoughts, the Cassie part was really quite sad and very well done I thought. Though I did laugh a little at the 'nails dug into scalp' part.
Is it wrong that I'm already seeing the next installment of this tragic love story staring Leigh with bit parts from Katherine, Jenna, and Lucas? I can already see the webs circling around. Is it also wrong that the first thing I thought about with Kay's suicide was, "well, there goes the life insurance money?" I know I'm obviously not the only one that had that thought (as you pointed out in the commentary)...but still.
Lastly, I was I didn't get my first gray hair till I was 38! I'm 27 and not that I'm salt and peppered, but I've got a few protruding from my melon.
Congrats on finishing a 2 book series and thanks for letting us participate in it. I'm glad that your class went well. As for summaries, I'm thinking I might try to write mine in a Shakesperian sonnet inspired format....though that might not work real well....perhaps pig-latin.
Posted by: David McNelis | August 24, 2007 at 02:29 PM
OK...I did not see that coming at all...what a dramatic (and horrible!) way to die!
2008! Come sooner!
Posted by: Jessi | August 24, 2007 at 02:30 PM
Leaving a comment so no one gets angery.
Farewell TLF part deux!!!
Posted by: Erika | August 24, 2007 at 02:35 PM
I must process the final events before making a full comment, but will raise a toast to Lil' Frema for making all this possible. ::clink::
Posted by: VirginiaGal | August 24, 2007 at 02:40 PM
The bodies were burnt beyond recognition?
No mention of compared dental records?
FAKED DEATH!!
Posted by: Operation Pink Herring | August 24, 2007 at 02:43 PM
Haha@ Erika. angery, truely, and stomache are my new favorite words!
I'm so sad that it's over. I'm not entirely shocked at the ending though.
I wonder what it would be like to read "Kayla, Cassie, and Kyle: The Lost Years"
Maybe we could show everyone in detail that no, Cassie is NOT a virgin!
Posted by: Carrisa | August 24, 2007 at 02:44 PM
Oh my God! Has Kayla never heard of CARBON MONOXIDE poisoning?? I mean, if I'm going to kill myself in my CAR that's parked in my GARAGE, that's the way I'm going, not gasoline and matches!
I agree with you that Kayla wasn't Michael's "true love". Probably if she had lived longer he would have figured that out himself, but instead he's in love with the memory of the passion they had. Which sucks, because the friendship he and Jenna have will last forever. They're totally getting back together.
As for those kids? My word! They need a firm hand, and soon! I understand Jenna has been through a lot, but it wouldn't be much of a competition for her to win worst mother of the year. You want to drop out of school and date an army of men? Sure honey, if it'll make you smile! That is so bizarre!!
Oh, how I loved Tragic Love Friday though. I'm so sad that it's coming to a close, but I'm so glad we got the meet that crazy cast of characters! Thanks for sharing--and Lil' Frema, thanks for making my Fridays a little more interesting!
Posted by: Angela | August 24, 2007 at 02:45 PM
Oh wow. Now I know why you always held a special place in your heart for Kyle. I figured he would die but not like that. Poor thing.
And poor Jenna. She's still left all alone. Kayla not only kills her baby and her baby daddy and then takes her husband away from her but then she goes and kills herself as to get to David first. So, now she's got first dibbs on him, too. And that concludes my "Poor Jenna" speech because good Lord woman, WAKE UP and be a parent to your children. She was talking crazy "Kayla talk" there in the end. I had this "Tha hell" look on my face when she was talking about the twins. Oh, and also when she was talking about how she wishes Kayla was "here with me." Really? You are sad that your husband's slut is dead? And you want her back so yall can bond over Bon-bons and ice cream? I loved your commentary there. Good one.
Isn't it amazing that Cassie, being so batshit crazy in the first part, is the one who comes out of all this with the most steady head on her shoulders?
Michael? You're still an ass. I do agree though, I don't think Kayla was his one true love.
I can't believe it's over. Can I just say that I was so hoping there would be a BIG twist, like her "visitor" in the end being David or something. What? People come back from the dead all the effin' time on Soaps.
Posted by: Silly Hily | August 24, 2007 at 02:48 PM
I've been reading every single week since Nablopomo!
I never suspected suicide. I definitely thought someone would get shot. Also, I too thought Kayla was an idiot because she took the house/garage/car with her, leaving nothing behind for Cassie or Kyle.
Posted by: Katie | August 24, 2007 at 03:02 PM
Goodbye TLF... *sniff**sniff*
I love how Kayla decided to go out in a "blaze of glory" *snort* and I saw that comment up above that said there were no dental records... so it could be true that Kayla and Kyle are out there somewhere. But! Who are the two dead bodies?
I can't wait till next year.
Glad your class went well!
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 24, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Has it really been since November?
I have to go back and read them again from the beginning.
Thanks for posting this- it has been great!
Posted by: Bethany | August 24, 2007 at 03:35 PM
I still don't have a complete comment just yet, but I was totally thinking the same thing as Hilary. I was expecting David to walk through the door!
Posted by: Rachel | August 24, 2007 at 03:55 PM
aww I'm sad its over!
Posted by: Rachel C | August 24, 2007 at 04:04 PM
Yech, what a gruesome way to go. Though, I got the sense Kayla had died of smoke inhalation by the time Kyle found her. So, good for her. I agree that CO poisoning would have been much neater. I was expecting some awesome Thelma and Louise action with Kayla and Cassie so this was definitely a surprise ending.
That kind police officer who referred to them, to the sobbing Cassie, as "corpses," needs a little sensitivity training.
Way back at the end of TLF 1, I had much higher hopes for Cassie and David's slutty mom.
Leigh "wasn't the boy...so she got the short end of the stick"?? Grr. Jenna should just buy Leigh a dancin' dress and encourage her to "just be nice to the gentlemen - they'll be nice to you." Ugh.
Tragic.
Love.
Friday.
Ain't it the trueth.
Posted by: TasterSpoon | August 24, 2007 at 04:14 PM
Oh. My. Gosh. I am stunned. Way to throw in that double-suicide/up-in-flames twist that I never saw coming! And way to make me almost cry at work with Cassie's whole grave-side shpeal. What a fantastic ending.
(I hate to be nit-picky, but didn't Jenna decline the invitation to go with her family to Kayla's house? How did she end up there with everyone else? Am I probably way over-thinking Tragic Love Friday?)
I am loving some of the theories flying around in these comments. Katherine and Kyle faked their deaths! David should have been the mystery visitor!
Jenna may be a crap mother, but given everything those twins went through it is any wonder they're completely damaged and messed up? I think not. Maybe if Cassie adopted them they'd have a chance of living a normal life...
Posted by: Audrey | August 24, 2007 at 04:48 PM
This is a tragic Friday, because now (much like on Sunday when Big Love finishes for the season) I have to wait until 2008 to continue the goodness! I might have to re-read TLF #1 for some fixes!
Thanks for such an entertaining story and I can't wait to see where we take it next!
Posted by: Michelle | August 24, 2007 at 05:48 PM
Sigh.... See Kyle? It really wasn't your fault... Goodbye TLF! Goodbye!
Posted by: May | August 24, 2007 at 07:37 PM
Eek, I definately would have gone for the carbon monoxide, who wants to burn?! It is a little sad that there will be no TLF for a bit!
Glad to hear your first class went well!
Posted by: Kate | August 24, 2007 at 07:40 PM
Man, these are some screwed-up characters. I agree, Cassie seems to be the only one who isn't absolutely off her nut by the end.
Now, I am trul(e)y sad that TLF is over, because there will be very little to look forward to on Fridays while I'm slogging away in my dark basement cube. Maybe this time I'll actually take a shot at summarizing part 2. RIP, TLF, and thanks Li'l Frema.
Posted by: MLE | August 24, 2007 at 09:53 PM
I have so very, truely enjoyed this entire story - parts one and two. It sickens me to my stomache, that it is over. ;o)
Really, I loved reading this. What a great idea you had to post this in parts. It was not only a great story (okay, and I have softened *a little* on Kyle for dying with his mother) but it really was so much to look forward to every Friday.
Very well written, Lil Frema. I could have never predicted the ending, but I think it ended pretty well (other than poor Katherine flying the coop. Shared custody? No?)
Can't wait to read more in 2008.
Posted by: Molly | August 24, 2007 at 10:14 PM
Counting down the Fridays until we meet again, Tragic Love!
Posted by: Amanda | August 24, 2007 at 10:48 PM
What a run it's been, Frema. Thanks!
(and thanks to lil' Frema, too.)
Posted by: Liz | August 24, 2007 at 10:51 PM
Oh god, where to start? Poor Leigh and Lucas, they are the true tragedies in this story (well, ok everybody else is tragic too, but as far as "completely innocent bystanders" are concerned) - they discover on Christmas Day that their father is having an affair, and that their elder sister isn't really their sister at all, then they stand and watch their dad's lover and their sister's boyfriend / rapist go up in flames, then their parents get divorced (which, by the way, noooooooooooooooo) and Jenna thinks it's a lack of attention that caused them to drop out of school and turn into a recluse and the village bicycle respectively? *pulls hair out*
I've loved all of TLF, and have already got some ideas for part 3...
Posted by: Kathie | August 25, 2007 at 02:40 AM
Totally thought it was gonna be David walking through the door.
I'm so sad it's over! Seriously, I cried through this whole entry just because I knew it was the last.
Hilary got me hooked so thanks Hil.
And Frema...thank you so much for opening up your notebooks to the world and touching each of us every Friday with TLF.
And just think...now you won't have us bugging you at 8am with "When can we expect TLF?" messages!!
Much love sister!
Posted by: Lizarita | August 25, 2007 at 09:32 AM
I believe Dido sang it best ....I won't go down with this shit, I won't poke my eyes out and surrender. There will be no white flag above my door. I'm in love, and always will be.... Tragic Indeed.
So now that I've had a decent night's sleep to mull over the conclusion of lil' Frema's TLF days, let me just say HOLY HELL! Just when I thought I had the ending narrowed (death-check! Jenna or Katherine who each had every right to be full of rage and play the trigger finger- not so much!). I did not see that coming at all! And not only Kayla's suicide- but at the point when Kyle was like, I can't save her again! GAH! And then sat down with her!! That's some dedication! It was then (and only then) that I felt sad for Kyle (the rapist). Completely shocked.
Also shocking-- that Jenna has made it through 38 years- most of it being tragic- and has JUST NOW sprouted her first gray hair. I am SO glad that she and Michael got divorced (because his cheating ass needed to be thrown to the curb)- and despite that fact, I do like that lil' Frema ended with them old friends again.
I have to completely agree with grown-up Frema, when it comes to Kayla being Michael's true love. I think Jenna is his true love (as is evident even in the very end), and Kayla was his escape from a tired marriage, but that's it. Because let's face it, even in part one he never even looked in Kayla's direction.
Moving on, I like that Katherine and Cassie have found each other. The fact that they are not alone is comforting. By the way, I may be adlibbing when I say this, but I visualize them living under a bridge in South Central LA, where they sleep during the day and walk around in long robes with hoods by night, saving people from random purse snatchers and such. Law and Order: TLF Edition.
I see alot of (hidden) potential for the twins... or at least as a jumping point into the next adventures of TLF. All of this being said, I'm definitely glad you decided to share:)
Well played lil' Frema, we'll miss you, but very well played!
Posted by: Sant | August 25, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Ok, I guess it's time to comment. It's bittersweet, you know. I have loved TLF from the get go. I think it was a great great story and amazing to me that you were 13 years old(?) when you wrote this. I look forward to 2008 and see what that brings for TLF.
On to the story. I was not expecting this ending! Honestly, I was expecting Jenna to finally snap and just go batshit crazy and kill Kayla and Michael (worthless bastard) and possibly Kyle and then go on the run or some other crazy shit. But, once again, Jenna appears to be the sane one. And, really, the friendship between her and Cassie was kind of inevitable, they've both lost quite a bit. I still believe there are some lesbian tendancies there and Lil Frema just didn't get to that part.
My ex-husband never cheated on me with the woman that my ex-boyfriend cheated on me with and I don't invite his stupid ass for dinner! Actually, like I said earlier, I was totally expecting David to come through the door and they would pop open champagne while sharing an evil laugh.
Posted by: Rachel | August 27, 2007 at 10:39 AM
It's Wednesday and I am not just allowing myself to read the final TLF. I just couldn't do it. And honestly, it's all about me, right?
I almost had a heart attack when I read that Kyle and Kayla were both dead. Dude, I did not see that coming.
And tell me this, why did Kayla want to burn herself with pictures? The pictures would be ruined. That is not right. The "lover of old photos" in me hated that part. Cringe. And also, why was Kayla only thinking of the living and not her unborn baby?? That just didn't seem right. I would have thought she would have been the type of person to go on living for the sake of her unborn child.
AHHHHH!!!!!!
Kyle loved his momma. And apparently his sister also. Right until the bitter end.
(Although, I'm with OPH, this may all be a faked death. That's what I predict in the sequel. Screw the twins, let's her more about Kyle's new life as "Kylie, a modern girl making her way in the fashion world of NYC".)
RIP TLF.
Posted by: Isabel | August 29, 2007 at 05:12 PM
When I just had to verify my comment, the code was "Kye". I think it was Kyle contacting me from the dead.
So um yeah, maybe he IS dead after all.
Posted by: Isabel | August 29, 2007 at 05:13 PM
I rather like the ending. Well done, Lil' Frema! And well done, Frema, on the snarky commentary!
Posted by: Fraulein N | August 30, 2007 at 07:13 PM
im speechless and been trying to think of what i want to say for almost a week now
michale is a dip shit and jenna is an idiot for letting him get away with being a dip shit
hellow on the kids? so what you give up on them? has she learned nothing from everything they have been through? her own children whe worries for less then someone elses?
last thought
family therapy
Posted by: wolfbaby | August 31, 2007 at 04:30 PM