They Don't Know Me

[joismyidol]

I just got an invitation to Eastland's 20th reunion. I would really love to see everyone again but I can't go. I really can't go back to pretending I'm the person they think I am. When I first went to Eastland I had hoped that if I acted tough and started fights with people that they wouldn't bother me. I never expected them to keep pushing and trying to make me feel wanted no matter how bad I treated them. They're really great people and I guess they were my friends but I can't go back. It would break Mrs. Garrett's heart if she knew the truth about me. I'm sure none of them would understand what I been keeping secret from them all these years.

I knew I was different from when I was young. I also thought there was something wrong with me while I was growing up. You never heard this stuff back then and if you did people looked down on it and said it was wrong. I tried to do everything all the other girls did so no one would think there was something wrong with me. I even married Rick and had my daughter Jamie. We got divorced 5 years later. That was the longest 5 years of my life. I'm sure Blair, Natalie, and Tootie would never understand my secret and so it must remain a secret. I've been living here in Manhattan all this time and managed to even avoid Blair who lives here as well all these years.

If I did go what do I do? Start pretending all over again? Do I tell them that Rick and I got divorced or act like we're still married? I don't want them asking too many questions. I don't really want to lie to them but I can't tell them the truth. I'm so tired of hiding and not being able to let everyone know who I really am. I could never tell my parents either they would have flipped. It would be nice though to see them again. I really do miss them. They were really good friends and Mrs. Garrett was like a mother to me.

[ZeldaGilroy]

Welcome to the board. This is good so far. I hope you will continue to post more.

[joismyidol]

I open the door and even after all these years Blair looks the same. "Blair What are you doing here?" i ask. "Jo You've been hiding from us way too long so I came to personally convince you to come to the reunion." Blair says. "I'm too busy to go to a reunion besides how did you find me?" I ask. "I'm Blair Warner I always get what i want." she says. "Well I'm not going to the reunion so you wasted your time" I say. "Jo can't you come even for Mrs. Garrett. You know she's old and really wants to see you. What if you never get to see Mrs. Garrett again" says Blair. "Let me think about it" I say. "Okay good" Blair says. "It was good to see you again" says Blair. "Yeah you too Blair" I say. "Okay bye Jo" "Bye Blair"

What should I do? Blair's got a point. Mrs. G is old and may not be around much longer do I really want her to think I never wanted to see her again? Could I live with myself if I never see her again? I guess I can pretend for 1 weekend if it will make Mrs. G happy. I can't believe its been 20 years since I was in Eastland or 14 years since I left Peekskill. Jamie is 15 now. Time goes so fast. I hope Jamie won't mind coming with me to the reunion.

"What do you mean you're going to your school reunion and I can't come with you?" Steph asks. "I'm sorry but they won't understand' I say. "You can't hide me forever" she says. "I just don't want them to hate me" i say. "If they're as great as you always say they are don't you think they would understand?" Steph says. "I dunno maybe" I says But I'm sure Mrs. Garrett wouldn't. She's from a very different generation" "If they truly care about you they'd be happy for you if you're happy." Steph says. "You really gotta stop thinking you're doing something wrong and accept yourself for who you are" " I know you're right but its not easy." I say. "I know I've been there" she says. "Jo you just gotta stop hiding" Jamie knows and she doesn't care." she says. "Yeah but she's in a generation where its more accepted." "If you come can I just say you're my friend?" I ask. "Yes she says but I'm sure they're smart and they'll read between the lines" she says. "You're probably right but I guess I gotta face it sooner or later." I say.

[joismyidol]

Thank you. I been lurking in the shadows on here for a long time reading fics and trying to get the nerve to post this. I never found any like this at all and hope its okay to post this type of story. I hope people don't get upset by what I'm writing.

[ZeldaGilroy]

Originally Posted by joismyidol

Thank you. I been lurking in the shadows on here for a long time reading fics and trying to get the nerve to post this. I never found any like this at all and hope its okay to post this type of story. I hope people don't get upset by what I'm writing.

I don't think anyone will be offended. The stories on this site are supposed to be PG13, and I haven't read anything in your story that suggests otherwise. Dealing with someone's sexual-preference (which is where I assume you are going with this) is not offensive, but if it is then those who are offended can choose not to read it. Good luck with your writing.

[joismyidol]

Originally Posted by FactsFan

I don't think anyone will be offended. The stories on this site are supposed to be PG13, and I haven't read anything in your story that suggests otherwise. Dealing with someone's sexual-preference (which is where I assume you are going with this) is not offensive, but if it is then those who are offended can choose not to read it. Good luck with your writing.

That is what this story is about and it is a clean story. I was just more afraid that someone would get upset that I'm writing it about a character from facts of life more then what I'm writing

[RoryGilmore]

Originally Posted by joismyidol

That is what this story is about and it is a clean story. I was just more afraid that someone would get upset that I'm writing it about a character from facts of life more then what I'm writing

Welcome to the boards.

Yeah there will be some very close minded people on here that just like to stir up crap but for the most part we're not that bad. Like FactsFan said as long as stuff is kept PG13ish we're fairly happy.


Excellent start to your story by the way

[joismyidol]

"Okay We're here" I say as I pull into the parking lot of the inn. Jamie spent the whole ride sulking in the backseat. "I still don't know why I had to come to your stupid reunion" Jamie says. "Cause your my daughter and I want everyone to meet you besides your dads out of town and you can't stay home alone" I say. Steph says "It won't be so bad Jamie." "The other girls have kids your age so you'll have people to hang out with." I say. "I don't care" Jamie says. "Let's get checked in and get to the house. I can't wait to see everyone" I say. I didn't even tell anyone I was coming cause I wanted to surprize them.

We get to the house I lived in so many years ago and it still looks the same. I ring the bell and Tootie anwers. "Jo! Hi. I'm so happy to see you" I say. "Yeah Tootie. You look great. We walk inside and I introduce them all to Jamie and Steph. "Where's Mrs. G?" I ask. Natalie says. "In the kitchen baking as usual". I go in the kitchen and casually say Hi Mrs. G. She turns around and her whole face lights up as she screams "Jo! You're here! You came after all!" Yeah Mrs. G I had to I missed you so much." I say. "I missed you too Jo" Mrs G says. "Here help me bring the cookies out to the living room." "Okay Mrs. G" I say and pick up the tray of cookies and go back to the living room." Mrs. G This is my daughter Jamie." I say. Mrs. G says "She's gotten so big. I haven't seen her since she was a baby." I introduce her to Steph. So far so good. No one's asked why I brought a friend with me. Mrs. G asks "Where's Rick?" "Rick and I got divorced years ago." I say. Nat asks "What happened?" "I guess we grew apart" I say. "I always thought you could do better then him." Blair says. "What about all of you?" I ask. Tootie says "I'm still with Jeff. We have a daughter Tisha. She's 14. And as you know I'm a very popular actress." Nat says "I just met the man of my dreams recently and we're engaged and I'm writer for the New York Times." Blair says "I'm married to Tad for 10 years now." I'm happy for all of you." I say. "I was a New York City cop til 2years ago when I got shot" I say. "Yeah we all read about that in the papers and tryed calling you but never got an answer." says Tootie. "Yeah it was a tough time for me." I say.

[joismyidol]

"Jo I'm gonna go back to the hotel for a bit." Steph says a little while later. "Why?" I ask. "I just wanna give you time with your friends." Steph says. "Okay" I say. "I'll walk you out" There's nothing wrong is there?" I ask. "No I just feel out of place with you all talking about the past" Steph says. "Okay I'll see you later then" I say and after she pulls away I turn to go back in and Tootie's standing there. "Tootie What are you doing here?" I ask. "Sorry Jo I didn't know you were out here. I was just looking for some privacy to call Jeff." Tootie says. "Tootie there are other rooms in the house besides the living room." I say. "I know I also wanted to get some air. The air in Peekskill always seems fresher." Okay Tootie" I say. "Jo Why don't you be honest with us already? Tootie asks. "What do you mean? I ask. "Jo we're not stupid. People don't bring friends to their reunions, they bring dates or spouses." she says. "Well I'm not people, I'm me" I say. "You're only fooling yourself Jo" I deal with gay people everyday in the entertainment industry. It doesn't bother me." Tootie says. "Thanks Tootie but I know no one else will understand or except me." I say. "Jo You never know unless you give them the chance" This is a different time from when we grew up and we've all grown up" You gotta decide whether to live in fear of what people think and never enjoy your time with them or believe in the love of your friends and let them in your life." says Tootie. "Wow Tootie how'd you get so smart" I say. "I know your right Tootie but I'm most afraid of what Mrs. G will think." "I'm sure she's much more open minded then we think she is." says Tootie. "Tootie do you think everyone else knows?" I ask. "Actually I know they do" says Tootie. "Its what everyone said when you walked out here. They want you to tell them when you're ready and didn't want you to know they figured it out but you know I can't keep my mouth shut so I decided to talk to you." "Thanks Tootie. I guess we should go back in and I gotta face them." I say.

[ZeldaGilroy]

LOL @ Tootie not being able to keep her mouth shut!

I'm glad everyone knows the truth so Jo doesn't feel like she has to hide it anymore.

[RoryGilmore]

lol at Tootie, some things never change.

I find it odd how even as adults they always treat her like she's so much younger but I guess that happens all the time.


Cant wait to see what you do next.

[JoPolniaczekFan]

I think this is a great story. Keep up the great work. To me I think Tootie was acting more grown up then the rest of them by going to talk to Jo and giving her advice.

[joismyidol]

We go back in the house and I say " I have something I wanna tell everyone. Steph is my girlfriend not just a friend." "Jo why didn't you ever tell us?" asks Blair. "I was afraid of what you would all think of me." I say. "We are your friends. We just want you to be happy." says Natalie. Blair says "You should never have felt that you couldn't tell us. I know its something that's not easily accepted by most people but you have to know by now we're not most people and we care about you alot." Mrs. Garrett says "I can't say that I approve of your lifestyle but you are part of my family and I can accept that this is what makes you happy. I'm a little hurt that you felt you had to hide who you are from us." "I know I'm sorry Mrs. G I was just so afraid that if you knew you would hate me." "Jo none of us could ever hate you no matter what you do." says Mrs. G. Nat says "When did you know?" "I knew way before I came to school here." I say. "Back then I thought there was something wrong with me so I pretended to be like everyone else and went on dates with guys." "Jo I'm glad you finally told us." says Blair. Tootie asks "Did you ever tell Rick?" I say "No he figured it out on his own from how I acted and that's why we got divorced. Rick is the one that actually convinced me to do what makes me happy." I say. Mrs Garrett says "Don't ever stay away from us again." "I won't" I say. Nat says "I'm starving. Can we get the guys and kids and go to dinner now?" I say " And girl?" They all laugh and Natalie says "Oooops sorry Jo." "Its okay I know its gonna take time to get used and I was just teasing you." Mrs. G says "You all go ahead. I'm tired so I'm just gonna go to bed." I ask "Are you okay Mrs G?" "Yes Jo I'm fine." "Okay if your sure." Blair says. They all say see you tomorrow to Mrs. Garrett and leave.

[ZeldaGilroy]

Great post. I hope Mrs. G will be okay. I know Jo's news was a shock to her.

[joismyidol]

They all go to the hotel to meet up with their partners. I go in my room and tell Steph "We're going to dinner and everyone knows about you and thy're fine with it." Steph says "See I told you." "Anyway let's go everyone's meeting at the resteraunt." I say. We go and meet everyone at the resteraunt and have a great dinner. Everyone acted like it was normal for me to be dating a girl. Blair says "I can't wait to see everyone again tomorrow night." Natalie says "Yeah I sometimes wonder what some of our classmates are doing these days." Tootie says "Well you all remember Molly Parker. She's still acting cause I see her from time to time." "Oh yeah" I say "I remember seeing her in some movies years ago." Steph says "I think I heard of her."

I say "Do you all think Mrs G is alright?" They all say yeah she probably is just tired cause she is getting old and stuff like that. I say "I hope I didn't upset her." I'm sure you didn't." says Blair but you have to understand what you told her was probably shocking for her." "Yeah." I say. "Jo she'll be fine." Steph says. I say "Okay."