185Chapter 24- Forever Scarred
AUTHOR'S NOTES: All the names of my characters are completely random, no similarity to actual persons, living or dead, should be assumed or inferred.
LAST CHAPTER! Brings back memories of my own Prom (not good ones, mind you), and a lot that happens in this chapter is influenced by personal experience. So this is it! The conclusion that you've all been waiting for...
I do not own "Wherever You Will Go", by 'The Calling'.
Shawn was much calmer the rest of the day, despite the fact that he was bombarded with all the assignments he had missed over the past month. He didn't have much time to make up all the work, but his fourth quarter grades depended on it.
He was tired and worn out by the time the day ended. He trudged out of the school by himself, but stopped once he reached the bottom of the long stairs at the back entrance.
He moved to the side and slowly turned around. A few minutes later, Emily appeared, hanging her head and clutching two books to her chest.
Shawn saw that she wasn't going to notice him, so he grabbed her arm as she walked by. She was startled, and nearly dropped the books, but he grinned at her, and motioned with his head for her to follow him. He led her out of the parking lot into a small stretch of woods that separated the school property from the street.
"What's wrong Emily?" he asked once they stopped.
She looked surprised. "What makes you think something is wrong?"
He shrugged. "It just looks that way."
She paused for a moment. "Well..."
He folded his arms and glanced at her, waiting for her to continue.
"I've just been thinking..." she began.
"About what?"
"About Prom."
"What about it?"
"It's only about two weeks away." He simply continued to stare at her. "I, uh, I'm not sure if I really want to go or not."
"I'll go," he replied blandly. "With you," he added.
"You...you really want to?"
He shrugged. "Dances aren't really my thing. But I wouldn't want you staying home on my account."
She sighed. "But you're absolutely sure that you want to go with me?"
He nodded. "Who else would be my date? Alex?"
She scowled heavily at him. "I'd hurt you if you did," she growled.
You already have, he thought. "There are plenty of tickets left. I'll get them tomorrow."
"Don't pay for mine," she said. "They're very expensive."
He shrugged in reply. "If you insist," he said.
A brief silence followed, and he nodded once before walking past her back to the parking lot, leaving her standing alone amongst the trees.
What's gotten into him? She sighed heavily. He seemed so...distant...
She hung her head. Guess part of that is my fault...
Feeling happy and sad at the same time, she walked to her car and drove home.
Friday, June 1, 2001
Shawn scowled as he straightened the small dark bowtie on his neck. He hated the stuffy feel of tuxedos. For that matter, he hated getting dressed up at all.
"But we all have to make sacrifices," he muttered darkly. He glanced at the full-length mirror on his closet door and saw his mother entering his room.
"Awh, look how nice you look," she beamed.
Shawn rolled his eyes. "Mom, don't start," he warned.
Mrs. Rogers sighed, but her grin held. "Don't look so sour. This is a big night for you. Emily just got here, she looks absolutely radiant."
He faked a grin. "Lovely."
His mother frowned slightly, but was smiling again by the time she led her son downstairs. Shawn was fiddling with his vest the entire time, still feeling uncomfortable with the whole clothing arrangement.
His sourness lifted, although not completely, when he spotted Emily trying to wave away her mother as she fussed over her hair. She wore a long, flowing dress that was a shade of dark violent in color. He thought the color choice was a bit odd, but he had to admit that, on her, it looked absolutely beautiful. She had evidently taken the time to put on makeup, and the stars on her cheeks shone brighter than ever. He felt a twinge when he saw the gold heart chain hanging from her neck, realizing that he had buried his in the closet, and chosen not to wear it this night.
She turned around and waved at him, smiling widely. Finally shrugging her mother away, she immediately walked over to him. He took her arm and led her towards the front door.
"They'll want pictures," Shawn said, nodding towards their mothers. "So let's just go outside and get it over with." He grinned wryly.
She chuckled at him as they went outside. Their fathers were standing next to the Mansons' big Explorer, chatting about something. They looked up and grinned at the couple before resuming their discussion.
"Stand right here on the porch," Mrs. Rogers commanded, holding a camera in her left hand. Shawn and Emily did as they were told, and waited patiently while they were photographed almost a dozen times.
Mrs. Rogers went back inside to put her camera away, and Mrs. Manson returned to her car. Shawn went down the steps onto the front walk and stared across the street, seemingly at nothing.
Emily seemed to notice his detachment and did not make a move to link arms with him again. She wasn't too keen on the idea of going to this dance either, but it was too late to back out now.
As promised, Jason arrived promptly at six o'clock. He was the designated driver for the night, and Shawn was actually surprised that his friend had arrived on time.
Jason helped Amanda out of his car, careful not to step on her strapless forest green dress. He held her hand as they walked up the driveway and turned towards the front porch.
The four teenagers faced each other, but could not say anything before Mrs. Rogers came back outside.
"Oh! You're all here! Don't move, I'll go get my camera!" She hurried back inside the house and returned moments later.
Jason and Amanda laughed while Shawn simply shook his head. Emily grinned at Shawn and patted him on the shoulder.
"She's a mom, she can't help it," Emily said.
"Don't I know it," Shawn replied sarcastically.
The next photo session seemed to take forever, and Shawn and Emily were heavily rubbing their eyes afterwards.
It was nearly 6:30 when they piled into Jason's car to leave. "Hey, we might actually make it on time!" Jason exclaimed as he started the engine and waved at the four parents who were making their way back inside the Rogers' home.
"Assuming it doesn't take you an hour to get to the other end of town," Amanda joked.
"Oh come on! You know how fast I drive. We could be in Connecticut in an hour," Jason replied, sounding a bit exasperated at her.
"That's what we're afraid of," Shawn said.
Everyone laughed, and Jason backed the car out of the driveway.
"Next stop, 'The Tides'!" Jason exclaimed.
Amanda pulled down the sun visor and checked her hair in the small mirror. Emily smoothed out her dress and folded her hands in her lap. Shawn reached into his jacket pocket, making sure that the tickets were still there, and turned to stare out the window.
Emily glanced at Shawn's hand, which was lying on the seat right next to his leg. She wanted to put her own hand next to his, but another glance up at his distant face convinced her otherwise.
She sighed heavily. It's time to let go, Emily. It's time to let go...
Jason sped through West Becton and reached 'The Tides', a fancy establishment on the opposite end of town, at seven o'clock. Without traffic lights, they would have arrived much sooner.
Shawn and Jason both assisted their dates as they climbed out of the car, and Jason and Amanda went on ahead to confirm their seating arrangements. Shawn and Emily hung back, watching as their fellow classmates began to arrive.
Shawn waved to Bobby, who had evidently arrived just a minute before. Elaine was latched onto his arm, and Shawn chuckled as he shook his head. Elaine turned and spotted them, giving them both a wave before pulling Bobby inside.
"Emily!" She whirled around upon hearing her name, nearly stumbling over the bottom of the dress. Jessie was prancing up behind her, grinning widely and waving, as well as dragging a tuxedo-clad boy behind her.
"Hey Jessie!" Emily replied. She turned to Jessie's "date" and her eyes widened in surprise. "Brandon? I can't believe you actually agreed to this!" she joked.
Brandon Seabren tried to hide behind his free hand. "She begged me," he said, giving Jessie a wry look.
She whacked him playfully on the shoulder. "Oh stop it! If anything, you were begging me!"
Shawn smirked and Brandon rolled his eyes. "Whatever," Brandon said. "Let's just go inside, I need a snack."
"You're always hungry," Jessie said, grinning widely. They walked inside, leaving Shawn and Emily behind. Jessie turned and waved one last time before disappearing inside the building.
"Who was that?" Shawn asked.
"Brandon is Jessie's co-star in the Senior Play next week," Emily answered. Shawn nodded but said nothing. They started walking again, but then he frowned and paused.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Something just occurred to me," he said.
"What did?"
"Where's Victoria?" he asked. "Would've thought that they she'd be here if you were."
Emily sighed. "She decided to go visit her cousin in Maryland this weekend. She didn't say it, but I think it's because she didn't have a date."
Shawn shrugged. "Just wondering." Emily nodded, and they made their way inside.
The reception hall wasn't too crowded yet, since it was still another half an hour before the dance officially started, but the lines to wait for pictures were already long.
Shawn spotted Jason waving at him as they entered the main room. A janitor was just finishing up sweeping the dance floor, and three men were hauling massive speakers up onto the deejay's table. The loud buzz of conversation droned on around them.
Shawn and Emily finally pushed their way to their table. Jason and Amanda were already seated, but the other four places were empty.
"Who else is supposed to be here?" Shawn asked, as he and Emily sat down.
"I reserved Nick and Kristin a seat here," Jason said.
"And Jessie too," Amanda piped up.
"She made me do that," Jason quipped.
She frowned at him, and then frowned harder when Shawn smirked at her. The smirk faded though when Emily tapped him on the arm.
"I'll be right back," she said. He started to nod, but she was already up and gone before his head stopped moving.
Nick and Kristin arrived about five minutes later. Nick immediately took off his bulky suit jacket and set it on the back of his chair. Kristin flicked her newly-curled hair over her shoulders and sat down beside him. Nick glanced at her, especially the sparkling red dress she wore, and grinned widely. They said their greetings, and then engrossed themselves in their own private conversation.
Shawn glanced around the room, really having nothing else better to do. Of course he recognized almost everyone there, but one person's absence was very conspicuous.
Alexandra...he frowned heavily at the thought. A surge of anger flowed through him, but he put it down quickly.
He saw Jason glancing at him strangely, and he looked down to see that he held a death grip on an empty drinking glass.
Almost two hours had passed. Shawn had refused to dance to any fast song, and Emily had taken to wandering around the hall, trying unsuccessfully to strike up a lengthy conversation with someone. Jason on the other hand, planted himself right in the middle of the dance floor, and seemed like he was having the time of his life.
Nick and Kristin were also dancing, and Jessie and Brandon had gone outside, leaving Shawn sitting alone with Amanda at their table.
They sat in silence, since they had never really become friends, despite the fact that they were both close to Jason. Amanda looked like she was about to say something, just to break the silence, but was stopped when Doug Meilar sauntered up to the table and plopped down in Jason's seat, right between them.
"What's up Rogers? Why the glum look?" Doug said, feigning friendliness and slapping Shawn playfully on the back. He didn't even notice that Amanda was there.
Shawn glared at him. "None of your business," he snapped.
Doug tilted his head thoughtfully, but did not get up. "Would you mind if I asked you something?"
"Very much so," Shawn replied.
"Well I'm going to ask anyway," Doug said, ignoring Shawn's heavy scowl.
"What happened between you and Alexandra?"
Shawn knew that was coming. Doug had anticipated catching him off guard, but was slightly disappointed to see that this was not the case.
"You should have heard by now," Shawn said.
"Yes, but newspapers never tell the whole story. And when people gossip, you never know what to believe."
"Well what do you know?" Shawn asked. He suddenly seemed interested in judging Doug's knowledge of the situation.
"I know that some thug from Milbank raped your girlfriend and Alex supposedly made him do it."
Shawn's glare was darker than before. "That about covers it," he said evenly.
"But isn't that circumstantial evidence against Alex? I know you found that note and all, but that doesn't really prove anything. That guy didn't have to do what he did, so I don't see why Alex is to blame for this."
Shawn decided to finish the story for him so he would be left alone. "Because David ratted her out. She admitted to the whole conspiracy. That's why she's to blame."
Doug looked very surprised. "She admitted to it? When was this?"
"A few days ago," Shawn replied noncommittally.
"Wow..."
Emily made her way back to the table and glanced warily at Doug. "Shawn," she put a hand on his arm. "We need to talk."
Shawn did not even look at her, not letting up on his glare at Doug. "Well I guess this finishes our little chat. Catch you later, Rogers," Doug said as he rose and walked away.
Amanda excused herself and headed off towards the bathroom. Emily pulled on Shawn's arm, causing him to finally turn and look at her.
"Please?" she asked again.
He nodded. "Alright, let's go outside."
He pushed himself to his feet and led her into the connecting room, then through the large glass doors onto the patio. He did not notice Doug mutter a curse at him as they went by.
Shawn stopped at the edge of the patio, but Emily pulled on his arm again and forced them to keep walking. A set a tiny stone stairs led up to a walkway that ended in a circular stone area, which was mainly being used as a backdrop for photographs.
The lights were dimmer back here, and with the sun down, everyone was either on the patio or back inside. Shawn and Emily sat down on a small backless bench.
Almost a minute of silence passed. The wind was blowing in the opposite direction, keeping the noise of music and conversation to a minimum. Emily shivered, even though it was June and at least eighty degrees outside.
"Can...can we talk?" Emily asked nervously.
He looked at her strangely. "Of course we can. What do you want to talk about?"
She stared him right in the eyes. "About...us..."
He nodded. "What about us?"
She fidgeted nervously, fishing for the right words. "Umm...will...can...things ever be...the same as they were before?" she said softly.
"What do you think?" he countered.
She looked a bit surprised, and again paused, searching for the right words. "I...hope that we could...but..."
He shook his head and she stopped. "Do you honestly believe that could happen?" he asked her seriously. "Do you still really want a relationship after what happened to you?"
She shook her head negatively. "I need...time..." she said softly.
"Time is a luxury that nobody has," he muttered.
"So you're saying no..." It was more of a statement than a question.
He looked away from her and nodded. "I can't make myself trust somebody again."
This was the answer that she had been expecting, and secretly hoping for...but it still hurt.
"And as much as it pains me to say it...not even you," he added.
She stared at the ground, not bothering to hide a single tear that fell from her right eye.
"We've both been hurt badly Emily. But you weren't betrayed by one of your close friends. You never trusted David. Nobody has ever betrayed your trust in them."
She brushed away the tear and put a hand on his arm. Almost to her surprise, he placed his other hand on top of hers.
"But don't think I hate you Emily," he continued. "Far from it. You're a very special person, and I'm glad that we shared all that we shared. But I can't go through with something...serious...again," he trailed off.
She pushed herself up so she could move to get a better seat, but Shawn instantly sprang up and pulled her completely off the bench. He hugged her tightly before she could say anything.
"Promise me that you'll still be my friend. That I can talk to you if I ever need to," he said.
She nodded against his chest and looked up at him. "Of course I will," she replied.
He fought back a sudden urge to hug her again, instead choosing to release her and turn away.
"Will you at least...dance the last dance with me?" she asked timidly.
He turned, and she detected a faint smile in the dim light. "Yes Emily. Of course."
She nodded and forced a smile, but Shawn could tell that it did not even reach her eyes. She started to walk past him, and he noticed the subdued look on her face. The stars on her cheeks did not seem as bright as they had before.
He watched her as she went back inside, not even turning around once.
He turned away and stared up at the sky.
This is how things have to be...he thought sadly. I wish we could be happy again, but... I can't fall into that trap again, loving someone is simply not worth the hurt at the end... Never again...
Jason wiped the sweat from his forehead with a napkin. He dropped it on his seat and started looking around for Amanda. A slow dance had started, and he was somewhat frustrated that she hadn't at least waited in the main hall for him.
I hate it when she gets like this. I want to have some fun and she goes completely against me. This has to stop now...
He finally found her back in the front hall, chatting with one of her teachers. Jason waited calmly, and she excused herself once she finally caught sight of him. She walked over to him and yelped when he grabbed her arm and pulled her through the front doors.
"Jason, what are you doing?" she half-shrieked, putting a hand over her arm.
"Oh come on, I didn't actually hurt you," he replied.
She frowned at him but continued to rub her arm. He sighed exasperatedly and folded his arms.
"You're missing a slow dance you know," he began. "I was looking all over for you."
"Well you were busy," she shot back. "You're yelling at me for walking around and socializing?"
"And you're criticizing me for having some fun! Just because you don't like to means that I can't dance?"
They were both getting frustrated. "Jason, please..." she started.
Jason cut her off. He had been planning to say this for a long time, but hadn't been able to bring himself to say it. Just do it already, he told himself.
"Amanda, listen to me. My grades really weren't that great this year, and I barely got into the college that I wanted. My father is mad at me, my teachers are mad at me, and I've realized that they have every right to be."
"So what are you saying?" she asked.
"I'm saying I need to concentrate on school. Especially once next year starts. I can't have any distractions."
"So that's why I am to you? A distraction?"
He rolled his eyes and sighed again. "Will you let me finish?" She frowned, but nodded.
"You've always tried to bend me towards doing what you wanted me to all the time."
She gasped in indignation, but Jason did not stop. "Take tonight for example. I could tell that you didn't want me out there dancing because I left you alone. You don't control me, Amanda. I don't want that."
She started pouting, but did not say anything, afraid that her voice would crack.
"This is it Amanda. I'm free of you. School is now my number one priority, not you."
She couldn't stop the tears from forming. "Why Jason? What can I do? Please don't do this..." she said weakly.
He shook his head and started to walk away from her. "Oh, and thanks for avoiding me while my best friend was dying. Thanks for understanding."
He stalked off back inside the building, leaving her standing alone, hugging herself and shivering in the wind.
Nick and Kristin were completely absorbed with each other, ignoring the other couples around them and losing themselves in the music. He softly kissed her forehead, causing her to stir and hold him tighter. The music eventually faded, and they released each other, making their way back to their empty table.
Nick poured soda for both of them and leaned back in his chair. He glanced at her, and was somewhat surprised to see her frowning to herself.
"Something bothering you?" he asked.
Her head snapped up and she looked a bit flustered. "No, not really," she said.
"Come on," he prodded. "I can tell when something's bothering you. You can tell me."
She grinned at him faintly before looking away. "I was just thinking," she said softly.
"About what?" he asked, as he put an arm around her shoulders and pushed his chair closer to hers.
"About next year," she replied.
"You're worried about starting college?"
"Yes, but..."
"But what?"
She looked at him seriously. "I'm worried about missing you."
He looked surprised; too surprised to even say anything before she continued. "You've got a hockey scholarship to Northeastern. You're going to Boston, Nick. While I have to stay home and go to a local college because we don't have any money..." she trailed off.
He rubbed his hand on her shoulder and let her lean against him. "Kristin, you're going to a good school. Plus we have all kinds of vacations, it's not like I'll never see you again."
"I know, but..."
"I know Kristin, I'll miss you too."
She slipped her arms around him as he leaned down and kissed her. "But let's not worry about that now," he said. "Let's just enjoy the time that we have."
"Ok..." She nodded and briefly closed her eyes.
He sighed as he hugged her back. I am going to miss her, he thought.
Dearly...
Shawn glanced at his watch as he finished off another glass of soda. He hadn't spoken to Emily in the ninety minutes it had been since their little talk. The dance was almost over, and he was beginning to have lingering feelings of doubt over what had been said.
But he shook his head firmly, knowing that he had made a choice, and once that choice had been made, all other doors had been closed.
He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Emily leaned around him and grinned. "Time for that dance you promised me," she said happily, just as the deejay called all the couples out onto the floor.
Shawn couldn't help but smile as she led him into the crowd. The music started, and they both immediately recognized the song.
So lately, been wondering, Who will be there to take my place? When I'm gone, you'll need love, To light the shadows on your face, If a greater wave shall fall, It'll fall upon us all, And those dreams that are set in stone, Could you make it on your own? If I could, then I would, I'll go wherever you will go. Way up high or down low, I'll go wherever you will go.
Shawn smiled as he saw Emily close her eyes, singing along to every word of the song. His heart panged again, but again he ignored it and looked away.
And maybe I'll find out, A way to make it back someday, To watch you, to guide you, Through the darkest of your days, If a greater wave shall fall, And fall upon us all, Then I hope there's someone out there, Who can bring me back to you.
Shawn sighed. Perhaps there could be hope for them yet. But not now.
Definitely not so soon.
If I could, then I would, I'll go wherever you will go. Way up high or down low, I'll go wherever you will go. Run away with my heart. Run away with my heart. Run away with my heart.
He lightly kissed the top of her forehead, and ignored everything around him except for the soft sound of her voice.
I know now, just quite how, My life and love might still go on, In your heart, in your mind, I'll stay with you for all of time!
The song reached its chorus, and Shawn threw caution to the wind, suddenly finding himself singing along with her.
If I could, then I would, I'll go wherever you will go, Way up high or down low, I'll go wherever you will go, If I could turn back time, I'll go wherever you will go. If I could make you mine, I'll go wherever you will go. I'll go wherever you will go.
The music faded away to cheers from the excited teenagers, and Emily involuntarily held him tighter. He appeased her for a few moments, until she finally let go.
"Thank you Shawn, I won't forget this night," she said sadly.
He smiled faintly. "Neither will I, Emily. Neither will I."
Jason drove Amanda home first. Shawn and Emily could almost feel the tension between them on the ride home, but neither commented on it. Both of them were very occupied by their own thoughts.
"Free at last," Jason muttered, once he had climbed back into the driver's seat after helping Amanda to her door. He turned around to address them. "Where to next?"
"Take me home," Emily said softly. Shawn glanced at her, but just nodded and returned to staring out the window.
Jason nodded, and chose to leave them both alone until they reached Emily's house.
"Here we are Emily," he said, shutting the car off.
"Thank you Jason. Good night," she said good-naturedly. She opened the door and did not wait for Shawn to help her out.
Jason glanced surprisedly at Shawn, who just shook his head and clambered out after her. She waited for him in the driveway to walk her to her front door.
They turned to face each other in the dim porchlight, neither willing to say anything.
Shawn shifted uncomfortably and looked back towards Jason's car. Emily noticed this and hung her head sadly.
"So I guess this it then," she said softly.
He looked back at her and tried to force a smile, but it wouldn't come. "Don't forget me Emily," he said slowly. "But we have to move on. Even if it does mean in different directions."
She nodded and looked at up him sadly, trying desperately not to cry.
He paused for a moment. "Here's something to remember me by," he whispered. He leaned in and kissed her fully. They embraced each other for what seemed like an eternity.
Tears were streaming down Emily's face once Shawn pulled away. "Good-bye Emily," he said.
"Good-bye..." she said hoarsely.
He abruptly turned and nearly ran back to Jason's car, ducking inside without another look back.
She watched silently as Jason's car sped away down the street.
As an entire chapter of her life came to a close.
Alexandra swayed lightly on the old swingset in her backyard. Her parents were out for the night, and she had the whole house to herself. But unlike other Friday nights, when she may have considered having a party, the Barnett residence was completely silent. And to make matters worse, her parents had taken both of their cars, leaving her totally stranded at home.
Not to mention that she was already in trouble with the law.
Her plain white t-shirt and designer shorts fluttered in the breeze as she began to swing faster. Her hair whipped all around her, yet she made no move to push it out of her face.
She knew that she could have been at the Senior Prom this night. She knew that she would have been there, had it not been for one stupid mistake.
A mistake that had cost her dearly.
Elaine was her only friend who carried on as if nothing had happened, yet Alex knew that even she was wary of her. And why not? After all, she had intentionally hurt the person whom she had once called her best friend. What was stopping her from doing it again?
That is what hurt her the most. Knowing that she would never be trusted again by everyone who knew her. Possibly even by those who didn't know her yet. The incident would not be erased from her criminal record.
It would follow her forever.
"Is there anywhere I could go to escape this?" she wondered aloud. "Is it even possible for me to redeem myself and put my life back together?"
And then came perhaps the most horrifying thought.
"Will anyone ever care about me again?" She broke into tears at the thought, not caring that her sobs were the only sound in the thick night air.
She glanced up at the stars, not too clearly visible because of the drowning light that came from nearby New York City. She realized that her dreams could be shattered...all because of one mindless error.
How could I let him take advantage of me like that? He played me for a fool, and brought me down with him...
She continued crying. Not only because she could not push such thoughts out of mind, but because she knew that there wasn't a single person who would comfort her for it.
She was truly alone.
She was forever scarred.
FINAL NOTES: And that wraps things up. I actually finished a story for the first time ever.
(Audience applauds)
Thank you, thank you. Now I must address the burning question that many of my faithful reviewers have been asking...
Will there be a sequel...
And the answer to that is...maybe. That's right, maybe. Not a definite yes, not completely out of the question either. I simply haven't decided yet. There are a lot of other projects that I'd like to get to now (or in some cases, get back to), and an "IH" sequel is definitely on the backburner for now.
But take heart! I have a vague outline regarding what eventually happens to all the characters, so if I can come up with a decent story, then the "IH" saga will indeed continue. Just don't expect it to happen for awhile.
Many thanks to everyone who read this whole thing through. It really stunned me how well this story was received, especially since it did end more on the "darker" side. Seriously, how many guys can write good romance novels? Seems like I succeeded at doing that (Don't think I'm gloating). But I've obviously attracted quite a following, and that will heavily influence any decision I make about a sequel.
And one last thing. My mom (who has not read this yet) is pushing me to get this story published. Will it happen? I don't know. It would be really cool if it did, but I'm not completely sold on the idea. But in any case, if that ever does happen, I'll post an add-on note here as a separate chapter, detailing any pertinent publishing information.
Thanks again everyone!