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Danny grabbed Michelle's hand and pulled her to her feet. "We've been caught Michelle. Let's get out of here before they have us arrested," he whispered.
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Michelle giggled uncontrollably.
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"This isn't funny Michelle. Let's go!" he urged tugging at her arm. "I have never been more embarrassed in my life."
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"Michelle Bauer! What in the world are you doing out here?"
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The couple turned in surprise at the voice behind them.
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"Uh�Hi Reva. Sorry we are so late. We were just about to come inside," Michelle said as she wiped tears of amusement from her eyes.
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"Through the window?" Reva asked. "Who's your friend?"
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"This is my husband, Danny Santos," Michelle replied.
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Reva visibly stiffened upon hearing the surname. "Well Danny it�s a pleasure to meet you. I'm Reva Sha�I mean Lewis. We have another member of your family here tonight. It seems Bill has brought your sister, Pilar as his date. Please come in."
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Danny felt very unwelcome that night. Everyone was polite, shaking his hand and making small talk. But, he couldn't help but notice their uneasiness. Michelle, however, was greeted with warm smiles and hugs. He knew then that he would never be accepted in her world. Any more than she had been accepted in his.
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After a while, Danny edged his way out the front door. Pilar was sitting on the bench outside, her head buried in her hands. He took a seat next to his sister and took her in his arms. She told him about meeting Bill's parents, and how they were unable to hide their disapproval of her.
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"Everyone hates us Danny," she cried. "I wish I could run away. Far away and never look back. I think I should go back to school in Spain. I was happy there."
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"I think that would be best Pilar," he replied. "Go home to the boarding house and we'll make the arrangements tomorrow."
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Michelle found Danny alone on the bench. She tried to coax him back into the reception, but she knew it was futile. She had also noticed the guest's reaction to his presence.
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Later that night Danny again explained to Michelle that they could never be together. He told her he would never fit into her life. That he would only bring her down.
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Finally, Michelle reluctantly signed the annulment papers. They shared a final kiss and as their lips parted she whispered to him, "you are such a coward."
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After that, Danny engrossed him self in the family business. Carmen was pleased. She refused to see what she had done to her son. He started drinking heavily. Several nights I found him passed out on the couch clutching a picture of Michelle.
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Michelle tried to keep herself busy. She threw herself into her schoolwork. She also spent a lot of time with Bill Lewis. Her childhood friend was a great comfort to her. But, Meta confided in me that she could hear sobs coming from Michelle's room at night.
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