Page 1 of Companions of Their Youth (Pride and Prejudice “What if?” Variations #9)

“You are disgusting!”

He gaped in astonishment at the hateful words spewed by the figure across the room. “Wh-what do you mean?” he stammered.

“I mean you repulse me! How dare you?”

He shrank back, hurt and confused. “But I thought—”

“You thought you could profess your love and then kiss me? When have I ever given you any indication that such regard from you would be well-received?”

“We have spent so much time together, and I—”

“Yes, because we have been in the same proximity as one another! By your logic, I would have accepted the attentions of many people over the years.”

“Please, I just meant-”

“I know what you meant.” The interruption was harsh, angry. “Do not dare to deny it.”

“I would never! I love you. Does that mean nothing to you?”

“It means less than nothing. Nothing would signify that I feel indifference, but your attempts at an embrace are utterly repugnant.”

“Is there nothing I can do?” he begged in desperation.

“You can leave and not return. I never wish to see you or speak to you again. Do you understand?”

He scrambled backwards towards the door, heart pounding in his chest. How could it have gone so wrong? I was so sure…

“Please,” he begged, “do not tell anyone of this.”

“Of that you can be assured,” came the cold reply. “And I do not do it for your sake, but for my own. I would not wish to be tied to you under any circumstances, and I cannot allow your depravity to taint my reputation.”

“Thank you—”

“GO!”

He ran, fleeing the room as though the jaws of hell itself were chasing him, fighting back tears.

And he did not look back.