It was after midnight when the call came. Mark moved his camera to shoot the answering machine. Collins was drunk, and the ringing had made him fall off the couch. Joanne and Maureen were snuggling--I hoped--on the floor. Mimi, I was pretty sure, had fallen asleep on Benny's chest. Benny looked up at me questioningly. Why don't you answer the phone? He mouthed. I mouthed back, We screen from shit like you. He rolled his eyes, but I could see the flicker of pain in his eyes.
"Speeeak..."
"Mark? Hello?" I recognized that voice-It was his mother's voice. She called a few days a week, but never this late. Her tone was somewhat...tearful. I glanced at Mark, who's expression was worried. "There's been...There's been an accident. Cindy...Honey Cindy's dead--" Mark had crossed the room in a matter of milliseconds and picked up the phone. With Mrs. Cohen's last few words, a new silence filled the room.
"Mom, what do you mean?" Mark voice shook slightly. I could tell he was just barely keeping calm. I put my hand on his shoulder, and he glanced at me. His eyes were wide. It was bad. I could feel it. "And Matt?" He asked, his voice choked. "Oh God Mom, I--" His knees gave out, and he dropped to the ground, the phone falling from his hand. I grabbed it.
"Mrs. Cohen?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.
"R-roger?" She choked out questioningly. "I-I'm glad M-mark gave you the f-f-phone. Cindy's kids--" I knew what she was going to say.
"Of course. They can come stay with us. There are some good schools around here." I said, softly. "We have plenty of room."
"If-f m-money--"
"Mrs. Cohen, it's fine." I said, kindly, and firmly. I knew enough from Mark that emotional stress was not good on his family. She shouldn't worry about our damn money issues on top of it. "We make enough between us to keep the monsters happy." I said this hoping to make her feel a little better. It worked--I think. Mrs. Cohen let out a sound that may have been a laugh, but sounded like she was choking on something wet and lumpy. "You need some rest. Try not to think, okay?" I asked, trying to make my voice soothing.
"O-okay." She said, and I could hear her nodding. The phone clicked, and I knew she hung up. I turned back to everyone.
"So...guess what?" I asked, very aware that Mark was crying at my feet and everyone was staring--Mimi had even woke up. "We're going to be having a few...permanent guests..." I trailed off as Joanne and Mimi's eyes widened.
"YOUR LETTING HER CHILDREN LIVE HERE?" They screamed at the same time. Joanne took over. "Are you fucking insane? This isn't anything kids should be around!"
"It'll be better then letting them stay with my parents right now." Mark said, quietly. "When are they coming?"
"Erm..." I froze.
"YOU DIDN'T ASK?" Everyone shouted. Even Collins was snarling at me. I held up my hands in defeat.