Author's Note: Well, as we say in the horror novel world: This is the beginning of the end. In theory, this story should be at least fifteen chapters, but it may be less or more, depending on how much info I decide to put in. After this, there will be a sequel, but it is NOT part of the Mommie Quintet. It would actually work as a stand-alone. The actual quintet ends with Book of Endings. At the end of this one, I will post the page with the names of people who won my little contest, as well as the breeds they can choose from. And now, without further ado, enjoy Book of Endings!

February, 1994

The Loft was quiet. Mimi and Maureen were taking a nap, Mark was off filming, and Firefly was at class. Collins was sitting on the couch grading papers, and Benny was stocking the cupboard. Neither of them said a word. It was common knowledge that the entire group still half-expected Roger to walk through the door.

Finally, Benny couldn't take the silence anymore. He dropped can, and the crash made Collins look up. "Something wrong, Benny?"

"No, man. I've been thinking, though. We should go visit them."

"Who?"

"Angel and Roger."

"It's a little soon."

"No, it's not. Come on. Just the two of us. You can visit with Angel, and I have some stuff I want to say to Roger. Please?"

"Well…okay, let's go."

At the cemetery, Collins knelt by Angel's grave. "Hey baby. How's it going? I miss you. Hope you're watching out for Roger. He needs you right now, honey. Take care of him for Mimi."

Benny smiled, moving to Roger's simple stone. It was about two inches shorter than Angel's, engraved 'Roger Davis, October 17, 1968 to December 19, 1993.' Beneath that was engraved Roger's favorite verse from one of his songs. 'Too much time is taken up, watching people suffer. Now I've got to take these drugs, so I don't see it over.' Benny knelt. "Hey, buddy. How you holding up? Look, I just want to ask you not to be angry with me. I'm just helping Mimi out. She'll always be in love with you. Firefly has gotten good use out of April's stuff. She looks better. Mark's been taking good care of her. We think he'll pop the question any day now. She transferred to Sarah Lawrence. She's doing really well." His phone jangled. 'Crap. Gotta go, Rog. Take care." He stopped away from Roger's grave. "Yeah?"

"Benny, its Mark. I need your help."

"Okay, where are you?"

"Bloomingdales. I'm…um, lost."

"Okay, hang on. I'll be there soon."

"Bring Firefly. I got lost looking for Mimi's birthday present, and she can help me pick it out."

"Be there soon. Just hang tight."

Firefly was sitting in her women's study class when Sophie Marks, the dean of students, sent a note to come to the front desk. Firefly found Benny waiting when she entered, and her heart lurched. "What happened? Cause I don't think I can take much more sadness."

Benny smiled. "It's not serious. Mark got lost in the department store. He needs us to rescue him. I figure you'd know your way around a store better than I would."

"Please don't scare me like that. I don't think I could handle bad news yet."

"Sorry. Are you coming?"

"Yeah. Let's go."

When they reached Bloomingdales, Benny blindfolded Firefly. She frowned. "Benny?"

"Don't worry, you'll see. Nothing bad's going to happen."

Benny led her to the jewelry counter, where Mark was waiting. He was smiling. Taking Firefly's hand, he removed the blindfold. He was holding a small box. He knelt. "Firefly, we've been together a little over a year now. I'd like to make it a more permanent situation." He opened the box. Inside was a flame-colored ruby with two small diamonds set on either side. It was set on a gold ring. "I can't actually afford a diamond, but I was hoping a ruby would do. Will you marry me?"

Firefly was speechless. She pulled Mark to his feet, slipping the ring on her finger. "Yes, I will." She looked straight at him. "But let's not tell anyone else just yet. I want to wait for the perfect moment."