(Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me, they belong to Jonathan Larson and I can only wish I had my own Mark.)
Ch 1: Unhappy Birthday
"Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me…" Mark sang dejectedly under his breath as he stared at his birthday cake- a Hostess cupcake with a single candle stuck in the middle. He sighed and reached for the box of matches. How could all my friends forget? the lonely blonde questioned as he sang. It wasn't as if he had wanted a big party- just a simple "happy birthday" would have sufficed.
Opening the matchbox and pulling one out, Mark reviewed his day. He had slept late this morning, surprised that Roger fumbling around the loft didn't wake him. Mark soon realized why Roger hadn't awakened him; Roger had spent the night at Mimi's… again. That was when he remembered with a jolt that today was his birthday- Mark dared not to expect much, none of his friends exactly had extra cash to blow, but it wasn't like it was his birthday everyday. Feeling a little childish for making a big deal about his birthday, Mark turned on his camera. "February 4th, 10 am eastern standard time- Another year past in the life of Mark. Time will tell what today will bring-" He grinned into his camera and then clicked it off.
Looking back on this morning Mark couldn't believe how optimistic he'd been. He reflected on the rest of the day's events- or lack thereof. In short, Mark sat by himself all day, jumping at the slightest sound of a person approaching. By 9 pm he realized that no one was coming. Forlorn and more depressed than he'd ever been before; Mark had to get out of the apartment. After wandering around for a while, the bitter cold of the night cutting through his worn out coat, he ended up returning with the sadistic idea of celebrating by himself.
He sighed as he struck the match and lit the candle on his "cake." And that's how I ended up here. Mark watched as the candle slowly burned down; the hot wax pooled and then cooled over the top of his cupcake, finally the candle burned out. All the while Mark hadn't moved. He heard footsteps coming towards his door, but didn't even bother to lift his head when the door creaked open and in walked his best friend, Roger.
"Hey buddy," Mark's roommate smiled as he hurried in and searched through his pile of music until he found the sheet he wanted, half-oblivious to Mark sitting there. "Mark, I'll see you later-" Roger turned around and saw him clearly for the first time. "What's wrong?"
Mark refused to look at him.
"Whatever it is Mark, I don't have time for this," Roger snapped impatiently.
"You never have time for me!" Mark yelled, standing up so quickly, he knocked his chair over. He stared at Roger coldly before turning away and letting the tears that had been threatening to fall for most of the later part of the day spill freely over his cheeks. Way to be a man, Mark silently criticized himself.
"Mark, what the hell are you talking about?" Roger questioned as he watched his friend's shoulders shake. He couldn't understand why Mark was so upset, but something on the table caught his eye. A cupcake? Roger thought as he picked it up, examining the wax and the candle stub in it. "Oh my god… Mark, I'm so sorry! Dammit! Why didn't Maureen or Collins say anything?" Roger put the cupcake down and approached his friend.
"Because," Mark choked out, "they didn't remember either."
"How can I make this up to you?" Roger asked, putting his hand on the trembling man's shoulder. Roger couldn't believe what a horrible friend he had been to Mark the past couple of months. "I know I've neglected you. I'm sorry Mark, I don't know what to say. Can I make this up to you? Mark, please tell me how can I make this up to you?"
Mark slowly turned around to face his friend, his face was red from crying. "How about," Mark paused and sniffed, "saying happy birthday?"
"Happy birthday Mark," Roger said, pulling his friend into a hug.
(This chapter is short, but alas! There's more. So read on! And please review…)