Ch. Two "Take Me or Leave Me"
That was the same year that Maureen did her first protest, on Christmas day. That night, Roger left the loft for the first seven months. That was the day that Mimi entered Roger's life. Mimi was probably more what got him out than Maureen's protest.
That night, I was completely and utterly alone at the Life Café. Everyone had someone else to celebrate with. Collins had Angel; Maureen had Joanne, even if they were fighting; and Roger had Mimi. I was alone.
Then, the next day, the day after Christmas, the day after Maureen's protest, the day after Roger met Mimi, and Collins met Angel; Benny kicked us out on the street. For awhile we stayed at Joanne's, or Angel's. Then New Year's Eve rolled around…we had a master plan devised by then. According to Joanne, we would be squatters, or rather, unauthorized individuals living in an apartment without paying the rent. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Benny came around, said that we could move in again, rent free. I gave him my check, well, my first advance from Buzzline. The artists were back in their flat, and they were going to pay the rent too. Or I was anyway.
Maureen and Joanne continued to be an on-again, off-again couple. Their biggest fight was on Valentine's Day…of all days. I don't know who or what started it this time, but it happened and they're a stronger couple because of it.
Roger and Mimi had their fair share of arguments too. Most of those Roger started; he just had trust issues after what happened with April. Most of them they worked through, until Benny started to get involved…it all got a lot worse after that.
Angel and Collins seemed to be the only ones who could have an effortless relationship. Maybe it was because they knew that they had the least amount of time together. Or maybe Angel really was magic. Whatever the reason, their relationship gave hope to the others.
And me? I remained alone. Married to my work.