Disclaimer: I don't own Rent yet. About five months til my birthday though. Think my mom would think I am on something if I ask for the rights to Rent for my birthday?

A/N: Thanks to everyone

who reviewed. You guys so own. )

Five Years Later.

She looked in the mirror at what she became. Her pale skin had become paler and her hazely green eyes looked numb. She was still beautiful, but more of an unreal beautiful. She was always in black leather and had red lipstick on her lips. Black eyeliner and mascara to make her face look more intense. That is what attracted people to her. She looked like some creature to walk out of someone's fantasty. Maureen worked as a dancer at one of the most popular casinos in Vegas. It was called the Lionclaw Casino. Tonight there was a major event. It was a huge party that would have numerous famous people and producers. She was wondering if Mark would be there. She knew he had become pretty big now. This is why her stomach was filled with butterflies. She knew he would want to talk about the note she left. The other option is what scared her even more, him not wanting to talk about the note, because he had a beautiful girlfriend. "No," she thought, "He deserves someone. He shouldn't be alone." A knock on the door disturbed her from her thoughts.

One of the guards came to tell her that she would be expected on in twenty minutes. She looked in the mirror ashamed. This was not the Maureen Johnson she had expected to be. "Right now I am supposed to be some well known protestor that made a difference, and married with beautiful children. Not dancing around in a skimpy outfit for people's pleasure. I mean no offense to Mimi, but doing this makes me feel lousy. I wish I was still back at the loft freezing my ass off. At least I would have a cute blonde, film maker to hold me and make me feel like I am worth something," she thought, " I need to get away from all this. I really wish I could go back to East Village, but it isn't that easy. I cannot expect them just to take me back with open arms after all I have done. If I was a better person I would not be here right now, but happy in his arms. I am far from that. I am some dancer who everyone assumes is a slut and I have these scars all over me. I really have tried to stop and make myself better so I could go home, but it isn't working. I cannot go back until I am a decent person." She heard her name being called and strutted onto the stage preparing herself for the emotional damage that would come from this dance. Her smooth voice sung a song that made the men completely mesmorized while dancing with moves that would leave them to fanastize about more. All eyes were on her and it made her feel even worse. This is the attention she had craved while Roger was in withdrawl. Then she scanned the audience and saw his face. For a moment their eyes locked and she could she the disapointment in his eyes. She turned away a kept to her amazing dancing that the crowd seemed to be enjoyed when the music in she got off stage and into the crowd. Her boss required her to mingle with the guests. She crossed her fingers praying Mark wouldn't come to talk. Knowing him that was very unlikely, but she could still hope.

After about an hour of mingling she was getting ready to leave for home. She had just about relaxed figuring Mark wouldn't talk to her. Then, he walked up to her and said, "Tomorrow I am taking you out to dinner. I know where you work so if you do not meet me at the Lupin Cove at 6:30 tomorrow I will have to come find you. So don't back out on me." He grabbed her for a gentle embrace and then walked away. She knew this would be one stress filled dinner for her.