I'm Fine

Chapter 10 – And Rebound

Joanne woke up alone the next morning, the room full of sunlight but terribly cold. She quickly sprang out of the bed, wrapping herself in a sheet, and walked over to the dresser, slipping on one of Mark's t-shirts and a pair of loose shorts. She hesitantly left the bedroom, hoping to find Mark in the kitchen, maybe making coffee or reading the paper...

But the only person in the kitchen was Mimi, sitting on the metal table and smoking a cigarette. "Morning, Joanne," she said carelessly. "Coffee?" she asked, jumping down and grabbing a mug from the counter.

"Thanks," Joanne said, taking a seat on the touch, where she was soon joined by the young girl with the coffee.

They sat together, both slightly awkward, until Mimi broke the ice. "Now, I know we're not all that close, and I know it's none of my business...but you and Mark? It was just...completely unexpected. But Jo...I just have to tell you...you and Mark together – the idea just seems absolutely right. Are you two dating?"

"No," Joanne replied quickly. "It was just a...a one-time thing. I was upset, and Mark was...well, there. Not that I don't like him, per say, but last night was...rebounding, I guess."

"I get that," said Mimi, nodding. "But what about Mark – what was he there for, then, if you were just rebounding? I've known him for two years, and we're pretty close – he's not at all the type to go looking for a quick screw, you know? He doesn't get close to people easily, he doesn't at all if he can help it, but when he does, he has this intensity about him...and I've noticed it lately, when he's around you, Jo."

"What are you saying, Mimi – that Mark's in love with me?"

"I don't know, but he does care about you like he hasn't cared for anybody in the entire time I've known him."

They were silent, neither knowing what to say. "Do you know where he is now, Mimi?"

"Oh, off with his camera, of course. Where else?"

"That figures," said Joanne, shaking her head.

"So..." said Mimi, her eyes glinting mischievously, "how was he?"

"Mimi!" she scolded, turning a deep shade of mulberry and looking flustered.

Mimi smirked. "That good, huh?"

Joanne looked exasperated, then felt her mouth turn up slightly in a sheepish grin. "Well...yeah."

"Joanne Jefferson, did I just hear you giggle?"

"Maybe you did," she admitted, laughing. "But did he mention where he was going?"

"I'd check the roof, if I were you. He loves to go up there to think and shoot."

Yet you yearn and you churn and rebound...

He sat pensively, reflecting on the words in relation to the previous night. God, he was an idiot to believe it – her very words had been, "Help me forget her."

It was a distraction – to Joanne, he was merely a substitute Maureen. He bitterly wiped away a burning tear. Hell, why did he always have to be so fucking emotional in times like these? Joanne had used him, sure, but he had put himself up for it...he realized now what an idiot he had been for thinking that last night had been real, but he was responsible for his own gullibility.

"Mark?" He whirled around. Joanne was standing near the entryway to the roof, wearing one of his much too large t-shirts. He instantly forgot his worries and darted over to her, pulling off his corduroy jacket and putting it on her small, shivering frame. "What are you doing out here, Jo? It's freezing."

"I...I wanted to talk, Mark." His heart instantly sank – those words were never a good beginning, he knew. They sat down together, both shuddering in the cold wind.

"I just wanted to say, Mark, that last night was...well, pretty amazing, honestly. But we...I'm not healthy, Mark, and we're from completely different worlds...I just don't know that..."

"Joanne," he interrupted, his voice full of quite intensity, "I love you."

She was at a loss for words. "I don't know if last night was logical or what it meant to you, Jo, but baby, it meant the world to me. When I'm with you, I...I just don't know, Joanne...god, tell me – was it just a rebound?"

She slipped her hand in his, meeting his intense gaze. "It's wasn't just a rebound, Mark. I don't know what it was, but it meant a hell of a lot more than that."

His face relaxed, a small nervous grin on his mouth, shy and scared. She looked into his eyes, and pure joyful light seemed to radiate from him. "That's all I needed to hear," he breathed.

Timidly he kissed her soft lips, caressing her face lovingly. He held her in his arms, a perfect feeling of warmth and unity washing over them both. His hand was gently rubbing her forearm, and she closed her eyes. With Mark, life just seemed right – a part of her that had been empty seemed to be filled and alive. With Mark, she was worthwhile and beautiful. With Mark, she didn't need to lose weight, she didn't need to starve, she didn't need to throw up. With Mark, she could be herself like never before.

He led her into the loft, which seemed strangely empty. "Rog?" he called, with no response. He crossed over to the table and saw a small piece of paper.

"Mark, Joanne –

Me and Mimi went out for a while, and we probably won't get back till past dark. Which is well over five hours, by the way. Have fun.

-Roger"

Mark was turning a deep crimson. "I swear I'm going to fucking kill him," he muttered, ripping up the note irritably.

Joanne laughed, springing lightly up on the table and sitting there quite content. "Well?"

He looked at her dubiously, his brow knitted in confusion"Well what?"

Joanne laughed – the boy was just clueless sometimes. "Well, aren't you going to take Roger's advice and...have some fun?"

Mark laughed nervously.