During winter break, Rob had plenty of camp outs planned with his friends but as they all began to gather supplies, Rob missed Mari. After the first few days past, he thought maybe he'd scared her away. She called him finally, three days after they had first kissed and told him she was going away on vacation to visit her uncle in England and she probably wouldn't be back until the start of school in January. Feeling slightly deserted, Rob came to her house to say goodbye.
As he sloshed through the snow, Rob wondered what would be the best way to say goodbye. Should he kiss her? Or perhaps on the cheek? Shake hands? He didn't know but when he heard his name, Rob noticed he'd gone three houses too far. Walking back, Rob saw Mari's house was a small two story with perhaps enough room for one bedroom up at the very top. The Adobe stucco on the sides of the house were old and in need of repairs and the Spanish arched windows with their vibrant reds looked out of place in the world of white.
Mari was wrapped in her warmest coat and went through the snow to meet him in the yard. "I didn't think you'd find my house." Rob jammed his numbing fingers deep into the pockets of his jacket, shrugging and looking down. "What's wrong?" she asked, moving towards him. "Well I just didn't think you'd leave so soon. I mean---" Rob stopped midsentance as Mari slipped her hands into his pockets, taking hold of his hands. "I didn't think so either. Uncle John only called yesterday and told me I had to board a plane this afternoon." Rob looked up, giving her hands a squeeze. "That would explain your 2 a.m. phone call." Mari chuckled and nodded.
Victoria stood outside, leaning against the car, waiting for Mari and Rob to say their 'goodbyes'. She couldn't help but chuckle thinking of the look on Rob's face when he recognized Mari, if he recognized her at all. Nancy came outside, her crocheted scarf wrapped over her neck, smiling when she saw the two. "They really are sweet on each other, aren't they?" Victoria nodded, holding back a laugh as Rob walked Mari to the car, giving her an awkward kiss goodbye. "How long will you be gone again?" "She'll be back before school starts, don't worry." Victoria assured him.
Mari grinned at Victoria from the backseat as they drove around the corner to the newly-built house that hadn't yet been bought. "Showtime, little one. You'll be fabulous." Struggling with three ACE bandages to hold back her breasts, Mari giggled as she began to change. Victoria make sure her fake nose was on straight and that none of her red hair was sticking out before shoving her out the door. As Victoria drove away, Mari closed her eyes and imagined Rob's usual stance. Shoving her hands deep into the pockets of her jeans she leaned back just slightly and lowered her eyelids into a half-sleep look.
Just as she was sure Rob wouldn't notice her, she heard voices behind her. Turning she saw Rob's friends Zachary Pollard, Freddie Mason, and Landon Washman walking up the road, backpacks slung over one arm, a sleeping bag tucked under the other. They stopped when they saw Mari standing near the edge of the road. "Hey, who's the new guy?" Freddie said, walking up and looking up and down with a curious look. "I ain't seen you at school..." Zachary was quick to point out. "Yeah, well..." Mari started in an aloof voice. "I don't dig school....it ain't my deal." Landon nodded as if he knew well enough; which was insanely true because he missed at least every other day. "So what's your name?"
Mari straightened and realized she hadn't thought up a name for herself. She stammered out the first thing that came out her mind. "Mark...Mark Monroe." Freddie looked confused and scratched his bleach blond hair. "Malone?" Mari shook her head hurriedly. "Nah, not Mah-Lone. Mon-Roe." she said slowly. Landon smacked Freddie in the arm. "Man, didn't we tell you to forget about that Malone chick? She's too smart for you...you want a girl who'll make you look smarter."
Zachary pointed to Freddie. "He ain't the brightest crayon in the box, know what I'm sayin'?" Mari gave a derisive snort. "Dude, you got any plans tonight? Some of the guys in this neighborhood have camp outs in the woods. Wanna come?" Landon asked. Mari shrugged as if she didn't really care but her heart was beating frantically against her chest. As the boys walked away, Mari followed behind them and as she neared where Rob was she prayed he wouldn't recognize her.