CHAPTER 16

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A/N: Before I get this started, I received a review about my characterizations, which basically told me that I need to work on how they react to things. Firstly, thank you for the review, because like I've always said I appreciate all constructive criticism. I'm sorry that Jen and Maureen's reactions didn't seem realistic enough for you, but there are two things I'd like to point out.

One being, both of Jen's parents are doctors. Her mother works in the ER, and her father is a surgeon. Basically Jen has been raised around injuries and death her entire life, so she's honestly prepared for a lot of things. When the hospital called her, she assumed it was her father, but when it wasn't and they told her it was Roger, she sort of let it roll right off her shoulders. Jen's personality isn't really meant to overreact. She's had to raise Abby on her own for almost four years, and that too affects a lot of the ways she reacts to things.

Secondly, right now Maureen believes she is pregnant with Mark's child. That's pretty much heavily weighted on her mind right now, thus causing her calmer reaction to finding out Roger was in the hospital. I didn't want either one of them (Jen or Maureen) to freak out and start getting dramatic, because I believed that was out of character for Jen, who would have to put on a braver front for Abby, and especially Maureen, with the whole pregnancy thing resting on her mind.

Once again, I'm sorry that you didn't find my characterizations to be believable, but as an author of many other stories (not just in the RENT category), I'd have to say that I don't really see much of a problem with how I've been writing.

Just wanted to clear that up.

To my other reviewers:

Kelby: I'm glad you're happy that I'm writing this again! It's always good to see you review. :o) Yes, this is the hospital where Jen's parents work, and Jen's dad is definitely Roger's surgeon. Considering he's his surgeon, you'll see how the whole HIV + issue comes up in this chapter. A lot of things are played out in this chapter.

EMI: Thanks, you're a doll. :o)

Michelle, Arch of Wand, and Amy: Thanks guys, you are all awesome! I'm glad you're enjoying what I write.

Enjoy this chapter!

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Mark unlocked the loft door and dropped the key into his pocket. He looked over at the couch as he took of his scarf. Maureen was lying on it, her head propped up and watching a movie. Her hand was draped over her stomach and a can of ginger ale was right on the floor. She looked to be about half asleep, and considering it wasn't even ten yet, he was a little surprised.

He sat down on the other side and sure enough, Maureen was asleep. He couldn't remember the last time he had watched her sleep. It had to have been a few years by now. He remembered all the times they had just laid on the couch or in his bed, just talking, before they broke up. Then he had to go and sleep with her again and ruin whatever was left of their strained friendship completely.

"Maureen."

She opened her eyes and yawned. "Hi," she said quietly. "Shit, did I fall asleep?"

"Yeah," he nodded.

"Sorry. I'm just really tired." She sat up and picked the ginger ale up off the floor and took a sip out of it. "How's Roger?"

"He's okay. Probably in surgery right now."

"What happened?"

Mark retold the story. "So basically, the bullet just caught him right in his shoulder, so they're taking him up to surgery to remove it and fix some of the tissue damage. They're probably gonna sign him up for physical therapy, although he probably won't be playing his guitar for a while. He has to stay there for observations for at least two days."

"I guess I better bring him his presents tomorrow," she smiled. "I'm just glad he's okay."

"Yeah, so am I." Mark couldn't even count the number of times they all had been in and out of hospitals over the past few years—even for minor things, like the one time Mimi had tripped over Roger's guitar case and hit her head on the coffee table, resulting in a concussion. Or the time Collins accidentally tripped Roger on the stairs and he had twisted his ankle.

"Did Jen say what we're supposed to do about Abby and Christmas morning?"

Mark shook his head. "Nope. I'll give her a call later and ask her."

"Yeah." Her eyes locked back on the television screen. "I can't believe I missed half of Pretty in Pink. You know I used to want to be her so bad."

"Oh yeah?" Mark laughed. "I can't really picture you as Molly Ringwald."

"Never hurts to pretend."

"Hey can I ask you something?"

She shrugged and nodded. "Sure."

Mark cleared his throat and leaned back against the couch. "Are you feeling okay? You've been sick lately, haven't you?"

"Um, yeah. Sort of," she said quickly.

"I just wanted to make sure that you weren't avoiding me because you haven't been around lately, but then Jen told me you had the stomach flu."

"Yeah." She couldn't even look at him, because she knew if she did, she wouldn't be able to hold it together long enough to convince him that she was really sick and not pregnant.

"Did you go to the doctors? I'll take you, if you need someone to go—"

"No!" Maureen blurted out. "I mean. No."

"With you," he finished. "Or not. Should I ask what's really going on?"

"Nothing. I told you, I'm just sick." She tried to ignore him and the queasy feeling in her stomach as she settled her gaze back on the movie.

"For more than a week? I though the stomach flu just lasted a few days at most," Mark questioned, glancing over at her.

"It's a new strain," she muttered.

"Uh huh. Cut it out Maureen, I know you're lying to me. Look, you can tell me, okay?" When she didn't say anything, he sighed. "Does this have something to do with—that night?"

"Mark…" She bit her lip and looked over at him. She couldn't remember the last time she had cried in front of him, but she sure as hell felt like letting it all go right now. She could barely even speak to him over the lump that had formed in her throat.

"Yeah?"

"Um."

Mark stared at her. "Um what? Are you okay? Seriously, if something's wrong you should tell me, I can probably help you out. Did Joanne call you? Are you upset over that?"

Maureen almost laughed at what he had just said. "No, Joanne didn't call. I told you we're finished."

"Oh. Sorry," he replied apologetically. "So is there something I can help you out with then?"

She shrugged and took another sip of the ginger ale. "You helped me out enough," she said quietly.

"What?"

"Mark…"

"What? Will you just tell me already?" he laughed.

"I um, I don't know how else to say this. I think I'm pregnant," she replied as calmly as she could.

"What?!"

"I said I think I'm pregnant. I'm late," she replied, irritated.

"By how much?" he asked. "Jesus Christ, Maureen!"

"Look, just don't yell at me, okay? I really don't need you to yell at me right now."

"Then what am I supposed to do? Shout at you for being stupid quietly?" he questioned. He stood up and walked towards the kitchen and then back. "How could this happen? Aren't you on something? Like birth control?"

"No. And we didn't use anything. You know we didn't."

"Shit!" he shouted again. "Great. Now there's going to be a baby that I have to take care of with the money that I'm not making!"

"I'm not making much either, okay?" she shot at him. She placed her ginger ale can on the coffee table and stood up. "I'm sorry Mark. I'm so sorry."

Mark sat down and cradled his head in his hands. "How could this happen? I can't parent a fucking kid. The closest thing to taking care of a kid was Roger when he was going through withdrawal. I can't believe this."

Maureen just sat their, tears streaking her face as she looked down at her hands. "I said I'm sorry. I'm really sorry Mark. I know I ruined your life before and now I'm going to do it again," she said as she started to cry harder. "And I probably shouldn't have told you this now, because it's Christmas and everything."

"I'm Jewish," he reminded her.

"I know. I'm just sorry. I don't know what else to say to you. But you have a right to know. And if you really don't want it that much I'll just get an abortion and we'll forget that we ever slept together and that there was a baby," she sobbed. "I know that I'm a bitch and I'm dramatic and I'm a whore but I have feelings too, okay?"

With that said, she walked away and closed the bathroom door gently behind her. Mark followed her and rested his head against the doorframe and heard the sounds of her getting sick. He immediately felt terrible for the way he treated her and the things he had said to her. Even if it was a complete shock and they weren't on the best of terms right now, Maureen was right, she did have feelings. He knew that they would eventually have a lot to think about and discuss, but he probably shouldn't have freaked out on her like he just had. Even though she could be a pain in the ass sometimes, he knew he could never live with himself knowing that there was a kid out there that was his. He could never deal with that.

He knocked lightly on the door. "Mo? Are you okay in there?"

The faucet that had been running was turned off and the door slowly opened again. Maureen walked out with a few tissues in her hand. "Yeah. Better now."

"Look," Mark started. "I just—it's a lot to take in. And I didn't mean to make you feel like shit by yelling at you. That was wrong of me. But do you understand where I'm coming from? It's the fact that one night I got really drunk, slept with you, my lesbian ex girlfriend, and you got pregnant. Because of me. Because of what we did."

She ran her fingers through her curly hair and nodded. "I know. Look, I don't know what you want me to say. I'm pregnant, and I can't change that. I can't change what we did. But we just have to face it. And I understand if you don't want to, but I have to. It's my body. I can't ignore it."

Mark let out a deep breath and sat back down on the couch. "I understand that. But how are we supposed to support it? Especially with you not working."

"I can work!" she protested.

"No, you're definitely not working. Especially as a waitress. Do you know how dangerous that could be?"

"Well who said I'm keeping it?" she said bitterly.

He rolled his eyes. "Don't get dramatic. Do you honestly not want to keep it?"

"Do you?"

Mark sighed and motioned for her to sit down next to him. "Maureen, I'm sorry if this is wrong to say but I don't regret that night. And I sure as hell am not going to regret having this baby. I just wanted you to know that. I don't remember a whole hell of a lot that happened, but I don't regret it. "

"Okay." Se nodded slowly and pulled the ratty blanket over herself. "But you sure seemed pissed off when you found out."

"I was just really shocked. I just didn't expect something like this to happen from one night."

"Neither did I." She curled up on the end of the couch and rested her head against the pillow. "We have a lot to talk about. Especially about what happened during our relationship and when I broke up with you for Joanne. I know I hurt you, and I'm really sorry for that. But like I said, I can't change anything." She covered her mouth as she yawned.

"Yeah," Mark said quietly. "You did hurt me. But you look tired, so why don't we just talk about it in the morning?" he suggested.

"Yeah. Well, good night Marky. And I'm sorry about everything."

"It's okay. Don't worry about it. Just let me know if there's anything I can get you. And I'm sorry that I flipped out before," he apologized.

"It's okay. I understand." She reached over and turned off the light. "I haven't slept here in forever."

"It's weird," he noticed. "Why don't you go lay down in my bed? It's warmer."

She shrugged. "I'm okay. Just tired and a little nauseous. But I'll be fine when I get some sleep. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah," she smiled.

"Thanks," he grinned. "Merry Christmas."

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Jen walked into Roger's room and smiled at him. "Hey."

"Hi," he grumbled. "How are you?"

She sat down on the edge of the bed and took his hand in hers. "Me? How about you?"

He made a face and shrugged. "It hurts. Like a bitch. I can't move it," he complained. "Don't even get me started."

She stretched out on the bed next to him and rested her head on his good shoulder. "Oh my poor Roger. What are we gonna do with you?" she teased.

"I'm not laughing. It really hurts. And plus I can't play for a while. You know how much that sucks?"

"I know. That means no sex for awhile too."

He looked over at her and grinned. "Bitch." He then wrapped his good arm around her and kissed the top of her head. "How's Abby?"

"Sleeping when I left. I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with her on Christmas morning. I was thinking that maybe I should go back and let her open a few there, and then bring her here so she can open some with you. I think she'd like that."

He nodded. "Sorry I made a mess of Christmas."

"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're okay," she reassured him. He leaned in to kiss her and she returned it deeply.

"Ahem."

Roger broke off the kiss and looked up at Jen's father. "Sorry Mr. Walsh."

Dr. Walsh crossed his arms over his scrub top. "Ready to get upstairs to surgery Roger?" he smiled.

"I guess. Can I stay awake? I just don't like the whole idea of going to sleep and being operated on," he grimaced.

"I'll arrange that for you if you'd like. Let's just move you onto the gurney over here and we'll be on our way." Roger was helped onto the gurney and rolled towards the door with Jen following behind.

"Come with me? At least until I get up there?" he asked her.

She grabbed his hand and nodded. "Sure."

Jen stayed with him until they reached the authorized personnel section of the operating room. She ran her fingers through Roger's hair. "You'll be fine," she added before kissing him. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Dr. Walsh stayed behind as Roger was wheeled in. "I'd like to have a word with you in my office after I get out of surgery," he told her, pausing by the surgery prep room.

Jen eyed him cautiously and nodded. "Okay. I'll meet you there."

About an hour later, Jen's father entered the waiting room. Jen stood up and followed him out of the door and down the hall.

"How is he?" she asked.

"He's fine. A little groggy, but he's fine. He told me he's starving, so that's a good sign." He unlocked his office door and opened it. Jen sat down in the chair facing his desk, which was piled with case write-ups and schedules.

"Yeah. So what did you want to talk about it?"

Dr. Walsh sat down in his chair and started tapping a pen against the desk surface. "Are you aware that Roger is HIV positive?"

"Yes." She nodded and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

"Alright, I just wanted to make sure you were aware and weren't in for any surprises."

"I'm twenty five years old, I think I know how to handle surprises," she retorted. "Is that all?"

"No. My other question is, you told us that Roger is the father of Abby. Now if he's HIV positive, and she isn't, then have you been telling us the truth? Or is there something else I should know?" he questioned.

Jen sighed. "Yes. Roger is Abby's father. But he wasn't positive when I got pregnant with her."

"And are you both being careful? And is he on the triple cocktail?"

"Yes," she insisted. "We're being careful. And yes, he's on the cocktail."

Dr. Walsh leaned back in his chair. "How long has he been positive? Why didn't you tell us?"

"Jesus Christ!" she blurted out. "Because you both are doctors! Because I can't talk to you about anything like this without you stating the facts and not just listening! You want to know the why and how all the time. And you wonder why our relationship hasn't been a great one over the years."

"Jennifer, I didn't mean it like that. I just worry about you," he replied.

"Then how did you mean it?"

"Will you please calm down? And since when haven't you been able to not speak to me about anything like this?"

Jen stood up and grabbed her purse. "I stopped speaking to you about things like this when you fucking cheated on mom and when you started letting our family fall apart."

"Jennifer, stop it. Your mother and I were separated when I starting dating Wendy."

"Fine."

"Should I even ask how Roger became positive? Or do you want to keep that from me as well?"

"Roger was a junkie. What else did you really expect from him anyway? He was never good enough for me." She paused to study the look on her father's face. "Now if you'll excuse me, maybe I should go and see how my boyfriend is doing."

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