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Chapter Four A/N: Okay, so I didn't fully explain everything. But you should have some idea, and if not, then it'll all be spelled out soon. If I can bring myself to type it. Does anyone else find the idea of Drag-Queen!Roger really, really funny? Especially when using Cindy's name? I think they must have a history or something. Roger really doesn't like her. Another perspective switch: various phone conversations. Or answering machine messages, as the case may be. All dialogue. Funfun. :-:This:-: denotes actions/sound effects since I can't use asterisks.
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Chapter Four: Leave Your Conscience at the Tone
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Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ri--
"It's Maureen, so talk to me!"
"Hey Mo."
"Collins! Hey, what's going on in the world of my favorite teacher?"
"There's been . . . well, I guess an incident is the word."
"Oh my god. What happened? Mimi's not . . . is she okay?"
"Mimi's fine. Roger's fine."
"What happened to Mark?
"We're not sure yet. He's still unconscious."
"Oh my god . . . " :-:clatter:-:
"Mo?"
:-:muffled talking, crying:-:
"Hello?"
"Joanne! What happened to Maureen?"
"She just fell on the floor, sobbing. What's wrong, Collins?"
"Mark's in the hospital."
"Okay."
Pause.
"He's still in the ER. They'll probably be admitting him tomorrow morning, if he remains stable. Um, Roger and I are with him now, because Mimi's visiting hours are over. I can call you guys tomorrow with the room number."
"Okay."
"Are you all right?"
Pause.
"How could -- why Mark?"
"I don't know."
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Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
"Speak!" BEEP.
"Mark! Where the fuck are you? Your shift started an hour ago -- these drinks won't pour themselves, you know! I'm not paying you to stay home, you know! Hey, you little fucker, last night brought me in some serious cash. You made some gentlemen very happy, and they're lookin' for more. If your sweet little Jewish ass isn't down here in ten minutes I'll fuck you up myse --" BEEP.
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Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
"Speak!" BEEP.
"Mark? It's Tony, down at Life. Um. Your friend didn't come back today, so I don't know if you're okay. Well. If everything's all right, I guess I'll see you at work tomorrow. Hope you're feeling better, hon. Ciao."
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Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
"You've reached the Cohen residence! I'm sorry, but we're either on the other line or unable to come to the phone right now. Leave your name and a number, and we will return your call. If this is Mark or Cindy, we love you!" BEEP.
"Hi, Mrs. Cohen? This is Roger Davis. Mark's room-mate? I was just calling to let you know that there was -- Mark's in the hospital. You can call the loft, but no one'll be home -- try 607-7554, the cell phone of Joanne Jefferson. If I'm not with her, she can get you in contact with me. I'm. I'm sorry."
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Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
"Speak!" BEEP.
"Hey kids. How's life? Allison and I are heading back to Alphabet City for Thanksgiving this year. I'm stopping by the loft the day before. Can't wait for you guys to meet the kid -- Angel Evita. She's even got Angel's eyes. You're gonna love her. Get word to Collins!"
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Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
Ring ring ring.
"You've reached Joanne's cell phone. If this is a business call, please press one. Personal, press two. I'll get back to you soon." BEEP.
"I don't know you, but Roger Davis gave me your number. I'm looking for Mark -- I'm his mother. What happened? God, please call me back . . . "
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