Chapter 2 – I'm a Whore, You're a Slut

She stomped into the room, angrier then Maureen had ever seen her. "What the fuck have you done?" was screamed into the silent room. Maureen was quiet for the first time, trying to disappear into the couch. She knew she had screwed up this time, screwed up big.

"Pookie.. just wait, let me expl-" She was cut off by Joanne's exclamation and a picture being thrown at her head.

"No! There is no explanation for this Maureen. There is no excuse. This is the last straw!" Maureen saw the picture that Joanne had thrown at her, the glass was shattered but she recognized it as one taken at the Life Café, on Christmas two years ago. They had looked so happy for just a few brief moments. Now look at us… Ruined. And it's my fault. I know there isn't any excuses…

Maureen wasn't used to Joanne being so angry, so violent. Joanne was absolutely livid, she was yelling and screaming, she actually smashed a vase given to her by her mom. Maureen couldn't help but think Good riddance, that thing was hideous. But not even these thoughts could distract her from her shame. It was a deal breaker. It was a deal breaker. She said never interfere with her work, and oh did I.

"The head of the firm? Come on Maureen! I know you're sometimes a whore, but you placed my career in jeopardy!" Maureen knew how important that career was for Joanne. It wasn't that the career was her life, and that she loved it more then anything else, no, it was that it was a source of consistency. Something Joanne desperately needed in her life.

Joanne then did something she had never done before. Maureen could only watch, Joanne grabbed her suitcase and started piling her clothes into it. Maureen could only watch, tears falling from her eyes. "You can keep the god damned apartment, I don't care, I can get another fuckin' one. But I'm taking my name off the lease. It is over Maureen. I've been forgiving long enough, I've been tolerant. No more. You fucked up. Hell, you fucked the head of my firm!" Joanne didn't seem to be calming down any, her voice kept rising. Maureen knew in her heart that Joanne was serious. They were done.

Maureen was afraid. What would she do? She needed Joanne; she loved her! Or did she? Maureen thought carefully, if I had really loved Joanne would I ever have cheated on her? She couldn't figure it out. She didn't know.

Joanne closed her suitcase and started towards the door. "I'll send movers for the rest of my stuff."

"Wait! Joanne!" but she just kept walking, and slammed the door closed.

Maureen was alone. She knew Joanne wouldn't be coming back.

She crumpled to the floor.

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She didn't know how long it had been since Joanne left when she heard the buzzer. She crawled to the intercom and pressed the button. "What?" her voice was raspy and she was surprised at how tired she sounded.

"Maureen? Its Mimi." She didn't bother responding. She just pushed the button to open the main door, and then unlocked the apartment door before heading to the couch. Ten minutes later she heard Mimi enter, she looked up and noted the suitcase, but not really noticing it. She saw Mimi take in her disheveled state, see her tears, and she saw Mimi's face start to fall. Mimi looked like she was breaking, every emotion evident on her face.

Tears started down her face, with a violent sob, then Mimi launched herself at Maureen and they held onto each other. Both were sobbing over their mistakes and the consequences. Neither quite knowing where to go now with life. Finally they cried themselves out and Maureen remembered Mimi's suitcase. She knew what happened, even if she didn't have the details. Mimi and Roger were over, and by the strength of her tears Maureen was willing to bet it was for good.

With out saying anything Maureen grabbed Mimi's hand and led them down to the lobby. It took three trips, but they got all of Mimi's belongings into the apartment.

After all the belongings were brought up they both collapsed on the couch again. Mimi didn't say much of anything, but looked at the wall. Maureen glanced at her before speaking, "What happened?"

Mimi didn't say anything for a moment, and then very softly said, "I'm a whore." Maureen didn't respond, but just looked at the wall. Finally she responded. "and I'm a slut."

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A/n: as a general fyi, I don't hate any of the characters. I just like putting them through hell