Chapter Twelve: The Match That Lit the Fire
(As Told By Benny Coffin III)
2 May (One week after Collins Death)

So call me a pessimist, but I'm just waiting for it to happen.
The moment we all explode, the one moment we all can't help but hate each other.
It happens everytime.

When April died Roger dove more into drugs before going into rehab. I went off, taking the final step into spending all my time with Allison. Maureen and Mark went into what was to become the final battle of their relationship.

When Angel died, there was the whole Mimi, Roger and Me triangle. And Yet another fight and makeup that led in to further rushed discussions between Mo and Joanne. And Mark trying to avoid directly interferring with anyone else's problems.

When Mimi died Roger avioded every one and only spent minimal time with Noah. I was still in shock from Allison's reveal and this just added insult to injury in a way. Mark went deeper into self denial. Maureen and Joanne spent more time at their own place instead of the loft only because they didn't want (Maureen specifically) to accidently insult Roger.

Yet ever time we pulled back together, actually, it was Collins who pulled us back together.
And a group, a family, can only break apart so many times before it too far gone to repair.
And to make it all worse we have more people this time than ever before to add to all the drama.

And that's one thing our group has too much of.

Roger dealing with all his issues...not willing to share any of it with any one.
Mark's been hiding something..then again for the one who is always telling us to keep everthing out it doesn't surprise me.
Maureen and Joanne...well, their self explanatory.
Cade is a whole mess of something just waiting to happen.
Scott...I avoid him most of the time...one Davis is enought to handle at a time.

And here I am just waiting for the spark.
I know it's going to happen.
Don't get me wrong I don't want it to happen, but it's just one of those things that are inevitable.

(interupted by Maureen)
5 May- Mark's birthday

"What are you thinking about?" Joanne sits next to me on the couch. She had just finished putting the kids down to sleep. We had just gotten back from the loft, we ate cake and that's about it while I pretended to attempt in cheering everyone up...all in vain. No feels really like partying. Poor Marky.

"..nothing." I let slip. She gives me that look I would love any time but now.

"just stuff" I try again.

"Collins?"

I shake my head.

"Momma?" a small whisper comes into the room.

Aurora comes shuffling into the living room. "I can't sleep."

I bounce up pretending nothing is the matter anymore, "How 'bout I sing you to sleep"
She cocks her head and nods as I pick her up.

She smiles like me and it's when I see that I can't help but wonder...if Izzy has my smile too?

When I get Aurora to sleep I come back out, "Pookie, I need to run to the loft real quick, shouldn't be too long."

She just shrugs as I shut the door.

As I quickly run up the steps I can hear crying from Cade's place...only one more week til Matty goes home to his mom.

I open the door to the loft.

"Hey, Mo? Did you forget something."

Shit. It's Ella, I wanted to talk to Mark.

"Yeah, I think so, where's Mark?"

"Bathroom."

I head into the kitchen and pretend to look for something.

Yet I do find something. On the table lies a simple birthday card Mark opened up. I can't help but take a peak...he seemed...amused when he opened it...

so I opened it...

Happy Birthday!

So here's a first for us, right? um...hope the next years better...(I just want to try it once..okay?) Happy Birthday-Dad. (little weird?)

Cade

"Mark?" I come back into the living room, "What the hell is this?"

Author's notes:

Okay every one, so I wrote and re wrote this chapter twenty times...I'm not kidding. Personally, I don't like this chapter, but it says what needs to be said . Plus alot's been happening.

I had two fundraisers, and I got to see the Amneris company regional tour of Aida, which was pretty awesome, plus half a dozen other things that I had to attend and/or make an appearance.
So I hope this chapter is somewhat statisfying although I do relize that Mo does seem a bit out of character, but keep in mind she has changed as a person so it is really hard to writer her accurately.

BwayDiva: Thanks as always. yes, I thought so too...beautiful? thanks.

Kelby: thanks as always goes to you as well..I always look forward to your reviews.

Carsonheir: here is some irony: Collins is actually my favorite character both in general and to write. Roger is my #3 from Rent...#8 in general. (I know semi-pathetic that I actually rank them)

Lils: I agree. And how was this for an update.

And to everyone. I appriciate everyone's reviews and look forward to reading them. I would love to hear...read...any suggestions or concerns anyone reading this story may have.

so...

until next time this is me,...signing out.