Chapter 18: Machine Interlud e B
as told by the various answering machines that connect our favorite Bohemians to each other and the "Outside World"

"Speak."

Beep

"Mark, Mark, Are you there? Honey, where are you? Just wanted you to know that we are having your father's birthday dinner on the August second. He really wants you to come, Honey, please. Your father and I are both getting on in years and we would enjoy it if you could come. Mark? Call us? Love you."

"You have reached the residence of Gregory Kirson. It is asked that you leave your name and number and state the subject of your bussiness. Mr.Kirson will get back to you as soon as possible."

Beep.

"Hey, Daddy, it's Ella. Um...there's something I need to tell you, um...I really want to see you face to face, but I'm so excited..."

"Ella? Are you calling your dad?"

"Yes, Mark."

"Well?"

"He's not there."

"Oh."

"Did you tell him about..."

"Oh, right, Daddy...I saw Nathan last month and he signed the papers you sent down. I gave them to the lawyer...so it's set. Call me when you can, I love you, Dad."

"Nice talking to your answering machine, Mr. Kirson."

"Mark..."

"Mo and Jo's. Name and Number Please."

Beep.

"Maureen? This is Uncle Aaron, remember me? Kyle and I were talking about you; he told me about... I'd thought I check in with you...I had to track you down a bit...Look, kid, I know I wasn't there when you were younger like I should have been...but, um, I just wanted to talk...Number is still the same as it's always been."

"Josiah and Arlene Cohen. Please Leave your name and number."

Beep

"Mom? Dad? Hey, it's Mark. About Dad's birthday, we need to talk. There's a couple...a few...people I really want you to meet...you really need to meet. I wondering if you would mind if they came to the dinner too. It'll be me and three. Is that okay? I love you guys."

"Speak."

Beep.

"Mark? It's Cindy. Mom called us over yesterday just to listen to your message. It's good to know you're still alive. I told Mom I'd call you for her. She said it's fine. You could probably bring fifty people and get away with it, she's so excited. Just Mark, please, actually show up. Oh, Lizzy's coming too, once she heard your message, she decided to she wasn't too busy, after all. All three of us. It's going to be fun. I've got to go pick Bryant up from detention. I'll see you next week."

"Speak."

Beep

"Benny? Benny? Are you there? I really want to talk to you. I'll...I'll just call back later."

Author's Notes:

Finally chapter 18! This is now the longest story I've written! Yeah

BwayDiva: Thanks so much. Glad you appriciated the humor of the kindergarten scene.

Sam: Thanks.

carsonheir: I hope what I told you helped. Tears? Thanks.

L.M.Ward: the pompoms made my day. glad you liked it. Thanks for the review.

To No Absolutes: Thanks And hope this was good.

Oh, and to Lils: I don't know if you're reading anymore, but just thought you might want to know someone has actually read your whole profile page.

oh, and to anyone who cares #1 movie quote: "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."--(Rhett Butler/ Clark Gable/ Gone With Wind)--according to AFI

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