A/N- As always, thank you guys for your amazing reviews. The following chapter is dedicated to Rent movie premiere which is, finally, TODAY!
Chapter Twenty Four
Maureen, I love you.
Though he said it hours ago, and repeated it so many times ever since, the words were still whirling in her mind as she snuggled closer to his chest and drifted into blissful dreamless slumber. She felt warm and protected, and these four words were like the sweetest lullaby.
But then, at some point, her eyes snapped open when a sudden chill replaced the warmth. By the light that was streaming into the room from the half opened curtains, she could realize it was morning, but something was missing… Mark's arms were no longer wrapped around her waist. His body was no longer spooned against hers.
An involuntary wave of panic washed over her. Did he wake up, realized they made a mistake and ran away before she'd wake up? But he had no reason to do that, it was his own apartment, she reminded herself as she stretched.
Someone coughed softly at the other end of the bed and Maureen couldn't help but smile with great relief as she rolled on her back and then to her side, propping herself on one elbow.
Mark was there all right, she thought, suddenly feeling silly for even suspecting otherwise. He must have been awake for some time now, for he had his boxers and glasses on, he was shaved and his hair was a bit damp. He didn't even seem to notice that she was awake and watching him intently. He was putting a new reel in his projector. He looked so concentrated at what he was doing, the last thing Maureen wanted to do was to startle him, so she said nothing. The screen that was usually in the living room was moved into the bedroom, and it was now placed in front of the bed, closer to Mark's side. A new smile found its way to Maureen's lips. Silly Mark, she thought fondly. He would rather do editing first thing in the morning than steal a couple more minutes of peace and quiet in bed. Yet, she loved him nonetheless.
He had changed so much; she didn't even realize that he had, up until the previous night. Sure, he was still the same sweet Mark Cohen, but his self-confidence had somehow increased. She guessed she should have realized that on that night when he dumped Michelle. And as if that wasn't enough, the previous night was a definite proof of that change in him. For the first time Mark seemed to know exactly what he was doing, and Maureen let him take control because she felt he was finally ready for it. Not being in control was difficult for her, though, especially in Mark's case, where she had always been the more experienced one. Plus, she hated to let other people have control over her. It made her feel weak and vulnerable, two things she never ever let herself to be in front of other people, men and women alike. But Mark wasn't like other people, and she didn't regret letting him do things his way for once. It was kind of different. Different in a good sense, that is. He was gentle, careful, attentive, he knew exactly what she wanted without her having to say anything. It was as if he knew it by instinct. He gave her everything, all he had, and Maureen gave him all her trust in return. He was the only one she was willing to lose her control to. And that, she finally came to realize, was true love.
Finally, the reel was in place and the film started running. Maureen watched Mark, who was watching the screen. A black light was flickering on the screen, and then changed a blurry picture with muffled sounds. It was as if Mark didn't know that the camera was on at the moment onscreen.
"Mark… Mark, leave the damn camera alone and just hear me out!" Maureen tensed as she recognized her own voice, still somewhat muffled but definitely hers. What the hell-
"What's there to hear? You cheated on me, that's enough." Judging by his sharp intake of breath, Mark seemed to recognize the film the second she did. Oh shit, it can't be THAT night…
Suddenly the picture cleared. It was definitely that night. The night she dumped him. Maureen could see herself onscreen now. She remembered that night so clearly, as if it all happened yesterday. Mark's image was still blurry; he was standing closer to the camera, blocking half of the frame, fiddling with its buttons. He was obviously unaware of the fact that the camera was on and film of it was rolling.
Onscreen Maureen sighed. "Look, it wasn't like that! Just let me explain, okay?" She was coming closer, touching Mark's shoulder. He shook her hand away, not aggressively but fiercely enough to let her know that he was angry. He finally backed away a bit, getting into frame as well. Now both of them were clearly visible in front of the camera, standing in the middle of the loft. It was already decorated for Christmas, though it was nearly a month away. Maureen remembered how she made the guys put on all the Christmas decoration that weekend, though Mark never celebrated Christmas, being Jewish, and Roger wasn't in the mood for anything but being locked in his room with his fender.
"Fine, but I can't see how you can hurt me anymore," said onscreen Mark.
Maureen glanced at Mark. He didn't remove his gaze from the screen. He looked hypnotized. She didn't dare move.
The film continued. "Do you remember that night over a month ago when we had that fight… when I came home the next morning? And we never talked about it afterwards acting as if nothing happened? Well, something did happen to me that night, Mark, I found out who I was! I mean, who I REALLY was!"
Onscreen Mark stared at her, puzzled. "Who… who you were? I don't understand… you didn't… sleep with anyone, did you Maureen? Please tell me you didn't sleep with anyone!" he sounded as if he was about to cry. Maureen's heart was breaking as she watched his reaction, and her nearly apathetic reply.
"Look, Mark, I hate doing this to you, but… I can't go on like this."
He looked even more confused. "What do you mean? I've never hurt you."
"No, you didn't, but I… I feel… that it's just not right. I'm not even sure if it ever was. We're just too different, Mark, that's it. I feel like I'm ready to move on." How could she even think of telling him that? How could she miss that broken expression on his face when she did?
"Move on? Maureen… I'm not a toy you can play with and move on when you think you're ready to. God, Maureen, what did you think of us?"
Maureen was horrified. She looked so calm in that film, as if Mark's obvious pain just passed through her.
"All I'm saying… is that I'm not sure it was meant to be. You're a sweet guy, Mark, but you're just not the right one… for me. Can you at least try to understand that?"
"Understand?" repeated Mark, frustrated. "This has been the most important relationship for me, Maureen! You meant everything to me! And all you did was fool around with… with another man!" Maureen heard Mark snort as he heard that. She knew he thought about Joanne, about the irony in it, now that he knew the truth. "What, is he better looking than me? Stronger? Mr. America or whatever?"
She didn't answer, as if she didn't know how to break the truth to him.
"You really are the actress. You made me believe that you loved me, I… that really hurts me, Maureen!"
"I'm sorry," she said quietly, but didn't sound as if she meant it. How could she be so insensitive?
"I love you!" Mark yelled desperately, grabbing her shoulders, making her face him. "HE doesn't love you!"
"YES she does!" she yelled back, shaking his hands away. Then, when she realized what she was saying, she covered her mouth with her hand, looking fretfully at him, hoping he didn't get it.
It was too late.
Only now, as she watched it, Maureen could detect the million emotions that crossed Mark's face as her words quickly sank in. His expression was a mixture of dismay, confusion and shock. "W-what?" he asked weakly, dropping himself on the couch. He looked at her carefully as she sighed and sat next to him, keeping her distance.
"Her name's Joanne, I met her that night. She's a lawyer. I… I think I'm in love with her." She dared to look at him. He didn't look back. He kept staring at his jeans, as if it was the most interesting thing on the planet. "I'm sorry, Mark. I really am, but that's the way it is. I can't do it anymore. I can't live in a lie. That's not who I am. I have to leave."
Mark flipped the switch on the projector and stopped the film. He kept staring at the screen though it showed no picture. Since he sat with his back turned to her, Maureen couldn't even read his expression. Now that he watched it, did it make him upset? Or angry? Would he regret taking her back? Would he have second thoughts after watching this?
There was only one way to find out, she told herself as she sat up and pulled the blanket tighter around her. Mark didn't seem to notice her slight movement. Slowly, carefully, she moved closer to him and snaked her arms around his waist. "Gee, Mark, I hope you don't have last night on tape as well…" she whispered huskily in his ear and planted a small kiss on his shoulder.
That seemed to startle him, but he kept his gaze fixated on the screen when he said, "I would have, but I didn't have any film left." He wasn't looking at her, yet by the sound of his voice, Maureen knew he was smiling, and it calmed her down a little. At least he wasn't upset.
He turned to face her and kissed her gently. He tasted like candy apple toothpaste.
"Morning…" she murmured once their lips parted, smiling against his lips.
"Good morning," he smiled back, brushing away strands of her hair. "I hope that didn't wake you."
"No, I… thought you were gone and I…" her voice trailed off. Suddenly she was embarrassed by that panic she felt earlier. She looked away.
Mark touched her cheek, making her face him. Their eyes met before he leaned to kiss her again. "It's okay," he said soothingly, pressing his forehead against hers. "It's all in the past, it doesn't bother me anymore."
How could he act so cool about it? Was it possible that it didn't bother him, not even a little? He sounded as if he meant it, but did he, really? "Well, it bothers ME," said Maureen honestly, her tone soft yet determined. She looked at him seriously. "I didn't mean to just throw it in your face like that," she gestured at the now blank screen. "I wanted to tell you but I've never intended to hurt you… I guess I've never really thought of how hurt you'd be by that."
Mark placed his hand on her cheek again and looked into her eyes. "You don't need to apologize."
Maureen placed her hand over his. "Yes, I do," she insisted.
Mark sighed, as if he knew there was no point argue about it with her. "Look, you're right, it did hurt me. But I don't care about that anymore. I just want you to know that no matter what you go through, whatever upsets you, you can always tell me. I'll always be there to make you feel better, I'll always be there to protect you."
Maureen smiled. A tear slipped down her cheek but Mark caught it and gently wiped it away with his finger. "I love you," she whispered. It felt so real, so right. And it made him smile so beautifully, she had to say it again. "I do love you. Don't you ever doubt that, okay?"
Mark's smile got impossibly wider as he pulled her into his arms. "I won't. I love you too. I've always loved you," he kissed her forehead. "Now I know we're going to be okay."
"We will," she promised, and meant it with all her heart. She leaned her head on his chest. "You know what will make me feel better right now?"
She felt him smile against the crown of her head. "What?"
"Breakfast. I'm starving." She pulled away from their embrace, far enough so she could look at him, but close enough so that her lips nearly touched his. Almost. She kept speaking in a low, seductive tone. "Will you start on breakfast while I take a shower?"
It didn't seem like he was paying attention. His eyes seemed focused on the movement of her lips. At first Maureen thought he didn't even hear her. Then he murmured "Yeah… anything…" as if he was taken under a spell. "Anything you'd like?" he added.
"Hmmm… surprise me."
"Okay," he said smiling. "Go take your shower. I'll tell you when breakfast is ready." Then he stopped and looked at her jokingly. "I hope I'm not being too bossy…"
That made Maureen laugh. "Marky, you couldn't be bossy even if you really wanted to."
Mark seemed to be amused by her reply. He raised one eyebrow. "So I suppose I wasn't bossy at the club?" he asked lightly.
"When you nearly killed me with that cable you threw on my face?"
"You mean when YOU nearly killed ME with a chair," he shot back.
Maureen laughed. That was only fair. She shook her head. "Yes, okay, except for THAT day…" she moved closer again. "But you are absolutely and totally forgiven for it…" she leaned forward to kiss him when a different memory from that day flashed through her mind. She backed away. "Actually, you're not… you weren't there that night," she couldn't help sounding a bit accusing. She knew she had no right to blame him. He had no reason to be there that night, not after everything that happened earlier that morning. They weren't together, he owed her nothing. But still… she needed him there.
Mark looked confused. Whether it was by what she had just said or by her haste movement away from him, she wasn't sure. "That night?" he repeated. He moved closer to place a soft kiss at the corner of her mouth. His tone softened. "You can tell me anything, remember?"
Maureen raised her eyes to face him. "The night of my gig at Purple Sky," she explained, slightly embarrassed. She still couldn't believe she let herself fall apart the way she did. "I didn't see you there and I… well, I freaked out. I couldn't remember what I was doing there, I got completely panicked. It was so humiliating, I wanted to die…"
The end of her sentence was cut off as Mark wrapped his arms around her and rocked her soothingly back and forth, holding her tight. "I was there… Don't worry, I was there. I saw everything…" he looked at her, his eyes concerned. "Were you okay?"
Maureen didn't even hear his last question. Her heart was racing. He was there? He couldn't have been, she would have known if he was, Collins would have known… She stared at him for a moment. "What do you mean you were there?"
Mark hesitated, as if he wasn't sure what to say or how to start. "I… I don't know what made me do it," he said eventually. "Collins asked me to keep an eye on the wiring, but to tell you the truth, I couldn't stop thinking about you. All I could think about was when we first met," he finished, looking at her with a small smile.
Maureen could read everything in his eyes. Honesty, devotion, pure love. It made her smile too. She laughed softly. "That's what happened to me, too. I kept imagining us sitting there, and I couldn't stop thinking about you too and I finally realized… that I had to tell you…" the tears came out of nowhere. "Oh, damnit!" she laughed and raised one hand to her face to wipe the tears away.
Mark caught her hand halfway and took it gently in his, slowly lacing his fingers with hers. He leaned to kiss her softly. She could taste the saltiness of her own tears in that kiss. "I love you."
Maureen smiled and pressed her forehead against Mark's. "I love you, too."
"We better get ready. We need to go back-" he said gently yet reluctantly, as if hating to ruin the moment.
Maureen glanced at the alarm clock. 8:25 a.m. They needed to go back to the hospital, Collins was there alone for too long. It looked like forever had passed since he sent her home the previous day. "Yeah, I guess we should…" she looked around her, then back at Mark, laughing softly. "Well, if you'll find me something to wear I can get out of here."
Mark looked around as well. He had mischievous sparkle in his eyes as he turned to face her again. "Where the hell did our clothes go?" he looked through the sheets, his hand brushing against her leg once in a while, tickling her but keeping a straight face as if he didn't mean it.
"Stop it," she warned him, giggling, "Or we'll never leave this bed…"
"Is this a promise, Miss Johnson?" Mark shot back as he bent to take a look under his bed. He smirked, then pulled something out of there and tossed it at her direction with a huge smile. "Well, you seem to like this shirt," he laughed. "Put it on."
Maureen did as she was told, pulling the blue flannel shirt over her head. Then she looked at Mark, amused. "How the hell did it get down there?"
Mark returned her amused smile and shook his head. "You don't want to know." He got up, found a white T-shirt on the floor and put it on. "I'm gonna get some breakfast on the table."
Maureen found herself staring at him with a silly grin on her face, then she realized he was still waiting for her reply. She nodded her agreement. "I'll be out as soon as I can," she promised. Mark nodded and was about to turn and leave. "Hey Mark, wait!" she launched herself out of bed.
Mark turned to face her again, somewhat puzzled. "What?"
Maureen grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him back to her for another kiss. It took him by surprise but soon he was kissing her back. His arms encircled her waist. His grip around her tightened as he deepened the kiss. She giggled into the kiss and tried to lead him back to his bed. He pulled away quite reluctantly, curled a strand of hair around his finger and gave her a weak smile. "You're irresistible, but we better cut it off now if we want to get back to the hospital this morning."
Maureen nodded, as reluctant as he was. Then she tousled his hair a bit and walked pass him towards the bathroom.
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They left the loft nearly an hour later. The subway was as packed as always at that hour. Maureen managed to take a hold on a rail, and Mark held on to Maureen. He kept his arms tight around her waist, pulling her closer and whispering things in her ear to make her giggle. Maureen was well aware of the non-approving glances that were sent in their direction by couple of old ladies and several serious looking businessmen in dark expensive suits, but she could care less. She leaned back closer to Mark's chest and looked up at him. He didn't even seem to notice all these people around them. He looked at her so lovingly, as if they were the only people on the train. There was that small cute smile that was plastered on his face from the moment he turned to face her that morning, and Maureen didn't need a mirror to know she was probably wearing the same blissful expression.
They held hands as they left the subway, as if they couldn't stay apart from one another even for a second. They walked the small distance to the hospital, talking quietly, ignoring everyone else.
Maureen felt as if years had passed since the last time she had been there, when the elevator stopped on the third floor, where Mimi's room was. She clang to Mark as they exited the elevator, turned left in the hall and entered the waiting room area.
Collins sat there on a plastic chair, reading the morning paper. He stood up the moment he noticed them, a huge smile forming on his face. "There you guys are! I've got great news- Mimi's recovering, she'll be just fine!" he got closer, and sighed happily. "Praise the Lord, HALLELUJAH!" then he stopped abruptly, suddenly noticing their joined hands. Maureen cringed as her gaze followed his. It was too late to pull her hand away. Oh shit, she thought as Collins' smile got impossibly wider. "Hallelujah, what HAVE we here?"
She knew Collins would do anything he could to embarrass them, now that he realized what happened. She buried her face in Mark's corduroy jacket so that Collins wouldn't notice the sudden blush that rose in her cheeks. "Shut up, Collins." It came out muffled, but she knew Collins would get it anyway.
Apparently, Mark found her almost childish reaction somewhat amusing. He laughed softly at her unusual shyness as he wrapped one arm around her, pulling her close, and kissed her forehead. Surprisingly, he didn't seem the least embarrassed, quite the contrary. "Hello Thomas," he greeted, looking into Collins' eyes. He pretended to be serious, but his voice carried an unmistakable note of humor. So did his eyes. Maureen repressed a giggle.
Collins did his best looking offended, though it was clear that he didn't take it seriously. He pointed his index finger at Mark in false warning. "Don't call me Thomas." He turned to face Maureen. "Feeling… better?" he managed to ask before he burst out giggling.
Maureen huffed at his childlike behavior, but she was too happy to care. She smiled sweetly at him. "Much much better," she said, turning to kiss Mark.
That seemed to amuse Collins, who couldn't stop laughing at them. "God, am I a genius or what? Tell me! Go ahead, tell me I'm a genius!" he laughed, pushing Mark affectionately.
"You're a genius," stated Mark dryly, then leaned forward to whisper in Maureen's ear, "yeah, right." It was quite an audible whisper. Collins cocked an eyebrow.
Maureen giggled again. He deserved that. "Now tell us this thing about Mimi again." She felt Mark's hand slowly wrapping hers again as what she had just said suddenly hit her. Us. It came out so naturally, she didn't even notice. She couldn't help but smile.
If Collins noticed it as well, he didn't show any sign of it. "She had a bit trouble but the doctor says she'll be out in no time. With the stress, and the environment, her illness, it just took her down. The doctor is with her right now."
"Thank God," said Mark. "I'm glad she's going to be okay."
Maureen nodded. "Yeah, me too." She felt so relieved all of a sudden when the enormity of the news slowly sank in. Mimi's gonna be fine! She was about to ask about Roger when he suddenly appeared from around the corner. He looked exhausted yet happy and relieved. "Oh, here you guys are," he said as he joined them.
Maureen glanced up at Mark. He looked as if he was making great efforts not to leave her hand and check on Roger, though he obviously wanted to. She smiled and gave his hand a little reassuring squeeze. Now she knew they'd be okay, too.
"Hey, you doing okay?" asked Mark but didn't let go of Maureen's hand.
Roger did his best looking happy, but he was too tired for it. "Yeah, I'm great," his eyes were sparkling like a Christmas tree. "Mimi's gonna be okay!" he repeated, as if he still had hard time believing it.
Maureen eyed Roger for a second. He didn't seem to notice that they were holding hands. Apparently, Collins realized that the moment she did, for he gave Roger a look. "Hey Roger."
"Huh?"
"Notice anything different about them?"
Roger scratched his head, obviously missing Collins' intentions. "Them? Them who, the doctors are still in there, aren't they?"
Collins frowned. "Not them! Doesn't Mark look… different to you?"
Roger moved his unfocused stare from Collins to Mark, and eyed him thoughtfully. "Umm… well, he's finally shaved… dunno, new glasses, Marky?"
Maureen did her best to stop herself from giggling. Was he doing that on purpose?
Mark shot Roger a look through his specs. "No Roger, they're not new…" he rolled his eyes.
Collins let out a desperate sigh. "GAH! Roger, are you paying close attention?"
"What the hell do you want from me, man?" asked Roger defensively. "I didn't sleep at all for like a week, and right now I could use a nice cup of double vanilla latte which no one bothered to bring along with him when he got here today," he ended, glaring at Mark, who's jaw nearly dropped.
"You expect me to bring you coffee? Does it say 'personal secretary' on the back of my shirt? Besides, I had… other things in mind…" he said nodding towards Maureen, who tried to keep a straight face. It was a difficult task but it didn't seem to matter much. Roger looked right through them.
Collins looked at Mark and Maureen, then back at Roger. "Well?" Would he finally get it?
He didn't. "Well, I still need coffee," stated Roger.
Mark sighed, defeated. "Fine! I got it! I'll go get some!"
"Double vanilla latte," Roger reminded him.
Mark rolled his eyes again. "Collins, anything?"
"Just black coffee. Milk, no sugar. Thanks."
"Okay," he nodded, then looked at Maureen. He gave her that heart-melting smile again. "Wanna share some hot chocolate?"
Maureen slowly nodded, then ignored Collins and Roger and looked at Mark with innocent puppy eyes. "Do you have to leave?"
Mark got an inch closer and looked straight into her eyes. "Just for a sec," he whispered. "Stay here, I don't want you to tire out."
Maureen smiled sweetly and moved closer, putting her arms on his chest. "Well, do it quick."
Mark nodded and gave her a quick kiss before he turned to leave. Maureen found herself missing him already. She turned to glance at Roger, who stared at her in amazement.
"WELL?" asked Collins victoriously.
"What… the hell… when did you… how…" Roger stammered, then gave up and just kept staring at Maureen, obviously in shock.
Maureen looked at Collins. "Collins, since you claim to be the genius, please explain," she asked sweetly.
"Gladly," answered Collins, then turned his attention back to Roger. "Okay you big dope, Mark plus Maureen equals LOOOVE. They're together again! Since… yesterday?" he stopped and glanced at Maureen for confirmation.
That blush again, and nowhere to hide it. She nodded. "Yeah," she answered shyly.
Collins beamed at her, like a proud father. "Get it Roger?"
Maureen and Collins looked at Roger, who looked thunder-stricken. "Oh Jesus…" he looked at Maureen in total confusion. "But you're supposed to be… I mean, you don't even like… oh God!"
Collins wrapped one arm around Maureen's waist, kissing her cheek. "You made my day, Maureen. Now excuse me for a second you guys, I need to make a phone call," he quickly disappeared around the corner.
Roger kept staring at Maureen. She suspected that he wasn't even aware of the fact that Collins left. There was an awkward silence that she felt committed to break. She looked carefully at Roger. "So, umm… I hope you'll be okay with that."
That seemed to snap Roger out of his shock. "I just… I never expected…" his voice trailed off as he finally looked at her. "Are you sure?" he asked seriously, sounding unsure himself.
Maureen nodded. "I've never been so sure about anything else in my whole life," she said seriously. "Look, Rog, I know things have been a bit… tough and all, but I'll do my best this time. I really will. I hope you will too. And I'm really happy that Mimi's okay," she ended, suggesting him a faint smile.
Roger didn't return that smile right away. He eyed her doubtfully. "Thanks, Maureen, it has been tough," he answered hesitantly, then sighed and gave her a serious look again. "I just don't want Mark to get hurt again. I mean, for the longest time he was a wreck."
"I know. I swear I'll never hurt him again. Look, Roger, I don't expect you to like me again after everything, just… can we at least try to be friends like we used to?"
Roger pondered over it for a moment, then looked at her. "How can I not like you and be friends? Friends are supposed to like each other. Friends are supposed to trust each other. Friends aren't supposed to cheat on their boyfriends with another woman," he didn't sound as serious as he probably meant to. The spark of mischief in his green eyes was too obvious.
"I'll be good. I promise," smiled Maureen when another idea crossed her mind. It worked on Mark, no reason why Roger wouldn't fall for it too. She pouted her lips. "Come on, I know you missed me."
Roger did all he could to hide the wide grin that slowly appeared on his face. "It's NOT going to work, Maureen." That didn't come out as determined as he probably intended it to sound, but Roger tried to save his dignity by keeping a straight face. He shook his head. "Not going to work…"
Maureen laughed softly. She closed the small distance between them and gave him a hug. "Oh, shut up, you ass…"
Unwilling to accept defeat, Roger didn't return the hug at first, but soon afterwards he gave up, slowly wrapping his arms around her. "If you hurt him again I'll kill you," he warned. His tone was soft, but Maureen knew he meant it.
"I won't… I promise I won't…"
That seemed to satisfy Roger, because he tightened his grip around her. "Good."
They stood like that for a moment until a familiar voice erupted the silence. "Hey, the line at Starbucks was really short so…" Mark stopped dead in his tracks when he noticed them. Then he quickly pulled himself together. "Roger? Off my woman or I'll pour hot latte down your pants."
Roger let go of Maureen instantly and snatched the cup gratefully. "That won't be necessary, man…"
Maureen looked at Mark, who put the other two cups on the small table next to them. She smiled. "Did I just hear you say 'off my woman'?"
Mark was grinning evilly at her. "You did, why?"
"Just wanted to make sure… now who are you and what have you done with my man?" she asked seductively and moved closer. "Missed me?" she added before she pulled him for a kiss.
"UUGGHH do you guys mind?" protested Roger, mortified.
Mark ignored him and kissed her again. "Hey, I don't complain when you and Mimi are at it…" he looked at Maureen, rolling his eyes a little before leaning to kiss her once more. "AND I don't say anything when you lock me in the bathroom to make sure I won't walk into you guys on the sofa."
Something sounded so familiar in what Mark had just said. Maureen stared at Roger in amazement. "You still do THAT?"
Roger was about to answer when a young doctor approached them. "Mr. Davis? You can come in now."
Roger thanked him and glanced at Mark and Maureen again. Maureen detected the immediate change in his expression. "I'll be back in a minute, okay?"
Mark nodded. "Sure."
They watched him follow the doctor until they disappeared down the hall. Mark turned to face her. He held her close and leaned down to kiss her for the umpfth time. She lost count by now. It didn't seem to matter, too, as long as she had him.
"I'm so happy," he whispered.
Maureen smiled against his lips. "Me too." She looked at him, then added quietly, "I love you."
Mark smiled. "I love you, too."
"I love you too, Pookie," a familiar voice squeaked behind them. A bit startled, they turned to face Collins, who was approaching them.
Mark rolled his eyes as Collins drew closer. "Don't call me Pookie, Thomas," he said sternly, even though he was smiling. He was obviously joking, yet Maureen couldn't help but notice the slight change in his tone as he said that word. She felt his grip around her tightening and glanced up at him. He said nothing, but his eyes told her everything she needed to know. Pookie belonged to the past. No more games, no more pretending. She nodded. No more games, no more pretending. Just the two of them now.
As if he had witnessed that silent agreement between the two, Collins nodded as well, then put one arms around Mark's shoulder, another around Maureen's, and led them down the hall to Mimi's room, laughing. "You kids are TOO much!"
Maureen tried to forget the few times she had been in Mimi's room since that whole nightmare began. Everything's gonna be okay now, she reminded herself as Collins let go of her shoulder and moved forward to open the door for her and Mark.
Two heads turned as the three entered the room. Roger sat very close to Mimi's bedside and held her hand. Mimi sat in bed, propped on many pillows. Some color returned to her cheeks and something that was pretty close to a smile lightened her face as she saw the three of them enter. Though she was still somewhat pale and weak looking, the familiar gleam returned to her eyes.
Maureen couldn't help but smile as she approached Mimi's bedside. "Meems, thank God you're okay," she leaned to kiss Mimi's forehead.
Mimi flashed her a reassuring smile. It was weak yet confident. "I'm okay. A little weak on my feet but okay." She looked over Maureen's shoulder, then back at Maureen, and her smile broadened. "Is what I've heard true?"
Maureen shot Roger a glare. He shrugged. She looked back at Mimi. "It depends on what exactly did he tell you."
"He tells me that you and Mark are back together… I never knew…" she laughed softly. "Collins kept saying something about it, but… I've never listened."
Maureen shot Collins an I-knew-it look. He raised his arms defensively and flashed her a brilliant smile. "I told you so" was written all over his face. She frowned. "He did, didn't he… well, yeah, it IS true…" she started, looking back at Mark. Her frown melted into a smile instantly.
Mimi shook her head. "Don't be so bitter, Maureen. Collins was the only one who had faith. You should be grateful to him. He was your flame."
Maureen returned her look from behind a veil of tears. Damnit, when did she become so sentimental and touchy? "No, Mimi, you are." She knew it was the corniest thing to say, but so true at the same time.
"I didn't do anything," protested Mimi, shaking her head.
"Oh, come on girls, stop that sentimental crap…" said Roger.
Mark was soon to follow. "Touching, I wish I had my camera," he added cynically.
Collins smacked him playfully. "Don't be so insensitive about it."
"Roger started it!"
Collins sighed and looked at Mark and Roger as if they were a hopeless case. "You men just don't understand us."
Mark didn't seem to get it. He stared dumbly at Collins. "Huh?"
Maureen laughed. "Calm down, kids…"
"Hey, umm… do you guys mind if you leave me and Maureen alone?" asked Mimi. "I… I kinda wanna talk to her."
Roger eyed her doubtfully. "Sure… you'll be okay?"
Mimi smiled. "Maureen will be here, don't worry about me."
Roger returned her smile. "Fine then," he said, kissing her forehead. "I love you."
"I love you too." Mimi waited until the guys left before she faced Maureen again. Her eyes sparkled. "You've never told me about you and Mark."
Mark's name made Maureen smile. She sat on the edge of Mimi's bed. "I did, back at that coffee house at NYC, remember?"
"But I thought you didn't want to…"
"I guess that at that time I didn't know what I wanted. But I do now."
Mimi laughed softly. "I would never have figured. I was so sure you were over him."
"I thought I was too, but then I realized I wasn't, not really." She looked seriously at Mimi. "Meems, I have to tell you… I kinda feel that this… you being here… is all my fault."
Mimi looked puzzled. "Why?"
Maureen sighed. "You exhausted yourself just to be there in my show, Collins told me. And then I didn't do it… what the hell were you thinking, taking all these double shifts in your condition?"
"Maureen, don't blame yourself, it's not your fault, really. It's me. It's the way things are at the club. It's not you at all," Mimi assured her. Maureen looked at her doubtfully. Still, what if it was? And as if Mimi could read her mind, she sighed and looked at her seriously. "Maureen, you have to get used to this. I'm sick. This will keep happening. I'm not that strong."
It was said so straightforward, Maureen's only comfort was the fact that Mimi was realistic. But still, it wasn't enough. Reality was cruel. "I just hate this," she said honestly. "You get attached to someone so much and then you lose them. I don't wanna lose you too, Meems, I care about you too much to lose you."
"You lose, you win. You don't lose people, you gain more angels," said Mimi, smiling sweetly.
Maureen returned that smile. "You ARE our angel."
Soon the guys were back in the room with more coffee and breakfast from the hospital's cafeteria. As they sat there, eating and engaged in light conversation, Maureen couldn't stop herself from thinking back about the previous day, about what she was thinking while sitting near April's grave. Nothing lasted forever. She thought about what Mimi had just told her. This will keep happening. I'm not that strong. She felt Mark's hand caressing hers, his fingers slowly interlacing with hers. She looked at him and smiled. Maybe nothing lasted forever. But maybe it didn't even matter. She should stick to a better philosophy. No day but today.
Though it kind of looks like the ending chapter, it's not. There are couple more chapters till the end, so don't you go anywhere! Stay alert for the next update!