Disclaimer: Don't own RENT.

Ch.13

"February 23rd, 1994, 2pm, Eastern Standard Time. Close up on Marie Cohen who is currently six months pregnant with our child," Mark narrated from behind his camera.

"Mark; shut the hell up, and turn that damn thing off. I told you to leave it at home."

"Sorry honey couldn't resist."

"If you don't turn that damn thing off, put it away, and leave it; I'll start calling you Pookie," threatened Marie. This proved effective, Mark immediately turned off his camera and stored it in its bag. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Mark said a little reluctantly. A knock on the door signaled the doctor's arrival.

"Okay Mr. and Mrs. Cohen, I understand this is you're six month check-up?"

"Yes," answered Marie.

"And did you want to know the baby's sex?"

"Yes," repeated Marie.

"Okay, well then let's have you lie back on the table and raise your shirt over your stomach." Marie did as she was told. "This will probably be cold," the doctor warned. Marie gave a small gasp at just how cold the gel was, despite the doctor's warning. "Alright," the doctor said, "your baby seems to be developing well. And it appears that you are having a baby boy, congratulations."

Marie sat on the couch, a book of baby names in front of her, and a bowl with fruit loops and peanut butter in it was on the end table.

"Marie, I love ya dearly, but that's just gross," Lorana said catching sight of what Marie was eating.

"Yeah, well, you just wait until you're pregnant; we'll just what you eat. Why are you drinking coffee ate 7pm?"

"I was promoted to night manager at work, it's my first day...night."

"Well the coffee smells gross."

"I'm sorry you feel that way. However after being woke up at 5:30 this morning, I need to stay awake, so you'll have to deal with it for now." Marie stuck out her tongue. "Oh, that's very mature. Are you going to tell your parents that you're married and pregnant?"

"Not sure, maybe. Will you please take your coffee in the other room?" now Marie was begging.

"Only if you tell your parents, they deserve to know."

Marie sighed, "Fine, just take that crap you're drinking outta here."

"I gotta go anyways; talk to your parents."

Marie hesitated; she knew Lorana was right, but she really didn't want to get into a fight right now.

With a sigh, Marie shuffled over to the phone. She dialed the number and waited for the answering machine or the explosion on the other end.

"Hello?"

"Hi, it's Marie,"

"Yes, and?" It was her mother speaking.

"I know I mailed you the invitation to my wedding, so you should know I'm married. Please don't explode on me, just let me talk. Is dad also available?" She heard her mother holler.

"Yes Marie?"

"Okay, please, neither of you explode on me, just let me talk," she took a deep breath. "As you both should know, I got married in August. My husband's name is Mark. I'm not exactly sure how to tell you this next part, so I'll just say it. I'm pregnant. I'm currently six months pregnant with a baby boy."

There was dead silence on the other end of the line. Three minutes passed before Marie spoke again. "I want you to be a part of my child's life. Now, I know that you live too far away for monthly visits, but if you could come for holidays or something..."

"Marie, who are you talking too?" asked Mark, who had been out filming. Marie held up her index finger.

"Well, I know that he wants to meet you, and I wouldn't mind at all if you wanted to come for a weekend." A pause. "Okay, I'll make you a reservation at a hotel for that weekend. Bye."

"So who were you talking too?"

"You'll never guess."

"So just tell me."

"My parents."

Mark and Marie had invited everyone over to tell them the baby's gender.

Lorana had taken the night off to celebrate. She had been a pest to both Marie and Mark ever since Mark let it slip that they knew the gender. Her most popular argument was that she was the godmother. To this Marie replied that it was their child.

Once everyone had arrived, Marie made the announcement that they knew the baby's gender.

"What are you having?" Lorana asked almost immediately.

"We are having," Marie said to the anxious looks on her friends' faces, "a baby boy!"

"Have you decided on a name?" asked Joanne.

"Not yet," answered Mark.