Chapter 3:

Mark woke up around 8 AM, and rolled over to find Andie still asleep. Somehow, her thumb had found its way into her mouth during the night. After kissing the top of her head, he grabbed his clothes, and changed in the bathroom. Then, he made himself a cup of coffee, and sat down on the steps on the fire escape.

"Good morning, Daddy," Roger said as he sat down next to his best friend. Mark rolled his eyes, and continued sipping his coffee. "How'd it go last night? I saw Joanne, and she said that your niece was adorable. Obviously, she doesn't look a thing like you then." Mark punched Roger playfully on the arm.

"It went good. She had a bad dream or something about her parents, so she crashed in my room for the night. I just can't believe that Cindy's gone," he replied.

"Well, you two haven't talked in ages, so why would it matter? I know she's your sister and everything, and you love her, so don't get all mushy on me, but why has she suddenly left you a child you almost never see? And what happened between the two of you?"
"She left me Andie, because my parents don't have room for both Andie and Becky at their house, and I think that they need some space. Andie idolizes Becky, and Becky's about to turn 14, so she's become more and more independent and junk. As for what happened between Cindy and me don't you remember? She didn't like the idea of her "little brother" moving in the East Side of Manhattan into Alphabet City to live like a Bohemian. That's just the way she was. She didn't support any of my decisions in life. She thought that I should go to a "nice Ivy-League school, get a diploma, and go into business" or something like that." Roger burst out laughing.

"You, a real job? Yeah, right. That's a good one!" Mark smacked him again.

"The day that you get a real job is the day that the world comes to an end!" Mimi said from the balcony below them. Roger covered his heart with his hand, and sighed dramatically.

"My own girlfriend is against me!" he exclaimed. Mimi rolled her eyes as she joined the two friends on Mark's balcony.

"Hey Mark, have you talked to your parents about funeral arrangements?" she asked him as she sat down lightly between Roger's legs.

"Yeah, I talked to them yesterday. We're meeting today. I guess I'll have to take Andie with me. She might want to go." As if on cue, Andie appeared in the doorway. "Hey sweetie. I'm sorry, did we wake you?" Andie shook her head, causing her curls to cascading down her back.

"Hey Andie," Mimi said in a kind voice. "I'm Mimi, and this is my boyfriend, Roger. We live in the apartment below you. It's nice to meet you." Andie shook Mimi's hand as she smiled at her adult-like gesture.

"It's very nice to meet you," she said in a quiet voice.

"Oh my God, Mark! She's so cute. She can stay with me and Roger while you go to meet with your parents."

"I don't know, Mimi. Maybe she should come. Andie, do you want to come with me to meet with Grandma and Grandpa?"

"Will Becky be there?" she asked.

"I don't think so. She'll probably be at their house." Andie shook her head.

"Do you want to stay with Mimi and Roger?" She shrugged.

"How about we stay at your apartment, and I can help you unpack, and decorate your room? Angel could come over and help. She's good at everything, so it might be nice to have her over. Does that sound like fun?" Andie nodded. Mark was thrilled that his friends were willing to help out so much. Maybe decorating her room would get Andie's mind off of the fact that her parents were dead; at least for a little while.

At twelve sharp, Angel arrived at Mark's apartment, in drag. Mark had taken it upon himself to explain to Andie about Angel and Collins, and how even though Angel was a guy, he dressed like a girl about 99 of the time. He also explained about how Joanne and Maureen were married in a way. He didn't like exposing such a young child to stuff like this, but he felt that he should.

"Hi, I'm Angel," Angel said when she came inside. She was wearing her famous black bob wig, with jeans and one of Collins' old shirts on. Normally, she was much more stylish, but since she was going to be decorating, she figured she might as well wear some beat-up clothes. Andie waved.

"I'm Andie," she said.

"Well, it's nice to meet you Andie. Here's a hint about your Uncle, he's married to his work. I bet he'd marry his camera if it was legal," Angel said. Andie giggled.

"I heard that!" Mark called from his room.

"Well, it's nothing new!" Mimi announced from the kitchen.

"Hola, Mimi-chica," Angel said as she gave her best friend a hug. "Should we get started?"

"Sure, why not," replied Mimi. "Andie's room is Roger's old one."

"Ahh, I bet you know that room quite well." Mimi blushed as she took her AZT. "How much unpacking did you get done last night, Andie?" Andie shrugged.

"Some, I guess. But I don't where to put everything."

"That's the beauty of it! You can put your stuff wherever you want in your new room!" exclaimed Angel. Andie immediately fell in love with Angel's bright personality. "Let's get going! Come on!" Andie took Angel's hand, and led her to her room.