I'm sorry this chapter is so short, but it's better than nothing, and it seemed like a good place to leave off. This chapter isn't terribly exciting, but the next chapter is. Disclaimer: I own nothing. Hope you enjoy it!

I turned around and glared at Roger and Morgan, who were sheepishly looking at the floor.

"Morgan," I said angrily, "Bed. Now!"

She nodded and walked into the bathroom to change. I glowered at Roger. "Who's idea was it?"

"Morgan's," he whispered.

I rolled my eyes and sighed. "Should've known better. Oh well."

Roger laughed lightly, but I didn't have the heart to join in. Why was I acting so mean and angry? My roommate seemed to sense my uneasiness. "Sorry Mark," he said, his laughter subsiding.

I just sighed and turned towards the bathroom, where Morgan was just exiting, her costume in hand. She was giving me a look. "Is that really what I am Mark?" she asked, leaning against the doorway, "A troublesome nuisance? Am I that predictable? Just because you'd never have fun or do anything like that doesn't mean you can subtly badmouth me about it."

I sighed. Suddenly, I hated the world in that typical teenager way. Stupid Morgan. Stupid autism. Stupid Roger. Stupid life. Stupid…EVERYTHING! But no, I couldn't let them know that. I had to stay calm. Put up that facade.

"You haven't taken your pills yet," I mumbled, reaching into my jacket pocket for the orange bottle, "Take them and then go to bed."

Morgan rolled her eyes but did as I said, if only to make me happy. She didn't care in the least about those damn pills, yet my very existence seemed to hinge on them. If she didn't take them, Morgan wouldn't flip…I would.

As Morgan flopped down on the couch…er…bed, I dashed into the bathroom to wash the shit off my face. Morgan and Maureen- a pair I hoped wouldn't become too close. Of course, I think they already had, and I feared strongly for my well being and mental health. It was most definitely a friendship made in hell.

I woke up to the sound of the phone ringing. When had I gone to bed anyway? I remained still and listened to the message.

"Speeeeeeak."

"Hey Mark, it's Anne. Sorry I walked out on you last night. The whole scene just got awkward with Roger and Morgan there. Can I make it up to you? Please? Call me back."

The line went dead and I rolled over, burying my head in my pillow and snuggled under the blanket. I didn't want to get out of bed, or even leave the loft. This must have been how Roger felt when April killed herself, except more depressed.

Something crunched beneath my head. Groaning, I pulled a note out from beneath my pillow. Putting on my glasses, I read.

Hey Mark, we're sorry about last night, so we came up with a plan to make it all better…a day without having to worry about Morgan. She's taken her pills and we'll be hanging out in the city until dinner. We'll bring some stuff home for you. Mimi's with Maureen and Joanne, so you won't have to worry about her and Collins is working. Enjoy your 'day off'!

-Roger and Morgan

I smiled and laid back down. A day off, how nice. As long as I could remember, I'd been taking care of somebody, first Morgan, and then Roger, Collins and whoever it might be shoving their way into my life. Yes, a day off would be nice.

I glanced at the clock, which read 11:26. By now I'd usually be out, filming and whatnot. But not today! I brought my legs to my chest and fell into a deep sleep, not worrying about a thing for the first time in what seemed to be forever.

"Speeeeeeak."

"Hi, it's Anne again. Mark, are you mad at me? You haven't picked up the phone all day. Please, I want to meet up with you again…alone this time. Call me back."

All day? Surely it hadn't been 'all day'. I glanced at the clock. 6:56. Okay, it had been all day. I grinned sheepishly. I hadn't slept that well in years, and I felt a little guilty.

I groaned and got out of bed, stiff from lying down for so long. I stretched and grabbed a poptart, stuffing it in my mouth, the sweet taste instantly pulling me awake. Rubbing my eyes, I picked up my glasses and began fiddling with them, seeing as I had nothing better to do while I ate.

When I was finished, I got up and called Anne.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Anne, it's me, Mark."

"Oh, hi Mark! Where have you been all day? I must have called you at least five times."

I blushed. "Sleeping. Morgan and Roger gave me the day off."

"That's sweet. Hey, you want to meet me at the park in half an hour? The bench we were at the other day?"

"Sure. Sounds great. See you in a few. Bye."

"Bye."

I hung up the phone and sat down on the couch. Had I just agreed to…a date? I shrugged and got dressed before grabbing my camera and running out the door to meet Anne.

To be continued…