Collins grabbed Roger by the back of the neck and pulled him into the bedroom. "Stay in there."

Collins slammed the door shut and dragged a bookcase over, blocking it. He spun around to face Mark. The filmmaker set the camera on the table.

"I'm going to go check on her," Mark said.

"Yeah, you do that."

Maureen heard someone come up behind her. Probably Mark. She didn't bother turning around.

"He didn't mean it."

"Yes he did," she whispered.

"Maureen, it's the with—"

"Mark, just leave me alone. Please."

Maureen tried not to cringe as she felt his arms snake around her.

"He didn't know what he was saying."

"Mark, I really just want to be alone right now."

"Baby—"

"Seriously, Mark. Just leave me the hell alone right now."

Mark's hands left her and she heard him retreat. When the door had clicked shut, she sank to the ground, letting her tears fall. Maybe Roger hadn't meant it, but Mark hadn't disagreed and Mark hadn't argued. Maybe Roger hadn't meant it, but Mark did.


"Collins, let me out!" Roger yelled.

Collins pulled a chair up to the door and picked up his book.

"You just gonna ignore him?"

"Yep."

Mark rolled his eyes and picked up his camera. "I'm gonna go film."

"You really think that's what's necessary?"

"Collins, after what just went down, I really don't give a shit what you think is necessary."

Collins glared at him but said nothing. Mark grabbed his scarf and headed out, trying to ignore the guilt.


Mark had only been gone a few minutes when Maureen returned. Collins set the book down.

"You okay?"

Maureen stared at him, a scowl on her lips. "Do I look like I'm okay?"

"Fair enough. You wanna talk about it?"

"Nothing to talk about."

Collins sighed and watched her pick up a notebook and go out to the fire escape. Her legs dangled over the edge as she scribbled furiously. He could see her reach up every so often to wipe at her face.

"Collins, open the fucking door!"

"Not gonna do that, Rog."

"Open the fucking door!"

Collins heard a thud as Roger slammed himself against the door. There was a groan. "You done now?"

"Let me out!"

"Not right now."

"You can't do this!"

"I'm already doin' it."

"I fucking hate you!"

"That's fine."