Chapter Three: What We Walk Away From
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More or Less, Two Years After Mark Left
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"Happy birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Shea...Happy Birthday to you."

Mark took a breath.

"Happy birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear London...Happy Birthday to you."

Mark finished his songs, for the second time today, only this time was quieter as he filmed them sleeping. He turned the camera off as he caught sight of the snow drift outside the recently-inhabited Chicago apartment. After two years working under Benny, Mark had decided it was time for a more permanent move. The small production company offered Mark the opportunity to work for causes he believed in while still paying him enough to support two growing toddlers. Maybe this wasn't exactly how he had planned things happening when he closed the loft door behind two years ago, but here he was...here they were.

Mark pushed away from the window and when back over to the where the boys were sleeping, double checking one more time before heading into the living room. He made his way to the close and pulled out the old film projector and the box of films. Digging through quite a few recent films (Shea and London--Home, Shea and London-First Weeks, London and Shea--Firsts, London and Shea--First Birthday, etc) he came to the bottom of the box where all the films from the loft had laid unwatched for nearly two years.

Carefully he pulled out the film of that year, that night. He watched as the images flashed by.

"Daddy, whas dat?" A small voice came from behind him.

Mark turned to see London emerging from the bed; he should have known...London always problems sleeping.

"Come here."

Mark put in another movie, one taken shortly after Mimi's return to life. London climbed on to the couch and once Mark sat down, climbed into his lap.

"Whas dis?" London asked again.

"It's a movie."

"Oh. Who dey?" He pointed to Roger and Mimi dancing across the wall.

"That's Roger and Mimi."

"Roger? Dat's my midul name..."

"Yep."

The picture changed to a park, where Roger was swinging around Mimi before they turned on Mark. The picture began jostling violently. The picture calmed as it showed Mark trying desperately trying to get out of the picture.

"Daddy, you siwly."

Mark smiled at the accusations.

The picture kept flashing by, and mark began humming.

"Daddy...Shh...I watting...Who dat?" London questioned as the next picture appeared on the wall...

"Um...that's Maureen and Joanne."

"Why dey 'urting each oder?" London asks innocently.

"They're not hurting each other; they're kissing."

"Oh."

London's questions slowly ceased and by the time the movie ended Mark was left with a once-again fast asleep two year old. Mark struggled for a few moments to get off the couch and carry the boy back to the room.

"Night, buddies." Mark whispered tucking London in.

He made his way back to the living room to put away the projector and films. Mark's eyes carefully registered every reel in the box until he found one, debating whether to watch it or not, finally putting back in the box. He didn't need to the projector to watch that reel. He made his way to bed...

It was the last day in New York, he couldn't just leave without going back there one last time. So he loaded Shea and Cohen into the double stroller and the made their way to alphabet city, his camera in tow...just in case he never made it back...That's why he told himself he went back there, to remember, for old time sake. He had even gone as far as going to the end of the block, to get a shot of the fire escape...

"Daddy, wad you looking ad?"

"Daddy use to live here."

"Oh. Wen?"

"Before you guys were born."

"Oh."

He could just wait there longer...maybe they'd look out the window. He could just walk the extra thirty feet, and break all the promises he had made to himself. He quickly turned the stroller away and walked away...for the second time. For the last time, he told himself.

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Until next time, this is me signing out