NOTE: Okay, so now we know Maureen and Roger's story. But how does it affect other Bohemians? More importantly, why does it affect them? Thanks for all the great reviews, I hope you all continue to enjoy the story!
Present…
"So that's it. That's the whole story," Roger said.
Joanne shook her head and stood up. "I need to go."
Maureen wiped at her tears. "Jo—"
She walked to the door.
"Joanne!" Collins said.
It was the tone that usually stopped any of them in their tracks. Not today. Today Joanne kept walking without glancing back.
Maureen went to the bathroom and locked the door. Roger looked at Mimi, tears in his eyes. "I…I…"
Mimi went to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Collins, Benny, and Mark stared at one another.
"One of us should go talk to her," Collins said, staring at Mark.
Mark looked away, not answering.
"Fine. I'll do it," Benny said.
Collins watched him head to the bathroom door. Benny could hear Maureen crying through the door. He knocked softly.
"Maureen, can I come in?"
There was no answer.
"It's just me, girl. Just me."
The door clicked as she unlocked it. Benny went in and shut the door. Maureen sat on the edge of the tub crying. Benny knelt in front of her.
"Maureen?"
"I miss him so much," she whispered.
Benny wasn't sure what to do and reacted the only way he knew how. He pulled her into his arms and rocked her gently as she cried.
Roger pulled back from Mimi. "I'm sorry we didn't tell you, but I—"
Mimi put a hand lightly over his mouth. "I understand, I think."
Roger sighed and held her tightly.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Do you have any pictures of him?"
"One."
"Can I see it?"
Roger looked confused.
"He's your son. I'd like to see what he looked like, if it's okay with you."
Roger nodded and went to his room. He returned a minute later with a snapshot. Mimi's mouth curved up into a tiny smile. Roger sat beside her with the picture. Roger and Maureen looked young, a couple of years younger than in the other pictures Mimi had seen. Both were smiling. A little boy sat between them, grinning. A cake was on the table in front of him.
"His third birthday," Roger said, hands shaking. "That's when-when we took it."
"He was beautiful. Maureen's hair, but the eyes, the smile…those are yours."
Mark watched them for a minute. "Can…can I, um…"
Roger nodded and held out the picture. Mark took it and looked at it. His face paled and his eyes filled with tears as he handed it back.
"I have to go," he mumbled and ran from the loft.
Maureen and Benny came out of the bathroom. Collins crossed over to her and hugged her.
"I'm sorry we didn't tell you guys," she said.
Collins shook his head. "Don't worry 'bout it."
She smiled and hugged him.
"Angel knew."
"What?" she asked, pulling away.
"Before Angel died, she, uh, she said to tell you and Roger that the boy loves you. She was drifting in and out, though; I didn't know what the hell she meant. I figured she was delirious or something, but now…"
Maureen nodded and smiled. "Thank you."
She crossed to Mimi. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
Mimi nodded and smiled. "I wish you had, but I think I understand. I mean, it's got to be hard to talk about."
Maureen nodded. "Thanks."
"Roger showed me a picture. He was beautiful."
"Yeah," she said with a sad smile. "Wait—you have a picture?"
Roger nodded.
"Why wouldn't he?" Mimi asked.
"I told her that I'd divided all the pictures between our parents. But, yeah, I kept one."
"Could I see it?" Collins asked.
Roger handed it over. Collins stared at the picture and smiled. "If it wasn't for that Johnson hair, I'd swear this was Roger."
Roger smiled even as a guilty sadness settled over his face.
"Where'd Mark go?" Benny asked.
Mimi shrugged. "We were looking at the picture and he got this weird look on his face, said he had to go, and just left."
The phone rang. "Speak!"
"Guys, it's me. Is Maureen still—"
Maureen lunged at the phone. "Pookie, I'm sorry I didn't te—"
"I can't see you anymore."
"Joanne I told you I'm sorry!"
"I know and I forgive you. I just…I just can't be with you anymore."
Collins saw her getting more upset. He laid a hand on her shoulder and took the phone from her.
"Joanne, come back."
"Collins, you don't know—"
"I was sitting right here with you, Joanne. Don't tell me I don't know."
She sighed. "Is Mark there?"
"He took off."
"Not surprised," she mumbled.
"Joanne, just come back."
"Meet me."
"What?"
"You alone. Meet me at the Life in ten minutes. Please, Collins, do this. But come alone."
He sighed. "Yeah, yeah, okay."
He hung up and turned to the remainder of the group. Maureen was crying as Mimi tried to comfort her.
"She wants to talk to me in person and alone."
"Why?" Benny asked.
Collins shrugged and pulled on his jacket. "I don't know but I'll see if I can get her back."