To Be

DISCLAIMER: I do not own RENT or anything affiliated with it.

"SPEAK." Mark looked up at the answering machine as it took the call.

"Yes, I'm looking for a Mark Cohen," a man's voice said. Mark rolled his eyes and got up off of the couch. He listened as the man continued to speak, before he could get to the phone. "This is Bryan Simmons from the San Francisco film festival."

"Mr. Simmons?" Mark asked, picking up the phone.

"Mark?"

"Yeah. Hi. What's up?" Mark asked.

"I was just calling to make sure you're still coming for the festival next week," the man asked.

"Right… yeah, I'm still planning on being there," Mark said. He turned around as the loft door opened. Roger stood there looking at him. "Could you hold on a second?" Mark asked, before addressing Roger. "What?"

"I got paid. What do we need food wise?" Roger asked.

"Uh… I don't know, check the fridge," Mark said, before going back to the phone conversation he was having. Roger walked over to the fridge, not bothering to close the loft door. He peered in and then checked the cabinets as Mark finished his conversation. As soon as Mark hung up, Roger started towards the door.

"You want to come?" Roger asked.

"To the store? No thanks," Mark replied.

"If you think I'm about to let you get all depressed like I was, you're insane. Get your coat. You haven't left the loft in a week," Roger said.

"Roger…"

"Get your coat or freeze. It's your decision. But you are coming with me whether you like it or not," Roger told him.

"Asshole," Mark muttered, picking up his coat. He put it on as best as he could, considering the fact that his left arm was basically useless. Roger attempted to help, but Mark pushed him away. "I've got it." After a couple of minutes, he was finally ready to go.

"No camera?" Roger asked as he shut the loft door.

"We're going for groceries, Rog. Not exactly exciting stuff," Mark reminded him. Roger just shrugged. "Why are you so interested all of a sudden anyway?"

"No reason. Just figured you might be in need of some footage for your next film," Roger told him. Mark rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, well that's not happening any time soon. It takes two hands to operate my camera," Mark told him. He adjusted the sling as they made their way down the stairs.

"Are you ready for next week?" Roger asked. Mark just shrugged.

"I guess. They've got my films… what more can I do?"

"It's great, you know? That this is happening and everything," Roger said.

"Yeah. How's Mimi?" Mark asked. Roger had been staying with her in her apartment because she hadn't been feeling well. She wasn't sick, but they all knew that she was getting weak again.

"Okay. She went in to work today. Said she couldn't afford to miss any more work," Roger said. Mark nodded.

"She'll be okay," Mark said. "She's strong."

"She's not as strong as she used to be. I'm not sure she's going to make it if it gets that bad again," Roger admitted. "It's a miracle she pulled through last time… that she managed to make it for two years without catching anything."

Mark hurried down the street towards the Life. Roger and Mimi were both at work, so he had to go alone. He was meeting Maureen, Joanne and Collins for dinner, because he was leaving for San Francisco in the morning. He hurried inside, colliding with someone who was on their way out.

"Sorry," he muttered, not looking up to see who it was. It wasn't until the person reached out to touch his shoulder that he noticed her. "Liz."

"Hi, Mark," she said, smiling at him. "It's nice to see you again." He forced a smile.

"Yeah. Nice to see you too," he lied. He turned and started to go inside.

"Look, Mark, if it's any consolation, I'm sorry," she said. "I'm back in town now… same apartment. If you ever want to talk."

"Yeah. Right," Mark said. "I'm running late." He hurried away, into the restaurant. As soon as he was inside, Maureen came over and hugged him.

"I'm guessing you saw her," Maureen said. He smiled at her.

"Yeah. She's trying to get back on my good side," Mark told her.

"Please tell me you aren't getting back with her," Maureen said, leading him back to the booth where Collins and Joanne were waiting.

"I'm not a masochist, Maureen. At least, not any more," Mark replied. He sighed and adjusted the sling. He sat down next to Collins as Maureen slid in next to Joanne.

"How's your arm?" Joanne asked.

"It's okay. Hurts a little, but nothing too bad. Mainly because Liz and I literally ran into each other," Mark told them. He shifted uncomfortably. "We should order."

"We already did… got you your usual," Collins replied.

"Thanks."

Mark looked around the airport, trying to figure out what he was supposed to do next. He lifted his suitcase higher onto his shoulder and made his way towards the doors, hoping there would be someone there to meet him. He didn't have money on him for a cab.

"Mr. Cohen?" a voice asked. Mark turned around and came face to face with a man in a navy blue suit. "Are you Mark Cohen?" the man asked again.

"Yeah, hi," Mark replied.

"I'm Bryan Simmons. We spoke on the phone." Mark smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, right. It's nice to finally meet you," he replied, shaking the man's hand.

"It's nice to meet you, too. I've got a car waiting over here, if you're ready to go," Bryan told him. Mark nodded and followed the man. "I just have to say, we're so excited to have you here. I got a chance to see your other film, and it's wonderful."

"Thanks."