AN: Ugh! I am so sick right now, it is not even funny. And I am still singing tonight. I don't know what to say but UGH! Well, it's almost here. I'm talking thisclose. Yes, the chapter will tell you what Abby has. I know – major excitement! I hope so, anyway. But in the meantime – I dangle it in your face! Sorry! In my head, it is necessary. Next order of business – everyone wish Misfit Writer luck in getting her choir to sing Seasons of Love. I'm totally backing you up all the way! Thank you to the reviewers, of course – you guys are seriously awesome! Noting the numbers, either last chapter was really good – or you're taking my threat to heart. Either way, the ratio is down, so I'm not too worried about killing off somebody with a bus. To the anons:

EmMm – Wait, does that mean you don't love me? Sad. Well, two out of three's good anyway. Thank you! I actually intended to make this a strictly Mark/OC (Abby) story, but I realized first chapter that I loved all the other characters way too much to ignore them and their interaction. So it's evolved into – well, whatever you call it now. I forgive you for not reviewing before, because you are now. And that's all that matters, isn't it? As for the bus thing, I figured out my review to hit ratio, and it made me angry. I watched Mean Girls a couple nights ago, so it was the first thing that popped into my head, and out it came. Looking back, I probably could've found a more dignified death. But hey – if the death is dignified, then it's a good thing to read, and if it's good, people will not regret not having reviewed. Aw, thanks! I sang it today in class. Good news: No one noticed I was sick and thought I did well. Bad news: As soon as were done with the song and off stage, I drank a whole bottle of water without coming up for air. This will be interesting.

socogal – Yup. Baby. If, you know, they ever agree. A fun turnout indeed. ;D I'm not sure I want Maureen's cat suit (because, having seen Idina Menzel in it, I will be having major body image issues) but I would very much like Angel's Pussy Galore outfit. Yay, Angel! Poor Benny! See, good side to everyone, should you dig deep enough. I'm happy you've found Mark/Abby happiness. You know I looked around for 1991 movies that would have the right feel to them, and literally two minutes the movie "Robin Hood" just plopped in my lap and I went "Perfect!" I love IMDB seriously so much.

Lesley – I miss Angel, too! Which is why I made sure to include her in my chapter. But I can't bring her back to life (though if I could, I would) for a Post-Rent piece, so I did my best to do what I could. And I couldn't leave Collins all alone. Dave is like the coolest guy ever, in my opinion (he's modeled a bit after my friend Max, who, though straight, did the whole "We're going to be best friends" thing the first time I met him), and is the only person I'd trust with Collins.

megs – Thanks! I will keep it up. In fact, I am keeping it up right now. Look – new chapter!

Disclaimer: Owning Rent is a dream of mine. Not a reality.

No More Pretending

"And here's your new prescription. Have a nice day!" the receptionist advised Maureen and Abby cheerily as they picked up the slip of paper.

Abby looked at it and rolled her eyes. "Great. More pills. Joy."

"At least you have a job now. And a place to stay," added Maureen sadly.

Abby looked at her over her shoulder as they walked out the free clinic. "You can always come back you know. It's not like anyone kicked you out or anything."

Maureen rolled her eyes as she followed Abby out. "It's not my fault that Joanne isn't ready for a baby! I am!"

Abby turned back to look at her. "I told you, I'm not getting in the middle of this. I'm just saying you should come back home. I miss you. She misses you. And you've spent the last week on Mark's couch. It's not a good sign when you've spent the same amount of time you've been married apart as you have together."

Maureen sighed. She missed Joanne so much. But it had hurt her that Joanne didn't trust her enough to have a baby with her, more than she would let anybody but Abby know. "I know, ok? Let's..." she sighed. "Let's just not talk about it, ok? I'm not sure what to do right now." Abby looked her over, then nodded. Maureen smiled at her gratefully. She just wasn't ready to do anything about it yet. "Let's talk about you and Mark instead. You guys are getting serious, huh?"

Abby nodded and grinned. "He's making me this candlelight dinner tonight. Of course it's candlelight because the electricity went off, and the dinner's going to be Cap'n Crunch," she plowed on over Maureen's laughter, "but it's really sweet!"

Maureen giggled. "Don't you ever think he's likes that cereal way too much?"

Abby opened her mouth to make a response when they heard "Abby! Mo!" coming from behind them. They turned to see Roger hurrying from the same clinic they had just left, looking angry. They exchanged looks that said "What the ...?" as he strode towards them quickly. Abby, concerned, asked, "Roger, what's ..."

Roger shoved a folder into her hands, eyes smoldering. "What the fuck is this, Abby?"

Abby gasped and took the folder from him. "Where did you get this?"

"I saw you guys going in the clinic, so I followed you in to surprise you. I heard you talking about how Abby was sick and I got worried, so I waited got your file from the receptionist. She owed me a favor. Explain." He spit out the last word, contempt obvious in every line of his body.

Maureen bristled at his tone. How dare he talk to Abby like that? Abby, seeing

the look on her face, shook her head and answered Roger, "I don't know what there is to explain, Roger. I'm pretty sure you understand how this happened. My boyfriend, and all ..."

"Damn it, Abby! That's not what I meant!" Roger grabbed her elbow and pulled her to him. "How could you do this to Mark? How could you not tell him?"

"Let go of her!" Maureen yelled. He looked at her, then let go of Abby. "Do you think it's been easy for her? She just found out a month ago."

Roger shook his head. "That's not the point, Mo! It's not fair to Mark! God, all his friends could die at any moment, and his girlfriend ..."

"Is trying to decide how to tell him! It's not like I like keeping this from him, you know!" shot back Abby, apparently pissed off as well.

"Not fair to Mark?" added Maureen. "You might as well say not fair to Dave, or Joanne. Or me," she told him softly, tears filling her eyes. "It's not easy for me either, Roger."

Roger was silent for a moment, obviously struggling with himself. Maureen could see compassion and understanding for Abby's situation and Maureen's feelings fighting with his loyalty to Mark in his eyes. Finally, he looked at Abby. "Look, I am sorry. I know it sucks, what you're going through. But you have to tell Mark. Tonight. Or I am." With that, he turned and left, one hand on his head.

Abby turned to Maureen, eyes wide. "My God, Maureen. What am I going to do? How can I tell Mark?"

Maureen hugged her and whispered in her ear, "Sweetie, he'll find a way to forgive you for not telling him. It's Mark. I know he will."

Abby mumbled into her shoulder. "But what if he can't?"

Maureen had no answer for her. She sympathized for both sides, and the predicament they were all in saddened her. She was totally at a loss. All she could do was hold Abby to her and rock her young cousin as she began to cry huge, weeping sobs into her shoulder.

AN: DRAMA! And there's more of it. Bear with me, ok? I know this was kind of short, and the next probably will be, too. But the reveal will be in it. And while the next chapter and the chapter after it will be pretty much all serious, after that I'll make sure and get some good in. Hey, stop throwing things at me. It's not nice. (ducks under table to avoid massive throwing of ripe fruit)