Chapter 11- Something About Always

December 26th, 1991 1 p.m., Eastern Standard Time

Disclaimer: I don't own anyone except Maddie and her family and friends.

Maddie and I return to her parents' house for lunch. I did not expect us to be back so soon. Neither, I think, did Maddie's parents. They're in the living room, having a loud argument. Maddie and I stop dead when we realize that they are fighting about us.

"He's a nice boy, he'll be good for Maddie-"

"Diane, they've only known each other for three weeks! How can we know if he'll be good for her or not? How can she know if he'll be good for her or not?"

"She seems pretty certain, Tim…"

"Diane, you know Maddie as well as I do. You know how many times she's made the wrong decision. I just think they're going too fast."

"I think Maddie isn't sure if she'll get this chance again. I'm not sure if she'll get this chance again."

"I don't think that should be an excuse for her to be in a relationship in a man she hardly knows!"

Here I look over at Maddie to gauge her feelings, but I realize that she's gone inside to break up the fight.

"Who do you think you are, to bicker about my choice of men?" Maddie's completely livid. "I haven't known Mark for a long time, that's true, but I know him better than any other man I've ever met. I love him, he loves me. Why do you need to question us beyond that? He is my choice, not yours. And if my life is to be as short as you two seem to believe, wouldn't you rather I spend that short time with someone who I love and who makes me happy?"

Maddie's parents are as shocked as I am. I haven't seen Maddie angry before; it's not an experience I'd choose to repeat. But now, now, I feel even more in love with her. I think about the small, black velvet package I have hidden away in my suitcase and decide that now is as a good time as any. I sneak upstairs to retrieve it…

I root through my suitcase, looking for this package, when Maddie bursts into the room.

"Good idea," she says when she sees me at my suitcase. "Let's get back to Alphabet City."

"Actually, I was thinking of taking a little detour to… Scarsdale." Maddie turns around, shocked.

"You want me to meet your parents?" I can tell she's flattered. "But I thought you said you don't want to see them again."

"I think that's appropriate, for my parents to meet the only woman I want to marry," I hold out the ring that I had to sell three films to afford. Maddie doesn't speak, she just bursts into tears.

"Of course!" We fall into each other's arms, laughing and kissing.

"I'll just call my mother," I say.

"I'll tell my family," Maddie bounces away giddily. I pick up the phone, and dial the number I haven't used in years.

"Hello?" my mother answers.

"Hi, Ma, it's me."

"MARK! Mark, darling, how are you? It's been so long!" my mother squawks, almost blowing out my ear drum.

"I'm fine, Ma, just fine. I just wanted to say I'm going to come visit you guys. I hope to be there in time to help you light the menorah."

"You're coming tonight? In time to light the menorah? Mark, sweetie, that's great!"

"Yeah, and I'm also bringing a guest along."

"A guest, too? Well, I'd better get busy. See you soon, baby!" My mother then hangs up on me, before I can manage to explain who my guest is. I breathe a sigh- calling her up was the easy part.

A/N: I know all my repeat readers will be excited- an engagement AND Mark's mom in the same chapter? I hope that shows in your reviews (hint, hint)… Next chapter will contain the long-awaited trip to the Cohens, with all the characters that that implies making appearances. That'll be up as soon as I can manage, I start school in a couple days (UGGGGGGH). Happy Labor Day, guys!