Chapter 12: Drama Queen
Mark pulled open the door of the loft and pulled his bicycle inside. "I'm back," he called, setting the kickstand. When he turned to look up at Roger, another face caught his stare.
"Maureen?" he asked, looking at the tear-stained drama queen.
"And I'll exit stage left," Roger muttered, walking across the room from the table. Mark stopped him by grabbing his arm.
"Why is she here?" he hissed at his roommate. The rocker looked at him.
"She wouldn't leave," he told him. Mark started to protest, but stopped himself. He knew that nothing could budge Maureen once her mind was made up.
He put his bag away, and stood in front of where the drama queen was perched on the couch. "Hi," he said to her.
"Oh, baby," she sobbed, standing up and hugging him closely. He couldn't help but put his arms around her middle. "I'm so sorry about everything," she said into his shoulder, "Joanne and I broke up, and, and I realized something very important." She pulled back and looked at him.
"What?" he asked, bored, and yet interested at the same time.
"I still love you, Pookie," she said, with a slight smile. She leaned in and kissed him full on the mouth. Her hands found their way through his hair, and his stayed on the small of her back.
After a short embrace, Mark stiffened, and pulled her away. "Maureen," he said to her.
"Yeah, baby?"
"I," he thought for a moment, meeting her hopeful gaze, "I love Nannette." Her expression went back to a hurt look, and she looked down.
"Pookie," she pleaded. He put his hands up.
"Maureen," he said, "it won't work this time. You know how I feel about her."
"What am I supposed to do?" she asked, half asking her self.
"I don't know," he said, turning away, "but you won't get anything from me."
"Fine," she snapped, pushing away from him completely, "I don't want your help, anyway." She wiped her cheeks, and fixed her makeup with her fingers. Making her way to the door, and walked tall, and confident. "Thanks for all you've done," she said through gritted teeth as she walked out.