March 18th 1999 4:15pm EST
The car was filled with an awkward silence. Maureen stared blankly ahead of her, Joanne was focusing on driving, and Mark just sat in the back not knowing what to say. He tried to make conversation once or twice but ended up trailing off part way through a sentence.
"Mark, you're staying with us tonight." Joanne finally broke the silence. Mark nodded in reply and looked at Maureen, they both wished they could help her, but they couldn't. Not yet anyway.
They arrived at Maureen and Joanne's apartment. Silence filled the apartment as Joanne made up the room where Mark would sleep while he made coffee. "I'm gonna need something stronger than that." It was the first time Maureen had spoken since leaving the hospital. She went and got a bottle of wine from the cupboard and poured three glasses. Maureen was suddenly flooded with memories from the day it all began...
June 12th 1974 12:00pm EST
Maureen had had enough. Her parents had gone to the hospital and said when they came back there'd be a new baby. That was yesterday. It was taking forever. How long can it take to get a baby? Mrs Cohen just smiled at Maureen when she asked this. This annoyed her even more. It was so boring here, all she could do was play with Mark and Roger, and they were boys. She couldn't be seen with them.
"Why's your Mom having another baby anyway? She's already got three of you."
"I don't know Rog, why'd your Mom have you?" Maureen watched as a blank look settled on the eight year olds face. "Ooh look, Roger's thinking, quick or you'll miss it." Cindy had appeared from the house. Maureen didn't like Cindy, she hoped her little sister wasn't like her. Mark and Roger were convinced she was getting a brother, but was Maureen was getting a sister. She would make her Mom take the baby back if it was a boy.
"Maureen, there's someone here to see you," Mrs Cohen called from inside the house. Maureen ran inside to see her parents holding a small bundle, sharing a smile with each other. "Mommy!" Maureen practically sprinted up to her mother. "Hey Maureen, there's someone I'd like you to meet." Maureen's Mom bent down and showed Maureen the little baby in her arms, "This is Jennifer Rose Johnson, she's your little sister."