Author's note: I'd like to send a shout-out to Tina101 and Jedi Master Arie Skywalker for their great reviews of 'Mommie Dearest.' I'd also like to give Data Girl 3 a shout-out for inspiring parts of this story and others.
They ate in silence for a while. Finally, Mimi cleared her throat. "I, um, I have an announcement to make. I saw Doctor Anderson today, and I have some good news." She turned to Roger. "I'm a month pregnant, Rog. We're going to be parents."
Roger stared at Mimi, speechless. The atmosphere immediately went tense. Mimi was confused. "What did I say?" She went to put her arm around Roger, but he pulled away. "Don't, Mimi," he muttered.
Mimi was undaunted. She squared her shoulders and tried again. "Roger, baby…" she began.
Roger stood angrily, shoving Mimi away. "I said don't!" he growled. He threw down his knife, storming off.
Mimi was hurt and confused. She turned to Mark. "What'd I do?"
Mark gave her a sympathetic look. "You said the p-word."
Mimi frowned. "Pregnant?"
"No. Parent. Roger's terrified of the idea of being a parent."
"But why?"
Mark looked shocked. "He's never told you? I thought by now…"
Mimi shrugged. "I know that he barely speaks to his mother, and he never speaks to his father."
"But you don't know why?"
Mimi nodded. "He never talks about it. I don't know anything about his past."
Mark put his arm around her. "Don't worry. He'll come around. He's never been good at talking about it. Give him time."
Mimi nodded. "Okay."
Just then, Roger stuck his head out of his room. His eyes were bloodshot. "If you guys are done talking about me, I need to speak with you, Meems."
Mimi nodded, and Mark smiled. "Good luck."
"Thanks."
Roger was sitting on the bed when Mimi entered, his back to the door. She smiled nervously, sitting beside him. "You wanted to talk?"
Roger nodded, silent. Mimi wrapped an arm around him. "Then talk. I'll listen."