AN: I have a request. There used to be a fanfic on this site, called The Phrase that Pays, which was a Roger/Mimi story about what happened after Rent. But it seems to have disappeared. If anyone can tell me why, or where I can find it, could you please send me a PM? I really liked that story. Thanks in advance.
Two days later, the Bohemians pulled up in front of the resort spa in a metallic blue minivan.
"Thanks for letting us use this van of yours, Emily," Joanne smiled as they got out.
"Well, of course. Now that the Center's closed down, I was starting to wonder if I should just sell it, since I no longer had any use for it. Good thing I haven't gotten around to that, yet." As Collins started unloading the bags, Joanne went into the lobby to check in, followed by Roger, who was carrying Mimi as the Latina dancer had fallen asleep during the car ride, and he didn't have the heart to wake her. While this was going on, Maureen started whistling 'Deep in the Heart of Texas'. However, she was interrupted by an alarmed cry.
"No whistling!" Nana scolded sternly, moving into view from the other side of the van. "Hasn't anyone ever told you? Women should not whistle, for it encourages evil spirits to visit them. Now you have to tie a knot in a handkerchief!" Nana quickly walked over to where Collins was unloading their suitcases to fish a handkerchief out of her bag.
"Emily," Maureen glanced over at the photographer. "Why did Nana come with us again?"
"Because she pulled the whole 'I'm over eighty, and my heart could give out any day, this could be the last chance I have at a vacation' line on me." Emily replied, eyeing the vastly superstitious woman in exasperation. "Just play along with her, Maureen. It's easier then trying to convince her that we're living in the twentieth century. Hey, Collins. You need help with those bags?"
"No, no. I got it, Emily. Thanks for the offer. You go and take Wenceslas for a walk. He probably needs to stretch his legs, too."
"Well, okay. Meet you guys later." Emily placed the little harness on the small black pig and started to lead him off. Seconds after she rounded the corner, she suddenly noticed Mark hurrying up to join her.
"Is it okay if I come along?" he asked. "Nana's on a roll now. Maureen made the mistake of asking Nana if she could sing instead of whistling."
"Oh, let me guess," Emily rolled her eyes. "Nana went off on her 'if you sing before seven, you will cry before eleven' allegation."
"I have to know. How'd you manage to survive listening to all those crazy sayings for all those years?"
"The secret is just nod and smile a lot. And if all else fails, let your mind wander. I think about shutter speed." Chuckling, the two went off together.
Joanne stood by the window, enjoying the view. The Bohemians had reserved four rooms in the resort. She and Maureen were sharing a room, as were Roger and Mimi. Collins was rooming with Mark, leaving Emily and Nana together. At that moment, the door flew open and Maureen dashed in, closing the door quickly and blocking it shut.
"I finally shook her around the Blue Room," Maureen panted, clearly out of breath.
"What? Who?"
"Nana. She won't get off my back. Keeps rambling on about how everything from an itch to what position you sleep in means something. I only just managed to loose her." Suddenly someone knocked on the door. Maureen let out a panicked cry before diving behind the bed in an effort to hide. Joanne moved to answer the door to reveal Collins with their luggage.
"Maureen, it's safe to come out," Joanne called over to her partner. "It's only Collins."
"Collins, do you see Nana out there?" Maureen asked fearfully.
"No. Last I saw, she was talking to some of the staff about the different East Asian therapies offered here."
"Oh, good!" A relieved Maureen abandoned her hiding place and proceeded to the door. "Come on, Jo! Let's check out the Iris Salon!"
"Collins, are you coming to check out the resort?" Joanne invited.
"Later," Collins waved. "I need a nap. I've been driving Emily's truck for an hour and a half. I'm beat. Catch you two later."
Down by the lake Mark and Emily were filming and taking pictures of a small group of mockingbirds in a nearby tree.
""Wouldn't it be great if we actually got to see an armadillo while we were out here?" Emily wondered.
"Don't they hibernate in winter?"
"No. I did a report on them in elementary school. Did you know they can swim?" As Mark and Emily conversed, Wenceslas was rooting around. Suddenly, the little pig went rigid, as if sensing danger. Moments later, he began tugging on his harness, trying to get away.
"What's wrong with him?" Mark looked down at the little pig. At that moment, Emily scooped up Wenceslas in her arms, looking in shock in the near distance.
"A dog," she breathed. "Dogs are predators of pigs." Sure enough, a young woman was walking a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel along the lake.
"Oh!" Mark gaped before quickly pulling Emily out of sight. "Perfect. What's she doing here?"
"Mark, you know that woman?"
"Yeah," Mark sighed. "That's…. that's Allison."
"As in Benny's wife, Allison?" Emily's eyes grew wide in shock.
"Exactly," Mark nodded. "And if she's here, that must mean…" A mutual understanding passed between them.
"Don't tell Roger," they agreed simultaneously.
AN: Yeah. Wait 'till Roger finds out Benny's at the same resort!
It may be a while before I can update this again. I have two tests on Monday, pretty much back-to-back. So, I have to study my tail off all weekend (Fun!)
P.S.: Yes, Nana is very superstitious. That's going to be a running gag from now on.