Don't own RENT.
Seven days later, Mary Jane was on her way to Mark's bench, her three friends behind her, talking nonstop. They were just approaching the bench Mark was sitting at when Mary Jane overheard what her friends were saying.
"Look at that bum over there with the dorky glasses and camera," one whispered harshly, "He's such a loser."
"What an idiot," another added, "He should sell his camera for some decent clothes and food."
"He probably has AIDS, like all the other homeless people around here," the third chimed in.
Mary Jane couldn't believe her friends were so closed-minded. Blood boiling, she turned around swiftly and glared at them. "For the record, that bum is my friend! Not only that, but he doesn't have AIDS and he would never sell his camera, ever. He's probably the nicest person I know. I'm sorry, but we can't be friends anymore."
"Fine," one said immediately, "Go hang out with the bum, but don't come crawling to us when he mugs and rapes you."
Mary Jane watched her friends walk away, but she wasn't upset about it. In fact, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She turned around when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Thanks," Mark said, smiling.
"They were losers anyway," Mary Jane said, "I'd much rather hang out with you than those idiots."
"I'm happy to know that," Mark said with a laugh, "So you're not going to ignore me now, right?"
Mary Jane nodded. "I wouldn't dream of ever ignoring you, Mark Cohen."
"Happy thirteenth birthday, MJ!" Mark cheered, pointing his camera on the birthday girl, "Blow out the candles!"
In a single breath, Mary Jane managed to blow out the fourteen candles—thirteen for each year of her life and one for good luck—out. Licking her lips, she carefully ripped the chocolate cupcake in half and offered one piece to Mark. "Here," she said, "Now we can both enjoy it."
Mark gently put down his camera before taking the treat from Mary Jane. "Thanks he said," quickly before sticking the entire thing in his mouth, causing his cheeks to bulge and Mary Jane to laugh.
"I cannot understand what Maureen sees in you," Mary Jane commented as Mark began gagging on the large amount of food in his mouth, "But whatever it is, it must be buried pretty deep."
With much effort, Mark managed to swallow the cupcake and mock-glared at the girl. "Hey!" he protested, "That's not very nice!"
"It's true."
"Well, as long as she sees something in me I guess I'm in good shape."
"Are you sure you don't want to come to my party tomorrow?"
Mark stiffened up for a moment. "You know I can't. The fact that we met in the park six years ago isn't too promising. And I'm twice as old as you are. It just seems weird."
"I know, I know, you've been telling me the same thing for the past three weeks," Mary Jane said sadly, "But even though everyone I know, except you, is going to be at my party tomorrow, I like our little party better."
"Oh, don't be sad, MJ," Mark pleaded, "It's your birthday! You should be happy!"
"I know, but I'm not. I just wish you could be more a part of my life. And I wish I could see the loft and everyone else. It feels like I know Roger and Maureen and Collins and everyone, but I've never met them. I just can't help but feel sad over that." Mary Jane admitted.
"MJ, listen to me," Mark said, leaning over so he was at her level, "The fact that our friendship is so secret like this makes it special. It you very important to me, and hopefully, it makes me important to you because we don't know when we'll see each other next, which makes each of our visits very special. Don't think of it negatively, think of it positively and you'll soon realize that it's better this way."
Mary Jane smiled half-heartedly. "I hate how you always know what to say," she said, "You know, Maureen is very lucky to have you in her life. Tell her to hang on to you for as long as she can."
Mark grinned and blushed. "Will do."