Mark's P.O.V
Spring went by fast as did the summer. The gang never seemed more intact but at the same time never tenser. Angel was sick and we were all trying to be there for Collins. It was hard. It was a week till Halloween and all of us were trying to plan a celebration for all of us together at the Life Cafe, but then Maureen and Joanne broke up again. Then Rodger and Mimi. Rodger moved back in with me and Daisy but he gave us space when we needed it.
He is now actually planning to move to Santa Fe soon. Which I don't know how to feel. I mean after all these years he is just going to leave just like that. It's not right. Daisy and I well we could never be better expect for the fact we have no money, and it's difficult to find food. I was sitting on the couch. Rodger was out trying to sell his guitar and Daisy was getting dressed.
"Ugh the heat is still out." I walked around picking up extra papers to burn in our stove. Almost all of our candles were gone and it there was only one match left.
"Mark it's fucking freezing in here." Daisy came out wearing the plaid jacket in the apartment just to stay warm.
"I know our heat is out and are candles are running out. How are we going to make it during the winter?"
"Hey". She came over to me and put her arms around my neck. "Will make it okay. If we have to I can get a job at the life cafe while we figure stuff out. There is another audition coming up soon for a dance in a Broadway show. I can go for."
"But what about now we need money now."
"Mark will work it out don't worry okay. We will figure this out." She gave me a sweet kiss. "I'm going to head for a little bit. I'm going to try to get some essentials with what little money we have. Okay?"
"Okay." She kissed me one more time and headed out the door. I let the fire warm up the house when the phone rang. I picked up the machine so I could listen to the voice message.
"Mark Cohen, Alexi Darling. In east Hampton at the beach. Just saw Alec Baldwin, told him you said hi. Just kidding. We still need directors. You still need money. You know you need money. Pick up the phone don't be afraid of ker-ching ker-ching. Mark sell us your soul. Just kidding. We're waiting." I stood there for a moment frozen in that voice message. Rodger is leaving soon so I won't have my best friend anymore which is hard enough already and I'm still dirt poor. This was my chance to earn some money. To have money for a future for me and Daisy. I could buy food for us actually pay the rent and get her the anti-depressants she needs. I need the money, we need the money. I dropped the answering machine realizing what my decision was.
I picked up the phone and dialed Alexi's number. "Hey Alexi its Mark Cohen, um just calling to accept the job. Yeah I know. Why I changed my mind? Well I figured that I really do need the money. Next week on a Halloween. Okay I will see you then." I hung up the phone just as Daisy walked in.
"Hey I managed to buy a box of Captain Crunch, some granola bars and some bananas and I managed to get a match box. So dinner is covered tonight." I was still staring at phone not listening to what she is saying. "Mark?" I still didn't hear her. "Mark I'm pregnant."
"WHAT?!"
"Ha that got your attention. I'm just kidding."
"Oh. Okay?"
"Mark you seem a million miles away. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah everything is fine. I'm just worried about Angel." It wasn't a lie I was worried about Angel, the two of us were planning on visiting her on Halloween, oh I guess that's changing.
"Don't worry Mark she'll pull though she always does." She sat next to me on the couch and rubbed my back like she always does when I am upset or stressed. She then begun to kiss my cheek and then moved down to my neck. I tilted my head and our lips meet. I had to tell her but it can wait until tomorrow. I knew if I told her we would have the biggest fight in the world. I just wanted to make this day last so I wouldn't face tomorrow, but I knew eventually she will find out.
"Come on Mark lets have some lunch and go for a walk." She took my hand and helped me up.
"Alright. I could use some fresh air." She held out her hand and I took it. I felt safe again holding her hand and I knew I made the right choice. I wanted Daisy to have everything she deserves even if it means selling my soul to Buzzline. I would do anything for Daisy because I love her. We walked around the area just holding onto each other. Her head was leaning on my shoulder and my arm was draped around her shoulder.
"I wish we could freeze this moment have everything remain perfect, have the gang back together, have Angel feeling better, I wish I could do that."
"If I could Daisy I would."
"I know Mark. I know." She stood up a little on her toes and kissed me wrapping her arm around my neck. We kissed more passionately and wound up biting my lip.
"Daisy." I whispered.
"Let's head back to the apartment have some dinner and then…" I grabbed her hand and we raced back to the apartment. I opened the door to the apartment and ran in taking off my coat and scarf. "Shouldn't we eat first Mark or…" I took of my shoes as Daisy took of her jacket. I don't know what came over I just knew at this moment I wanted to be with Daisy. I raced to her and picked her up out of adrenaline. "Whoa were did this come from Marky?" She asked me.
"Come on, right now I just want to be with." I told her. I carried her into the room and laid her on the bed. I shut the door hoping no one would disturb us.