Hello readers! Hope you enjoy part nine! Please review, no flames, but I loooove to get reviews, they are awesoooome!

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Rent! D'X

Turn This House Into A Home

Chapter 9: Handle This

Lily POV

Thump, thump… thump, thump… I cracked open my eyes slowly, a wide smile appeared on my face as I instantly remembered last night. It was beautiful. I was still lying on Mark's chest, as it gently rose and fell. His hair was a total mess, sticking up everywhere. I snickered lightly trying not to wake him. Then I heard voices outside his door. Uh oh…Before I could do anything the door swung open. I froze

"Hey Mark! Your presence is-OH shit! You sly motherfucker, you got laid?" Collins shocked voice yelled out. Mark jolted awake. I let out a shriek as I fell behind him and tried to keep the blanket over myself.

"Collins, what the hell?" Mark asked fully awake. My face was bright red by now. Collins couldn't stop laughing. "I'll be out later go away!"

"Fine." Collins left, still laughing uncontrollably. Soon we heard him say. "Yeah, they did it finally!"

"Ugh!" Mark groaned falling back. He turned to me. "That was the most awkward, embarrassing moment of my life…" I burst out laughing. He raised an eyebrow. "You laughing at me too?" He asked amused.

"I feel like we're never going to live that down…" My laughter subsided. "Hey at least it wasn't Maureen walking in." Mark snorted .

"That would have been an experience…," He replied. I giggled, studying his face for a second.

"Your so handsome…" I smiled at him. He reached out and touched my face.

"And your so gorgeous." He leaned forward and kissed me, pulling my body close to his.

"We should stay like this forever." I sighed against him, content.

"I wouldn't mind that one bit, love." He replied happily. A loud bang on the door interrupted us.

"Hey Cohen, I'm thrilled for you and all, but time to get up!" Roger's voice bellowed. Mark rolled his eyes.

"He's right…we have a train to catch." I gave him one last kiss before getting up bare and heading toward the shower.

"You know, we'd save water if we showered together…" He eyed me.

"Rain check love." I said, amused by his disappointed expression.

"I will hold you too that." He pouted and I shut the door. After a nice shower, I put on my clothes from yesterday.

"Hey I'm going to get some fresh clothes from my apartment, be back soon." I sprinted out before anyone could comment on my night with Mark. I changed into a nicer outfit and put a touch of make up on. Taking a deep breath, I hoped I was ready. Mark soon knocked on my door.

"Ready love?" He dressed nice as well but still kept his signature scarf wrapped around his neck. I wasn't surprised to see his camera tucked under one arm either. "You look really pretty…"

"Why, thank you. Not so bad yourself." I replied , taking his hand. It wasn't that cold out, thankfully. We had to catch a subway, a train, and a cab to get to his families house. Needless to say it was a pretty long ride. I sighed looking out the window of the train, trying to keep my nerves in check. The view outside was really nice, the quiet rocking of the train was actually pretty peaceful. I looked over to Mark who was, of course filming outside view; I was currently sitting across from him. I always found it interesting to watch him film. You could tell he loved it so much; he steadied the camera carefully and panned it toward the window. He looked from the view, down to his camera every now an then, but had to stop and wind it constantly. He seemed to patient about it though, always so focused.

"You seem very interested in something right now…." His voice took me out of my thoughts. He didn't look at me but I saw a slight smirk of his face. I sat up, trying not to smile. He caught me…

"Just…admiring…," I gazed out the window, trying to look natural. He pointed the camera at me then.

"Uh huhhh…," He got up and moved to sit next to me. "Why don't you tell all of our wonderful viewers…just what were you admiring, Lily?" He asked, I thought for a second before grinning.

"I'll never tell…" I replied.

"Awww, come on…you can tell me." He moved and positioned the camera so it was on both of us.

"Hmmm, I don't know…"

"Please…," He begged, pouting his lip. I rolled my eyes.

"Fine…I was thinking about a certain director, I love very much…," I looked up at the camera. "Happy?"

"Hrm, can you describe said director? So we know which one your talking about."

"Well, he's taller then me, with blond hair, and amazing blue eyes; you could just drown in them." I smiled more to myself, looking away. "…even if he's wearing his glasses…those eyes see right through you." I felt Mark's gaze on me now, as I went on. "He always wears this scarf and he is almost never seen without his trusty camera…" I laughed a little. "He always tries to cheer you up when your down, he saved my life and I've learned so much from him so far….this director is just incredible. I just hope he knows how much I love him though." I looked over at Mark who was staring intently at me. "And who said you could stare at-" He pressed his lips to mine on camera.

"Believe me…he knows…" Marks lovingly grinned at me, setting his camera in his lap. We talked the rest of the train ride, I think he was trying to keep my mind off meeting his mother and sister. Arriving finally, we got into a cab, my nerves picked up again as we neared the house. I fiddled with the bottom of my coat sleeve. Breath Lily, I told myself. We paid for the cab and walked up the path toward a nice house. I suddenly turned to Mark.

"Do I look ok?" I asked worried, brushing my hair down with my fingers. Me kissed me, grabbing my shaky hands.

"Perfect." He pulled me toward the house and knocked on the door. A woman with graying blond hair and blue eyes opened in quickly.

"Mark!" She exclaimed throwing her arms around her son. "I've missed you, dear."

"Hi mom." Mark embraced her. Once he pulled away he turned to me. "Mom, this is my girlfriend, Lily Foster." I held out my hand for the woman to shake.

"It's really nice to finally meet you Ms. Cohen." I smiled at her and was happy to get one in return.

"Oh, call me Dana please. It's nice to finally meet you too. Come in, you too must me starved." She ushered us in and took our coats. Mark set his camera down on a nearby table. "Cindy, come in here!" A young woman who looked a lot like Mark entered. She was very pretty with almost bleach blonde hair and light blue eyes. She seemed very professional and her smile wasn't a warm as Dana's had been. I shook her hand.

"Hello, I'm Lily," She looked me up and down, shaking my hand.

"Cindy." She said simply. Then turned to Mark. "Hello brother, long time no see. How are you ?" She hugged him stiffly.

"Great." He smiled. "How is Randall? And the kids?"

"Fine, just fine. They all send their love." She replied. "Still attached to that camera I see…"

"Yeah, I carry it everywhere." Mark replied. I felt awkward. Dana, thankfully, announced dinner was ready. Taking our seats at the table, Cindy quickly started the conversation as we began to eat.

"So, Lily. What do you do?" She asked.

"I'm and artist, I paint." I replied.

"Really, like a starving artist, you must fit right in with Mark's group of…people." She smiled sweetly.

"Yeah…I hope so…they're really amazing people. We've all hang out a lot since I've met them." I smiled right back.

"I'll bet…and just what-," She was cut off.

"Cindy don't pester the girl." Dana smile over to me. Mark and I exchanged looks. "Lily, don't mind my daughter, how does your dinner taste?" She changed the subject. Thank you.

"It's really delicious, I'm glad you invited me over today." I said grateful.

"Well, any girl that makes Mark truly happy, is welcome here." She smiled at both of us. "Later I can show you his baby pictures…" Her smile grew.

"Really? I'd really like that" We laughed.

"Mom? Really?" Mark groaned. I giggled. The rest of dinner went really well, Mark's mother was very kind to me. Cindy stayed quiet most of the time, I'm pretty sure she didn't like me very much. After dinner I offered to help with dishes.

"No, you're my guest dear." She turned to Mark. "You can help." Mark nodded, picking up the dishes on the table. He hesitated leaving me with Cindy though, but had to follow his mother into the kitchen. Please, don't talk to me. I know you hate me already.

"You know he deserves better right…" She broke the silence.

"What?" I asked, confused and shocked.

"Mark." She stated. "He deserves better then that bohemian trash, he surrounds himself with. He's capable of so much, a better job, a better home, and family of his own. How are you two even going to raise a kid in that old building? He needs more then a girl to fill his bed" I opened my mouth to retort but I was at a loss of words. I stood up, feeling my eyes water. "Think about it Lily…"

"Please excuse me for a moment." I ran into the bathroom. Don't let her get to you…she isn't right. I forced my tears back, hoping Mark wouldn't notice. What if she is right? No! I can handle this, can't I?

Mark POV:

After a short talk with my mother I took off toward the dining room. I wish I hadn't left her with Cindy. My mother approved of Lily, but Cindy was hard to impress. She never approved of the way I lived or my friends. I noticed Lily wasn't there when I got back.

"Where is she?" I asked irritated. Cindy just calmly stood up.

"She had to use the restroom," She checked her watch. "I need to go soon, I'm expected home. See you later Mark." She left to say goodbye to mom, as I walked toward the bathroom.

"Lily, You ok." I said through the door.

"U-um, yeah I'm fine. I little tired though…" She replied. Did Cindy hurt her? What did she say? Fuck…

"Yeah, we should go soon, um…are you sure your ok?" She opened the door and smiled at me.

"Yes, I'm fine Mark." This doesn't feel right…But I didn't press her any further. Later, I'll talk to her. I led her to the kitchen to say goodbye to my mother.

"Thank you so much for having me, Dana." Lily smiled and was surprised when my mother pulled her into a hug.

"Come back anytime dear. I'll show you those baby pictures." They both giggled as my face heated up.

"Bye mom, love you." I said gratefully .

"Behave Mark, remember to call." I nodded and we left the house, got into a cab, and went back to the train station. I tried talking to Lily on both the train and subway home, but she insisted she was fine. Why won't she talk to me?

Lily POV:

I couldn't tell Mark about Cindy's hurtful words toward me. Once we got my to our building, the climb up the stairs was mostly quiet. I stopped at my door. He seemed surprised.

"I'm tired, I'll see you in the morning?" I turned to him.

"Yeah…tomorrow. Lily, I love you." He kissed me. I pulled out of the kiss quickly.

"I love you too." I walked into my house. "Goodnight." I shut the door. Finally letting tears escape I slid to the floor. I'm so sorry I hurt you Mark. I wanted to go back out, to say something to him…anything…but I didn't. I sobbed feeling Cindy's words sink in. I don't want her to be right…but I think she is. No…

Author note: I felt sad writing this part. Anyways, I don't know if they actually named Mark's mother, so I made a name up for her. Well, until next time, review please. :D