Author's Note: RobinMakesMeHappy thank you for the story alert! Thank you IZlover9719 and IgnitingFireworks for the fave, follow and alert! I feel so stressed and broken right now! I feel like even things I love aren't helping me recover. Please excuse Marie for sounding whiney here!

(The Lorax and The Once-ler do not belong to me. They're Dr. Seuss' and Illumination's. Same goes for his family shown in the film. Marie is mine!)

Chapter 9

Classes and First Winter

Of course it was not good. They were the only ones there! So much for being called a class. That gave a signal that it had to be awkward. Marie wished there were more people. She felt more like she was at the principal's office. Once-ler was optimistic about the class. He thought it would be fun and he liked the lady, Luanne. She was sweet and friendly. Marie didn't agree and it was because she felt irritated. She was an elderly lady and had a high, squeaky voice and huge buck teeth. She had a lisp which made her cringe. Marie wanted nothing more than to be at home. Knitting actually seemed enjoyable after experiencing the class.

"Tho you're new here?" asked Luanne. "That'th good! Alwayth nithe to have newcomerth in Greenville." Saliva flew from her lips making Marie want to throw up.

Marie did have patience, but there were times it was tested and Luanne was giving her an ultimate one. She listened about exercises and what to expect during labor. Once-ler was interested. He was determined to be with Marie during labor because he hated the thought of her being alone and in such terrible pain. Marie didn't see why she needed to know how to breathe. Breathing was breathing. It didn't make a difference to her. That and she planned to have pain killers. She knew she'd be back though. Once-ler would want her to. She had already been adamant of leaving Palmer so she would do it for him…and the babies.

Marie went back again, without Once-ler because Luanne wanted to do something for all the wives. There were ten other ladies, all at different stages of pregnancy. They all had to talk of their husbands and what they want out of them. Marie didn't need anything out of Once-ler because he did everything right so far for her.

"Well, my husband is very sweet." Marie smiled proudly when it was her turn to speak and didn't mention his name. "He's charming and funny. I've known him since we were kids so…I don't think there's anything new we would have to learn about each other. I couldn't ask for more. He's already picking names out for our twins and he keeps changing them. Today their Charlotte and Desirae."

There was a chorus of awe's. One wife talked about how her husband got her ice cream at midnight when she had a craving. Another mentioned how hers painted the baby's room. Marie had started to enjoy herself for the first time in the birthing class until…

The birth reel.

Marie had known that childbirth wouldn't be easy, but the show only scared her more. Seeing a clip of a woman giving birth made her shake inside. That woman gave birth to one baby, a boy, but it hit Marie that hers would be different. She was having twins! Two babies! That would be twice the pain.

Once at home Marie made preserves for Truffula Fruit for winter, but she didn't focus on it too much. She thought hard of labor and how terrible it would be. She kept thinking of what could go wrong; emergency cesarean, taking over twenty-four hours, or the babies being sick. Marie thought of the older brother she never had, Nathan, who had been stillborn. Once-ler had been premature and would've been younger than her by a month if not. Marie tried to not think about it. She tried thinking of good things, like how her babies would be in her arms. Once-ler cradling two precious girls in pink bundles was heartwarming. The thought of how they would grow up to be lovely young ladies. Once-ler had talked for so long of the girls looking like her that Marie pictured them that way. When she thought of that, the fear of the pain would leave only for it to come back later.

The last few nights of November seemed to have a steady decrease in temperature. Frost would decorate rooftops and the trees. Then one morning Once-ler awoke and noticed something. The tent felt colder than the night before and there was the shadow of something outside the tent's closed drape. Once-ler craned his neck to see that outside of the stained glass window everything seemed soft. He crawled out, going to the foot of the bed so as to not disturb his sleeping spouse. He unlocked the door and let it open a crack.

"Snow," he laughed. "It's snowing!" He hopped back on the bed and shook Marie's shoulders. "Marie it's snowing!"

A head of tangled blonde hair peeked out of the covers. Marie yawned and looked out the stained glass window. She gave a smile, nodded and then went back to her pillow. Once-ler was already half dressed, tugging on his striped jeans when he saw her snuggle back under the bed cover and homemade blanket, the cuddle blanket Marie called it.

"Aren't you getting up?" he asked. "Play in the snow?" Once-ler was still a child sometimes.

"No," said Marie. "I want to stay warm and comfy." She knew Once-ler would understand; he always understood her. Other people had understood her before, but Once-ler meant more. He put some more coal in the stove for her warmth.

"Suit yourself," Once-ler said shaping the Thneed into a coat. "You, Pamela and Ruth can sleep in. I'll see you later." Marie stifled her laughter seeing him in something pink! He did have a coat to wear, but he preferred the Thneed. After tugging on his garden gloves he adjusted the cuddle blanket on her, kissed her head and went outside.

Marie was tired, but when she had the energy she would go outside. She had always liked snow. She breathed Once-ler's scent in the shirt she wore since his worked best for pajamas. She would need some decent pajamas, especially in the hospital. The twins had been kicking all night! Now they seemed calm, so Marie found the opportunity to rest and hopefully not have another nightmare like two nights before.

She needed rest! Once-ler had nearly driven her insane as he came up with another list of baby names! Some were cute and some were exotic. Marie did have some in mind, but they had enough time to think of names with how March was still a long way off. She didn't think Pamela and Ruth would do for their girls.

All around was snow and the river was frozen. Once-ler was amazed to see the trees dusted in snow. They looked like they had powder sugar sprinkled on them. The tufts seemed almost stiff like they had been doused in hair gel. The Bar-ba-loots were leaping around in the snow, giggling to themselves. Humming-Fish who didn't mind the cold swam under the river or climbed out of the hole they had shaped near the bank and walked. Swomee-Swans were nesting and fluffed up. The Lorax seemed content under a tree watching the white valley around him. Melvin's coat was thick and he shook the snowflakes off.

Pipsqueak raced his way through the snow to Once-ler. He was almost a big snowball with how the snow stuck to his fur. Chuckling, Once-ler picked him up and brushed the snow of his little ears. Pipsqueak climbed on his shoulder and nestled against his neck. Once-ler didn't mind it one bit. The cub had stolen his heart and he liked his charming company. Pipsqueak spent more time with Once-ler than the other animals or The Lorax.

Once-ler trekked in the snow and examined the winter wonderland of his new home. If it was snowing then that meant Christmas was coming! His first one with just Marie! He didn't know exactly what she'd want save for perhaps a changing table for the nursery. She'd probably ask for baby things. It wasn't bad to ask for them, but Once-ler hoped she would ask something for herself. With being halfway in her pregnancy Marie deserved something nice. Then he had an idea of what to do for the day. He went through the deep snow for Greenville knowing he had extra shopping to do.

Marie came out later to enjoy the winter. By then she felt rested and curious. She was glad she had packed her long, black winter coat, but the only problem was that it didn't button up. Marie had put on two layers of sweaters to be extra warm. Her boots hurt because her ankles had swollen. Feeling disappointed with her old clothes, she went to find Once-ler. He wasn't around within the proximity they usually enjoyed and that made Marie nervous. She did find Melvin nibbling at the snow. Feeling lonesome, she sat in the patio chair and watched her surroundings. The chair seemed to freeze through the fabric. Melvin dug a hoof in the snow looking for the grass. It obviously meant he was hungry. Marie heaved herself up with a grunt, went inside and brought him an apple. He took it gladly. She hoped he didn't bother her again for the day about food.

"We may need to get more," said Marie to herself. "More for me and Melvin. It doesn't look like there's Truffula Fruit ripening." She leaned back and smelled the icy air as it nipped back at her nose.

"You two will get to see snow next year," said Marie to her twins. She was sure they could hear her. "You'll be little snow angels! Daddy could make you a sled and push you downhill. I bet he could make you a swing. Oh, and a playhouse!" Marie went on with excitement thinking of two little girls playing in the valley. "He could teach you to cook pancakes! He has his own recipe! He could make you brownies with marshmallow fluff! We can make you dresses! I'll fix your hair-"

She stopped to feel Melvin near her face. He had a cocked eyebrow and looked cynical to her daydreaming, but his breath was warm. Slowly, Marie rubbed his muzzle savoring the heat. He seemed pleased with her gentle touch, but she sat feeling big and heavy. It seemed like the weather got colder. Finally, she got up to go inside. She shed off her coat and made a late breakfast. Hot scrambled eggs and preserved Truffula Fruit. Still, Once-ler didn't come back. Marie had laid out a portion for him, but after waiting an hour she ate it. Her hunger never seemed to be satisfied. She waited for Once-ler, feeling aggravated that he had disappeared. Thoughts of childbirth sunk in again as she waited.

By the afternoon, she looked out the window and finally saw him trudging through the snow. Marie might've been happy to see him, but she was cranky. He came in all cheerful like his usual self and hugged her.

"Hello My Sweetness," he chortled. "I went-"

"Don't 'Hello My Sweetness" me!" Marie shoved him back. "You're gone for hours and I make you breakfast, but you don't show up! I sit outside in the snow waiting for you! What? You don't have the decency to tell me where you're going? What is up with you?"

"I went Christmas shopping for you," said Once-ler meekly. He kept a large bag behind him.

"And you went in that pink thing?" Marie ranted on. "Ugh! Please Once! You have a nice greyish-blue coat! Oh, and a black one! Can't you stop worrying about the Thneed for one minute?"

"You're the one who's been encouraging me!" snapped Once-ler feeling offended. "The Thneed is going to help us thrive!"

"I don't care about some disgruntled looking sweater! I care more about how I'm going to be in labor and in the worst pain of my life! Something that you'll never go through and you'll never understand!"

"Disgruntled sweater?!" Once-ler yanked off his Thneed coat. "Fine! If that's what you think of it! To think I walked in a foot of snow to get you this!" He shook the bag.

Marie growled and smacked down the dirty skillet to scrub. Once-ler slammed the nursery door. It wasn't common for the two to fight, but when they did it always seemed ridiculous afterwards. At some point, after they cooled off they would speak again. Once-ler stayed in the rocking chair thinking. Marie didn't seem uptight about him going off before. The Lorax came in through the open window covered in snow.

"Boy! That snow gets deeper by the minute!" He shook and wandered around the room. He nodded as if impressed. "Hmm…Nice room for two saplings. Gotta admit, you did good Beanpole. It looks great. I guess I wouldn't mind havin' some new acquaintances."

"Yeah," said Once-ler glumly. "It's great. Marie likes it."

"She looked kinda crabby today sittin' outside." said The Lorax brushing some snow bits off his mustache. "Everythin' all right?"

"She's mad at me. She's mad I didn't tell her where I was going." Once-ler slumped back in the rocking chair. "All I did was go shopping for her and she snaps."

"What did you get her? Another type of piece of garbage?" asked The Lorax chuckling.

"I got her something she'd want when in the hospital," said Once-ler sourly. "That's not a piece of garbage!"

"Does she know what you got her?" The Lorax picked up a baby rattle and shook it.

"No," groaned Once-ler. "It's a Christmas present. She's not supposed to know now! It's a surprise!"

"I don't know exactly what you humans celebrate," said The Lorax standing still. He paused and looked thoughtful. "If there is somethin' I do know, from seein' you two, it's that you both care for each other. It's sickenin' sometimes, but it's true. Why don't you talk to her-right now? Smooth things out." He dropped the rattle down.

"Since when did you become a marriage counselor?" asked Once-ler.

"Look Beanpole," said The Lorax crossing his arms. "I don't know what a-a marriage counselor does, but there is something I know from bein' a forest guardian. Mates don't turn their back on each other. They stick together be they Bar-ba-loots, Humming-Fish, Swomee-Swans or humans. So why don't you talk to her?"

"You're right," said Once-ler softly after a pause. "I'll let her calm down first, but I will."

"That's fair," said The Lorax. He picked up Cotton, Marie's plush rabbit and shook his head. "What is it with you and rabbits?" He dropped Cotton back in the playpen.

"I don't know," said Once-ler distantly. "I've always liked them."

He got up and peeked out of the nursery. Marie was at the sink washing dishes. Once-ler turned his head back to The Lorax and waved a hand for him to leave. The Lorax grunted and mumbled something about being shooed off. He struggled back out the window. The trunk was enough of a step for him to get out on.

As soon as he left, Once-ler made his entrance. He could hear Marie gulp a breath. She heard him and turned. She seemed less tense, but her face was damp from tears. Marie didn't like crying and in annoyance of her zany hormones she scraped a plate clean.

"What?" she asked after clearing her throat.

She was secretly happy he came back out. She had tried thinking of other things to help her anger settle, but it only led her to thinking of birth. Even worse, she thought of the nightmare she had. She thought of being alone with strange faces as she delivered her girls.

"I don't like fighting with you," said Once-ler gently. "I didn't think you'd be upset if I left for a while. I've done it before."

"I know you have," said Marie. "I just-I don't know. I didn't mean to yell at you. I appreciate you got me something."

"It's for Christmas so you'll have to wait," said Once-ler. He stood behind her and touched her hair. "Then afterwards, it'll be spring and we'll have our girls."

"Right," said Marie with a lump growing in her throat. "That's-that's great."

"We're only halfway to finally seeing them," said Once-ler brightly.

"Do you know why I got upset?" Marie interrupted and didn't wait for him to answer. "I've thought about it. I was scared that I'd be alone when I have them."

"You're not going to be," reassured Once-ler. "What do mean of 'it?'" Marie stopped cleaning and continued.

"Ever since I saw that stupid birthing reel I've been afraid! That woman…she had only one. I'm having two so I'll be in twice as much pain!"

"Marie they can give you something for it."

"What if something goes wrong? Anything can!" Marie felt fresh tears down her cheeks and trembled. "What if the girls are premature like you were? What if they are…stillborn…like my brother was? I can't lose them. I had a bad dream about that! I dreamed they died! I'm scared of the whole concept! I don't care if I'm not strong while thinking of those things! I have right to worry! I do have a right!" There was silence after her last word. Then out of the silence came comfort.

"Aw Beautiful," said Once-ler tenderly. He left a kiss in her hair, her ear, then to her salty tasting face. His hands pressed against her biggering stomach and he could feel countless flutters from the babies kicking. He had to be optimistic despite the possible fears. "I'm sorry. I don't want you to be scared."

"Well I am," said Marie. "I'm sorry that I am, but I am. The unknown is horrifying." She pressed against him. It occurred to her that she and Once-ler completed each other. She kept him down to earth and he helped ease her fears. Even right there she could feel the horrible ice of worries begin to thaw as he held her close. She let Once-ler turn her around. He tilted her face letting her look into his serious eyes.

"Marie, I promise you everything will be okay." Two foreheads gently touched as strands of gold and onyx meshed. "You'll be okay and our twins will be okay. I promise you." He kissed her sweetly. "I love you," he added.

Marie nodded and she kissed him back.