(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 and those cute baby girls are mine) Updated as of 09/13/13.

Chapter 22

Taking Off

"Natalie," laughed Once-ler. "You can't do that. No, no." Natalie had tried "helping" by taking some of the fluff out of the sack and dropping it on the grass. Once-ler gently took the fluff out of her little grip. "You put it in the sack Hummingbird not out," he added. Still, he found it funny that Natalie had tried giving a hand.

Natalie reached back and pulled a handful out. She giggled as if knowing it was putting off a business. Once-ler sat down against the tree trunk and let her play. It was time for a break anyway. Earlier, he had lifted each daughter up and let them do some pulling, but they barely got enough as the tufts slipped in their palms. So much for being Daddy's Little Helpers.

As of August, demand was getting higher and everyone knew it. People were getting impatient and Isabella was becoming persistent. The Lorax kept hoping Once-ler would hold his promise. Marie hoped the same too. The public didn't like the slowness of the Thneeds and wanted their product faster. Once-ler was seriously considering on building a factory and The Lorax didn't like it. However, Once-ler planned on collecting instead of cutting.

"Keep an eye on your Beanpole Waterfall," said The Lorax one afternoon as she sat in the hammock with the babies. "I have a bad feelin his mom is plantin nasty seeds in his head."

"You don't have to worry," said Marie trying to be positive. "Once-ler would only break a promise if necessary."

"This one isn't necessary to break," said The Lorax stubbornly.

"I know," reassured Marie as she shook a rattle for Chloe. "I mean if it meant keeping someone safe or so. I know because…" She didn't want to go there. Marie hated recalling the stupid decision she almost did of running away. The worst part was that she almost lost her best friend when he did the right thing to protect her. Marie wouldn't lose him in any way again!

Marie spotted Once-ler stuffing a sack full of Truffula tufts. When the babies napped Marie helped with work, but she and Once-ler knew one of them had to stay with them afterwards. Of course, working and watching the babies wasn't easy!

"Oncie why can't you see it?" said Isabella. "We need to chop down the trees!" She leaned against the wagon as Once-ler dumped a sackful of tufts in it.

"Mom," sighed Once-ler. "I've already told you this! I made a promise to The Lorax that I wouldn't chop another."

"That old coot?" asked Isabella. She scoffed. "Oncie, he knows nothing of running a business! Trust your mama on this one!"

"We're fine with what we're doing," said Once-ler.

"Fine," sighed Isabella. She paused and then a devious flash came to her eyes when she spotted Marie, Natalie and Chloe lying down in the hammock. "I suppose you know what's best for you, the company…and your babies. You wouldn't want to fail them in anyway."

Fail.

It was Once-ler's least favorite word. He stopped gathering a handful from a tree and turned to his mother who started helping him.

"I'm not failing them," said Once-ler slowly. He suddenly felt that concern a parent gets when they think of their children's future. "Am I?" he added softly.

"Well," said Isabella in a "kind" tone. "I don't want you to live in a lie Oncie, but I think you can do better."

"Better?"

"Oh like giving them more than what they have. Like that shack of yours. Is that really where you want to raise my grandbabies? You could give them more once your earn enough. Right?"

"I've thought about it, but-" started Once-ler now stopping the picking and feeling his hands sweat in his garden gloves.

"Thinking isn't enough Oncie," chuckled Isabella. She looked almost pitifully at him. "You're a papa now. You don't think! You do! I thought you knew that. That's something your papa should've thought for you three and me."

The malicious lady watched her son rub his neck nervously and smiled to herself knowing she had a seed of doubt in his mind. It was so peculiar for her to bring up Once-ler's father when before she had snapped if her sons asked questions.

"You don't want to make a mistake and fail them do you? Do you want to do that for them? I don't think you're a failure but-" Isabella pulled her son into a side hug. "-it'd be just terrible if your own darlings thought of you as one." Isabella kissed Once-ler's brow. "Don't let them down Oncie. Maybe it's not a bad idea to chop the trees to succeed…for them."

Once-ler had the conversation play out in his mind too much throughout the rest of the day. His mother's words were convincing him she was right. If he made bad choices then it affected his own daughters. He knew Marie didn't think of him as a failure, but their own offspring could get wrong ideas as they matured.

The business was slow with just seven people and Marie was half of the time taking care of the girls. No matter how hard they worked, it was still slow with gathering tufts. Knitting wasn't hard and his family had learned well. Marie wasn't good at knitting, but she was best for gathering the material. Once-ler had an uncomfortable night as he continued processing the topic.

The next afternoon Once-ler sat inside the playpen thrumming his fingers on his guitar. It was his turn to watch the toddlers while Marie helped with gathering. He watched the girls busy themselves then looked back out. Isabella passed him again and leaned in the window with a frown.

"What's wrong Oncie?" she asked sounding concerned. "You haven't talked at all today. That's not like you."

"Nothing," said Once-ler hesitantly. "I've been thinking about what you said."

"From yesterday?" Isabella put a hand to her cheek and looked sympathetic. "All that talk about failing, giving my grandbabies the best and the tree chopping?"

"I've been thinking that maybe-" Once-ler glanced down from his chair to them. This was only for Natalie and Chloe! "Maybe it," he continued slowly. "Maybe it wouldn't hurt to chop down…a few trees."

"Oh Oncie!" squealed Isabella. "You make me so proud of you!" She leaped her arms through the window and pulled him into a side hug. She squeezed him tightly, but Once-ler didn't mind it.

To be honest, after a childhood of not getting enough hugs like an ordinary child, he savored any affection Isabella gave him which was why as Isabella embraced him, Once-ler closed his eyes and smiled as he felt her arms around him and breathed her perfume.

Seconds later, Isabella called for Brett and Chet to get their axes which they had packed up and start whacking. The Lorax had been playing with the baby animals, making a little tower out of their acrobatics when he heard the ringing of metal against wood. He looked in horror and ducked past Once-ler's obnoxious brothers who acted like they were in a sword fight with their swings. Suddenly he was halted by a pitch fork from the ugly woman.

"Where do you think you're going?" asked Grizelda with a growl. She lifted him up by his neck.

"Excuse me sir," said The Lorax as politely as he could in a hurry. "I need to speak with your boss!"

"Oh I'm sorry," said Grizelda. "But Mr. Once-ler isn't seeing anybody right now."

Sure enough, Once-ler had loosened the tent window knowing what The Lorax would say. It was bad enough Once-ler hadn't consulted Marie like they usually did with decisions; he didn't want to hear the forest guardian grumble too.

"Oh yeah?" retorted The Lorax as he was carried off. "Well he'll see me!" It looked like The Lorax still had some faith in Once-ler to hear him out.

"Give me a good reason Shorty!" snapped Grizelda with a wicked smile.

Once-ler pulled the curtain back feeling a little guilty seeing his friend, if he counted as one, being dragged off. The sweet little babies were unaware of the dramatic change.

"Come on!" The Lorax called out to his acquaintance. "You broke your promise! You're better than this! This is bad!" With his last words it sounded like he was pleading.

Once-ler didn't let the words sink in. With a frown he pulled back the curtain to block out the physical image of his great aunt flinging the poor Lorax into the air. He sighed. That was that. Then a little voice he loved spoke.

"Dah," said Chloe as she wobbled standing up. She gripped one of Once-ler's legs and kept patting her palm to her mouth. Her little sapphire eyes looked up at him almost pitifully.

"Are you hungry Butterfly?" said Once-ler ruffling her curls. He grinned, forgetting his deed and picked her up.

Within minutes, Natalie and Chloe were nibbling on crackers like two baby birds. Once-ler shoved his broken promise into the back of his mind and felt that he had good reason to do it. He couldn't fail his own daughters and that was the last thing he wanted to do. Chopping the trees would go faster, improve the business and thus provide for them. That was all, it was no real harm. He wasn't bad; he was the good guy.

In the meantime, Marie had come from a far side of the valley with two huge sacks dragging behind her. She was proud of herself for her collection, but tired. She was hot and sweaty after a long day and was hoping on taking a nice shower when she got home. However, when Marie got within the radius of her home, her heart froze. There were perhaps a dozen stumps scattered around. Brett was hauling one off and Ubb was sitting in the shade of the RV knitting. Isabella came out of it with a glass of lemonade and a smile on her face.

"Oh Sugar," she called seeing her come into view. "Oncie's had a change of heart!"

Marie said nothing, but dodged inside to find Once-ler playing a few notes on his guitar. He was lying on his stomach, his head almost resting on the wooden neck and lazily his skilled fingers ran over the strings. Natalie and Chloe sat upright listening to him.

"What did you do?" asked Marie desperately. When Once-ler gave her a blank stare, Marie pointed out the window.

"Oh the trees," said Once-ler. "Um, I thought it would be okay to chop a few."

"What about your promise?" swallowed Marie. "I thought you were keeping it."

"I know, but if I'm going to give you three the best," Once-ler nodded to the twins. "Then I have to make progress. Not all of them will be chopped Honeysuckle. I promise."

"Once." sighed Marie. She wasn't sure about this. She knew progress in business was nothing new, but she felt guilty for betraying The Lorax. "Are you sure?"

"You don't have to do any chopping," said Once-ler quickly. "You can still gather some tufts. Like I said, not all will be chopped." He gave an awkward smile.

"I don't know," said Marie as she crawled over the pen's fence.

"It'll work out for all of us," promised Once-ler. He sat up and kissed her cheek. "I love you," he reminded her.

"I love you too," said Marie quietly. "Maybe a few trees wouldn't hurt."

Marie thought the trees were no longer a subject until dinner came up and Isabella gave a critical eye to Marie.

"You'll help with cutting tomorrow right?" Isabella inquired. She remembered what Marie said about helping.

Marie had felt a lump in her throat all night as she thought of her words. Marie struggled with a loyalty to a friend and to her family. She did care for The Lorax as an ally, but…

"My family comes first," thought Marie after long hours of thinking.

She was sleepless and finally climbed out with a burning in her heart to prove Isabella wrong. She was apprehensive on disappointing her new family members and she wanted to support Once-ler. If she was running her own business Once-ler would do the same. She'd do anything for her three favorite people.

The Lorax was in distress all night seeing a few stumps as he sat by the river. How could Beanpole do such a thing? He broke his promise! Why now after such a long time?! The Lorax knew he was just misguided. Beanpole was young and all youngsters make mistakes, but he had to fix this one. Suddenly he hard a door creak open and soft footsteps. Marie came out of the cottage with the moon shining and in her hands was a terrible tool. An ax gleamed in the natural light as she crossed over the cool grass.

"Waterfall?" The Lorax called. He hoped she was coming out to talk with him until he saw the ax.

Marie approached a small Truffula Tree, its tufts red. She clenched one hand in her husband's garden gloves and planted her bare feet in the ground. She heaved the ax in both hands and swung it like a first time golfer. She trembled as it hit the bark and slammed her eyes shut.

"Waterfall! No!" she heard The Lorax yell and race to her.

"Sorry Mr. Lorax," said Marie apologetically turning to him. "I've got to stick with my family."

"No! No!" cried The Lorax. "Stop it! You and Beanpole are better than this!"

Marie bit her lip and swung again. Her bathrobe and nightdress twirled with her body. How many swings did it take? Too many! Marie's arms were sore as she hacked. She was almost breathless. Finally, the fatal crash of a tree falling was heard.

"That's it," inhaled Marie. She was definitely a Once-ler now who sometimes wore greed on their sleeves.

Marie tucked the ax under her arm and then struggled lifting the tree. Marie however, was not as strong as Once-ler and after a few paces put the tree down. She went to another despite The Lorax's pleas and his one attempt to pry the ax out of her hands.

By the end of the hour, Marie had four stumps scattered in the valley. That would make her family happy! Four was a good number! She dropped the ax by their front door and thought of the deaths she caused.

"Marie?"

The young woman stopped her stare and found Once-ler looking at her. Whatever it was that got him up, it was miraculous.

"I couldn't sleep," answered Marie before he could ask.

"What were you-" asked Once-ler as he looked at his ax near her feet.

"I thought I'd try helping out," said Marie. "I got four down, but I couldn't carry them."

"You did?" Once-ler looked astonished.

"I did," said Marie smiling. Her true love was happy. That was all that mattered. She went past him and crawled back in bed. The gloves were peeled off and dropped on the nightstand.

"You're amazing," Once-ler proudly whispered before Marie went back to sleep.

It was the beginning of a tempting fate…

The Lorax didn't like the look of it. Marie was unsure about it. Once-ler was pleased with it. Looming on a small mountain in Truffula Valley was a factory; spectacular, but mysterious. Marie had been amazed with the demand of Thneeds and that indeed Once-ler had the factory built. He had designed all of it with his drawing skills.

By the time the factory or Thneeds Inc. was set up, Once-ler had purchased different homes for his family. He bought three lovely condos in a nicer part of Greenville. One for Isabella, one for Grizelda and Ubb shared with his nephews. It seemed like their needs were set when they got themselves nice cars too.

As for Once-ler and his special three, he made a home for them inside the factory or was planning to. He first had a funny house, which he called The Lerkim out of the fun of it, built first because Greenville's residents found it peculiar that the inventor lived in a cottage. No one had put it together that Marie was with him. She usually stayed in the nursery with the babies to keep them occupied. It was often they weren't together in Greenville and had been during the pregnancy as Once-ler tried selling and Marie did baby shopping and if they were together, then nobody was around. It was awkward timing.

It had been June when the rest of The Once-ler family had shown up. By the time all of The Lerkim and half of the factory had been built it was early December and the weather had been good to having it shaped. Money poured in from Thneeds and the demand had gotten higher.

The memories of Once-ler's first shelter with his three girls was precious, but the idea of decorating a master and baby room eased the pain. It was simple for The Lerkim since it was a temporary home. The real designing was for their main home. Marie felt tearful knowing they were moving. She loved the cottage so dearly with all its memories.

Everything that had happened in that cottage; cooking meals, slow dances, conversations, drawing and playing was sacred. Thoughts of the nursery which Once-ler had built, where they paced and rocked their twins to sleep were held close to Marie's heart. The bathroom he made just for her where they ended up sharing the small space.

Marie sat on the bed, that small bed which had little room for two people, but where much had happened. All the cuddling and soft kisses, discovering the twins' movement, revealing Marie's pregnancy, and intimacies that had been endured. Marie would never forget how before bedtime for months Once-ler would stroke and kiss her protruding belly and get excited over the little flutters.

"She's kicking! Oh! Now she's kicking! Heh! They're both kicking!" "I love you two!" "They're going to be the most beautiful girls in the world!"

On their last night there Marie flopped back hearing her beloved's words echo in the deepest corners of her mind. The feeling of living in the cottage, one of romance and parental responsibilities, looked like it would be dimmed living in the factory! Marie would miss seeing shadows of the trees against the walls when she woke up. She would miss the warmth from the cook stove on winter evenings. She would miss how the loft which was used for storing and the bucket on a pulley outside were rarely visited.

"Hey," said Once-ler, breaking her out of her memories. He came back in for a small box of baby clothes. "What are you lying around for Beautiful?"

"Nothing," sighed Marie. "I'm just going to miss this home."

"The new one's great," promised Once-ler as leaned over her sprawled out body. "You'll like it and we won't be next door to Mom anymore." He winked at her as he thought of the effort he had put in their new room.

"I'll still miss this one," said Marie with a half smile.

"Oh and I need one of your paintings," added Once-ler.

"Why?"

"I need some inspiration from it." Once-ler's grin hinted that he had big plans for their new abode.

Marie kept herself so close to Once-ler on that last night and tried to not think that half of their things were loaded in the wagon. She wasn't sure if she'd get used to living in a house of stone instead of canvas again. Living out on Knox Lane with the Finnegans' flower gardens and mansion had become a distant memory. Still, Marie wanted to give Once-ler her support, so move away they would. Once-ler was encouraging to Marie about moving. He said their new home, not The Lerkim, the real new one would be beautiful and big enough to raise Chloe and Natalie. Marie would love the master bedroom and he'd keep the tent cottage stored away in case they wanted to take the girls out for a night.

When they left the land it was covered in snow. Snowflakes decorated the air and landed on the eyelashes of Melvin as he pulled the wagon. Chloe pointed at the snowflakes in curiosity. Then suddenly they were going up a great hill, or what it seemed to Marie, a mountain. She looked out from her place in the wagon to see the skeleton of a factory. Iron, steel and metal. She still wasn't sure of it.

"Whoa!" Once-ler called out to Melvin. When the mule stopped, he easily stepped off from his seat and went around the back. With a grin he reached for Natalie. "Ready to see your new home Hummingbird?" he said to her.

She only looked around at the sight of the factory and Lerkim. Keeping Natalie in one arm, Once-ler guided Marie down as she held Chloe. The snow crunched under the boots. There wasn't a worker yet since it was pretty early. Once-ler gave Melvin a pat to the muzzle and led Marie. She looked up to see a house built into the factory. It had stairs connecting to its neighboring building. The windows faced right out to the valley and certainly the town would be in view. Once-ler flicked a key out from his coat pocket and unlocked it.

"Go on in," he urged to Natalie. He put her down and she toddled inside. Chloe squirmed and was allowed to follow.

"Its interesting," said Marie thoughtfully. She was about to step in when she was scooped up.

"Hold it," smirked Once-ler. He lifted her up and then in. "I didn't get to do this last time."

"You'll strain yourself," laughed Marie.

Still she let him since he didn't get to do the whole carry-over-the-threshold-moment when they set up their cottage. She was placed down and she noticed a kitchenette and quant living room all together. The furniture was simple and a carpet rested under the coffee table. The twins tried climbing up the twisty staircase and then with their parents' help they reached the second floor which kept continuing to the next floor.

"Its pretty much just a nursery," said Once-ler brightly.

The room was a soft pink, reminding Marie of ballerinas' dresses. Most of the twins belongings were already in thanks to him. The rocking chair, changing table, trunk and two cribs-

"Once-ler!" gasped Marie. She covered her mouth in astonishment. "They have cribs!"

"They needed them," he said with a smile.

Two pretty cribs that he made in his spare time were perched together. Much more roomier than that playpen the babies shared before they wiggled around too much. Painted on the wall and over each crib was the girls' initial and cozy Thneed blankets were draped over the edges. The window had ruffled curtains tied back with ribbon and the nightlight Once-ler made was already put in. Marie couldn't help but like it. Already the twins were giggling and pointing at their new room.

"There's not much upstairs yet," admitted Once-ler as he ran his hands to Marie's arms. "I've kind of been busy with our real room." He sheepishly smiled at her.

"This is good enough," chuckled Marie. Then she gently kissed his nose. "As long as you're here, I think I'll like it here."

For the next couple of months, the family of four lived in The Lerkim which wasn't too lavish and Marie warmed up to it. At a year and half old, Natalie and Chloe were moving around. Everything was baby proofed from light sockets to staircases. Soon they were capable of opening unlocked doors and invading mornings with their cries of "Pancakes! Pancakes Dada!"

Inside the skeleton of a factory progress was made and to the creatures it was terrifying. Among the lavish hallways of green with Truffula Tree paintings was an office for Once-ler which was modest at the moment. All it had was a small desk with his old desk chair. It was comfortable enough for him. Surrounding him were large windows and a stairway outside. The hallway had a desk for a secretary and there was only one woman Once-ler had in mind to hire for the position. The opposing side was a conference room with a long table and many chairs.

Past the hallway led another one and it led to two wide doors. Inside was the heart of the factory: the birthing of Thneeds. The trees were lifted by a crane and dipped in a vat of dye outside. A few feet above the dye of pink were fans which would blow it dry instantly. They were dropped on a small platform and workers would pry the tufts off. The trunks would be shredded into nothing but woodchips.

The tufts would be tossed into carts and carried on two twisting tracks from outside. The tracks ran through the factory in a curve and protruded from the other side. Its vibrations could be softly felt under the floor except for Once-ler's office, the hallways it led to and a certain part that was secret. In they would go and be dumped on a conveyor belt. It would run through a machine were it would be flattened together, pulled into threads and then knit by smaller machines. Then off they would be washed, dried, boxed and shipped in trucks.

That was the plan, but the secret part? The secret part was hidden. Where the entrance was, stood a wall where the conference room was held and on the other side would lead to Once-ler's office, but that wall on the left had a doorway. Well hidden from the pattern of wallpaper was a sliding door and behind it was another world.

Until the factory had been completed Once-ler had built The Lerkim, but he considered this better. A two story house inside a factory! There was a staircase of black and white marble which led to the two bedrooms. Below were the kitchen, living room and play room for the girls. Once-ler even put in a room with a small heated pool thinking it was safer than swimming in the river. With coats of soft blue paint and shiny tile it was the right size for two toddlers to learn how to swim.

Once-ler didn't want to leave the valley or deprive Marie of another thing she had adjusted to, so it seemed reasonable to live within the building that made his Thneeds. The secret home of his was like a small house and it was comfortable enough.

The first night had gone like he planned for the most part. It was of all days the day before Valentine's Day. Once-ler sent his family out to treat their selves for dinner so he could give a tour. There was something personal for Once-ler to show off their new headquarters to only Marie and their daughters.

By the time Once-ler had shooed his mother and her brood out it was late in the evening and the girls had been extra sleepy that day since they had gotten Daddy up early, walking on their little legs to sweetly demand him to make them pancakes and a demand from Chloe asking for a chocolate cake.

Secretly, the exhaustion was welcomed because if Natalie and Chloe were dozed out it would be easier for them to sleep in their new room. The first night in The Lerkim had been rough since it was new for them. Now, with them already dreaming, Once-ler and Marie knew they wouldn't wake until morning with the heavy sleepers they were.

Marie was touched by the new nursery and the detail Once-ler had done. The wallpaper of butterflies and hummingbirds, the old rocking chair, soft carpeting and the two cribs were in detail that only Once-ler would and could do. He even had stained glass windows of flowers put in. All that was left was to put the sleepy babies down and tuck them in.

"And as for you," chuckled Once-ler when the nursery door was closed and the goodnight kisses had ended. "Your room My Beauty."

"Obviously here isn't it?" said Marie beguiling and pointing to the one other door in sight.

When Marie had turned the handle, she was pulled back. Marie felt her feet lifted up and Once-ler's strong arms carry her before she could step in. She smiled as she was brought into their new room.

"You're going to kill your back," she warned.

"I haven't yet," chuckled Once-ler. He gave a quick smooch to her mouth and gently placed her down. "Welcome to your room Mrs. Once-ler."

Mrs. Once-ler. That wasn't something Marie heard often with living in a valley far away from socialization. She loved hearing it.

"Our room," corrected Marie gently and she explored it. The first thing that hit her was that the two main colors were in different dark shades of green and black with an accent of ivory.

The room had dark flooring, possibly maple, and it was smooth with polish. Placed on one end was a beautiful loveseat of dark green and little pillows in an elegant pattern. A coffee table was perched before it with picture frames of the girls. The walls coated with wallpaper, a popular trend, had a faint feathery pattern in black.

The bed was huge! No wonder considering it was a California King Mattress; perfect for people who were extremely tall. A four-post bed of dark wood with a green and black canopy stood before Marie. Silken sheets of emerald peeked out under the dark duvet cover. The cuddle blanket was folded at the footboard. Just a little touch of their cottage existed in the master suite and Marie was warmed in the soul to see it.

Marie noticed her old pillow on her right, just like always. Once-ler's bolster was under his. Three larger pillows were lined up against the headboard and Marie smoothed a palm over the footboard. A large shag carpet rested underneath the bed. Hanging on the wall overhead was one of Marie's paintings of Thrush Towne's radiant countryside, all from her memory.

"So that's why Once-ler asked to take it," Marie thought tenderly. "It's the right place."

Marie found on her nightstand a vase of pink roses and her planner. Once-ler's had the alarm clock and a frame with Marie's senior year photo. A crystal chandelier dangled from the high ceiling and barely uttered a clink. A couple of paces from Marie's nightstand and she found a desk. Once-ler had set up office supplies for her. The curve of the chair and table legs offered a feminine touch to the room. Though Marie was certain had Once-ler had been alone, he wouldn't have had the canopy over the bed and she was right!

The only windows were from the two French doors which swung wide revealing a small balcony. Huge drapes were tied back. Once-ler had them opened for now. Outside was the fading light over the valley. The trees were a dim silhouette. All felt gentle and quiet as the sunset slowly sank.

Once-ler stepped out and leaned against the railing as he let Marie savor their new sleeping quarters. Not too long after she had been lifted in, Marie wandered out to the balcony and rested her head between the shoulders blades of her husband. Her arms snuck around him.

"It's gorgeous," said Marie brightly.

"You're okay with it?" asked Once-ler looking over his shoulder to her. He had been a tad nervous of her reaction knowing that she missed their cottage.

"Yes," said Marie. "I can tell you put a lot of design in it. Thank you Honey."

"Well it took a few orders to get the right bathtub, but it worked out," said Once-ler. "And organizing the closet took up time-"

"Bathtub?" asked Marie. She shifted around to him. "I didn't see the bathroom or the closet!"

"Too fascinated by the huge bed?" teased Once-ler. He knew he and Marie wouldn't sleep far apart after two and a half years of sharing his small mattress.

"A little," admitted Marie. "It's kind of big just for sleeping, but I'll get used to it."

"Just for sleeping," smirked Once-ler. "Right."

Marie gave a grin at his remark. She'd save the flirting for later. For now, she rested her head against him as she felt his hand smooth over her curls. The air was still soothing.

"What about Mom's present for you?" asked Once-ler after a long pause. "Do you like it?"

"Present?" Marie looked up at him in surprise. "What present?"

"You were way too distracted by the bed My Sweetness," laughed Once-ler. He quickly spun Marie around so that her backside faced the door. He was beaming with pride.

"Don't turn your head," he whispered. He gently guided her backward, hands at her waist. It was like a slow dance.

"Why don't I just close my eyes?" asked Marie laughing. Her hands clawed into his broad shoulders.

"Then I can't see your eyes," answered Once-ler. "Okay now look." He clasped his hands behind his back. Marie slowly turned and gasped at what was before her.

A vanity of ivory colored wood with a little stool was set up just a few feet from the bed. Marie sunk down into the cushion to see her present. It had been nice of Isabella to get her something. Maybe things could turn around in their relationship. It was prettier in design than Marie's old one in Palmer!

Delicate fingers opened the three drawers below and found them full of make-up. One drawer was full of lipsticks and lip-glosses, another of different shades of blush with foundation and another of eyeliner with mascara. The top two drawers had eye shadow and bottles of nail polish. Marie caught glimpses of pinks, blues, reds and purples. On the top was a hand held mirror of silver, a true antique with roses engraved on the back. Along with it was a bottle of perfume and lotion which she gave a quick test to. The scent of perfume was a tasty aroma of vanilla and raspberries while the lotion was like sweet, plump blackberries.

Marie smiled and began to appreciate Isabella getting her so many objects…until she saw the note on the corner. Then her heart sank.

For my favorite daughter-in-law,

because she always needs improvement for herself to be as great as Oncie.

Hugs and kisses, Isabella.

Marie looked into the round mirror with a frown. So much for a present; it was a two faced gift! A nice item to insult her!

"What's wrong?" asked Once-ler seeing her downcast. Marie flicked the paper to him and hunched over. "Mom," grumbled Once-ler reading the note. He crumpled it up.

"Improvement," said Marie almost to herself.

Once-ler leaned low to rest his chin over her shoulder. He looked at their reflection, seeing the young man and woman look back. Once-ler loved his mother, but he felt terrible with her criticism about Marie.

Once-ler gazed at the face of his bride. The heart shaped face with eyes of blue that harmonized with his. Her blonde hair that was so whirly and sweet smelling it always drew his fingers to it. She had a child bearing body, which had only made him physically love her more. Mentally and emotionally, he loved Marie for her. Her kindness, loyalty, unconditional love, and motherly concern matched with her exterior and vice versa.

How was it possible that Clarisse and Dashiell were never happy to have the beautiful woman as theirs? If they weren't happy with Marie, then at least Once-ler was. He didn't want anyone else and he was more than happy to prove it. In fact…showing off the closet and bathroom could wait.

"I think it's me who has to try to be as great as you," said Once-ler softly. "I don't think I can come so close. I wasn't made to give birth."

Marie bit her lips and nuzzled her head against his. She watched the gold and onyx mesh together. She shifted around and pulled him down into a hug.

"Maybe not," she said forgetting the harsh note. "I'm happy with how you are…and I know you are with me too."

"Of course," said Once-ler. He pulled her up to pry her away from the object that represented vain. Vanity…vain; it made sense.

Marie turned her head to their new bed. Even though it was not their usual bedtime, she felt like crawling under the covers. Before she knew it, she clasped her hand over Once-ler's wrist and tugged him in the main direction to their cot.

Marie had to boost herself up at first to get on. She was certain she had never seen a bed so grand. It turned out Marie didn't crawl under the covers, but instead climbed over Once-ler when he sat down.

"You really like the house right?" asked Once-ler shyly.

Marie shook her head.

"I'm beginning to love it," she whispered with a blissful smile. "Though, I won't love it as much as I love you." She gave a light push to Once-ler's chest so that he lay down. Her arms crossed over him and she lifted her legs up as she rested on top of him. Her nails dug lightly over the forest green fabric of his vest; a new article of clothing for the young inventor.

"In that case," said Once-ler lowering his voice. "I won't love this whole factory as much as I love you."

He tilted his head, up this time since she was above him, and their lips matched together. Marie's hands tilted his fedora off.

"Why do you wear this all the time?" murmured Marie. "Your hair is perfect the way it is."

"So are you," her lover murmured back. Then Once-ler rolled Marie to her back and the last sun rays faded as their passionate affection continued for the night.

When morning came, it was the opening day of the factory and Once-ler left his clan for a few hours. Marie knew that the babies weren't interested and she wanted to explore the house in the factory.

Marie was astonished again by areas of the room she hadn't seen. A bathroom with white tile and aqua painted walls which was a relaxing shade. There was one large mirror with a line of lights set over it, reminding Marie of her mother's bathroom. Below was the round edge countertop which was a pale marble with scallop shaped sinks matching the walls. The toilet and bathtub matched as well.

Marie bit her lower lip in deep, happy thoughts as she focused on the round sunken tub, aqua as well and deep in the tile. The rim was thick and the shape large. A towel bar holding pink Thneed towels was near the door. The shower was huge as well with frosted sliding doors. A hanging caddy was in one corner and the showerhead (unknown to Marie) was built to imitate a rain shower. Once-ler had that in mind in particular.

Of course, Once-ler had made a walk-in closet with all their clothes lined up. While Marie stood feeling the soft carpet under her feet she thought of how nice it would be if Once-ler got his own suit for business. When late afternoon came Marie waited on the loveseat for Once-ler to come, not knowing there was a certain thing he wanted to ask her.

Author's Note: 102 reviews for this fic! Wow! Thanks for reviewing Beautiful-Bird-Avenger99! Thanks for the follow Bakagirl101. The twins do remind me of cute hobbit babies! I'm exhausted after looking up designs for rooms for the appropriate time period! Annoyed that this chapter feels clustered with details! And don't mention the factory! I had to pause the movie to figure out what the certain pieces could do so don't get mad at me if it doesn't work in your mind! Hey, Jan. 24th today! Ed Helms birthday!