(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 toddler girls are mine!) As usual edits will be made later.
Chapter 26
Secrets
She remembered her introduction to the business industry. She would watch them sometimes in their study with piles of papers. Her small eyes would try to understand what all the papers were for and at first she thought they were drawing pictures. Not so. It was shortly after these lookouts of hers that her mother took her to her job at Diamond Waters.
"This is what you will get someday," said Clarisse dryly. She looked at her daughter and thought of how she had been cheated of not getting a boy to heal the loss of her stillborn child.
"What do I do with it?" asked the little girl with curly pigtails. She watched the clear bottles get filled with funny drinks of white or red.
"You will have a job like me," said Clarisse. "Everything I do, you will do and your father wants you to do the same with what he does. Though I still think beer is cheap and a waste of drink," she muttered under her breath.
Four-year-old Marie watched the wine bottles go down the line and she wondered why it was important to watch bottles fill up. This was what her mother did all day when she wasn't looking at papers when home? What did her father do? The same? Already at a young age, Marie Finnegan didn't want to be like her parents.
Years later Marie had been open to doing anything in Once-ler's business. She would've been fine being a Thneed packer if she had no skills, but her lovely husband had insisted he wanted her to be his personal secretary. Though half of the time, Marie wasn't sure she was working because it was fun to spend time with him. Once-ler would randomly come out, lean over the desk built for her, and ask goofy things. At lunch hour, Marie would join him in his office and they would be uninterrupted while they spent alone time. Sometimes they chatted idly or went into deep conversations. It was during one that Marie realized a new fear of having a famous spouse.
Once-ler hadn't quite expected to be popular with crowds after a great sell, but with Thneeds taking over Greenville and other far towns becoming interested it occurred to him that he wasn't an ordinary young man anymore. Just shortly after the Super-Axe-Hackers had been produced Once-ler was greeted by blinding lights. It had been the afternoon of when Dake Enterprise had asked to meet with him. It was the same company that had shooed a Thneed selling Marie away on that beautifully fateful birthday of his. Now Mr. Dake was interested. He made offers on endorsing and support which had been encouraged by Isabella for Once-ler to accept.
"That went well," Once-ler thought optimistically as he headed out the building.
He felt like nothing could ruin his day until the unexpected happened with thunderous and gleeful voices.
"Mr. Once-ler, how's the outlook of Thneeds Inc.?" "Are you going to make any deals with Dake Enterprise?" "How do you think environmentalists will respond about the making of Thneeds?" "Are you planning on buying the whole forest for your profit?" "Greenville Tween wants to know if you'll pose for their cover!" "Oh my gosh! It's him!" "What is the trend with the green gloves?"
Reporters came around him and cameras flashed lights at his eyes as questions bounced to him. A few teenage girls shrieked and tried grabbing hold of his lanky arms. Like a swarm of bees attracted to honey they didn't leave. It was only until Once-ler was safe in his new Ferrari, a jet black one with chrome features, when he could breathe in ease. He sunk down and felt his heartbeat settle. He had been shocked by the surprise crowd. He wasn't sure why, but it made him uneasy. What made him uneasy was what would've happened if he had taken Chloe or Natalie with him because he thought about it.
"Good thing they weren't here," he thought in relief.
Then seeing that it was clear he started driving for home. He felt anxious as the drive progressed and decided he'd confess to Marie how he felt after the encounter.
The day before the press had released an article about Once-ler. It wasn't a bad one, a highly complimenting one by any means, but he began pondering over what would happen if he released his family secrets. Marie had not been connected to him with not always being near him when in Greenville. Something always kept them apart when that happened and the girls rarely went there. Marie had missed events to take care of their babies. The small hospital had no recollection of their patients from the twins' delivery which was proved when nurses gushed over how he was single. Everyone was talking about him! Once-ler had waited for the right moment to announce his supporting partner and precious ones, but there wouldn't be one.
The press could say a thousand words. They could build down or tear up anyone or anything. What could they say about children? When the bright lights flashed and clicked before him Once-ler found himself realizing a future. Natalie and Chloe were so little and naïve of the world and Once-ler didn't want them to grow up so fast because of his career. Marie knew what it was like. Sure, she hadn't gotten pictures snapped at her, but that was because she wasn't from a family who made extraordinary merchandise. Alcoholic drinks, it wasn't new to the world. Palmer had had other businesses so it wasn't out of the ordinary. It was common for them and newspapers looked for odd things to publish.
When Once-ler went into town dressed all posh in his green attire everyone watched him. Once-ler didn't care about it. He could ignore it. The innocence of a child didn't understand ignoring (unless it meant trying to avoid their mother's stern voice of discipline.) Chloe was afraid of strangers and Once-ler didn't like the thought of people snapping photos of her while she tried hiding and possibly crying. Natalie was developing a quick temper and frequently voiced a strong tone when annoyed. She didn't like unwanted attention and she would occasionally give outbursts if Chloe simply asked what she was doing. Her angry face on a tabloid wasn't the image Once-ler had in mind.
So with a heavy heart he confronted Marie about his fears and she began to over-worry like she could about their children's safety. Isabella agreed saying that her grandbabies needed protection. So the wife and husband made the difficult choice; lie about Once-ler's image to protect them. To the knowledge of everyone else Once-ler was single; no family besides his peculiar siblings, uncle, aunt and mother. Marie, Natalie and Chloe wouldn't be traced to him. Isabella actually seemed glad of it; it was like Marie and the "obnoxious two" didn't exist. Except for Dr. Helms and her family who knew they promised to not gossip. Of course, a pain in Once-ler's side knew too; The Lorax.
"You meathead," snapped The Lorax one day. "You know how long it takes for Truffula Trees to sprout?"
"I don't have time for a biology lesson," said Once-ler as he filled a blank sheet with his calligraphy. He bit his lip to ignore his acquaintance for the visits from him were getting irritating.
"There won't be enough Truffula Fruit to go 'round if you don't do somethin'," said The Lorax. His voice seemed more sharpish and bossy than usual.
"There'll always be enough," said Once-ler. "And why are you complaining about food? For almost two years you invaded our cottage for breakfasts and cookies! Marie can feed you if you all want something."
"Too much sweet stuff can give the Bar-ba-loots the crummies!" The Lorax by then had hopped on the desk. "Beanpole?"
The human ignored him. The creature crossed his arms and tapped a fuzzy foot to the wood. He waited a moment, but when nothing happened he spoke again.
"Beanpole?"
Once-ler rolled his eyes. Then he got up and peeked his head out the red doors to his secretary. Since they were all alone in the hall, there was nothing to hide of their relationship. Marie looked up from her typewriter.
"What Honey?" she asked. Then Once-ler strode up and put his elbows on her desk.
"Can you make a complaint box?" Once-ler politely requested.
"Oh sure!" said The Lorax annoyingly who looked out the doors. "Talk nice to your mate and not to a forest guardian!" Then his eyebrows furrowed upon realizing the words "complaint box."
"I suppose we could," said Marie. "Where do you want it?"
"Anywhere that people can see it," said Once-ler.
"I'll make some calls," said Marie promisingly.
"Thaaank you," said Once-ler cheerfully. He reached over easily to kiss her. "You're the best."
Marie smiled and pulled out a phonebook from one of her drawers. Maybe it was a good idea to have a complaint box. Environmentalist had sent some nasty letters to Once-ler. After Marie had made her calls, she met with Once-ler one more time before he left for a business dinner. Mr. DeSalvo and Mr. Dake had asked for one.
"Are you nervous about them?" asked Marie.
"No," said Once-ler casually as he yanked on his gloves. "Just hate them for how they treated you."
"They don't need to know," said Marie. "You know that we have to…" She paused and let her eyes wander down to the bathroom tile.
"I know," said Once-ler solemnly.
There was a pang of guilt with the lies for him. Sometimes it made Once-ler feel ashamed. He didn't want to lie about what a good thing he had, but he couldn't risk the publicity there could be. Tabloids spreading rumors, exposing juicy details about Marie's relationship with him, photos invading the twins' lives and not being able to protect any of them from a reality that they weren't ready for! That was something Once-ler couldn't face. Paparazzi could and would ruin any private event if they knew. Chloe and Natalie didn't have average lives and they never would. They had an entrepreneur who was gaining fame for a dad. Maybe Once-ler couldn't give his Precious Ones the life of an ordinary little girl, but at least he could give them a safe one.
"I'll bring you a dessert back," Once-ler piped up to lighten the mood.
"That would literally be sweet," chuckled Marie.
Then reaching up she brushed his bangs to their correct side. Once done with the grooming Marie rested her chin on Once-ler's shoulder. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. She didn't look like the daughter of two business owners. She looked like she was from a middle-class life in her simple skirts and blouses. She looked ordinary next to Once-ler who was truly the king of his palace.
"You need some time away from me anyway," replied Marie. "You wouldn't want to get bored."
"Who'd be bored with you?" asked Once-ler with a genuine smile. He coiled an arm around her waist. "I'm never bored with you."
Marie was kissed tenderly and hugged before Once-ler grabbed his hat. Marie sat on the king-sized bed to free her achy feet from the high heels.
"I don't know if I've told you this," said Once-ler as he lifted the hat over. "But I think you look pretty sexy in that outfit."
"This?" questioned Marie who looked almost disgusted with what she wore. The lavender blouse and grey skirt were tight.
"Yeah," chuckled Once-ler with a wink. "Don't act surprised Baby. You are beautiful."
"Flirt," smirked Marie as he closed the bedroom doors.
After leaving Once-ler prepared himself for what he would talk over. The crowded restaurant had a bar and dessert buffet. Mr. Dake had arrived in a stiff brown suit and looked uncomfortable in it. By the time the evening had wrapped up, Once-ler felt Mr. Dake was more easygoing. He had even been nice enough to get Once-ler an alcoholic free Strawberry Daiquiri.
"I got a message from your secretary you didn't want a hangover the next morning," he said softly before Mr. DeSalvo showed up.
Once-ler smiled to himself with how Marie had handled it. He'd get her a big slice of cake afterwards (and some gourmet cupcakes for the twins.)
Mr. DeSalvo, the same man with thin grey hair complete with sideburns sat across from Once-ler. He wore a white suit with a striped tie of yellow. Though he was taller than the man, Once-ler felt a little intimidated by Mr. DeSalvo's burliness. He could even catch a few chest hairs peeking from the stiff collared shirt.
"We're proud to have a young man like you in the business industry," said Mr. DeSalvo as he lit a cigar. "I always knew that Thneed would work out when I heard about it. You just had to keep your nose to the grindstone."
Once-ler avoided every reflex that begged to frown and glare at the man who insulted his product and then pregnant wife.
"We all just wanted to wait and see," said Mr. Dake. He slicked a hand over his auburn colored comb over.
"Well, it took long enough," said Once-ler.
"You just stick with what you do," continued Mr. Dake. "Don't let anyone push you down. Go forward at all costs! That's what it takes to be like one of us, though you seem to fit in pretty well with us already."
"Am I?" questioned Once-ler. He was astonished by the remark.
"Of course," laughed Mr. DeSalvo. "You fit in perfectly. Single, good looking and smart, you don't need anything else. You've got it all Mr. Once-ler."
"Just don't let mediocre things get in the way," added Mr. Dake. "You know, like having children and that kind of stuff."
"Um, what's wrong with that?" said Once-ler curiously, but also not wanting to know what criticism Mr. Dake would give.
"Simple," sneered Mr. DeSalvo. "They're brats." With that remark he laughed again.
Once-ler bit his lower lip and felt offended.
"I didn't mean that," said Mr. Dake. His tone was kinder. "Not all kids. It's just me really. I don't think I can handle having my own. They're a big responsibility with school bills and doctor visits."
Once-ler felt as if the sweetness of his daiquiri had turned sour. He didn't like what he was hearing. Part of him felt he should provoke and just spill out how wonderful having twin daughters was. Sadly, he couldn't find the words and only thought about what they were doing while he was away.
"I never warmed up to kids," said Mr. Dake after he sipped. "Kids usually get on my nerves. Can you imagine what it must be like to live with them? They run around wanting you to look at pictures they made which is dumpster worthy. Scream when they don't get what they want. Keep you up all night and ruin your love life."
"Where's my dinner?" mimicked Mr. DeSalvo. "She bit me! He breathed on me! He did it! She did it! I want a cookie! I don't want to go to bed!"
Clearly, this was something both men talked over frequently. Once-ler sighed and imagined the girls playing house.
"Face it Mr. Once-ler," said Mr. Dake. "Kids aren't easy. I wasn't made for them and they weren't made for me. And I wasn't made for settling down either. I've told any girl I date that I won't be proposing to them."
"What if it could just be the two of you?" asked Once-ler to Mr. Dake. "You know? No kids."
"I tried that in my early years," said Mr. Dake. His green eyes looked sad. "I was married for only a year when we split up. She and I-it wasn't meant to be. My work came first and she couldn't stand it."
"Wives," said Mr. DeSalvo gruffly to shift the mood. His brown eyes narrowed as he looked at a woman trying to shush her baby a few tables over. "They're nothing but a pain! Marriage is nothing but being bound in shackles; ball and chain! Always demanding, always whining! Never happy when we don't listen and then suspicious when we do. Want us to be honest, but yell if we say how they really look in a dress! Snap at us if we bring them chocolate because they don't want to gain weight. Complain that flowers are a waste of money. I can't live with them!"
"Yet you've got a few women," said Mr. Dake. "Actually you have three now."
"Three?" said Once-ler in shock.
"Ol' Dessy here keeps a string of lovers," said Mr. Dake. It was almost in a whisper. "He makes sure that they never meet or he'd be in hot water."
"If you don't want a wife then why-" began Once-ler.
"I like a woman's company if you know what I mean," said Mr. DeSalvo. His squished up face grinned a grin that made Once-ler feel sick. "That's all their good for. The ones I have are good with it. So why should it change? Say," he added eyeing Once-ler. "I can set you up with one if you'd like. Maybe a redhead?"
"No thank you," said Once-ler awkwardly. "I'm married to my work. Really."
"Good for you!" laughed Mr. Dake. "You'll fit in with us socially as well with that attitude."
Once-ler left feeling appreciated by the two men, but a terrible feeling bubbled in his soul. As he drove home he thought of all things they said about kids. He wondered if they'd change their minds if they met Chloe or Natalie. They weren't brats and if they weren't his he still would've thought so. The conversation about wives hadn't been easy to swallow either. He couldn't understand how anyone could think so low of a woman. It was likely that perhaps Mr. DeSalvo wouldn't mind hitting one with how he spoke and Once-ler didn't understand why Mr. Dake didn't seem comfortable with marriage.
"I hope I don't have too many meetings with them," thought Once-ler as he drove past the gates of Thneeds Inc. Life would've been better if he never saw them again.
The factory was still when Once-ler came in, hat in hand, a take-out box of goodies in the other and arms feeling overly warm from the new gloves. Their house, which had been recently named Once-ler Hideaway, was quiet as well. Once-ler carefully went up the stairs and found in the nursery the twins sleeping.
He stood over each crib, elbows on the railing, as he looked at them lovingly. He'd missed them while out and around the time Mr. DeSalvo got drunk Once-ler found himself wishing he was reading to his bunnies.
Finally, Once-ler found Marie in their bed, a book splayed over her chest and her mind deep in sleep. Not wanting to wake her, Once-ler slipped his coat, gloves and shoes off before crawling in next to her. When he was under the sheets, he pulled her into a hug and dozed off. Marie never made him feel like he was in chains and she never would to his knowledge.
"Morning to you," said Marie the next day. "You snuck in last night."
Once-ler smiled as he strode down the hall. Then with a swift glance over his shoulder to double check, he hurried behind Marie's desk to lift her up for a kiss. Marie noticed her feet had left the carpet as he did.
"I wouldn't have come this far if it wasn't for you," he said softly.
"How'd your meeting go with Dake and DeSalvo?" asked Marie as Once-ler headed off.
"It was fine," said Once-ler. Then he paused and looked at her.
"What?" asked Marie when she realized he was staring.
"Nothing," Once-ler finally said as the degrading words he heard came back to him. "I just love you-a lot."
"I love you back," answered Marie and she watched him leave.
Despite having the alias of being single, Once-ler and Marie adjusted to it. They found it interesting that their secret life was hidden from all eyes. Date nights were simply since both were used to staying in. Marie would come in the office when they had nobody attending meetings with Once-ler and sneak a moment (or more) of affection. She managed over the following months to develop of social circle too. She made friends with mothers on Saturdays when she took the twins' to the park.
By the time September came Once-ler was miserable. It wasn't because the weather was growing chillier or that work was piling up more. Natalie and Chloe were sent to a daycare to help them get along with others. With them gone, thought it wasn't all day, Once-ler felt lonesome because they had always been at home. Not seeing them at lunch made the day too dull.
"You're too overprotective of them," said Marie gently after the first week with them out.
"So?" said Once-ler. "I'm their dad. I should be."
"Not every moment," said Marie. She slid off the desk and hovered over Once-ler. "I know it's hard, but I have checked thoroughly all the daycares and that one was the best. I'm not worried after checking it out and neither should you."
Once-le shrugged and sighed. Marie gave a sympathetic smile and perched herself on his lap. Softly, her hands ran over his ears and she tilted his face up. Then ever so lightly, she gave him a kiss.
"You're not ready for them to grow-up," she whispered with understanding.
"Maybe," confessed Once-ler. He started to smile as Marie dove back in.
"I'm still here," said Marie and she slowly fluttered her eyelashes. "And since you have no visitors today I was wondering-"
She didn't get to finish. Once-ler held her close and let a hand wander into her pulled up hair which was freed from its holder. Then Marie gripped his wrist and slowly pulled the glove off, wanting to feel his hand.
"You're wearing these too much," whispered Marie. "You don't have to wear them around me."
The gloves became less of a concern as Once-ler's job got busier and he spent a quarter of it trying new things for the factory's wellbeing. He said it was only biggering, but what started off as a new guitar (fierce in design and bright red) and a pair of sunglasses to shield of flashing cameras became more. Money tumbled in and was used to expand the joy. Marie was allowed to buy whatever she wanted for her and the girls. Once-ler ordered presents under an anonymous name so no company would be able to trace back to him. Questions would rise if people knew he had bought a playhouse. The numbers of workers increased, adjustments were made to the factory and shops for Thneeds multiplied faster than a family of rabbits!
"I'm proud of him," Marie told herself. "I am, but I don't want him to bite off more than he can chew."
It wasn't exactly the issue as the months passed. The real issue was a dark green was beginning to color The Once-ler's blue eyes.
Author's Note: dragonrobotgirl thanks for the advice! You know what! I meant for this to be longer and have something romantic happen, but I decided to save it for next time. Anyway Once-ler's fame; so it begins…