GothamPrincess95 thanks for the favorite and I really like your icon. Freddie Highmore I believe? ZryNeth thanks for the follows and faves! I see you're new to the site so welcome! Mika Carrol thanks for the fave/follow for authors list. Also for my alternate fic! P.S. Consider this question which is one of the biggest ones for this story: what would it take for The Once-ler to stop his greed? 32 pages here! Longer than I thought! Husbandy-wifey stuff later in the chapter!
(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 her growing girls are mine! P.S. Any names I use from other Seuss books aren't mine either; they'll always belong to Dr. Seuss.)
Chapter 29
War for Two
It was an ominous night as Greenville began to have corners expanded. Workers were tearing apart land from dawn to dusk. Billboards had advertisements with a (disturbing to Chloe and Marie) cartoon image of The Once-ler. Marie still remembered how he said he wanted a big smile for how'd he look and even posed for her. As of then the three members of the Once-ler family were together for the night…again.
"What is she doing Mommy?" asked Chloe. She was staring at the television as a pretty lady moved around an ice rink.
"She's ice skating," answered Marie as she folded a pile of laundry. "It's like dancing on ice."
"I can do better," grumbled Natalie as she pulled one of dresses out of the laundry basket. "I can do better than anybody. Dad said so."
"You don't have to be better than anyone," said Marie gently. "All that matters is that you try and have fun."
Natalie made a face at her mother's wisdom when she wasn't looking. She wanted to be better at everything. She wanted to be on top like The Once-ler. She thought out of all people, her dad was the most amazing person around and though she didn't know the term, was her role model.
"May I do that?" asked Chloe who had forgotten about the socks she was in charge of. She sat upright and folded her hands together under her chin which was identical to The Once-ler's. "Please Mommy?"
"You want to skate?" asked Marie. "You'd need to practice."
"Yes, yes, yes," said Chloe eagerly. "I want to ice skate! Pretty pleeeaaasse?"
"Well if I find any ice skating lessons in Greenville we'll take you," said Marie after thinking it over.
"And for me," added Natalie. "I want to try too."
A week later, Natalie was complaining about ice skating. The new ice rink in Greenville had recently opened and both girls tried a free lesson. Natalie griped about how cold it felt, how the skates smelled, and how hard it was. Chloe stumbled a lot for a first time, but she wanted to keep trying. There was something about being the on the ice that soothed her. After signing her up for real lessons, Chloe began blossoming in personality. Little by little she grew less attached to Marie and was excelling at something that Natalie couldn't do. And that was something Natalie couldn't tolerate.
Life wasn't too bad for the girls as they lived in the factory. The girls started going to a group called Little Ladies Brigade and things changed at home too. They were doing chores around the house. Marie made sure they kept their clothes picked up, toys put away, set the table and had their beds made. Chet and Brett had nicknamed the girls over time out of endearment. Chloe was called Monkey because she climbed on furniture and Natalie was given the title Sprinkles though she hated it. To think it all started because she asked for some on their birthday cake earlier that year. Natalie was voicing more opinions and sometimes Chloe followed along because she didn't know what to believe.
Marie was beginning to feel like she had all the responsibilities. It seemed that was all she had. Marie didn't mind taking care of the girls. She loved being their mother, but she would've loved it more if The Once-ler was there. He always seemed to be out. He was working later and leaving sooner. Marie and the girls saw him all the time on the weekend, but on school days he was gone.
The one who seemed to be around The Once-ler the most was The Lorax. He kept coming back to verbally fight. Oh, The Lorax had never been tested that much until that goofball of a Beanpole had showed up. No matter what he said he couldn't get through to him.
"Beanpole open up," he called out one more time during an afternoon when summer had begun. "Listen up!"
The lanky man stomped for the glass door and swung it open with a tight grip. He glared down with teeth bared at his foe.
"What now?" he growled.
The Lorax was a little surprised at first by the sudden greeting. The Once-ler seemed twice his height in the suit and top hat.
"That smoke is gettin' worse," The Lorax said after recovering. "The poor Swomee-Swans can't sing anymore 'cause they've got smog in their throats! The Humming-Fish are getting' more sick and the Bar-ba-loots are hungry. They won't last long at this point!"
"Haven't they heard of the principle of nature?" The Once-ler smirked as he crossed his arms. "The animal that wins has to fight, claw and punch. The animal that doesn't…"
"Gets eaten," finished The Lorax who already knew about nature's ways. "And that's not my point!"
"…ends up as lunch," The Once-ler wrapped up.
"You're not an animal! You're a human! You've got this huge hunk of metal that's destroyin' the forest!"
"A huge hunk of metal?" said The Once-ler slowly. "You're calling my company a huge hunk of metal? My company is trying to survive!"
"It's far from survivin'!" bickered The Lorax. "It's thriven' too much! You've got to stop this!" Green eyes locked with blue ones to plead. "Please think it over!"
"How about this," said The Once-ler slowly. "You go back to your forest and you take care of yours and I'll take care of my taking."
"Takin' what?"
"I'm taking all that is mine," the human said greedily. "Mine, mine, mine."
"Still have that pet huh? Come on Beanpole! Wake up and smell the air!"
"It smells like progress," smirked The Once-ler. He chuckled and turned to close the door, only to have The Lorax dodge in.
"I'm not done yet," he snapped. He pointed a finger in the air for a hundredth time it seemed and began again. "I am The Lorax and I speak for the trees which you have been choppin' as much as you please-"
"Must you rhyme?" asked The Once-ler. He pretended to examine his nails though he wore gloves.
"Oh! You twitch of a mustache! You can't be that stupid! You're smarter than this!"
"Oh," said The Once-ler sarcastically. "You're right. I am smarter than this!" Then he heaved The Lorax up and lifted him up to send him packing.
"Beanpole!" the yell intensified as an orange creature was tossed out onto the balcony.
"Don't let the door hit you on the way out!" another yell followed. Then the door smacked shut.
"That stupid meathead and…" The Lorax grumbled as he stormed around the factory to find Marie.
As for the human he had taken his trust to, she was sitting at her desk writing a grocery list. The only sound she heard was the grinding of the pen to the notepad. The next thing she heard was the sound of grunting and she twisted around in her chair to see the one who caused it.
"Hello again Mr. Lorax," she called out feeling not too surprised after all.
"Oohhh," The Lorax grumbled.
"Another chat?" asked Marie.
"And he threw me out," added The Lorax.
"He threw you?" asked Marie who was now surprised. She craned her neck to see him.
"Yeah! Just picked me and I was out like yesterday's trash!" The Lorax rubbed his head and hopped up on the coffee table.
"Are you hurt?" asked Marie as she got out of her chair with worry.
"Eh, I'm fine. Nothin' can keep me down."
"Ooh!" Marie breathed out and her motherly instincts kicked in. "You've got a bump Mr. Lorax. I'm getting some ice for you."
"I don't need any ice," said an offended Lorax. "I need to go back and punch out that idiot! Waterfall?" He looked up to see she wasn't there. "Waterfall?"
He slid off the table and dawdled out. He heard a clattering from the kitchen and looked through the banister to see Marie come up with an icepack. She knelt down to place it on his head. Very gently she cupped his fuzzy face and sighed.
"He really did?" she asked to be sure.
"Yeah he did," he answered and tried ignoring how awkward it felt with how Waterfall was treating him.
"I'm so sorry."
The Lorax could've nagged more, but seeing that she was truly sorry he dropped it. After half an hour, Marie took the icepack off his head and gave him a hot pad to get warm.
"You have to talk to him," he said after she gave the pad to him.
"I will be after what he did," she said. "I need to anyway. I need to talk to him about some clothes."
"Clothes?"
"The girls want some kind of trend." Marie took her grocery list to put in her purse. "Just stay here and let me talk to him."
Marie knew that despite having good intentions The Lorax didn't have the softest approach. She was downstairs again and checked the big clock in the living room.
"Two more hours until workers leave," she thought.
Marie felt bored that the shop had closed temporarily for upgrades to install new shelves and expand space which she thought was odd. The house seemed empty without her daughters. Natalie and Chloe were at their Little Ladies Brigade meeting and earning patches for sashes. Natalie, who had recently learned the word underachiever from her grandmother, didn't want to be close to it. She already had ten patches and was hoping to beat one of the goody-two shoes girls who had thirteen. Chloe had only three, just three. Marie kept busy by sweeping the maple floor and dusting the lavish furniture. She was feeling tedious, especially if cleaning and not going to work was entertaining her. She did manage to walk her fingers over the glistening keys of the grand piano Isabella gave to Oncie for his twenty-fifth birthday.
The Lorax wandered down to give Marie back the heat pad. He found her in the kitchen pulling out a cookbook. Her apron was on and her hair pulled up. He gave a sad smile as he watched her flip the pages. She looked so lonesome and burdened. He felt a pinch of pity that she had to live with Beanpole and his ways. She turned to see The Lorax standing there and then he left. Marie secretly wished he would stay so she had someone to talk to.
It appeared that friendship wasn't easy to have between the two. They both agreed on the trees, but it was hard to talk about anything else with them always being in a rush of their own lives. The Lorax actually missed the old, goofy young man who drove him crazy with his Thneed idea. Marie, who still talked with her spouse when he had the time, wondered why he had changed so much.
Knowing that the girls would be served a buffet at their meeting and would go have ice cream later, Marie stored some fettuccine away for her and The Once-ler's dinner. When the last footsteps of the workers had left and she waited an extra five minutes to be safe then made her entrance. She found Brett and Chet at the end, slumping and eating a cookie from their pocket.
"Hi Marie," they said in unison.
"Excuse me I have to go in," said Marie as she carefully pushed past them. "I don't need to schedule to see Once-ler."
"Sure thing," said Brett and opened one door for her.
When he closed it Marie nearly jumped at the loud thud of wood. The Once-ler was stacking some papers away when she entered.
"Hello Beautiful," he said when he saw her. "What's happening?"
"I'm fine," she answered. "I don't think The Lorax is. He bumped his head."
"Not that graceful is he?" chuckled The Once-ler. "Very much unlike you."
"That's sweet of you to say," said a flattered Marie. "However, he told me you threw him out."
"He's lying."
"Once, be honest. You got mad at him for bothering you and you gave him the boot."
"Maybe," he said reluctantly.
"Next time you see him I want you both to apologize," stated Marie.
"Only if he goes first," said The Once-ler sarcastically. He scribbled out his signature on a page.
Marie sighed and decided to drop the subject. She sat on the desk's edge and waited for him to stop writing. Then like the early days of business he stood to draw her face in for a kiss and trace his touch down her sides.
"The girls want something." she said when they parted.
"What?" he asked eagerly when hearing about his two prides and joys.
"The girls want a pair of bell-bottoms," said Marie hesitantly.
The Once-ler's jaw dropped and he looked in disbelief as he titled his glasses down. Marie nodded and shrugged.
"They want what?" he asked.
"Bell-bottoms. Other kids have them in their brigade."
"I hate bell-bottoms!" The Once-ler made a face. "Always have! They're so baggy!"
"You can always tell them it's a no-go," said Marie.
"You tell them no," said The Once-ler and he lightly pushed her nose. Then he adjusted his sunglasses again. "No daughter of mine is wearing hippie bell-bottoms!"
"What's wrong if you tell them?" asked Marie.
"I'm busy today," he said. "You're not."
"What do you mean 'you're not?'" asked Marie and crossed her arms.
"You don't have a full day," said The Once-ler as he sat back down in his chair. "You don't do as much work as I do so you're less busy."
Marie was baffled by his words. Maybe she wasn't the C.E.O., but that didn't mean she had nothing to do! She was a working woman and mother! She ran a store, wrangled up her boy crazy employees and handled two children! She was just as busy in her opinion. Today was just a slow day.
"I don't think so," said Marie and The Once-ler cocked an eyebrow at her. "Lately Once, I've been doing a lot of parenting. Couldn't you take this over? You're the one who doesn't want them to wear those clothes. I don't really care as long as they don't dress immodestly."
"You should be doing a lot of parenting," he said dryly. "You're the mother who takes care of them most of the time while I provide."
"That's not what I mean," sighed Marie who wasn't losing her patience. "I do take care of them and a shop, but… I just feel like we don't see you that much anymore."
"I'm always here. I barely leave home. I practically work at home! Why would you think that?"
"You're not actually there. You haven't been able to eat dinner with us for two weeks now."
"It's only two weeks. It's not like I've missed a whole year of dinners with you."
"We still miss you," thought Marie sadly.
"Just tell them for me," sighed The Once-ler and scooted up to his desk.
Marie slid off and went around to the front of the wide table. She leaned over the desk and pressed her elbows down. She stared at him as he returned to his paper. Then she got on her hands and heaved herself up the desk until her knees touched the polished material. Then she crawled across and went on her stomach with her arms folded under her chin. Her ankles crossed as well and stuck up in the air. She stared at him, a mixture of sultry and asking. The Once-ler was started when his eyes left the paper and saw her. With a frown he stood up, put his hands on her shoulders and slid her from the direction from whence she came! Marie was wide-eyed when her wobbly feet hit the floor.
"What was that for?" she demanded.
"You're distracting me," The Once-ler said bluntly.
"Me?" Marie thought she had misheard.
"Yeah," he said slowly. "You. I'll see you later tonight Babe."
"Babe?" mouthed Marie as she meandered out. "Since when does he call me that?" she added aloud.
It was always Baby, Honeysuckle, My Beauty, Beautiful, Sexy, Roses and My Sweetness. Since when did he call her Babe? She never liked that nickname. It sounded cheap and not as tender. It was something those nasty past boyfriends of hers might've called her.
"Chet, Brett can you please tell Once-ler it'll just be us for dinner and I'm waiting for him?" she asked before she vanished.
"Sure," they answered politely.
Brett and Chet did tell him, but he still didn't arrive. Marie waited at the dinner table for over an hour for him. When she left and went to pick up the kids he still didn't leave his space. He finally came when she was bathing them.
The Once-ler went limp on the living room sofa that nearly matched his fancy coat. He looked through a schedule book for upcoming appointments with investors and a party for Mr. Dake's birthday. He rubbed one of his eyes and pondered how late he'd be in bed that night.
"Aaaaahhh," came the jubilant screaming of Natalie who was all clean and warm in her jammies.
The Once-ler shuddered at her set of lungs and heard her running. So suddenly he was pounced by her with a strong impact and nearly smacked by her waist length hair.
"Whoa! Hey!" he shouted. "Natty!"
"Dad! Dad!" she sang. "Look! I got another patch!"
"That's great Sweetie, but you're squishing me." The Once-ler lifted her off and rubbed his sore stomach.
"Daaaddy!" came Chloe's voice. "I got one too!"
She dashed in and copied her sister. The Once-ler felt more like a trampoline by that point.
"I got four patches now," squealed Chloe.
The Once-ler's vision was blurred by the sash that was pressed against his view. Then he heard the television snap on and a theme song play. Chloe crawled to the top of the sofa and kicked her feet excitedly. The Once-ler could feel the vibrations shake him in the sofa and he started feeling sympathy for what Mr. Dake said about children.
"It's on!" Chloe cheered.
"Ask Mom if we can have some popcorn," ordered Natalie as she pulled the piano bench to the television.
"Why can't you?" asked Chloe innocently.
"I'm the oldest and you have to do what I say," said her twin. "Now go."
"Go what?"
"Go pretty, pretty, please." Natalie hated it when Chloe did that correction.
"Okay," said Chloe brightly.
The Once-ler groaned when Chloe, not meaning it on purpose, tumbled off the top and landed on his midsection. Yep, more like a trampoline.
Being allowed to watch their new summer show before bedtime, Natalie and Chloe stayed with their father as he tried organizing. He resisted having the popcorn with marshmallows and remained focused. He had to get all work done before playing or resting.
"Daddy?" asked Chloe when the show was over. She tugged at his sleeve.
"What Butterfly?" he asked tiredly.
"I know we have to make believe we don't know you, but can you try coming to my skating show?"
"I'll try," sighed The Once-ler and rubbed an eye. "I'll do my best to be there."
"Good," gasped Chloe with glee. Then she kissed his cheek and skipped the best she could. "I love you! Goodnight!"
"I'll try…" the tired man thought to himself.
A month later, Chloe and her class were dolled up in makeup, hair in a tight bun and dresses of teal. Marie snuck pictures along with other proud parents. Natalie, who had no interest skating and harbored a jealousy that Chloe was better at something than her, drew. She traced her handprints on multiple pages of a notepad.
Chloe nearly lost her footing at one twist, but she recovered and was focused. She didn't look up at the crowd, but when she passed the front row that had her mom and sister she glanced up to see if her father was there. Her eyes averted back down when she didn't spot him. When the recital was done, each student was given a certificate and Chloe was thrilled. Chloe Finnegan was written on the decorated sheet. There had been times she asked when she could use Once-ler for her last name, but Marie said not yet.
"Why couldn't Daddy come tonight?" Chloe finally asked when they got in the car. She twisted a free curl around her finger.
"Daddy can't always control his work," sighed Marie. She felt sorry to see Chloe's sad expression and adjusted the mirror. "I do know though, that he'd want to be there if he could and he's proud of you."
"I guess," said Chloe and she perked up a little. As she perked up she looked for the stars, but they were covered by clouds.
What had happened to the overworked patriarch had been beyond his control. He was just finishing an interview with the newspaper when he had gotten called down to the police station where his mother and brothers were. They had gone for some drinks and got into a bar fight. The Once-ler was very annoyed that not only did he have to bail them out; he had to drive them home because they were still intoxicated. Of course the paparazzi snapped cameras at them which bothered him more and Chet vomited on the nice leather interior. Then he had to calm his mother down because she went into a fit. He didn't understand why he got the job when Ubb or Grizelda could've done it.
If that wasn't enough, Ubb called Isabella's to ask if Oncie could pick up him and Grizelda. They were very queasy from certain restaurant food and didn't feel comfortable of driving. More flashing camera bulbs and car sickness! By the time everyone was back in place, The Once-ler was half asleep and out of mind. He slowly drove home seeing that time was up. He had missed the performance, even if he could have snuck in.
"Why?" he thought in misery and guilt as the car lights guided him home.
When he arrived, hair and suit rumpled, he found the twins asleep on the sofa and Chloe's award on the coffee table. The last thought he had, was that he'd really have to buy her a pony to make her feel better.
The Once-ler didn't buy a pony and Chloe wasn't upset after what Marie said. She and Natalie knew that their dad worked hard for them so they were happy. Still, there was a curiosity of what he did. It was Natalie who saw it and decided to herself that he was too busy for their things.
It started when she couldn't sleep one night. It was early September by then and the wind was howling as the clock chimed midnight. After trying to count coins in her mind and flipping through a picture book, she got up and made her way to the master bedroom. When the door was open it was a welcome sign and if closed it meant to not disturb her parents. Seeing it agape, Natalie crept in to check on the adults. To her surprise, she only saw the figure of Marie bundled up and Edwin curled at her feet. Natalie could hear his loud purring.
"Where's Dad?" she thought.
Feeling anxious, she tiptoed to the next floor and peeked in all the rooms. She checked the office and was surprised with what she saw. She had peeked from the crack and saw the shadowed figure of The Once-ler. His hat was off revealing messy hair and his coat opened. His tie was loosened and the arm length gloves were pushed down a bit. His glasses were perched at his desk, but it was nearly hidden by the mountains of papers. He was muttering to himself as he blinked his exhausted eyes.
"Meeting with the PR tomorrow," he said weakly. "Check over factory. Meet-oh what? What was that again?"
Natalie stepped back and lay motionless in her bed as she remembered how beat he looked. That settled it. He didn't have that time anymore and she wasn't the only one who was affected by the change.
After hearing how he threw The Lorax out, Marie felt as if some other man, her husband's doppelganger if possible, had taken over. More like an evil twin. She still loved him, but she found herself longing for when life wasn't as stressful for him and the demand of being a boss wasn't so hard. She missed her old Once-ler; the one who wore a fedora, sang random ditties, acted silly and would spend all day with his little family. The struggle for her was that she didn't know how to bring that person back.
"Where has he gone?" Marie would think sadly.
He was gone and Greenville was changing too. It became a booming city with opportunity to work at a successful company. Greenville was renamed Thneedville in honor of the Thneed's creator and he was made founder of the town. A small hill that bared his name was revealed with a plaque of gold and his face engraved into it. The Once-ler gave a speech on the christening day which was filled with festivities and promises of improvements for the town. It would be completed in two years. Oh how the cameras flashed and they reflected off of his lenses! He winked at Ubb who was off in the corner in a disguise.
"Its hard to believe that five years ago I arrived to this glorious place with the heart of a pioneer. Here I am today as a C.E.O. and better off than I was before. Now I promise that Thneedville will thrive as we build this economy and its all thanks to Thneeds!" Applause thundered to reply back. When it began to subside he continued. "I am proud to say I have been able to help our home with biggering and become one of the greatest cities around! Your support as a community has been a part of it! Nothing will stop us!"
Cheers erupted with applause and screaming girls. Some were clutching each other as they stared at his features. Marie was far in the back as she watched him on the stage. She smiled, but deep down she wrestled with two feelings. One was that she wished she could see his old self again. She was missing his old outfit too. Not that she hated his green suit, but he wore it all the time! Secondly, and that feeling was the worst of all; she felt a pinch of jealousy at how Isabella had hugged and kissed her son on stage. Even if Marie had run her own company there was no chance that her parents would do the same to her. They would never, ever be proud of her. Be it real feelings or not. So why did The Once-ler get it instead of her? Again, she hated that new feeling because she didn't want to be jealous.
"Finally, I have good news for an upcoming project for my humble company. Thneeds Inc. will be around forever (complain all you want its never ever going to stop!) and has now promised to give back! We will have a portion of profits donated to charity! So buy a Thneed and support a good cause!"
Then with speedy speed, he flicked a quarter from his glove and tossed it with a smart-aleck smile into a cup from an elderly man up front. Nobody realized it was Ubb and he shuffled off with a giggle.
"Ubb?" thought Marie when she saw him trot off. "What are you doing? With that cup and fake beard?"
She grimaced when it hit her. The lemonade she had gotten suddenly felt bitter and she tossed it in the garbage. Her old Once-ler would not had sunk that low to earn to a dime!
"Mom! See us Mom?" called Natalie.
Marie looked up at the Ferris wheel the twins were on. Natalie was actually enjoying the day and Chloe was swinging a little dog she had won from a game and named it Funnel Cake. Marie smiled and waved. The girls seemed unaffected by the speech who went on and on about how they could see for miles from the top.
With children blowing bubbles and running around with sparklers the twins were in a rush. Natalie showed her sweet side the whole day by holding Chloe's hand, letting her pick the games and if she won, gave her sister the prize. In turn Chloe won a box of crayons for her after bobbing for Truffula Fruit. Marie watched with a content feeling only a mother could explain when her children are getting along and there's no sign of a fight upcoming. The jealousy melted away.
By the time she had piled her children in the car Chloe and Natalie had eaten so many sweets they didn't want dinner and had a pile of stuff with them. The crayons, balloons, a chocolate cake from a cake walk, Funnel Cake the dog, and a big tiger that Chloe was still picking a name for made a mountain so high that the girls had to lean around it to talk to each other.
"I had fun today," said Natalie who smiled widely.
"Me too," laughed Marie. She was still amazed that Natalie didn't blow a fuse over getting a turquoise balloon instead of a green one. To Natalie there was a humongous difference.
They got home first and Marie very faintly heard the sound of a crowd yelling. Opening doors slammed and six people came in looking satisfied from the day. Brett and Chet carried a huge box full of cash from donations.
"That tactic worked out great Oncie," said Ubb who gave a friendly smack to his great-nephew's arm.
"And the buyers loved it," laughed The Once-ler. Marie didn't like the sound of it as it sounded sinister.
"Alright put the money box here and we'll-" began Isabella. It was her turn to grimace. "What are you doing? Get off that! Off! Off!"
Isabella was yelling at Chloe. The four-year-old was sitting on the closed lid of the piano and using a comb over her tiger. She looked startled and scrambled off as her sneaker covered feet hit the keys.
"Ginger and I are sorry," she said.
"Just don't scuff it," said Isabella with a turned up nose.
Chloe nodded and then attacked her father's long legs. Natalie came out with her balloon tied around her wrist. Marie was still thinking of the act he had pulled off instead. She even got more annoyed when she saw him lift them up to see the box.
"See all that Bunnies?" he said. "That's called donating!"
"Who is it helping?" asked Chloe as she titled his hat like she did as a baby.
"Less lucky," answered her greedy father. That was good enough of an answer.
Marie came from behind to hug him. Seeing as how he was in a good mood, she could try having a calm conversation about the trees with him and the charity scam.
"Hey Babe," he said over his shoulder to her.
"Hello," she said. "Mind if I asked you something? Alone?"
"Ooh!" teased the twin brothers.
"Sure thing," said The Once-ler as he slipped his girls out of his arms. "Where t-"
Marie grabbed his arm and was dragging him out from the group.
"What were you thinking?" she demanded when she pulled him out into the hall. "You just lied about giving money to a homeless man!"
"Funny," smirked The Once-ler. "You don't have a problem lying. Remember?" He gave a pleased grin.
"That's-that's different!" defended Marie. She felt taken aback and started wondering if she had a bad influence on him.
"And how is it different?" he said as he leered over her.
"It's…" Marie's words were trapped.
"No its not," chimed Isabella who had overheard from the living room. "You've lied because you're a coward. This isn't lying!" She pulled Marie into a hug. "My poor little Sugar! Don't you see what's going on here? Oncie's helping us get more! There's nothing wrong if people don't know their money ain't going to a charity! It's still for a good cause!"
Marie shoved out of her and glared. Then she glared at The Once-ler and left them alone. Isabella gave a "humph!" and then compressed her son's face.
"Oh I am so proud of you! You've made me so happy to be your mama!" She covered his cheeks with kisses like on stage. "Now let's all get going!"
"Where?" asked Marie who craned her neck out from the kitchen.
"Out to dinner for us Once-ler's," said Ubb who scratched his face from his fake beard.
"Oh," she answer. "I wish I could come." She already knew the answer when Isabella frowned at her.
"Oh you and Oncie can't do that," she said with a very fake compassionate smile. "Besides, don't you have my grandbabies to look after?" Then she lowered her voice. "You're not a real Once-ler."
Marie fumed and not even The Once-ler's kiss to her cheek to say good-bye helped soothe it. She huffed and opened the pink box of cake for her family to enjoy. Isabella didn't have to be that rude and Marie hated rude people. Rude people included Isabella and that nasty PR team she hadn't met, but who had terrible ideas.
While the PR people lied with the charities, articles spread like wildfire about The Once-ler. There were rumors of The Once-ler and his factory. Some said he had a huge vault of gold bricks and others added that he had a closet with a 360 degree mirror. The biggest one was that his desk was able to elevate up to reveal a twisted staircase and that was where he kept all the money.
If anyone knew Marie was The Once-ler's wife and had asked her where the money was she wouldn't have had an answer. She didn't know either. Last she knew was that it was in a big, black safe that was in The Lurkim. She was proved wrong when Natalie didn't come for lunch one Saturday and Marie went to find her with Chloe's help. In the office was a heap of shouting and laughing. Puzzled, both females came to see what the commotion was over. Marie came in to see a sea of dollar bills all over the place and The Once-ler was flinging them in the air. Brett and Chet were hopping around, Ubb was pawing at it and Grizelda was tucking some away in her purse. Natalie was rolling around and laughing. Chloe paused and looked with her mouth agape.
"Wow!" she shouted. Then she raced in and slid.
"Once-ler what are you doing?" yelled Marie in shock.
"Celebrating Sugar," answered Isabella who sat in his chair and flipped a fan of bills.
"I love green more than ever!" hollered Natalie as she tossed a handful up.
"Natalie Viola you stop that!" demanded Marie. She put her hands on her hips. "And Chloe-Chloe Eleri don't kiss it!"
Chloe was smooching a hundred dollar bill and rubbing it against her cheek as she copied Ubb. The Once-ler stopped his joy and jumped up to kiss Marie. She nearly lost her breath when he let her go.
"Isn't it great?" he said as he started spinning around the room. "Look at all this! We're rich! It's all mine, mine, mine, mine, mine!"
"Once-ler," she began sternly.
"Oh I didn't forget you Babe." The Once-ler ended the little festivity with her and scooped up a handful of cash. He ran his fingertips over it to count it out and then shoved it in her hands. "There you go Baby. Buy yourself something pretty."
Marie looked to see she had about five-thousand bucks in her hand. She frowned, but pocketed a single bill in her jeans pocket. She'd donate to the Save the Forest Charity. Then she folded her arms over her chest and watched The Once-ler flop down on the polished floor. His hat fell off his head, but he didn't care.
"I've known you more than half of my life and I've never seen you act so childish," said Marie and she left.
"Don't you want to take a turn in the rolling Sweet Cheeks?" called out Ubb.
Marie didn't listen and went off to eat lunch by herself. She felt humiliated with how The Once-ler was acting. It reminded her of her parents and she was certain they never actually rolled in money. In the meantime, The Once-ler was tackled by Natalie who began pounding her fists on his chest.
"Do I get any money? Do I? Do I?" she chimed.
"Yup," he said and pried her off. Chloe crawled over and peeked from the crook of his elbow. "I've decided you two are going to get an allowance." He separated a pile of tens and handed them over. "You keep helping Mom out and I'll give you all that every Saturday."
"One, two, three, four, five," counted Natalie. "I have five of these."
"Me too," added Chloe.
"Fifty for chores?" cried Isabella. "Oncie you'll spoil them. I mean, shouldn't my grandbabies be raised to be selfless like me?"
"They deserve it," he said. "It's more than I ever got." He gave an eye roll to her and then was tackled by more hugs.
"Thank you Daddy," said Chloe. "You're the best daddy in the whole world."
"Thank you Dad," added Natalie. "Now I'm richer than that goody two-shoes Rosy Drew!"
Marie wasn't thrilled to find the girls with fifty dollars stuffed in the pockets. She didn't think four-year-olds needed an allowance. Sometimes kids just had to do the work because they had to, not just to earn something. The Once-ler didn't agree; he was knee-deep in spoiling the girls with toys and designer dresses for holidays. He got an earful of it later that evening when Marie came in with a grim face.
"Have you lost your mind?" she said and tried to remain composed. "The girls don't need fifty dollars for anything! What are they going to buy?"
"In case of an emergency," said The Once-ler who had his feet on his desk and still counting out stacks.
"What emergency?" demanded Marie. "You can't be this irrational!"
"What's up with you? It's not a big deal!"
"Yes it is! Once-ler you can't give the girls thing they don't need! They need time-"
"Marie, My Beauty," said The Once-ler smoothly as he sat in a different position. "Is all this frustration from your- oh, lady time?"
Marie stood there shocked and annoyed. Did he just ask her what she thought he asked? He just asked if she was going through her cycle because she was asking him a question! Marie frowned and took a deep breath.
"No," she answered. "When you're ready for dinner we'll be waiting." Not wanting to argue she took off.
He kept counting and counting, forgetting what she asked for. Finally, Marie decided to confront him and really order him to come.
"We've already finished!" she nearly yelled as she came back to his office. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Progress is progress and progress must grow," he said with an attitude.
"That's another thing!" Marie crawled and slung her legs over his desk until she barricaded him between his chair and herself. "The river is black from the factory's remains and I've noticed how few trees are getting! They look like they're wilting!"
Then The Once-ler stood up and was ready to go toe-to-toe and nose-to-nose with her.
"I thought you were on my side," he hissed.
"I let you get in over your head," said Marie. "I felt bad that you never got recognition and wanted you to do well! I let you go too far though!"
"Sounds like Mustache has converted you to his support group!"
"No-I. Once, that's not what I mean. Just look out the window! The trees look like they're about to die."
"Who cares if a few trees are dying?" The Once-ler yelled at Marie and she was stunned.
"I care," said Marie firmly. "Once-ler you know that I love you with all my heart, but I am worried about the trees now and so is Mr. Lorax."
"Very heartwarming," chuckled The Once-ler. "Very heartwarming indeed My Sweetness. It's so nice to know you're talking with that garden club member!" He nearly spat the last three words out in rage.
"Well, maybe if you were around more often I wouldn't have to talk with him," Marie shot out.
"What?" said The Once-ler crossly. "I'm always here!"
"You are more interested in work!" retorted Marie. "It seems that's all you care about! Like that's all that matters!"
"If I didn't do these things then who else would?" he snapped. "Would you have this home if it weren't for me?"
"You-ugh!" cried out Marie and she stormed out. "Just be there for dinner for once you crazy man!"
Marie hoped neither twins had heard the fight. They had, but chose to ignore it. After hearing from some classmates who had divorced parents they didn't want to think about that life. Neither ever forgot what Simon Blogg or Rosy Drew said about their parents. Both were kids of some friends Marie chatted with on Saturdays with park dates. Things like: "First they fight and then just go away," had been said. Both adolescents were several years older than the girls, about three years their senior, so it never occurred to them how scary it sounded to a preschooler. Of course, when Chloe had the courage to ask Marie if she still loved Daddy and the answer was a yes, both let it go. Now it came back and to be shoved back again.
Aside from the divorce fears, the girls were happy. Natalie had many friends, while Chloe tagged along. When Natalie was busy with trying to draw Chloe would play outside if possible. When the Super-Axe-Hackers weren't out, she would dash around, try to jump from stump to stump and ride Melvin. The mule only allowed it if she brought him a snack. One time she used a stump as a table and The Lorax lectured to her that stumps were not to be used as tables. There were times that she played with Pipsqueak, pretending he was her baby or a fierce monster she had to fight.
One afternoon when the sky was darker than usual Pipsqueak had toddled off around the factory. He was probably looking for Chloe to play with. Instead he saw a crowd of people near the gates with signs and hollering. He found it bewildering and couldn't help but watch. Then The Once-ler descended down the steps with a cocky grin. He stopped a few feet away and folded his arms.
"So the wolves are on my doorstep again," he said very loudly. It was almost like a mocking and Pipsqueak bounded for his ankles. "I suggest you all get off my property before I file for restraining orders."
"You can't do that!" two people yelled simultaneously.
"In case you haven't noticed," laughed The Once-ler. "I can. I've got more lawyers than you will in a lifetime!" He grinned more maliciously at the attempt to thwart him.
"And the lawyers are denying," he thought to himself with such an over confidence that Natalie would envy.
"They're hacks!" replied some members of the crowd.
"You're destroying it all!" yelled out a man in a bowler hat. He carried a huge poster that had drawings of wilted trees. "This is our home!"
"Why don't you all just go away," thought The Once-ler sourly. For his exterior he smiled broadly and stood before the gate with a hand on his hip and the other in a fist. "I'm building the economy. What exactly are you doing for your home?"
"You're still bad," an elderly lady screamed. She was Arabella Diller's mother and didn't care that her daughter's boss had helped her out.
"How am I bad?" retorted The Once-ler. He suddenly gripped his fingers at Pipsqueak's mouth and rubbed it around so it showed his little teeth. "Just look at me petting this puppy!"
"You fool!" a lady shouted. "That's a Bar-ba-loot in its little suit!"
"Still cute isn't it?" sneered The Once-ler. "Now get off of my land before I do something I won't regret." Then he turned on his heel and strode back up to the factory with a confident smile.
That was pretty much what happened when environmentalists showed up to badger him. Marie knew, but she tried to ignore it. Sometimes they said words to describe him that weren't necessary. She knew though that The Once-ler was going too far. She felt partly responsible for it. She had encouraged him and now he was who he was.
While the crowd still roared, Pipsqueak had stumbled after getting petted. He wobbled his way back to his feet and ran to find Chloe who wouldn't be so rough on him. He missed his old human a lot. That human didn't seem to be the same one who nearly went over a waterfall with him. When he found Chloe she was just entering the secret door with a comic book under her arm. She smiled seeing him and lifted him up.
"Natalie wants to play House," she said. "You can be the baby and I'll be your big sister!"
It was often that Natalie sought her twin out and then ordered Chloe to come play inside with her. Pipsqueak dangled between her arms and his legs wiggled. Chloe cheerfully went up the steps with him. She hummed the Thneed jingle as she entered the flower wallpapered playroom.
"Come on," said Natalie. "I'm making lunch and you're late."
"Sorry Mommy," said Chloe who played along. "Me and the baby are here."
"What baby?" asked Natalie in confusion. Then she frowned at Pipsqueak with a little fear in her eyes.
"He won't hurt you," said Chloe reassuringly. "Pipsqueak's really, really nice."
Natalie hurried out to the kitchen to get some treats out of the glass jar. Chloe sat Pipsqueak down and put a little bonnet and old bib of hers on him. She giggled and then started digging in the dress up trunk to see if there was some cloth and safety pins for a diaper. Not finding one she pulled out a doll dress of pink calico and a greyish colored fedora.
"Here," she said and carefully buttoned it up from behind for him. "Now you look like the baby!" She put the fedora over her curls and Pipsqueak was sad to see it was The Once-ler's.
Natalie came back wearing her blue checkered apron and with a big plate of goodies and a teapot of cream soda. She cocked an eye at Pipsqueak's outfit. Then with a shrug she put the plate down and fished a tiara out for her and white gloves. Then she tied a scarf around Chloe's neck and smiled at her perfecting.
"Did you hear yelling?" asked Natalie when they were sitting at the tea table.
"What yelling?" asked Chloe.
"I heard people yelling somewhere," said Natalie casually.
"No," said Chloe. Neither girl realized that their father was hated by certain people.
"Well I heard it. It was loud."
Pipsqueak perked up to see the cookies, rolls and Gooey Chompers; a hard candy with a center that was bubblegum flavored. He grabbed one and crunched into it. The outer coating of blueberry encountered his taste buds and then a spilling of soft, pink ooze followed.
"Yummy huh?" said Chloe as she sat next to him. "You want another? There's grape, lime, cherry and orange."
"Don't touch the lime," hissed Natalie. "Those are mine!" Then like a poker player winning all the chips she pulled the lime ones to her chest.
"Can't Pipsqueak have one?" asked Chloe. "Please Natty?"
"Oh here," grumbled Natalie and she slid one to him. "Stupid teddy bear."
Pipsqueak ignored it because he was filling up his tummy. Then he tugged at Chloe's sleeve and pointed to one of the windows of stained glass.
"What?" She followed his paw. "The sky?"
Pipsqueak climbed out of the chair and then pulled at Chloe's skirt which was scattered with purple flowers. She got up and followed him. Natalie sat back for a moment and then she groused and stumped off.
"I don't want to play Follow The Leader right now!" she yelled. "We're playing House and that's that! I'll tell!"
She stopped in the living room and put her feet on the coffee table. She clicked her Mary Jane's together as she waited impatiently. Then she heard Chloe come back and run out with a plate of crackers.
Out of the exit in the hideaway the animals went ravenous over the crackers. Chloe was left with not one crumb on the plate. She came back in and sat next to Natalie. Her sister was obviously irritated her game had been interrupted. Chloe gave a small smile and shrugged. Natalie rolled her eyes, huffed and marched for the playroom. Chloe, like she usually did, copied her sister's direction. The question of why the animals were hungry left her naive mind.
Little Saplings hadn't been the same when Arabella left for her maternity leave. Marie missed hearing a less lustful tone around the shop. She was very annoyed by the fawning over the magazines of The Once-ler in them by now. She didn't feel comfortable with hearing the fantasies of her teen employees and it only made her wish The Once-ler wouldn't pose for another spread. Elizabeth, Gertrude, Lilly, Eileen and Carol were keeping her on her toes. They were all in high school with first jobs and sometimes they needed to be guided to stay on track.
A good day did come along in November when Arabella showed up, still pudgy from baby weight and pushing a carriage. She was glowing and her eyes twinkled with parental pride. By then the shop was closing down and Marie was alone when she heard the door's bells jingle
"Hi Miss Marie," Arabella said so bubbly.
"Arabella," said Marie cheerfully and climbed down a ladder that used was to reach a high shelf of merchandise. "How are you doing?" she asked as she gave the girl a hug.
"Better than I was during labor," laughed Arabella. She rubbed her stomach a little. "I thought I'd stop by and show you my new daughter."
"Oh how adorable!" cried Marie when she saw the little pink face in the swaddled Thneed. "What's her name?"
"Peggy," said Arabella proudly. "Peggy Marnie Diller. Born right at midnight on October 29th."
Marie looked in the carriage to see a new life. Peggy's eyes were closed and she made snuffling noises. She lifted an arm out of her swaddling and stretched it. Marie clasped her hands under her chin in delight.
"She's beautiful," said Marie. "She's such a beautiful baby girl."
"I'd like you to hold her," said Arabella sweetly. "If you're not too busy of course."
"Oh no," cried Marie with excitement. "Come on in. Tell me what's going on."
Gladly Marie did after she washed her hands to prevent germs on the newborn. They sat in the back room where lunch breaks were held. Dusk had fallen and the chill of fall loomed outside the windows. Marie giggled as Peggy flinched and yawned in her grasp.
"Peggy's a cute name," she said. "So is Marnie. It's as cute as Chloe or Natalie."
"I meant her middle name to be Marie," said Arabella shyly. "I mean you were really nice to me and if she had been a him I would've chosen The Once-ler's real name, but I don't know what it is. The nurse misheard me and she wrote Marnie on her birth certificate. The weird thing is that when I came back a week later to thank them, they didn't remember me."
"I think Marnie suits her," chuckled Marie. "It's very charming. Don't worry about that hospital. I greeted one of the nurses who helped deliver my twins a couple of years ago and she didn't remember us."
That part was relieving considering the girls were safe from fame. It had been one of Marie's concerns, but Dr. Helms reassured her that the hospital employees were too busy to remember past patients. Unlike her, she had a keen memory and never forgot a baby she delivered.
"Oh and Dr. Helms was so nice," continued Arabella. "I only wish that my boyfriend could've been there."
"You've never told me about him," said Marie solemnly.
"He's a jerk. He ditched me when I told him about the baby. He wasn't that good anyway. He always put me down and said I needed to look prettier for him. Is it bad though if I wanted him to be there?"
Eerily, Marie wondered if this boyfriend was a distant relative of Keith Kapowski, that cheating boyfriend she had in early high school and would tell her she was fat. Marie gently bounced Peggy as she cooed in response.
"Any boy who says that to you is not worth your time," said Marie. "As much as you'd want him there, I don't think Peggy needs a man like that for a father."
"Anyway, I finally know how my sister and brother-in-law feel," said Arabella with misty eyes. "I just-I feel so happy that I'm a mom now. I always be one. Not this soon, but I'm going to be better than them though. I'm not going to force Peggy to be a botanist like the family and have her own life." She then lowered her voice down with ridicule. "Seriously, my nephew Augustus is getting it shoved down his throat about plants and he's only two. Albert and Autumn are so controlling, just like Mom and Dad. They've never liked The Once-ler like I do."
Marie was silent as she listened. It sounded like Arabella had competition with Autumn who was without a doubt the eldest and perhaps favored. She felt sympathy for the young girl and hoped the best for baby Peggy too. Marie wished all the best to every baby in the world.
There was something else going on in her mind as she held the little darling. She found herself missing that feeling of having a baby. Natalie and Chloe were four going on five. It scared her to think how fast they had grown. She longed back for the days when they were tiny and able to fit in her arms. She wished she could make them little again for one more day. Not to mention, Marie was holding back stress from her arguments with The Once-ler. So having Peggy for a few minutes helped calm her nerves.
A day later at sunset and after having another meal without their patriarch, Marie found The Lorax with Pipsqueak in her room. They were at her vanity examining the objects. Pipsqueak was playing with a tube of lip-gloss and smearing it on his fur. The Lorax mashed her blush brush against the pink pigment.
"Funny stuff," he murmured. "Makeup." He would've put some on had he hadn't been invaded.
"What are you doing?" asked a confused Marie. She had just come in with a paint easel and a small canvas.
"I've been waitin' for you to show up," said The Lorax almost in relief as she set a painting of a clean stream down. He seemed ashamed of himself he was playing with her makeup. "How's the talk goin'?"
"Not good," said Marie who took her blush case from him. "He's mad at me now thanks to you."
"It's not my fault," retorted The Lorax. "It's his! He's the one doin' all that trashin'."
"I know," groaned Marie. "Don't remind me and Pipsqueak you're a mess." She lifted the cub up and carried him to the bathroom sink. "Let's get you cleaned up."
The Lorax watched Marie's motherly instinct take over as she washed the lip-gloss off with a warm washcloth and dried the Bar-ba-loot with a fluffy Thneed towel. Pipsqueak giggled and shook off as he was rubbed down. He cuddled up in the towel and smelled that good forest smell that lingered in it. Marie cradled him and kissed his fuzzy ears.
"There you go," she said. "You're all clean."
"So what will you do now?" asked The Lorax.
"I don't know," said Marie. "I can't do anything about the new roads or that Greenville is now Thneedville. I don't know what I can do Mr. Lorax. I don't run the company. It's all up to Once."
"Progress is progressin' too fast," said The Lorax. "But that won't stop me from speakin' for the trees!"
Marie flopped on her bed. She rubbed her eyes and tried to think of other ways to get The Once-ler back to his old self. The talking wasn't working and brining out his old guitar hadn't helped. He wrinkled his nose at it. She felt worn out and depressed. The only comfort had been giving Pipsqueak his quick bath. He made her feel better. It had made the whole day better. Maybe even more.
Pipsqueak climbed up the duvet cover and curled up to Marie's side. She smiled and stroked his head. The Lorax sat next to her and looked sadly at her. He could tell it was taking a toll on Marie. She was trying to help him speak for the trees, but her words were hurled back at her like his words to him. Marie's thoughts trailed off long and far as she lay. She was still thinking of Arabella's new baby and how she had felt holding her. She felt that longing come back. Now she imagined having another baby.
Another baby… All the late nights, screaming fits and colic. Lack of sleep, countless diapers and of course the labor. That had been hard for both of them. Yet, all the cuddling, giggling babies, watching them discover new things and their little quirks were precious. Two little blue eyes looking up in adoration, little hands gripping and kicking feet. The senses came back; smooth baby skin, the scent of baby powder in the nursery and soft blankets.
Then Marie remembered the Once-ler she knew. She could never forget how happy he was with their baby girls. Despite the pressure of selling Thneeds then, he was so blissful. He had smiled more than she could remember and loved his family so greatly. Not like now where he was too busy to join them for activities. Marie knew he still loved them, but she wished he showed it. Was that too much to ask?
"Oh but," she said aloud and half to herself. She sat up. "There could be one thing to pull him back."
"What's that?" asked The Lorax as he perked up in curiosity.
"I can't tell you," she said mischievously. She jumped up and went digging in her drawers. "I put them in here didn't I?"
"Put what?"
"Mr. Lorax with all due respect I don't need your help for this."
"What Waterfall? What are you plannin' in that golden head of yours?"
Marie grinned and snuck a dress under her arm before she sat at her vanity. The Lorax groaned and tapped a foot against the carpet. Pipsqueak bounded for the vanity and watched his reflection imitate him. Marie reapplied her makeup and brushed her hair out.
"You may want to leave," she warned The Lorax. "I know exactly what to do."
"Oooh," he grunted. "Do I want to know?"
"I don't think so," giggled Marie.
"Then I'm out. C'mon Pip."
Pipsqueak nuzzled against Marie's arm real quick before going and both creatures carefully bounded off of the balcony. Pipsqueak stumbled and tumbled before he scrambled to his back paws. He waved goodbye to Marie when she came out to watch them leave.
When in solitude Marie changed into a silky black nightie that she was given from Isabella as a second wedding present. She sat on the loveseat and waited for him to come. It seemed that she had figured how things could happen; she could fulfill her new desire to have another baby and that new child would bring Her Once back.
Marie crawled into bed and waited. She jumped hearing him come in, but recovered. She splayed her hair out and bent her arms seductively on her pillow. She gave a certain smile and all she could see was his dim figure.
"Hi Handsome," she said with such ardor. "I've missed you all day and-"
She stopped to see and hear her tired lover crawl up and then drop like a rock. He was snoring instantly! Marie sat upright. This wasn't the first time he slunk into bed and quickly slept.
"Once?" she whispered and gently shook him. "Once-ler? Honey?"
Not a reply. Instead of waking him, she covered him up with the cuddle blanket.
"Good night Knit Wit," she whispered.
Her plan was foiled for the night, but there was always a tomorrow. Marie thought that perhaps having a surprise pregnancy would make The Once-ler happy. They had discussed that two was plenty, but Marie's heart wanted another. Just to hold one more baby of hers! Boy or girl; either was good! Arabella had planted a sprout in her mind and it wouldn't uproot. Marie was willing to go through another pregnancy of morning sickness and food cravings. She was willing.
Marie tried to catch her husband's eye about another kid. He didn't notice. He didn't notice when she talked about how the girls were as babies in moments when she stopped in his office for a second. It didn't hit him in any way that she was hinting!
"He's smarter than that," thought Marie one night as she fixed her hair. "If he could figure out that stick was a pregnancy test back then without me telling him, he should pick up on this!"
She wore different nightdresses that she had been given for her second wedding. She fixed her hair more, different makeup and casually bringing up how she wanted to spend time with him. Either he was too concentrated on work to process it or he was too tuckered out. Since hours had gotten longer, The Once-ler would crash on his bed and not move. He'd be out like a light and wouldn't stir until that pestering alarm clock rang. He'd be up early and back very late. Marie would be left annoyed that she had dolled herself up for nothing.
Marie finally gave up after a whole month every night on hopes of having another baby. Her spouse had too much on his plate for a third child, let alone two. Besides, it wasn't the end of her life. Why she didn't tell The Once-ler exactly what she was thinking about was because it felt awkward. He had said himself he loved having two girls, why would he change his mind? She had tried and her plan was tossed aside.
"So what was your plan?" asked The Lorax one evening when The Once-ler had gone out for drinks.
"None of your business," snickered Marie. "It's only for me to know. You could guess if you'd like."
"Hmm," he mumbled in thought. His mustache twitched as his eyebrows rose. "Nah! I may regret what I hear right?"
"Pretty much," said Marie. She pulled a drawer out in the closet and smoothed out a baby dress. "I will say though I've changed my mind about something."
"What's that?"
"Having another…baby."
"Another one?" shouted The Lorax in surprise. "What are you bored with your life?"
"It's part of being a mom Mr. Lorax. Sometimes a woman wants another little child to hold, but I've come to realize I don't need another. I guess I was thinking too much about how one of my employees had a new baby and how it felt with my own. I was hoping to relive it."
"Females are a strange species." The Lorax scratched his head as he spoke and Marie chuckled. "You sure you're alright now?"
"I have two," she said genuinely. "That's better than nothing. I'll be alright. I plan to relax tonight."
"And think of what you'll say to him tomorrow?" asked The Lorax.
"I think I will," said Marie. "Now if you'll excuse me. I'm going to read to the twins and then take a bath."
When The Lorax had gone into a fitful sleep under a weak Truffula Tree, Natalie and Chloe were already dozing off to Marie's voice. Seeing they were out like a light, she kissed their heads of ebony and whispered goodnight. Then all alone, she fetched a book to read and searched for bubble bath.
Mr. DeSalvo had invited the Once-ler family to some drinking in a new bar. The place had pool tables, darts and dancing. However, what had started as a fun night and The Once-ler playing a round of Pool took a turn for the worst. Brett and Chet who gotten very got very drunk had stolen one of their brother's gloves right off his hand. They dashed away and started using it as a target for a dart ticked The Once-ler off enough and he stuffed the destroyed gloves in his coat with a scowl. It was just like when they would tangle up his knitting as children, but at least they hadn't pulled his left glove off.
When The Once-ler returned to his competing with Mr. DeSalvo Isabella was flirting with some gentleman with cigars and gin in hand. Ubb was watching the sports channel and Grizelda chowed down on appetizers. Mr. DeSalvo had brought one of his girlfriends along and she was hiccupping from too much drink at a table by herself.
"I love a woman who can chug down martinis," laughed Mr. DeSalvo as he took a shot at the 8 ball. "Looks like the guys think the same with your Ma! Haven't you thought of finding one?"
"I don't care for romance," lied The Once-ler. He snickered as Mr. Deslavo missed and he leaned over the table to try. "I'm married to my work."
"Oh my Oncie has always made me proud," chimed Isabella in the distance. "Always!"
"Ignore her," The Once-ler thought. For deep down in the depths of his soul his old mind battled with his new one. "She doesn't matter that much. You've got a family who loves you for you."
"A family who'd probably prefer we were poor again after how that furry meatloaf has poisoned them!" his thoughts replied.
"Roses has loved you long before you became a success-"
That thought was interrupted and it wasn't the first or last time.
"Hah!" laughed The Once-ler triumphantly as he watched three balls clack and roll into the pockets. A rattle was heard as they landed and Mr. DeSalvo grunted in disappointment.
Brett and Chet started banging on a piano in the corner and singing at the top of their lungs. Then Ubb laughed and joined them in a falsetto voice. Grizelda started taking treats and stuffed them in her purse.
"Oh gentleman," giggled Isabella. "Really? I'm couldn't be the most gorgeous woman in the town! Oh, but I'll take up on your offer!"
The men laughed with her and they raised their glasses again in jubilation. The Once-ler tapped his cue stick against the carpet and sighed aloud in tiredness. He suddenly felt bored and out of place. He didn't want to hear anything else and felt like going home.
"Where are you going?" roared out Mr. DeSalvo who was still in a party mood.
"Home," said The Once-ler. "I'm turning in."
""Turning in? What are you five? The night's still young!"
The Once-ler ignored him and collected his hat which was perched on the edge of the pool table. He watched his family with their antics and wished they weren't with him. He could only take so much of their company and he was around them more often than Marie and their Bunnies.
"Oncie?" called Isabella when she saw her youngest leave. "Where are you going?"
"Home Mom," he said. "I've had enough of tonight." The Once-ler's suaveness for the cameras had died down.
"Oh but Oncie it wouldn't be the same without you," whined Isabella.
"Good night Mom," said her son with irritation in his voice. He could do whatever he wanted and he wanted to get away from the party folk.
"Need to sew this back up anyway," he thought grimly when he pulled the glove out and examined it in his own covered hand.
The Once-ler could hear the faint laugher from the bar as he exited through the back and walked to his shiny Ferrari as the city's lights reflected off its finish. Thneedville's future redesign was still under wraps, but it was waiting to be remade, all from The Once-ler's plans.
The high beams guided The Once-ler past the stumps to the factory. Parking backwards in the garage down below the factory, The Once-ler slumped his way out and treaded up the curved steps, similar to a lighthouse's staircase and he found the house silent. He sighed and dropped his hat and pulled his gloves off to put on the dinner table.
Natalie was snoring and Chloe was twisted around in her comforter when he snuck in to kiss their heads good night. There were times he wished his work wasn't so heavy and it only reminded him that he couldn't do whatever he wanted. He had to work hard to give them the best. If that didn't show how much he loved his little ones than what else would prove it?
Even though he and Marie had been distant lately, he felt more than ever he wanted to hear her voice and relax. So after bidding goodnight to the twins who thought he had too much to do, he passed the doors to see if Marie was sleeping. No, she wasn't in her bed, but he did hear something like water gushing.
The water stopped running, the sound of matches being struck was heard and after a moment The Once-ler thought he smelled lavender. With curiosity his eyes scanned the bathroom's door and glanced in. Marie was wearing a bathrobe and lighting candles along the sink and tub's corners while foamy bubbles covered the hot bathwater.
"Hey," said The Once-ler.
Marie flinched in surprise. Her head snapped up to see him and she settled.
"Hi," she said.
They didn't speak for a moment and Marie's eyes averted down at her figure remembering she only had her bathrobe on. The Once-ler was leaning against the door frame and wondered what to say next. It was never awkward like that three years before.
"You're home early," she finally said. "How come?"
"Just felt like it," he said.
"Oh," said Marie and nodded her head.
"Alright," she heard him say to himself after a pause. "I'll be sewing if you need me." He left to search for his sewing kit.
Marie shrugged and went on with her bath. She read her book and washed up. As she did though, she found herself confused of why he came back home so soon. Why now after all those months? The hour passed and The Once-ler found that he was sewing very slowly. He felt drained and was thinking of Marie.
"This is going to be a long night," he thought to himself. "Yes sir."
Men can be thought to be predictable, but if anyone knew The Once-ler they would've thought he was unpredictable. He had a different taste than an average man when it came to a lady. Right there, a light beamed across the floor to the bed and it distracted him. He looked up to see Marie coming out of the bathroom in the black pajamas he gave her for their first Christmas. Her hair was damp and she smelled like fresh wildflowers thanks to her soap. With her makeup off and barefoot she looked more real and beautiful. That look she had was more appealing than all the lacey dresses she had worn for the past month or before.
"What made you leave early?" asked Marie.
"Nothing," said The Once-ler. "Mom got too crazy. Brett and Chet started singing with Uncle Ubb. Aunt Grizelda was stuffing food in her purse. I just wanted to get out of there."
Marie crossed her legs as she sat next to him. At a slow pace, she rested her head against his shoulder. The scent of her shampoo now lingered. That sweet and airy smell was familiar. The Once-ler found himself remembering the tree blossoms back at Blue Fountain Park in Palmer.
"Besides…I missed you."
By then he had been fidgeting with his pocket watch, but he gazed at her. His expression was far from sarcastic, greedy and prideful. He was sincere and longing. Marie felt those soft eyes mirror hers and she couldn't explain the lump forming in her throat as she questioned him.
"You missed me?"
He nodded seriously. Marie gently nuzzled her forehead against his, letting hair of dark and light caress. She couldn't find the words to fill in the moment, but perhaps it wasn't necessary. For The Once-ler traced along her jaw and the gesture spoke enough. She inhaled when she felt the calloused fingers for it had been so long since she actually felt his hands uncovered.
"I-I've been thinking of you all-" began Marie. She swallowed and hoped she wouldn't get too emotional while simply sitting with him. "There's-things I couldn't find words to s-say."
"Easy," The Once-ler whispered gently.
"I should've told you about…how I've been feeling instead of-"
Marie didn't finish because The Once-ler's hand was pressing through and in her curls and pushed her forward into a tender kiss. In that moment, Marie's near confession ended and pulled him close. So close that he lay partially on her, legs dangling and an arm resting under her waist. Both forgot the time or what had happened for the past months. Marie felt that for the first time in a long time she had her old Once-ler. He was closer to how he was before the corporation took over his mind.
"Once," she moaned when they parted. "Once-ler."
"What?" he whispered as he stared into her misty eyes.
"Nothing," she said shyly. "I just felt like saying your name. That's all."
"And I love hearing it…Marie."
With that said The Once-ler brought their lips back together. Deeper than the last one, Marie shifted under him and gripped him tighter. He gave a moan when she brushed a hand over his ear. She gave a giggle when she heard him. Her giggling broke the kiss and then down he went to her neck, making her weak.
"I love you," said The Once-ler. He was near panting. "I love you Marie."
"I love you," she said faintly as her feelings took over. Maybe she had gotten him back after all. "I always have. And I-"
Interrupted again, The Once-ler passionately kissed her. She didn't care; he was with her. Full of ardor in the cool room it slowly felt warmer, but not from mere temperature. Suddenly Marie was on air. At least that's how it felt when The Once-ler slipped an arm under the crook of her knees and lifted her bridal style. Both of them would be free for the night and until the first ray of morning.
Then it seemed like nothing had changed. He was back at work and living in his limelight and feeling that pride again. Marie went back to work thinking of how she should've told him her scheme. Still, no change came to The Once-ler it seemed when she didn't see him for the rest of the day.
That is until when Marie was preparing for bed again she was surprised to see The Once-ler come early and take her in his arms. It happened for nearly two weeks. Spending time together had to be a step towards progress romantic or calm. Had Marie really done it? Pulled her best friend for life back to a good reality?
It seemed too soon to say, but until early December pulled in things seemed a little brighter. It was then that Marie jumped to a conclusion when she got sick at work one morning. Arabella had come back by then. Marie was standing on a ladder for one of the stocking shelves while the girls dusted or mopped before opening.
"So how's Peggy doing?" asked Elizabeth as she reapplied her lip-gloss.
"She's doing amazing," piped Arabella with a gleam Marie knew too well. "Her hair's growing out a little now and she's sleeping all night for the first time! Oh and yesterday she-"
Arabella halted because Marie suddenly gagged. She put a hand to her mouth and clambered down the ladder. She raced for the nearest wastebasket and vomited. Elizabeth made a face. Marie clutched her stomach and breathed heavily.
"Um," said Arabella who felt queasy around sick people. "You okay Miss Finnegan?"
Marie has always agreed she and the girls would go by Finnegan and Palmer barely recollected who she was from its past since she had been cast aside by her parents.
"Not really," coughed Marie. She stood up and covered her mouth. "Keep working and I'll be back in a second."
When alone Marie found her stomach churning and bubbling. Cold and flu season was starting, but what if it was something else? When lunch break rolled in, she knew she had to go get something. She went to the drugstore to get a special box with a stick. Alone in the bathroom, she waited anxiously for the test to give its results. Marie sat on the ice cold floor and tapped her toes. She creaked the door open and saw the time on the small wall clock in the hall. She had waited long enough.
"Please be positive," thought Marie as she lifted the test to read the results.
There wasn't any hesitation or fear like the first time. This wasn't unknown. She already knew the expectation and joy of having a child. She was looking forward to it. Two pinks lines could await her and make everything alright.
Her eyes found the two lines and then the test dropped from her fingertips. Her eyes watered, but it wasn't from joy like the first time. The tears were from despair.
Author's Note: Cliffhanger and I listened to the original Thneedville demo for this! I think Marie is being too patient with her husband right now and she should've told him about her baby thoughts even if he was too busy. She's got to step up more! Who agrees? I'm feeling stressed out with this story because I don't know if I'm doing a good Greed-ler! Not to mention, though she's not a huge character I don't want any new characters I bring in to sound like Mary-Sue's! Also I've got two other stories I haven't updated in forever and I feel awful about it!