Mark's New Journey
Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with RENT. The names of characters and songs belong to their respective owners.
What if after the bohemians had watched Marks' movie, he announced to the group he was going to LA. What will the bohemians do when he leaves, will he go alone, what will two ladies do when he leaves?
Chapter 2: LA living and Mark's Surprise
Mark arrived in LA late the following afternoon and was met at the airport by his supervisor. She escorted him through the airport to a waiting car, which she informed him would take him to where he was going to live. Whilst they were hurtling down the freeway, his supervisor, who had learned was called Sam, informed him that he would be starting at eight in the morning in downtown LA, and he would be in charge of a crew of ten people. Mark was a bit worried about this as he had only filmed things himself in the past, so looking after ten people would be a challenge for him. His boss told him not worry after he told her his fears, stating that it was simple because he would still decide where to film from, but it would be someone else instead of him.
The rest of the journey went quietly for Mark, as he contemplated his new job and how much better his life was now. Sure he would greatly miss his friends as he had a bond with them, which he could never hope to replace and he had fallen in love with two girls who he knew would never love him back, so yes he thought life for him is better. He arrived at his home before dusk and was given a small farewell by his boss, before he moved towards his front door and gently opened it. He stepped inside and was blown away. The entrance hallway was bigger than his room and the kitchen back in New York and he was further blown away after exploring the house in more detail. He was now more than certain that he was going to enjoy his new life here in California.
He spent the rest of his downtime adjusting to the heat of LA and general un packing and sorting his stuff into good places. He also rang his friends back in New York and was surprised when no one answered. He told himself that they were probably out and would call him back, but was a bit worried and upset when they never did. However he didn't have time to think about it as he had work to do and earning money was important for him to continue his career in LA.
He arrived downtown at the designated time and was immediately made to feel welcome by his crew. He was amazed at the knowledge they all had and he felt that with his own knowledge combined they would really go places. He was right with that assumption because within six months of him living there and directing his team, Mark had led the crew to being CBS' lead crew and he was being sent all over the country reporting on events that where happening everywhere. Mark was in his element because he was able to do something he wanted to do and was able to help younger people than him break into the game of press reporting himself and be able to see them do it.
A year after his move out to LA Mark was on his way to the station manager's office. This puzzled him a great deal because he was wondering what he had done to warrant being called into there. He arrived at the dreaded door and knocked twice making sure that he at least looked presentable. When he heard the boss call him in, he opened the door slowly and walked through it, making sure that he closed it carefully behind him. He then walked over to the lone empty chair in the room and sat down on it. As his boss gathered all the notes required for the meeting, Mark looked around the room and was amazed by all the awards that lined the walls of this human sized trophy cabinet. He wondered what it would be like to sit in an office like this but his musing was cut short by the boss calling his name.
"Mark, pleasure to finally meet the man who has given our company the great reputation it is currently experiencing. Please make yourself company and have some of the refreshments on offer whilst I go over everything and then we shall discuss what I have called you in here for, is that O.K?" The boss finished
"Yes, sir it's fine." Mark replied as he helped himself to a glass of soda. He gently sipped the soda wondering what the boss wanted and soon enough he found out.
"Well Mark, the reason I called you here is simple. Due to your excellent skill at managing your crew and getting the network the stories it needs to become as great as it has, I with the support of the board of directors have decided to reward you. That is why I have called you in here today. I have decided to offer you the position of LA branch manager. This position basically means that you will be in charge of hiring and firing new staff, arranging all placements of crew and working with the T.V crew on who will anchor the shows and news reports. Is that O.K Mark, there will also be a huge pay rise. Sound like something good Mark?" The boss finished.
Mark was shocked, in a year he had come from living in poverty stricken New York to being offered a job as one of the big bosses in T.V. Due to none of the guys in New York contacting him, he felt that he owed them nothing anymore, they had discarded him and moved on so he should do the same, and to start this he would accept the offer from the boss. "Yes Sir. I would be delighted to accept the job you have given me. I assume I start next month."
"Yes Mark you do and congratulations and good luck." The boss finished with a handshake which when released gave Mark the signal to leave the office and return to his own office where he began to pack up ahead of his move to the head office in downtown LA. He informed his crew that he had been promoted and they all wished him well and thanked him for making them the great press they were. However they did make him come downtown for a few drinks with them, Mark agreed and went with his group for one final drink. He ended up going for a full blown meal and only got back to his home around ten thirty in the evening, however when he arrived there he was surprised to see a white Toyota parked next to his Jeep. This puzzled Mark because it left him scratching his head. Who did the car belong to and why was it parked in his driveway, he soon got his answer when he knocked on the door and was grabbed by a huge arm and then four smaller ones. It took him a few minutes to realise who the arms belonged to, but when he did boy was he surprised.
"Collins, Mimi, Joanne. What on earth are you doing here?"