The Rent Welcome Wagon- Page 417

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:22pm

*crickets*

[camerangel]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:24pm

**chirp chirp**

**chirp chirp**

[BEKA531]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:25pm

yes, this thread has been slow tonight. where IS everyone????

fredi, you should also make a link for the philosophies you've written here... they were good

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:25pm

PM it

[camerangel]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:27pm

the TAO of Fredi! hehe

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:27pm

thanks beka...

or maybe i'll keep them for a future book - i have a few book ideas.

but really want to get these two new scripts out of me - actually keeping notes in LONGHAND!!! *whines in misery*

it's bad enough having to keep up with pieces of paper (notebooks, w/e) but I can't even READ my handwriting anymore..

been typing too long!

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:28pm

The TAO of Fredi...

now i really like that.....

[BEKA531]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:28pm

maybe you should enlist the help of a TYPEWRITER *gasp* if you still have one lying around...

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:31pm

OMG beka - i can't remember the last time i even saw a typwriter and i've used plenty of them back in the day...

still means keeping up with paper....

that's the best thing about computers - NO PAPER

everything on little discs that fit ever-so-neatly into little books and i can be as anal and organized as my little joannesque heart desires....

*ahhhhh* tidy electronics...

[camerangel]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:31pm

I dont normally write in the first person and I might change it to third person. we shall see.. Feedback is appreciated..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The night air was frigid but neither of us seemed to notice. The snow was still falling lightly, and created a beautiful scene around us. Roger gently wrapped me in my coat and then slipped his on himself. The Life Café and all our friends were shrinking in the distance behind us as we walked the empty New York streets. My head was still reeling from the past few hours and I was still trying to grasp what it all means. It was after 1 am and Christmas was officially upon us. I couldn’t help but think to myself what a perfect way to spend Christmas. There was something about Roger, I could feel it in my soul. I knew it the moment he opened the door earlier tonight, it’s why I had been so persistent, why I had purposely blown out my candle and dropped my stash. I have tried so desperately to avoid emotional attachments but it seems that Roger isn’t going to make this easy on me. My heart hasn’t leapt and danced with such vigor for as long as I can remember. I try to remind myself not to get my hopes up, but his touch, the weight of his arm around my shoulders makes it near impossible.

Roger startles me from my thoughts, but I try not to let it show.

“You’re awfully quiet, what are you thinking about” His eyes searching mine. We’ve stopped walking.

“Nothing just thinking about how crazy and unexpected this whole night has been. You’re not exactly Mr. Conversation yourself you know. “ I smile “What are you…”

Suddenly he leans over and kisses me, gently, tenderly. My breathe catches in my throat and I have to fight to keep my balance. A rush of panic washes over me, hoping he hasn’t noticed. His lips are soft, warm, and I melt into his arms despite my struggle to maintain my control.

Faintly in the distance I hear what sounds like Rogers friend Mark running and yelling something. We both look and to our disappointment it is Mark. We look at each other unable to believe the interruption only to realize the snow is falling rapidly and we are both shivering.

“What the hell do you want?” Roger yells at Mark.

Out of breathe Mark reaches us “You guys are going to catch your death out here in this cold. Benny has..”

“Just what we need, MOM to chaperone us!” Roger snaps cutting Mark off mid sentence.

Looking more than a little hurt Mark continues “Forgive me for caring! This is serious guys, Benny has locked us out, we have no place to go. ”

“What the hell? You are ****ting me!! That bastard” Shouts Roger

Mark shakes his head.. “I wish I was. He’s really done it. What are we going to do?” he asks looking forlorn and defeated.

I squeeze Rogers hand, hoping he’ll calm down. He looks at me, his eyes blazing, hurt, angry, uncertain. Tears are stinging my eyes, and he pulls me into him. Wrapping me in his powerful arms holding me tightly. For a moment I feel safe, safer than I have in a long time.

“It’s going to be alright, he does this ****.” he says trying unsuccessfully to reassure me. “please don’t cry” he whispers into my hair.

“I’m sorry I can’t help it.” I croak searching his eyes for some hope, now painfully aware of the freezing night air.

Roger gently wipes away the tears now streaming down my cheeks and pulls me back into his arms. “We’ll figure out something. Where’s everyone else? They still at the café?”

“I’m not sure. When Joanne told us the news I came to find you.” Mark says softly

“Maaaark!!” it’s Maureen’s voice, and Mark stiffens

“Well that answers that question.” Roger laughs and rolls his eyes.

Watching the two of them is nothing short of amusing. I can’t help but to smile. They fight like kids but it’s easy to see how much they mean to each other. “Are you two always like this?” I ask innocently.

“Like what?!” They respond in unison, looking a little confused.

“Never mind” I grin.

By now Collins, Angel, Maureen and Joanne are walking quickly towards us. Maureen is pouting and Joanne looks furious.

“I’m guessing Mark told you what Benny…”Joanne starts and is abruptly cut off by Maureen

“Of course Mark has told them. Mark is Rogers little caretaker!” Maureen chides.

They begin to bicker and all I catch is little bits and pieces. Confused I look to Roger who is rolling his eyes again. “Don’t even bother trying, this is typical Maureen” he whispers

“Must you guys do this now?” cries Mark, and both stop and look like scolded children. “Maureen cant you for once be an adult?” He looks at Roger “What are we going to do, we’re broke”

At this Joanne, offers what little help she can. “I can check with my friends at legal aide and see what they have to say. Unfortunately they are all gone for a few days. In the meantime you need a place to stay. My apartments not big but you are welcome to stay with me for a few days. I have an extra room and a couch, I‘m sure we can make something work”

Maureen starts to say something only to be cut off by Joanne. “This doesn’t change anything with us. Next week!”

“But Pookie?” whines Maureen only to be stopped by the serious look on Joanne’s face.

We walk the 3 blocks to Joanne’s in virtual silence. My hand gripped firmly in Rogers, we glance at everyone and then at each other. Despite the bad news our spirits are high and we smile sheepishly at one another. So much has changed in the last few hours its hard to wrap my mind around it all.

Roger startles me with another kiss, my breathe catches in my throat again. “You were doing it again. What are you thinking about.” His eyes narrowing on mine.

I can feel my face red with heat, and I wonder if he can see the pink in my cheeks.

Updated On: 12/30/04 at 11:31 PM

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:31pm

Artie Shaw died

[BEKA531]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:37pm

"everything on little discs that fit ever-so-neatly into little books and i can be as anal and organized as my little joannesque heart desires....

*ahhhhh* tidy electronics..."


ME TOO. i am the biggest, analist (is that a word?) perfectionist in the WORLD. i was talking to NTG a couple of days ago, and i told her i had a list for all the movies i want to see, and all the movies i want to rent, and a couple of others. i really have A LOT of joanne in me...

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:40pm

i know bso - the go in 3's


cam - WHAT FUN!

I can't tell you how many times we sat around and "filled in the blanks" for ourselves..

who knew it turned into a cottage industry

a couple of insights...

mimi knew roger before she knocked on the door - they live in the same building and even though he doesn't go out - she'd caught a glimpse or two of him before..

also - she did blow out the candle on purpose - but she'd NEVER drop her stash for ANYONE OR ANYTHING!

also - you can get more into her character dialogue-wise - you've got everyone else pretty well - but mimi is a hardcore, latina junkie.. her verbiage would be more street and more honest... ya know?

hope that helps...

what a hoot..

do you guys ever write regular fiction? i know bso does - how's that musical coming anyway?

[camerangel]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:40pm

**had killed thread**

**headdesk**

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:42pm

lemme read that

ya, fredi - why 3's?

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:43pm

wish i knew bso....

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:45pm

that was great


well, i stopped writing the "main" one....

there is another one i have been focusing on which started as a joke in camp while working on a show - but now I have changed it into a full on show - just having trouble thinking of a good way to start it...

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:47pm

just start anywhere bso..

sometimes i start a story in the middle or anywhere i'm inspired - the beginning will then come - or sometimes that turns out to BE the beginning and we go to flashback...

again, i recommend research as a great way to jump-start the brain...

[camerangel]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:51pm

Thanks Fredi.. like I said feedback is appreciated.. I will work on my latina street attitude.. **is just really white** hehe

and now for your reading enjoyment. something of NTG's.. I told her we were sharing fanfic and she shoudl join in the fun, but since she can't be on bww right now I'm posting for her.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 1: Tidal Wave



~~~**~~~



It’s dark outside when I hear the door slam, signaling Roger’s return. I sit up and glance at the clock, wondering how long I’ve been asleep and wishing that I could work normal hours and be awake during the day along with the rest of humankind.



Past eight. Roger was supposed to be home by five. It was supposed to be a routine doctor’s appointment. My heart is hammering in my chest as I quickly throw on an old fuzzy sweatshirt and go out to investigate what’s wrong. I’m tempted just to go back to bed and pretend I don’t know there’s anything wrong. But I can’t do that. I’m tough. I’m not afraid of dying. At least, that’s what Roger thinks. I’m not about to let him know it’s a lie. At least, not right now.



“Rog-“



The sight of him stops me in my tracks. He’s standing slumped against the kitchen counter, staring out the window. There’s a glass of water in his hand and three new pill bottles on the counter.



“Roger?” I whisper, walking up behind him.



He doesn’t respond, but I can see his shoulders shaking slightly.



“Roger.”



“Go away.” He says it so softly I almost wonder if I’ve really heard of just imagined it.



“Roger, babe, what is it? What did the doctor say?”



“I said leave me alone,” he says, louder this time. He still won’t face me.



“Tell me what’s wrong.” I insist, laying a hand on his shoulder.



“NO!” Roger explodes, rounding on and grabbing my arm so hard it hurts. I stumble backwards and pull away from him, surveying the damage.



“Roger, what the hell is wrong with you?” I choke, silently cursing the tears that are stinging my eyes.



“Just go!” He’s screaming now. It’s all I can do not to turn and run away. “Go! Leave. Now. Get out of my sight and never come back.”



“Roger!” I protest, “What did I do to deserve this?”



“Nothing!” he yells, tears streaming down his face. “Nothing.”



“Babe, what’s wrong?”



I walk over to him again and wrap my arms around his neck. He nearly collapses into my arms, sobbing into my shoulder. My mind is reeling with questions, but I think I already know the answer. I almost don’t want him to tell me, because then it will be real.



Silently, I wrap an arm around his waist and help him over to the couch. He lies sprawled across my lap, still crying softly. I rest my cheek on the top of his head and run my fingers through the damp hair at the nape of his neck.



“I love you, Roger.”



“Don’t,” he groans, as though it hurts him just to hear me say it. “Just don’t.”



“What did the doctor say, Roger? Please tell me.”



Roger sighs, his breath on my leg making me shiver.



“It’s over, Mimi,” he says in a soft, broken voice. “Kaposi’s sarcoma. The death sentence.”



I feel my throat close up and I force myself to swallow hard. It hurts. My head is spinning and my entire body hurts.



“How long?” I hear myself ask.



“The doctor said. . .maybe. . .maybe three months. If the treatment is successful.”



I force myself not to flinch, to simply nod.



It’s a fact, take it as a fact. Then that’s all it has to be. It doesn’t have to be real, not yet.



I can’t handle it if it’s real.



“What are your options?”



“Chemo. And some form of new experimental gene therapy.”



“So then-then there’s a chance you could get better?”



Roger sits up and shakes his head.



“I’ve already decided I’m not going.”



The words hit me like a bullet to the heart.



“You mean—refuse treatment?”



He just nods again.



“Roger, you can’t do that! Are you insane? Just because you’re sick doesn’t mean you have to give it all up! There’s still hope as long as you’re fighting, but if you stop? Then it’s only a matter of time.”



“Mimi, listen to yourself,” Roger says gently, “You’re hanging onto a thread of a dream. Miracles like that don’t happen. They just don’t. So it’s easier if you don’t expect them to. I’d rather die peacefully then go down fighting. You know the treatment’ll just make me feel like ****. What’s the use prolonging the inevitable if I don’t even get to enjoy my time left?”



He pulls me into his lap, gently kissing my forehead. I lean up and capture his lips with mine, tasting the salt of his tears in the kiss.



“Does Mark know?” I ask after a moment.



Roger nods.



“He was with me,” he laughs bitterly, “He was with me when I was first diagnosed, too. Remind me not to take Mark to the hospital with me anymore. It might kill me.”



I close my eyes, picturing Mark through all of it. He would be the way he always was. Quiet and collected and utterly detached. What I wouldn’t give right now to be like Mark.



“Where is he?”



“What?” Roger asks, as though I’ve brought him back from some far away place.



“Where’s Mark?”



“Out filming. Said he had a project he wanted to finish. Strange how he only finds inspiration when he’s upset.”



I nod, and lay my head on Roger’s shoulder. I’d never thought of that before. Mark and Roger both have an escape. I have yet to find my so-called inner talent. I can’t sing or play or capture truth through images. The only thing I’ve ever been known for is being the best lay in town.



I slide off Roger’s lap and stand up.



“It’s late.” I say, stating the obvious.



Roger nods and stands up too, stretching cautiously, as though afraid his body will betray him. I swallow again and turn away.



“I’m gonna go lie down.”



“Okay,” Roger says from behind me, “Let me take a shower and then I’ll join you.”



I wait until I hear the water start, then get out the photo album Mark gave us last Christmas. Everyone looks so happy in all the pictures. They’re like a snap shot of time. A time that’s gone now. My eyes sting with tears. I swipe at them roughly, then put the photo album back on the dresser and lie down on my back in the bed.



I dig my fingernails into the palms of my hands until I can feel blood. I squeeze my eyes shut against the pain.



Dontcrydontcrydontcry. . .



I feel weak, like my body is tearing itself up from inside. Nothing will ever be the same again. I take a deep breath, desperate to stay in control. I’m floating on a tidal wave of emotions. If I give in, I’ll be torn to bits and drown.



~~~**~~~

for additional chapters its at
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1662778/1/

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:52pm

i had it start as a flashback, then i changed it to starting in the present....wait, that didn't make sense....


but yeah, i have written some songs and part of the book in the middle of the show
i did write out a timeline for the first act

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 12/30/04 at 11:58pm

wow... not bad at all ntg...

very nice character study!

same critique though - mimi's way of speaking...

get into her character to find her "true voice"

her THINKING is right on track - not get it to come out of her mouth more like it really would...

this is not to say that she can't be "poetic" in the way she expresses herself - if you follow me...

Updated On: 12/30/04 at 11:58 PM

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 12/31/04 at 12:01am

yeah bso - i love timelines and outlines...

have the finished outline for the western...

in the research stage now - *whines internally over lack of computer*

it's going slow 'cause i'm electronically challenged...

my mind moves so much faster than my hands - except when i type...

not too mention cut&paste is a beautiful thing - makes research so much easier.

[BEKA531]

Posted: 12/31/04 at 12:03am

TO - FREDI
from NTG...

ask her for more detail about the dialogue....tell her ive tried it and i cant figure out how to make it sound real. and thank her for reading

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 12/31/04 at 12:04am

I agree Fredi...

mine is a parody of Bway - but mainly 42nd street and other shows with flashy dancing etc...

well, it's easier to explain if you knew the idea of it so n/m

but yeah, i need to find some1 that knows music to make this easier

[Racetrack]

Posted: 12/31/04 at 12:07am

Heya gang.