MARCUS (ongoing)

Chapter 9

The next morning Clare got ready and left for school while a few of hours later Chris left for school too. He left a note for Marcus.

Hey mahn. We stepped out for class, I'll be back later on today so you can help yourself to anything in the fridge. You can watch the TV to keep yourself company. When I return I'll teach you how to play some video games.

Marcus smiled and teared a little.

Marcus: I wish Amelia could get to be as happy as I am right now.

When Chris returned as promised he taught Marcus how to play some video games, they had so much fun together. That weekend, they played video games against each other all three of them and went out to a park as well. Chris left to get some ice cream.

Clare: don't take this the wrong way I know it may sound a little odd but when last did you have ice cream? In fact have you ever had ice cream?
Marcus: [laughs] wow okay okay........
Clare: no as in you get where I'm going here?
Marcus: anyway, yes I have. My mom loved the vanilla flavour.
Clare: really?
Marcus: and I see it's what you like too or you just go with what you feel like having that day?
Clare: honestly it's my favourite too, but Chris always talks about trying something new so every birthday he gets to pick what ice cream we both get to eat.
Marcus: oh I see.
Clare: speaking of which when is your birthday? Wait look I know that you probably don't like it at this point but umm......
Marcus: I don't know but for some reason you both have made me realize that through tragedy all you can do is smile, find the strength, pick up the pieces and move on. Well Amelia taught me that too.
Clare: that is true. Even though it may seem hard and painful, just look for your strength to forge ahead.
Marcus: how about in a case when you have none left. That's where friends and family come in they help you carry your burden. You had Amelia she helped you through those hard times.
Marcus: and now I have you two.

Clare: you know Marcus I'd really like it if you stayed with us until a time you feel you would want to leave or I don't know but yeah.
Marcus: I'd love that too. Chris already beat you to that conversation [laughs].
Clare: [sighs] there you go again ganging up on me.
Marcus: ahhh [short laughs].

Its silent for about a minute.

Clare: hey you didn't answer my question.
Marcus: right, on the twenty-fourth of February. How about yours?
Clare: tenth December........
Marcus: wait what? That was my dad's birthday.
Clare: wait really? Wow okay.
Marcus: and how about his birthday?
Clare: first July.
Marcus: oh.
Clare: where's this dude with the ice........ ah here he comes.

Chris: here you go.
Clare: what took you so long?
Chris: oh sorry met a few friends on the way.
Clare: ah. Marcus he's the type of person that greets the whole town where ever you're going.
Chris: hey you can't blame me I'm a social butterfly unlike some people [eats a spoon of the ice cream].
Marcus: [laughs]
Clare: oh just you wait.
Chris: like how many times have you said that?
Marcus: [laughs]
Chris: no like seriously [smiles].
Marcus: you're right mahn so right.
Chris: it's so good to have someone to do this with, I'm glad you joined my side mate.

Marcus: you've been silent for a while.
Chris: [whispers to him] it's the silent treatment that women like to do.
Clare: hmmmmm
Chris: okay babe I'm sorry.
Clare: ................
Chris: Clare, say something. You want my ice cream?
Clare: yeah I can take that [she grabs it from him and eats] but that doesn't mean I have forgiven you.
Marcus: we're sorry.
Clare: aww, okay fine.
Both guys: [pound fists against each other].

Clare: you want some ice cream babe?
Chris: oh hell yeah.