After the End

Chapter 3

March 22nd, 1994. 525pm Eastern Standard Time.
The meeting was the same as it always had been, just the people kept changing. The group seemed happy as the filmmaker walked in with a girl by his side. They secretly hoped Mark would get a girl so he could have a friend again. She gripped his hand tight when everyone told their stories and how they were doing. He got goosebumps at her touch. But why? They had only just met a few hours ago...
Together, the group cried and then they laughed. There was much sorrow, but equal amounts of rejoicing. But it seemed that no matter what, no one was giving up. No day but today, they always said.
Afterwards, Mark invited Beth over to watch some of his documentary. He hoped his new friend wouldn't leave him. He liked the feeling of company again. He walked her back to his apartment. When he got there, he put his hand into his pocket to grab his keys, but they weren't there.
"SHIT! I forgot my keys! I'm going to have to go up through the fire escape." What a way to ruin the night, scaling the fire escape to get to his loft. What's gotten into him? He never forgets his keys, ever. He was pretty annoyed at himself. He started to climb, and once he reached the second floor, he looked back behind him. Beth was close behind him, climbing up the fire escape. He was going to tell her she didn't have to, she could wait down there for him, but he remembered they were in New York and who knows what could happen in those five minutes. He just smiled down at her and continued on his way.
After what seemed like forever, he finally reached the loft. Opening the window, he climbed in. Taking her hand to help her in, he laughed, "Well what a way to make an entrance... Sorry it's not more spectacular, but this is all I've got.."
"Make yourself at home." He invited. He led her to the couch and began to set up the projector. "It's not quite finished yet but I think you'll like it.." He shrugged. He sat down next to her as the film started to play.
The first thing on screen was a video of him and Roger play fighting. He could hear Mimi laughing in the background. This was from a few years ago but he remembered it like it was yesterday. Next was Collins holding Roger after Mimi passed. Roger was a mess. His hair was a mess, he looked like he hadn't slept in weeks and his face was puffy. Even though they never got back together, Mimi and Roger shared a really close bond.
Seeing his old friends again, Mark began to cry for the second time today. Beth put her arm around him to comfort him. "Hey. It's going to be okay. I promise..."
Mark leaned into her and sighed only half believably, "Yeah..I know.."
Soon, the film was over and the two sat in a hushed silence. No one wanted to make a sound or move. By now, Beth was cuddled against Mark who held her with one hand and ran his fingers through her hair with the other. It felt nice to have someone with him again.
The loft had a warmth to it that it hadn't had in years. Mark began taking off his jacket, without taking his eyes off her. He didn't mean to seem sexy, he was just too caught up in looking at her. The moonlight reflected off her black hair and green eyes. It was like nothing he had ever seen. She wrapped her arms around him and leaned up to kiss him.
Somehow, Mark being oblivious to everything, they ended up in his bedroom with his shirt off. They made out some more before Mark, afraid this might be just a one night stand, said he was getting tired. He slept right next to Beth, and cuddled up close.
It seemed everything was going perfectly.