The Way We Were

The Way We Hit the Ground Running

Jude looked over the planner. "You're way busy, brah."

"I know. I have my classes penciled in, my lessons, sports, glee and clubs." Marcy finished putting away the last of her family's things from camp. "Now I have to put in all the photo-shoots and commercials I have for the next month. I'm booked on a lot. My weekends are jam packed."

"When's your first one?" He flipped through the pages leisurely as he read.

"Today. That's why I have to hurry."

"Can I come with you? I've never seen you model."

"Sure." She put away the bags. "Are you ready now?"

He lifted a shoulder. "Yes."

"Come on." She set her planner on her desk and walked out, Jude on her heels. She grabbed her purse and a jacket in the foyer then yelled out, "Mal?!"

Mal sauntered in. "Hey. Where are you going? I put the movie in."

"What movie?" She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. I have a photo-shoot. You have to watch the kids. I'll be back late."

Mal's face dropped. "But we were supposed to watch a movie together! You promised!"

"I don't remember that."

"When we were on the plane home!"

"I don't remember that. Are you sure I wasn't asleep?"

Mal's right eye twitched.

"Oh here we go. Twitchy's back."

"I'm not Twitchy!"

"Look, Mal, I don't have time for this. I'm already late. I'll see you later." Marcy ushered Jude out and went to her car, Travis.

They got in and she drove to the building where the photo shoot was happening. She parked and they got out and went inside.

"You're late, darling!" Paul called out.

"The talent is never late. Everyone else is simply early." Marcy quoted her grandmothers.

Paul laughed. "Get her in hair and makeup! Hurry, people!"

W.W.W.

"That was fun." Jude said.

"I'm glad you had fun." Marcy rolled her shoulders.

"So you're going to show up in ads all over the States?"

She got in Travis. "Yeah. It's a national campaign. I'm just glad my parents let me do it. You know they don't let us eat candy but this blow pop spread is amazing."

Jude put his seatbelt on. "Those pictures were really good."

"Thanks. The one with the green lollipop was my favorite. I was adorable."

Jude laughed. "You are adorable. Are you going to watch that movie with Mal when we get to the house?"

"We can watch a movie another time. I have to go to bed early. My sisters and I have a commercial to do tomorrow. I can't even eat dinner."

Jude frowned. "I think you should eat. Being a starving model isn't funny."

"I just need all my sleep. Especially since Mally has been having trouble sleeping this past week. I usually sit up with him and it has taken a toll on my face. I look like someone socked me in both my eyes."

Jude laughed. "You do not!"

"I swear I do!" Marcy pulled into the driveway and turned off the car. "And I'm ready to go to bed. I'll just have a big ‪breakfast tomorrow‬. That okay, Warden?"

"Really cute, Marceline Anne."

She got out. "You need to have a sense of humor."

"Me?!" He gaped as he followed her into the house. "You never think anything's funny!"

She grinned. "Like recognizes like."

"Hmm." He eyed her. "Well I'm going to go see what's for dinner."

"See you." She went upstairs and put away her things then got ready for bed.

Mal was waiting for her when she came out of her en suite bathroom. "Can we talk?"

"I can't. I need to get to sleep."

"It's ‪seven o'clock‬."

"We have a commercial in the morning." She pulled back the covers and climbed inside.

"At least for a little bit? I haven't seen you all day."

"Alright, fine." She arranged the covers around herself and snuggled in.

He laid beside her and gathered her in his arms. "Will you be too busy to drop the kids off at day care the first day of school?"

She was completely offended. "No! I'm going to be there!"

"I was just checking. I looked over your calendar."

"Yeah, I'm going to need every bit of sleep I can take."

"Just don't overdo it though. We don't need you falling out."

She snorted and laid her cheek against his chest.

"I watched the movie without you. The kids fell asleep. I don't think they liked it much. Honestly I didn't either. I didn't get it. Was she a guardian angel or not? Was she just a suicidal model? The movie didn't answer any of my questions.

I was so confused. And then at the end, did the guy die or not?! I mean they could have cleared that up but nope! Just had it all open ended. Like you would say, it was bunk. I'm never watching that movie again and I won't put you through it.

Just take my word for it. But I do want to watch a movie with you though. So you just pick a day where you're not ridiculously busy and I'll make the popcorn. Actually you make the popcorn. Your popcorn game is better than mine (or anyone else's).

I'll bring the mint M&M's. Would you like that? You can even pick the movie. I won't say anything. Even if it's a zombie movie. Okay, Marce? Marce?" He looked down and saw her eyes were closed. He heard a soft snore.

Figures she'd fall asleep. He kissed her cheek and laid there with her.