The Tragedy of Mark's Van

Onesies

"Okay, guys, let's split into teams of two and take shifts," Mark ordered once everyone had settled in.

"How long are the shifts?" Melissa asked.

"Only four hours each. I'll start with Flora," Mark replied.

"I'll take the second shift," Leah said.

"Me too!" Erin said quickly. She cast a snarky look at Melissa. "Now you can spend all that time alone you might actually kiss him."

Melissa groaned and Res said, "Don't worry, princess. I don't bite."

"Or, maybe that's exactly what you'll do," Leah said slyly.

Melissa slapped her "Shut up!"

"Take a chill pill, you guys," Mark said. He cleared his throat before continuing. "Anyway, let's get started."

"Can we go get food?" Erin asked the moment he had turned to face the window.

Mark sighed, exasperated. "Do what you want, but be back in an hour. And don't blow our cover."

She saluted behind his back. "Sir, yes sir!"

Melissa whispered, "Watch her blow our cover again." Res nodded solemnly in agreement.

Flora joined Mark by the window, sitting down and leaning on him sideways. Her strawberry blonde hair rested on his shoulder as she snuggled up against him.

Leah and Erin snuck away, closing the door quietly behind them. Melissa could hear their muffled laughter form down the hall. So much for not blowing their cover.

Melissa and Res played on their phones, challenging each other to shared games of monopoly. Some time later, Leah sent a text to Melissa that her and Erin were coming back with food. Right then, Res looked up and made eye contact. He must've gotten a text as well.

"So, Melissa," Res started loudly. "You should tell us some embarrassing stories about Flora's early days. After all, you were her trainer."

Flora instantly stiffened when Melissa said, "Why, Of course. Would you like to know about the time she got her tongue stuck in a bottle? Or the time where she met Mark for the very first time and fell flat on her face?"

Mark snickered loudly and was promptly slapped by Flora.

Melissa continued, "How about the time she filmed herself dancing in a mouse onesie?"

"Oh yeah, as I recall you were right there. Dancing along with me in a chicken onesie!" Flora shot back.

Melissa sputtered and reddened. Mark and Res snickered loudly as Flora lifted her chin proudly.

Melissa noticed Erin and Leah sitting down behind her. They quickly stuffed their food behind their bags and pretended they had been there all along.

Mark stopped laughing and sniffed the air. "What is that? Why do I smell food? Where are Erin and Leah?"

"We're right here, silly. If you actually turned around and looked, you would know that we were right here. The whole time," Leah answered as she took her fries and stuffed them behind her back where she could reach them easily.

"Then explain why on earth I smell fries- Flora, where are you going?" Mark asked as Flora went over to Erin and stuffed her mouth full of fries.

"Erin! Leah! Where did the food come from? Don't say it was already here in the first place. Those are warm and fresh. I can smell it from here," Mark scolded.

Leah dangled a fry towards Mark playfully. "Sure you don't want some? They're really good." She popped the fry into her mouth. "Mmm... so delicious. You're missing out."

Mark frowned at them disapprovingly. "Shameful. Why do I even work with you? I'm surrounded by idiots."

Leah said teasingly, "Don't worry, Mark. You're one of us!"

Mark rolled his eyes. "I certainly hope not." He turned back around to face the window and Flora curled up by his side.

Leah rolled her eyes and laid down, listening to music. Erin pulled out her phone and started watching a video. Melissa remembered a book she had brought and so they all sat back and relaxed.