Marcus & Mia

by Hannah Meade

I huff and sit down on my bed, feeling relieved I have finally chosen an outfit.

  I have chosen a soft, white sweater and paired it with my favorite blue skinny jeans. I add a burgundy scarf, which allows me to bury my face in its warmth. That's really the only reason I wear scarves. I top my outfit off with my knee-high light brown boots, which secretly have fleece inside them.

  To be honest, I think I put myself together pretty well, considering I didn't want to get up this morning. I text Marcus saying I am on my way, grab my phone and wallet, and head out the door.

  The whole drive there, I am a nervous wreck. What if I say something stupid and his parent's hate me? What if I spill something on myself and embarrass the hell out of myself?! Anything can go wrong, and leave it to me to do something idiotic.

  I arrive at the gorgeous beige-colored house, admiring how cozy it looks. It is a two-story, family home. I can see a chimney blowing smoke out of the top of the house, keeping the house nice and warm.

  I walk up the door, trying to calm myself down on the way there. I smile at the cobblestone sidewalk that separates the pavement from the freshly cut grass. There are little outside lights, sticking up from the ground, all along the sidewalk. I imagine what it would look like in the dark; the whole sidewalk leading up to the house illuminated by bright, sparkling lights.

  Marcus opens the door before I even reach it myself. "Hey, babe."

  I smile. "Hey. Am I late?"

  He shakes his head. "You're just on time."

  "Marcus!! Use your manners and let that girl in the house for goodness sake!"

  I grin, figuring that is Marcus's mother, and walk past Marcus. Instantly, my nose is assaulted with smells of homemade stuffing and fresh bake turkey.

  An older woman, probably in her forties, comes walking out of what I assume is the kitchen. Her grin widens even more when she sees me. "You must be Mia! Marcus has told me so much about you. It's so nice to meet you, dear." Without warning, she walks toward me and envelops me in a bear-crushing hug.

  "It's nice to meet you too..."

  "Alice. Call me Alice." She pulls back and looks me up and down. "Well, Marcus was sure right! You are beautiful! Have you complimented her yet, Marcus?"

  I glance over at Marcus, who looks almost like he is blushing. "No, mom. I haven't had the chance. You stole her from me, remember?"

  I giggle, loving how comfortable he is with his mom. I wish I had that.

  "Here, dear, let me take your coat. Why don't you go with Marcus and he can give you a tour of the house? I'm almost done with lunch; just need to do a few finishing touches on the turkey." I shrug off my coat and give it to her, proceeding to follow Marcus.

  He walks past the kitchen and stops in front of a bedroom. "Well, this is my bedroom. Nothing special, especially since I don't really live here anymore. This only gets used on the weekends, really."

  He continues on through the first level, showing me one of the bathrooms, his mother's workout room, and his father's office. I follow him up the stairs, admiring how big it actually looks. From the outside, it just seems like a regular-sized two-story house; small and quaint. Once you walk inside, however, it seems to expand.

  The master bedroom is on the second level, along with an adjoining master bathroom. There are two spare bedrooms, for when grandchildren and such stay over. Those bedrooms each have their own little bathrooms. Marcus's seventeen-year-old sister has her own massive bedroom, along with a huge walk-in closet. Seriously, it would put my little apartment's wall closet to shame.

  We stop at the top of the stairwell and Marcus lays a hand on my arm. "Mia, I have to tell you something."

  "What?"

  "I..."

  "Marcus! Mia! Lunch is ready!"

  Marcus sighs. "Guess that's our cue."

  Great. Now I'll never get to know what he wanted to say. "You'll tell me later?"

  He nods, after a small pause. I don't forget the pause. "Yep. Let's go eat."

  We walk down stairs and I immediately forget about Marcus's weird behavior. The whole downstairs smells amazing. Marcus's mom really knows how to cook a Thanksgiving dinner. We enter the dining room and I grin at the amazing set up of food on the table. "Alice, this looks amazing! I can't wait to eat it!"

  Marcus laughs. "Careful, Mia. She might send you home leftovers. Might want to eat before you speak."

  Alice comes up behind me and smacks him on the head with a towel. "Mia, don't listen to him. He's just jealous he can't cook like his mama."

  I chuckle as Marcus pulls out a chair for me to sit down in. "Thank you."

  He only nods.

  Alice sits down at the head of the table, with who I am assuming is her husband, at the opposite end. "Well, what are you all waiting for? Dig in!"

  And boy, do I comply. I have a little bit of everything on my plate: stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry jelly, a homemade roll, and sweet potatoes. I try the turkey first, my favorite Thanksgiving dish.

  I let out an involuntary moan, causing all kinds of stares. My cheeks burn with embarrassment as everyone busts out laughing.

  Marcus pats me on the shoulder. "Sounds like you're enjoying your food."

  I nod, swallowing the food in my mouth. "I really am! It's so good! I've never had a Thanksgiving dinner this good." Well, for the last four years anyway. Ever since I stopped going to my parent's Thanksgiving dinner, I eat at Emily's house. Her parents aren't the best chefs, if you know what I mean.

  "So, Mia. Have you heard any embarrassing stories about Marcus yet? Because I have tons of them!" Marcus's younger sister, Carla, raises her eyebrows at me.

  I glance over at Marcus, who has his head in his hands. "Um, I don't think he's told me any."

  Carla grins, making Marcus groan. "Excellent! I have the perfect story. Okay, let me set the scene for you. I was thirteen, and Marcus was seventeen. It was my thirteenth birthday, and Marcus had brought his new girl toy with him to my birthday party."

  Marcus interrupts her. "Hey. If I had to watch a bunch of little teenage girls all night, I needed some back-up!"

  Carla rolls her eyes, but keep going. "Anyway. We had just gone upstairs to get ready for bed and Marcus was outside with the girl. So, we saw him talking really close to her from my window, and I knew he was going to kiss her. So, I rounded up my friends and we thought of a plan to ruin his little date. We came up with a plan to drop a bucket of chocolate pudding on top of them. We all went downstairs and took a big container of chocolate pudding, putting it in a bucket to drop. We ran back upstairs, and they were in the middle of kissing. So, I went over to the window, tipped the bucket over, and out came the pudding. Right on the two lovebirds' heads."

  I bust out laughing. "Oh my god!"

  Carla chuckles. "I know, right?! It was hilarious. What was even worse is that, that stupid girl never talked to him again. It was pure genius on our part."

  Marcus rolls his eyes. "Yeah. Congratulate yourself on ruining my relationship."

  Carla shrugs. "That chick was a whore anyway. I did you a favor."

  "That was so humiliating. I couldn't get a girlfriend for the longest time, because of you."

  I grab hold my stomach, which is starting to hurt from laughing so much. I have tears running down my face. "That...is...great. I...can't...believe...you...did...that." I talk as much as I can in between the laughing.

  Carla beams. "Thanks. I liked it."

  After everyone has calmed down, Marcus clears his throat. "So, I have something to tell you guys."

  I look over at him, suddenly serious. Is this what he was going to tell me upstairs?

  Alice furrows her eyebrows, looking a little worried. "Yes? What is it?"

  "So, you guys know of the big art school in Manhattan, New York, right?"

  Everyone nods. Who doesn't know?

  "Right. So, anyway. I, um...got an internship there."

  My eyes go wide. An art internship? At the most prestigious art school in the country?! "Marcus, that's gre
at!" I squeeze his leg.

  Everyone congratulates him, but Marcus looks glum. "Marcus, what's wrong?"

  "I have to go to New York for six months."

  My stomach drops.

  "I leave tomorrow."

  "Tomorrow?!" What the hell?! I stand up from the table sharply, glaring down at Marcus. "Why didn't I know about this before?!"

  Marcus stands up, reaching for my arm. "Babe. I'm sorry. I can explain."

  I scoff. "I think you've done enough explaining." I throw my napkin down on the table and excuse myself, stalking towards the bathroom.

  I shut the door behind me, looking at myself in the mirror. Is this karma or something? I kiss another man and this is how the universe gets even? By sending my boyfriend away for six whole months?

  "Mia, open the door."

  I glare at the door, ignoring him.

  "Mia, please. We need to talk."

  I stare at the door, still not saying anything. He could've at least told me. He can't just spring this on me the day before.

  "Mia. Open the goddamn door!"

  I sigh and unlock the door. "What?"

  Marcus pushes past me and into the bathroom, fists clenched at his sides. "Jesus, Mia. It's not like I told you I cheated on you! It's just an internship."

  "For six months!"

  He sighs, rubbing his temples. I glare at him, not finding it funny how he is frustrated with me. If anything, I should be pissed at him. Which I am.

  "Why the hell didn't you tell me until the day before you leave?! You could've given me some warning! What the hell, Marcus?!"

  "I'm sorry! I didn't want to fucking tell you! Jasmine's dad gave me the internship the other day! I haven't known for that long!"

  Jasmine? "Who the fuck is Jasmine?"

  His face pales, like I caught him in something. "Nobody. Just a friend."

  I roll my eyes. I'm not buying his bullshit. "I got to go." I try to push past Marcus, but he puts his arm out to stop me.

  "Mia. Please don't be mad at me. She's nobody."

  "The more you say that, the more I don't fucking believe you. Now, get out of my way!" I grab his outstretched arm and yank it back towards me, creating a pathway for me to get through.

  I guess he knows he isn't getting anywhere with me, because he just lets me go. Which I am thankful for.

  I slow down as I get closer to the kitchen, unsure of what I am going to say to his family.

  They all look up with curious eyes as I walk back in. Alice speaks up first. "Are you okay, dear?"

  I nod, trying not to cry in front of them. "Yeah. I think I'm just going to go home, though."

  Alice glances at her family, and they all exchange confused glances with each other. No one questions me, however. They just nod and let me go.

  I walk as slow as I can manage to the door, feeling Alice's presence behind me. I turn around and smile. "Thank you for lunch, Alice. It really was amazing. I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer. Enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving."

  She pulls me in for a hug, and I almost break down right then and there. I almost feel guilty enough to stay, just for his family. Almost. I hear Alice whisper in my ear. "I hope whatever happened between you and Marcus, gets resolved. I can't stand seeing you sad, Mia."

  She pulls back and I wipe a tear away that escapes. "Thank you, Alice."

  I wave good-bye and walk to my car, wishing I could have a happy relationship with Marcus. I hate fighting. Especially with him.

  I need a drink. A strong one.

  Twenty-Six

  Several wine glasses later, I am finally starting to forget about my problems. Gone are the problems with my parents. Gone are the issues with Marcus. All that matters is finishing the bottle of wine I have in my fridge.

  I glance up at the TV again, which is currently playing some reality show. I don't really know what I am doing anymore, let alone what I am watching on TV. I don't even care, to be honest.

  I get up to pour myself another glass of my cranberry wine, but I barely made it to my kitchen counter. I run right into the edge of the couch, laughing as I crumble to the floor.

  My glass of wine spills all over, but I don't care. I don't care about anything.

  I faintly hear a knock on my door, and I struggle to get up off the floor. I push on my couch for support, almost falling on my ass again.

  The person knocks again. "I'm comingggggggg. Chill the fuckkkk out." I know I am slurring my words, but I don't care. Hopefully whoever the hell is at my door knows what I am saying.

  I finally get up, swaying a little on my feet. I walk unsteadily to the door, and immediately grab the door knob for support. "Woahhhh." I laugh, realizing I said that out loud.

  I open it and Marcus is on the other side, looking just about as trashed as I am. "Mia."

  In the back of my mind, I know I'm not supposed to. I know there is something telling me to just shut the door and go back to drinking myself into oblivion, but my brain isn't listening.

  I close the extra few feet between Marcus and I and crash my lips to his. I'm not even thinking. I just know I have to kiss him. I don't even breathe. My breath is his breath. My lips are his lips. There is no difference between us. We are one person.

  Marcus leans back on me, causing us both to fall on our asses. I laugh, realizing how stupid drunk we are. Marcus turns toward me, grinning at our equal stupidity.

  He grabs my face and pulls me toward him, kissing me yet again, harder this time. With a sense of urgency. Like he can't wait any longer. His hands reach under my shirt and touch my stomach, tickling me. I smile against his lips, not wanting to break the kiss long enough to properly laugh.

  He tugs at my shirt, obviously wanting it off. I comply, reaching my arms up, and allowing Marcus to pull my tank top over my head.

  I reach out my hands and tug at his shirt. If my shirt is coming off, his is too. He helps me pull it off and I open my eyes a little to admire his glistening chest. I run my hands over his stomach, loving how the ripples feel against the palms of my hands.

  My hands involuntarily reach for his belt buckle, immediately un-doing it. We don't even pause. It is like we are in a hurry. We don't even know what is happening. We just know we have to do it. Now.

  And we do.

  ~~~

  I wake up, feeling an extremely sharp pain in my head. "Fuck." I swear out loud, figuring I am alone.

  "Ah!" A voice screams beside me, clearly not knowing I am here with it.

  I whip my head towards the sound, screaming as well. "What the hell?!"

  "Mia?"

  Why is Marcus here?

  "Marcus? Ah..." I grab my head, feeling it pound even more. It feels like a knife is puncturing my skull, rendering me unable to think of anything other than my headache. More like a migraine. I feel like I could throw up as well.

  I lean over to see where I am, and I feel a slight chill. I look down and realize I have absolutely no clothes on.

  I yelp and pull the covers up more. I glance over at Marcus, in the same bed, also with no clothes on. Or what I assume is no clothes.

  He looks at me with wide-eyes. "We didn't..."

  My own eyes widen. "Did we?"

  "We couldn't have. No. That's not possible. We couldn't have had sex."

  My hands start shaking. What if we did have sex? What if we didn't use protection? What if I got pregnant?! "Marcus. Do you remember anything from last night?"

  He scrunches his face up, like he is actually trying to think about it. He stops, however, when the pain gets too much. "Before we talk about anything else, can I please get some Tylenol? My head fucking hurts."

  I nod, then look for my clothes. They are scattered all over the room. "Um, do you have any clothes on?"

  He lifts the sheet up slightly, and shakes his head. "No, but my boxers are right by the bed." He lifts the sheet off of him completely, almost giving me a sneak peek of what I evidently saw last night.

  "Marcus!"

  He laughs. "What? Yo
u obviously saw it last night. Too late to be a prude now."

  My cheeks burn. "Just fucking go get the Tylenol. It's in the cupboard in the bathroom, first shelf. White bottle with red lid."

  He nods, then walks out with only his boxers on.

  I watch him walk out, blatantly staring at his ass. What? We already had sex. I have permission to stare at my boyfriend's ass.

  Marcus walks back in, handing me a glass of water and two little white pills. Without making eye contact, I thank him. I swallow the two pills and clear my throat. "So, um. We should talk about what the hell happened."

  Marcus nods. "Pretty sure we had sex last night."

  My cheeks burn. "No shit. So, I think I remember getting drunk off my ass last night."

  He nods. "Yeah. So do I. And then I came over to your place. And then..." He doesn't need to fill in the rest.

  I nod, still pulling the sheets up above my body. Just because we had sex, doesn't mean I'm comfortable being naked with Marcus yet. I mean, I don't even remember last night. The most we've ever gone, that I remember, is just kissing. And cuddling. But that's about it. Last night was two hundred steps further than what I wanted to be at. I don't even know why I did it. Let alone why I got drunk.

  "I'm just going to go."

  I nod, letting him gather his clothes and leave.

  He looks over at me, his face having an unsure look on it. "Um, I'll text you later."

  I just nod again.

  He presses his lips together in a fine line, and leaves.

  I don't take a breath until I hear my door shut. I fall back on my fluffy pillows, wondering what the fuck I had just done.

  ~~~

  "Mia Elizabeth Hatheway! I never thought you would have sex until you were married!"

  I blush, giving an apologetic look to all the café customers who are now looking at us. "Emily!" I hiss. "Don't say those things out loud! There are people around who can hear you!"

  She waves it away like it is nothing. "Screw them. I will be happy for my best friend if I want to be!"

  I roll my eyes. "You shouldn't be happy. I regret it so much." I take another sip of my hot chocolate, reveling in its warmth. It is supposed to be thirty degrees today, but it feels more like negative ten degrees.