Posted by Kim on 10/7/2001, 5:42 pm "Mac, we were wondering if you were going to make it or not," Felicia said as a not so subtle way of criticizing Mac. "And Dara, what a surprise." "It shouldn't have been much of a surprise Felicia because I mentioned to you last week that I was bringing Dara. You all know that I wouldn't miss Georgie's dramatic debut," Mac responded as he hugged and kissed Georgie and Maxie. "Mac, I've missed you!" exclaimed Georgie, hugging Mac tightly. She was dressed in a long, dark green gingham skirt and blouse with peasant puffed sleeves. Gently prompting them Mac said, "Georgie and Maxie, you both know Dara." "Hi," said both of the girls in unison. Maxie had a sullen expression on her face but Georgie greeted Dara with a genuine smile. Georgie did miss Mac since he no longer lived with them but she was very happy that he was attending the play with his friend. Georgie excused herself; it was almost time for her to be backstage for the start of the play. Felicia led the group near the front of the auditorium where Roy, Bobbie, and Tony Jones were sitting. Bobbie was saving 3 seats for them as Felicia had asked. Unfortunately they needed four seats not three but Mac saved the situation by asking a person nearby who was seated by himself if he'd mind giving up his seat. Just as everyone was seated the play began. The 45-minute play was a story based on the U.S. founding fathers and prominent characters around 1800. Georgie had a role as Abigail Adams and Lucas Jones had a few lines as President James Madison. It was evident that the children had a lot of fun participating in the play and the audience was enthusiastic in their applause. Though she tried to focus on the play and Georgie's performance, Felicia's eyes kept glancing at Mac and Dara during the evening. She fumed silently as she watched them laughing and smiling and occasionally holding hands during the play. "How dare Mac ruin this evening when it was suppose to focus on Georgie and our family outing?" Felicia furiously thought as she fought the tears threatening to gather in her eyes. "How could he be so cruel?" Bobbie Spencer watched anxiously and sadly as she saw her best friend become more and more upset throughout the evening, knowing that there was nothing she could do at the present time to help Felicia. Bobbie hoped that Felicia would not make a public spectacle as the play ended and whispered to Felicia, "Felicia, I can see that you're angry but don't do anything stupid. Wait until you and Mac have a private moment to talk about what you're feeling tonight." The children took their final bows on the stage and dispersed to meet friends and family members in the audience. Felicia quickly went to Mac's side and asked, "Mac, can we speak for a few minutes, privately?" After telling Dara that he'd be away for only a few minutes Mac steered Felicia to a quieter section of the auditorium. Before Mac could say a word Felicia immediately pounced and vented her rage. "How could you embarrass me and the girls tonight by bringing your girlfriend here! Don't you have any respect for us or for yourself? Whether you know it or not this is a family outing and mistresses aren't invited!" Blinking his eyes in disbelief, Mac took a deep breath to calm himself before responding to Felicia's tongue lashing. He hadn't expected Felicia to be pleased about Dara accompanying him to the play, but he in no way anticipated the depth of fury in her reaction. "Felicia, what are you talking about? We're separated and living apart and very soon we will be divorced. Don't use Dara as an excuse to keep me out of the girls' lives. For heaven's sake, calm down. Don't hurt them because you don't like seeing me with Dara." "I know that Georgie wants you to come with us for supper after the play but I don't want you to come if you're bringing her." Mac could not believe that Felicia was behaving so childishly and being so spiteful. Knowing that Felicia needed to calm down before they could have a reasonable conversation, Mac, not saying another word, headed back to Dara and the others. Reaching them he heard Dara praise Georgie and Lucas on their performances. As Lucas and Georgie continued to talk excitedly about the play, Dara looked at Mac as he took her hand. She had seen Felicia and Mac talking and from what she observed, it didn't look like an amiable discussion. When it was decided that everyone would go to Ruby's diner for a mini-celebration, Mac told Maxie and Georgie that he and Dara couldn't attend it tonight, but that he had a standing date to see them on Monday night and this way there would be 2 celebrations. Saying their goodbyes, Dara and Mac departed. As they left Dara asked softly, "Do you want to talk about it right now?" Mac stopped walking and kissed Dara. Stroking her cheek with his thumb, he replied, "Not right now, later, o.k.?" Dara nodded and they headed back to her apartment. *** At 2 a.m. Sunday morning after finishing a bottle of white wine and sitting in the living room for 3 hours staring at the walls, Felicia picked up the telephone and dialed an international number. After several rings, a sleepy voice answered "Bonjour?" In a choked whisper Felicia said, "I'm sorry to call you so early on Sunday morning Robin but I need your help...."
At 6:45 Mac and Dara walked into the auditorium of Roosevelt elementary school. About 100 adults and a large number of children were there and it took a few minutes before they were able to find Felicia and the girls in the crowd. At first Felicia grimaced as she watch Mac and Dara approach but by the time the couple reached them, Felicia had a strained smile pasted on her face.
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