Author's note: You may find it a bit confusing at the beginning, but I'm sure it'll clear up. :) It's very short, I know. The next chapters will be muuuuuuuch longer!

"Baby, come on." Marco tried to coax the little girl into getting herself in the car seat, but she refused to let go of him.

"Please?" he begged, trying to keep his patience, but his niece was seriously trying him.

"Where are we going?" she asked, the sadness showing in her eyes. Marco sighed, remembering her fear of separation.

"I'm going to drop you off with my parents. You like my mother, don't you?" said Marco.

Rebecca nodded, letting go of her tight hold on Marco's neck, and allowing him to carefully belt her in. He smiled gratefully. Hopefully, they would both make it peacefully through the car ride.

Marco pulled into his parents' driveway, feeling a slight headache coming on. He hadn't been to see them for a while, aside from dropping off Rebecca. He made a silent vow that he would visit with the human race some more.

Marco scooped up the four year old beauty into his arms before making his way up to the front door. His mother opened up before he even had the chance to ring the doorbell, and hugged both of them. As always, she asked the dreaded question.

"How are you?"

The question was always asked with a smile, but it showed in her eyes how sad she was when she had to voice it. It always brought up the query of how much honesty Marco would have to give her. Normally, he would simply tell her that he was fine, but then she looked at him as though she knew it wasn't true. If she already knew, why did she ask?

"I'm all right," he shrugged, laughing as Rebecca had already walked into the house and was exploring the kitchen.

"You might feel better if you took a moment to relax," said his mother, frowning sympathetically.

"Well, I'll relax while she's here, won't I?" said Marco. "Thanks, ma," he kissed her cheek. "Whenever dad gets in, tell him hello for me."

Marco hurriedly got back in his car, wanting to get back home as soon as possible.

By the time he arrived in his apartment, he heard the incessant ringing of the phone. He unplugged it, and then quickly turned off his cell phone, figuring the person would try that as well.

He did want some time alone, but he found himself wishing he had Rebecca to keep him company again. At least, with her, there was never a moment to sit and just think. Marco didn't enjoy being left to his own thoughts too frequently.

Finally, he gave up, and called the girl he knew had been trying to reach him.

"Marco," said Ellie immediately before a hello, surprised at the caller.

"Hey, El!" he replied, suddenly having second thoughts about the call. "What's up?" he asked.

"What's up with me?" she asked. "Who the hell cares! What is going on in your life? How's Rebecca?"

"She's doing well," said Marco, taking a seat on the couch. "She's with my mom right now," Marco realized that had been a big mistake the moment after he had said it.

"So, you're alone?" she asked.

"Yes," he answered grudgingly.

"I'm coming over," said Ellie, hanging up right away. Marco sighed. He'd been lying long enough to know better than to give away that he was alone and not busy! That was a beginner's mistake.

Ellie called Marco almost everyday. Some days, he'd pick up. Other days, he wouldn't, but when he did, he'd always have a good excuse. Usually, he just said there was something wrong with Rebecca. He loved Ellie. He had never stopped, but after all that had happened over the previous two years, he didn't think he could ever handle being social again.

However, he supposed he was going to have to find a way because his thoughts were interrupted by his friend's loud knocking.

"Ellie," he exclaimed, opening the door, and throwing on a fake smiled that he hoped was convincing enough.

"Hey," said Ellie, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. She walked into his apartment, her eyes widening more and more with each step she took.

"It's a mess!" she laughed. "That's just so not Marco."

Marco nodded, agreeing. "It's all Rebecca's fault," he said softly.

Ellie bit her lip, walking over to the couch, following in his footsteps. "Marco, maybe it would be easier on you if Rebecca li—"

"No," he said, irritated, having heard it so many times before. "She is never going to live with him. He doesn't want her, anyway."

"Okay," said Ellie, afraid to get him angry, "but maybe she could—"

"Ellie, stop," said Marco. "I can take care of her. End of story."

Ellie nodded quietly, wishing she didn't have to say such things, but they were crucial to his well-being. The two sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few moments before Ellie spoke again.

"I know I never liked her, but I miss her too, and I never told you that," said Ellie, her voice so quiet Marco barely heard. He looked up at her, waiting for her to continue. "I also think she'd want her daughter to be raised by two people that love her."

"One person can love her enough," Marco argued.

"I know that," said Ellie, leaning over to touch his hand in a comforting gesture, "but won't it be slightly weird for her that she never met her father, her mother is dead, and the man who is raising her hasn't spoken with his husband in over two years?" she asked, trying to make him see reason.

Marco sighed, exasperated. "Yeah, it's not the greatest family for her, but I can't control that." He turned his face away from her concerned eyes. "What do you want me to do, El?" he asked, desperation clearly showed in his voice. A part of him knew he absolutely needed help.

"Maybe just speak with Dylan."

"Are you kidding me?" said Marco, appalled, subconsciously playing with the ring on his finger. "I don't want him back, El."

"Fine," she said, unintentionally raising her voice. "Divorce him. Whatever makes you feel better, but as of now, he's still your husband. Revive it or end it; just don't ignore it," she said.

"I told him to get out," said Marco, "and I'm not bringing him back in. Physically or mentally."

A/N: So, yeah, I know it was super short, but it was just an introduction type thing. Please review :)