Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story; I borrowed them from Beth Sullivan, CBS, A&E and all others who hold the rights to them.

HEARTS ENTWINED

As she stepped out from the taxi, Michaela sighed peacefully and smiled; looking up at the building before her. The place she would from now on, call home. She had to admit it was a little more run down than she had expected, but her good friend Charlotte had assured her it would be perfect for her new clinic. She took her bulky suitcases from the driver, paid him and began the walk up to the front entrance. As she neared the door she heard a car pull up behind her, followed by a squeal of delight.

"Dr Mike, you're here!" Michaela quickly turned to see an eager Colleen running towards her. She hugged the young girl as Colleen threw her arms around Michaela's shoulders.

"It's so nice to see you again Colleen. I missed you all so much!" she said as she continued to embrace the growing teenage girl.

She looked up at Charlotte walking towards her with her youngest, Brian beside her. The smile on the older lady's face shining through in her eyes. Colleen stepped to the side, still clinging to Michaela with excitement.

"Dr Mike, we're so happy you decided to come. It's been too long" she said as she grasped both of Michaela's hands in hers.

The women tearfully embraced each other. It had been too long Michaela thought. She had last seen the Cooper family when they had left Boston when Colleen was only a small girl and Brian was still a baby. The children's father had died and Charlotte couldn't stand to be in the same city where everything around them, was a reminder of him. Though the family had moved away, the two women stayed in touch regularly, they were like family.

When Michaela's father died recently, it was that same feeling of loss that drove her to make a fresh start. Charlotte had mentioned to her the need for a doctor's clinic and after thinking it over, Michaela had decided to do it. She would move to Colorado Springs and begin a new life there. Even in defiance of her mother's command that she would not allow her to go.

Michaela looked at Brian who was trying to hide behind his mother. She crouched down to his level and reached her hand into her pocket, letting it linger at her side.

"Hello Brian, I'm Dr Mike. You probably don't remember me... you were only a baby when you left. But I hope we can be friends". She tentatively moved her hand in front of him, being carefully not to expose the treasure within. Brian shifted himself and hugged his arms around his mother's legs, to which Michaela only smiled and whispered, "I have a little something for you." At this point she opened her hand to reveal a few pieces of candy. Instantly a huge smile lit up Brian's face.

"How did ya know they're my favourite" Brian asked. The small group laughed as Brian hungrily took the candy, already loving this new person in his life, his ma's best friend.

Straightening up and linking her arm through Charlotte's, Michaela took a deep breath and with a resolute voice said, "Well, shall we go take a look at my new home?" Colleen eagerly nodded and followed behind her two favourite people with Brian in tow. Charlotte handed the keys to Michaela who excitedly turned them in the lock. The door swung open to reveal a somewhat dusty interior, causing a small sneeze to escape from Michaela. She reached into her bag for a tissue as they looked around the room.

The building was separated into two stories and the bottom section seemed to be small but sufficient. Michaela noticed on one side a large counter was already in place. She knew it would be perfect for the receptionist desk. Charlotte walked behind the counter and looked up smiling.

"Does it suit me" she asked. Knowing this would be her new place of work. They had already discussed her working as the receptionist and they were both excited to be working together. Charlotte wanted to be able to have more time to be with her kids and this was the perfect solution for her, and it gave Michaela a sense of satisfaction that she had her closest friend working with her.

"It sure does ma," said Colleen. She was just as excited in the idea! Michaela had agreed to let Colleen help out if needed, as well a few daily chores that would need to be done, and there wasn't anything she wouldn't do to be a part of it.

Michaela's eyes scanned the area once more, her mind whirling with ideas. Seating would need to be organised, cupboards, stationary...oh so much. Her new clinic would need some attention before she could open to the public, that was certain, and Michaela guessed that would take some time. But fortunately, when she had informed the local hospital of her intent to open a new clinic, they had asked her to relieve for another doctor for a couple of months. That was just as well, it would give her the chance to get the clinic in order and adjust to her new life without too much pressure.

The group headed up the stairs to the rooms above to inspect where Michaela would set up her 'home'. The upper and lower levels were clearly separate with entry to the top half by a set of stairs and a door only accessible from the back rooms. Michaela and Charlotte gasped when the room came into sight. What once had been a neatly kept space had been ruined by vandals.

"Oh my," said Charlotte clasping her hands over her mouth, her brow furrowing. The area which used to have a bathroom, bedroom and a lounge had been totally destroyed. The plastered walls had holes in them, some of them almost completely torn down; doors were missing or unhinged and there was graffiti spray painted on the walls. There were piles of rubbish strewn about and leftover pieces of food.

"Who would do this ma?" asked Brian in disbelief, his young mind unable to comprehend the destruction.

"I really don't know son," replied Charlotte. She glanced around the room again. "They sure did a heck of job though".

"Ma the back doors open, it looks like someone's broken in!" Colleen called from downstairs, not knowing of the scene above her.

"Well, that would explain how they got in then," said Michaela frowning as she took in the damage. "I can't stay here now. At least not until everything's been repaired".

"Well, we'd love it if you'd stay with u-"

"Oh, Charlotte no. Thankyou but I couldn't do that to you!" Michaela interrupted. "My shift work at the hospital would just be too disruptive. It'll be better just to stay at a hotel until this is sorted". Charlotte nodded hesitantly in agreement, knowing she was right but not wanting to leave her friend with no other option.

"Are you sure?" she asked, laying her hand on Michaela's forearm. When her friend smiled and nodded she said, "Well, I guess we should go get you settled into one then, and try and get this mess cleaned up". She looked around at the room once again shaking it disbelievingly. A smile lit her face as she came up with the answer.

"We're gonna need a builder for that... I'll give him a call".