Saving Grace

Disclaimer: I don't own Rent. The characters belong to the great Jonathan Larson. I am just borrowing them, and no infringement is intended. Maggy Andrews is my own though.

Summary: Set in the Movie-verse. Set prior to Rent. Angel befriends a young woman who is suffering from AIDS and learns that no matter how short the time you have with someone they can change your life, and show you how much difference a little kindness can make.

A/N; This story was written back in 2006. and I rediscovered it while I was cleaning my office. It was a dream I had after watching the movie a few too many times. I wanted to share. I had wondered what Angel and Mimi had done prior to meeting the Bohos, and how Angel had decided to become so selfless. This is an idea, Hope you enjoy. Please read and review. There will be more chapters to follow. -Medieval Wizard

Chapter One

It was a chilly fall day in New York City, and Maggy Andrews pulled her coat a little tighter around herself. It had taken most of her courage to get this far, and she still wasn't sure if she would actually make it to her destination. She hoped that she would, because she was tired of hiding from reality.

The Community Center came into view, and Maggy could tell that her steps had slowed considerably. She hadn't even told her own family, how could she even think about telling a random group of people that she had AIDS?

Actually, it didn't seem like that terrible of a prospect. She could vent her frustration, and if need be, she would never have to see any of these people again. Still, she paused at the door and contemplated escape.

Nobody had seen her yet, so she could slip away, and no one would be the wiser. In the back of her mind she knew that she had to do this, or she would never feel whole again for however long she had left.

The door handle was chilled but steady in her hand. She took a deep breath, walked into rundown building, and made her way hesitantly to the circle of chairs at the center of the room.

A few people waved as Maggy took the only free seat. She raised her hand haltingly in greeting, and wished that she could sink down into the metal of her chair and disappear. She was pretty sure that she must have been the last to arrive, because everyone seemed settle in. Just at that moment a man stood up and smiled.

"Welcome. I'm Paul, let's begin."

"I'm Gordon."

"Pam."

"Jeff."

"Sue."

"Hi. I'm, Angel."

This stopped Maggy in her tracks. She watched as the very attractive woman seated beside her, removed her wig, and revealed that "she" was in fact a he. This didn't bother Maggy, she came from the Villiage.

Maggy's turn had come, but her voice was caught in her throat, and she couldn't speak.

"Go ahead, Honey," Angel said placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Strangely those few kind words relaxed Maggy and she was finally able to speak. "I'm Maggy."

"Welcome, Maggy," Paul said. "Now, this week I thought we would do things a little differently. I want you all to break up into groups of two and have a one on one discussion with your partner."

This made Maggy shift in her seat again. She was the newbie, and she knew that everyone already knew each other, so they probably wouldn't want to have anything to do with her.

"Maggy, would you like to join me?" Angel asked quietly, but she didn't force the issue.

"I...I suppose," was Maggy's reply as she turned her chair around to face Angel.

"Where should we begin?" Angel asked. "Ooh, I know...How long have you lived in the city?"

"About four years. I came here for school, but that didn't really work out." Maggy finished and turned her attention to Angel.

"Me, I've been here my whole life," Angel said with a giggle, "and it seems that things don't get any easier."

"I was hoping that you would have something a little more comforting to say," Maggy admitted sheepishly.

"Wish I did, Sugar," Angel replied, "but after you've lived here you can live anywhere."

"I wish I could be as positive as you, Angel. My life has been hitting record lows lately." Maggy ducked her head and rubbed her hand across her forehead."

"You're still breathing aren't you?" Angel asked.

"Ha, good try," Maggy said bitterly. "For how much longer?"

"That's not the point," Angel said patting her arm. "You should be thankful for that."

"My family doesn't even know."

"So tell them."

"I don't have any friends."

"You do now."

"I'm scared."

"I'm here." Angel leaned over and pulled Maggy into a hug. She rocked the frightened girl as she sobbed into her shoulder. "Easy, Honey, it's all right." she gently rubbed Maggy's back.

Maggy caught her breath and laughed quietly. "How do I always manage to make a fool out of myself?" she asked wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

"You're not a fool, Maggy," Angel replied. " We all have to deal with what life gives us the best that we can."

Maggy didn't know quite what to say. She stayed quiet for a moment, and reflected on how the last three years of her life had played out.

She had come to New York an impetuous teenager, hoping to make a name for herself on Broadway, but that hadn't worked out so well. She had fallen in with the wrong crowd at school; which was exactly what had led to her current situation. Now she was waitressing at some no name diner, but at least she was able to pay her bills. Her life was lonely, but she knew that she would not be able to return to her former life.

"You, okay, Honey?" Angel asked concerned when Maggy hadn't spoken for a while.

"I'm fine," Maggy said. "Just slogging through some painful memories."

"It's sad that no matter how young we may be, there are still things that we regret."

Maggy sighed. "When you expect the world; that's usually when it comes crashing down around your ears."

Angel nodded. How often had that been the folly of so many people around her. Her own life had been prejudice and poverty for so many years that it just didn't matter anymore. She did things how she wanted them done, and that was what brought her happiness now.

"At least you can see it that way," she said. "Most people learn that lesson after it's too late."

"Not that I want a change of subject," Maggy said, "but shouldn't we be talking about favorite movies or something like that?"

"We could," Angel said, "but that's not what you need right now."

Maggy thought about it for a moment and realized that it was precisely true and smiled.

The Life Support meeting had come to an end before Maggy had even realized it. She had a sinking feeling, and would soon have to return to her lonely, dismal reality. At least she now had Life Support to look forward to. She gathered up her things and stood to go.

"Wait, Maggy, I'll walk with you!" Angel said grabbing her backpack and hurrying to catch up with Maggy.

"I live in Alphabet City," Maggy remarked."It's probably out of your way..."

"Not at all," Angel said. "That's my home too. Do you have anywhere to be, or would you like to stop at the Life Cafe for lunch?"

"Today is my day off, so yeah, I can." Maggy replied. "I wish I didn't have to work so much, but even though my apartment is a dive; I think I am paying too much."

"Where do you live?" Angel asked as they walked to the subway station, and boarded the train.

"Chez," Maggy replied. "I've been told that even for the Village I am paying like two hundred more than I should."

"You are," Angel confirmed. "Haven't you looked elsewhere?"

"No," Maggy admitted. "I don't like change, and have too much stuff to really be able to move on my own."

"What if we could remedy that?" Angel asked.

Maggy placed her chin in her hand and thought for a moment. Would she? Could she? She would definitely be able to save a little money each month, and probably be able to cut her hours back too. She hadn't been feeling very well lately, but she wasn't going to tell anyone that.

"Angel, you just met me. Why would you even want to do anything for me?"

"Because I want too," Angel said. "There's an empty apartment in my building, and I know that I can find some people to help you move. What do you say?"

"I will definitely think about it." Maggy said. "It's just that I almost feel guilty accepting your offer?"

I wouldn't have brought it up if I hadn't meant it." Angel pointed out.

Maggy sighed. "I know, I know. I'm just shocked at how kind you're being."

They hurried through the doors of the Life Cafe, and were shown to a secluded table by the window. It was almost too warm inside after the near frigid temperatures outside. They sat in companionable silence as they decided what to order.