Chapter One

Bianca brought her hand to the young girl's face and slowly ran her fingers along the milky skin. She had her Miranda back in her arms; she had finally received her miracle. That afternoon, after much deliberation, Bianca was finally allowed to go home. Being back in her apartment brought back the memories of Babe, and Bianca clenched her fists. How could she betray me like that, she thought. Her thoughts were interrupted by a small knock on the door. Bianca pulled the blanket up to Miranda's chin and then pulled the door open, revealing a stack of toys with two feet sticking out. Bianca laughed quietly, "Maggie, what are you doing?"

Maggie entered the apartment and placed the toys in a heap on the floor, "I am slipping into my role as Auntie Maggie. I owe this little-one a truckload of gifts."

"Maggie, I've only had her back in my life for two weeks. You don't need to do this…"

"I know, but I want to. I want to be there for you and Miranda, just like we planned," she said shyly, looking at the floor.

"Maggie," Bianca started, only to be interrupted by the shorter girl.

"Plus, I'm supposed to be the cool one. You are the disciplinarian, I am the cool aunt who buys lots of toys, lets her stay out late, gets her drunk…" Maggie said laughing.

"Yeah, so basically be a bad influence and make her turn into you," Bianca said laughing.

"Would that really be a bad thing?" Maggie asked.

Bianca looked at Maggie and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Of course not. There should be more people like you in this world." Bianca placed her arms around the shorter girl's neck and pulled her into a hug.

Maggie blushed and leaned into the embrace. She closed her eyes and inhaled slightly, bringing in all the scents of Bianca. She felt Bianca pull away, and Maggie crossed her arms.

"Maggie," Bianca asked quietly. "I didn't want to say anything before, but are you ok?"

Maggie started swaying slightly where she stood, "Yeah, of course. Happy as a clam. Which is a weird expression because how can you tell if clams are happy? Do they have faces with little smiles plastered all over them after someone tells a joke, or…" she babbled.

"Maggie, stop! What is going on? Last week you had a bruise on your face, and now this," she lifted up Maggie's arm to reveal a large bruise on her wrist.

"It's nothing. I hurt it at the gym. You know me, Bianca. I'm a klutz straight down to the core," Maggie lied, covering her wrist with her sleeve.

"You're right Maggie, I do know you. I know you well enough to know when you are lying." Bianca walked over to Maggie and they sat on the couch. She placed her hand over Maggie's, who shivered at the touch. "Maggie please, you can trust me."

Maggie looked into her soft, chocolate eyes. She wanted to tell Bianca, she really did, but she couldn't. She couldn't risk losing Jonathon. "Bianca, really I'm just a klutz. It's the honest truth, Scout's honor," she said, raising three fingers.

Bianca smiled, "You were never a Scout, Maggie. Just promise me that you will be careful," she asked, rubbing her thumb over Maggie's hand.

Maggie shivered again as she felt the electricity of Bianca's touch run through her body. She stood up quickly, "I have to go to class. I just wanted to make sure that Miranda gets everything she deserves, which includes lots and lots of toys." She walked over to the crib and looked down at the sleeping Miranda. "You deserve the world, little one." She bent over and placed a kiss on her cheek. Bianca watched and smiled at this scene, this is how it should be, she thought. "Goodbye Bianca," Maggie said, pulling open the door. She stopped dead in her tracks and stared into the hall.

"Maggie, what is it?" Bianca asked and made her way to the door.

"Hey," the person said, "How are you?"

"What are you doing here?" Maggie asked, crossing her arms.