Authors Note: I am so sorry that it uploaded so weirdly! Thank you to the guest who pointed that out to me otherwise I would have never known! Thank you so much for doing that. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and thanks for sticking with me 3 You guys rock!

Work and Worn-Out

Chapter 4

...

Maggie walked alone along the cobblestone streets gazing from shop window to shop window, her scarlet bag draped over her tan shoulder, bouncing lightly against her hip. Music was pumping in her ears causing her to walk with a bit of confidence in each step, however her eyes showed a different story. "No-no-no, damn! None of these places look interesting. " She pauses turning to a building full of glass windows, gold handles and people dressed in suits and ties. "I don't think I could even qualify for that one!" Her eyes looked to another establishment that's name was written in elaborate cursive with clear windows and prestige items on the inside. "Definitely to fancy, could not work there at all." Maggie sighed and turned up the block, eyes still scanning around. Her mind wondered along with her gaze, her thoughts drifting away from the task at hand. Maggie kicked a rock on down the street with her boot at the sudden words of her older sister.

"Maggie, you have been here for a month! You need to start getting up and finding a job, you can't be sitting on your butt forever. You said you wanted to go find a school here too and you haven't done anything about it."

"Maria I'm still trying to get accustomed to all of this! I have been gone for thirteen years for heaven's sake! Not to mention I still don't know what I want to go to school for!"

"You are twenty five years old and did nothing out of high school! You are running out of time-you are going to waste your life, Magdalene! What would mama say about you?"

Maggie cursed and kicked another rock ahead of her. "I admit I should have gone to school earlier but you don't have to remind me about it! Not to mention…" She mumbled then shook her head looking around. Maggie looked up to get her bearings but then her eyes caught a little shop poking out from an alley way, covered with ivy though red was peeking out from underneath the thick greenery. The woman looked both ways and crossed the street suddenly, trying to push those other thoughts away for a while longer. "This looks cute and recluse." Maggie thinks looking up and down at the little hidden building. She pushes the door open and a cheery bell rings as she enters the small café.

An older man greeted Maggie with a smile and bright blue eyes. "Welcome miss, what can I do for you today." Maggie smiled back slightly and looked around the cafe before walking up to the man behind the counter.

"Hi there, I was wondering if you has any job applications." The man's smile faded somewhat but he leaned on the counter, body towards Maggie.

"We aren't really hiring at the moment but if you like you can still try for it." He shrugged. "Maybe we could find a way to fit you in." The man smiled again ever so slightly. For an older gentleman he seemed quite charming and rather stunning, Maggie thought as she nodded. He wore clothes that were tight but somehow the man looked comfortable in them. A red tie and white pressed collared shirt with a black vest with red trimmings and golden buttons. Not a hair was out of the place and it sat in a small bob on his head, strips of grey shone through his ebony hair, while a small beard decorated his sharp features. He was classy as shit.

"Yes, that would be wonderful, thank you…" She spotted his name on his chalkboard nametag,

"Antony." He finished for her with a light laugh in his throat. "And you are?" He said rather causally.

"Magdalene but you can call me Maggie." She said with a small smile as he reached from behind the counter and passed her an application. "Thank you." She added softly.

"Magdalene is a lovely name." That charming smile appeared on his lips and Maggie laughed slightly, the nervousness not evident in her voice.

"Thanks-it was my mother's idea." Maggie put the application in her small black folder she had hidden away in her bag and then looked around a bit. "You know, I think I might get something to eat, do you mind if I find a seat?" Maggie cocked her head slightly to Antony. He nodded and stepped out from behind his counter and smiled.

"Of course! Please come this way." Antony led the way and Maggie followed behind him. She noticed that there wasn't anyone there and for a café as welcoming as this one it seemed odd. The kitchen and place was quite except for the soft hum of music drifting through the small building. She followed Antony around, passing all the empty tables wondering where this man had planned for her to sit.

"It's a lovely day, how about a seat outside?" He questioned over his shoulder, menu in his gloved hand. Maggie nodded, still with a light smile on her lips. They walked until the found two double doors opened up to the outside. Maggie's eyes widened at the lovely sight before her. There was a courtyard that was protected by high walls covered with ivy. In the center of the courtyard was a fountain and all around it were elegant little black iron tables and chairs, tables set with white satin table clothes and a vase full of color flowers.

"This is wonderful little place." Maggie said as she looked around, Anthony found a spot by the fountain and laid down the menu. The older man laughed.

"Thank you, we try to keep it up and nice." Maggie nodded and sat down at the little iron table. Antony bowed slightly to her then stood up straight, with a smile.

"What can I get for you then, Miss Magdalene?"

….

Father Alexander Anderson walked with the grace of someone who has poured three tons of cement into his shoes. His head was low and his posture showed of a man hunched over for far too long. His green eyes usually full of luster and sass, only showed a man who hasn't seen a bed in years. He gripped a bag of groceries in one hand and a paper bag of books in the other. His glasses fell askew on his scarred face. He used the back of his sleeve to stifle a yawn.

"Coffee, I need coffee." His brain drawled. He blinked his emerald eyes against the sunshine and looked around drowsily. Anderson was surrounded by fancy restaurants and bustling people. He groaned inwardly. He did not want to be by a lot of people, he was in no mood to put up a happy face. Anderson had absolutely zero sleep the last two weeks and his body ached, (despite his regeneration) ached of the lack of rest. Everywhere looked busy and too fancy for his liking. His skin crawled. Anderson shrugged off an uneasy feeling about the business in the area and turned a corner. This street was far less busy and people seemed to walk past a little red building covered with vegetation. Anderson shuffled over to it looking into the window to see no one end there.

He perked up. Anderson looked around, he sighed and adjusted the things in his arms before stepping inside the café. A tall thin man with crystal blue eyes and dark hair that was starting to fade to salt and pepper looked up at him with a smile. "Good afternoon sir, how can I help you?" Anderson looked around with bleary eyes but blinked them clear. There were old photos of Italy from another time perhaps the Victorian era. A coocoo-clock hung near the door and popped its head out announcing the time of 10:30.

"Aye, lunch would be lovely and a cup of coffee, sir." The man nodded and he showed Anderson to the back patio where a woman in red was already drinking her own cup of coffee. She wore a round brimmed hat that covered most of her features. Her head was bent low over papers she nibbled at the edge of her pen, he could hear music blasting from her headphones that were situated in her ears. Anderson didn't pay much mind, he was too tired and was too focused on getting his coffee. The waiter led him to a table across from the woman in red and had him seated.

"How do you like your coffee?" The waiter asked kindly.

Anderson nodded, "Black if ye would, please." The waiter nodded and smiled, he bowed then headed back towards the café's kitchen. As soon as the man had left he collapsed onto to the iron chair with his bags collapsing on the ground near him. He groaned then moved his head back, his shoulders too, a loud bone shattering sound could be heard. Anderson took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes tiredly. Despite the fact there was the woman across from him, he was fine with it. "She is in her own little world, and I doubt anyone else is coming. It's nearing lunch hour and this place is deserted. " Alexander looked around. Everywhere else was empty just as he had said, even in the inside. "This place doesn't get busy I guess. It is out of the way a bit anyhow."

The priest sighed again and let his head rest on his arms. It was a nice day, a light breeze ruffled his hair and felt the dim light of the sun warm him. His body finally relaxed after so many nights of searching and coming empty handed. Anderson had been searching for any leads on the vampires but nothing had come up. The trail had been dead for two whole weeks and there hadn't been any new disappearances not since Maxwell had first told him about it then. As for the adoption papers he had finished them recently but there were still other work papers he had to file and finish too. "Just need mah coffee, deal with it when I get back" His eyes closed it was quite except the noise that was coming from the person behind him, headphones. How loud was that? If he could hear it, who knows how loud it was to her. "They are going to go deaf." He thought rather judgmentally. Anderson heard the sound of approaching footsteps and brought his head up just in time to see the waiter come back with l large cup of steaming coffee. The priest sighed relieved and looked up at the waiter with a tired but thankful smile.

The waiter, Antony smiled, "Here you go sir, now would you like to order any food or you still looking over the menu?" Anderson took a sip of his coffee and totally forgot about looking for food.

"Oh, Aye fergot to look at it, my apologies, I might need a bit more time. I am sorry sir." Anderson gave an apologetic look. The waiter smiled and bowed slightly,

"It's not a problem, I will be back in a little bit." Anderson murmured a thank you as the man bowed and left. The priest sighed and took up the menu, looking over it, dazed and tired. His stomach felt tight, maybe he wouldn't get anything to eat. He took a big sip of hot coffee and his body thanked him. Anderson melted into the iron chair, letting out another breath. A breeze suddenly picked up and ruffled his hair, tickling his ears. His eyes were closed till he heard a noise behind him, Anderson opened them and saw the woman's large red-brim hat blow before him. Anderson didn't even give it a second thought and jumped up to retrieve it. He bent low and picked it up,

"Thank you…" The woman's voice trailed as Anderson turned around to hand it to her. The two stopped and looked at each other for a moment, then blinked. "Father Anderson. I didn't see you come in." The woman in red, with the rusty hair, and tattooed body except today all her tattoos were covered in a rather business looking suit of scarlet, vaguely reminded him of that cartoon the kids would sometimes watch, "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego." Maggie looked utterly shocked to see him. "Long time no see." Anderson look just as shocked as she,

"I didn't know that was ye sittin' there. Tis good to see you." Anderson said equally slowly. He looked down at the hat in his hands then handed it to her.

"Thanks." She took the hat limply and situated back on her head, nervously. "What brings you back out here? I thought I wouldn't get to see you again-I hadn't heard from you." Maggie said her eyebrows slightly narrowed perhaps hurt in her voice. The priest sighed.

"Aye, I haven't furgotten your offer. Tis been busy these last few weeks, I promise I will get around to makin plans with ye father." He paused and looked at the empty set of table and chairs now. Despite that he was tired and wasn't much up for talking, his gentleman manners took over. "Do ya want to sit?" He gestured awkwardly to the table. Maggie's eyebrows rose then took a step towards her own table.

"Um….sure? I guess if I am not going to be bothering you." He shook his head and then nodded to her as soon as she timidly went to go retrieve her things.

"What were ye workin on?" Anderson asked as she approached him then each of them taking their seats. Maggie sighed and gave a short smile.

"Job applications. " She laid the documents out in front of her, the one with most writing on it in the middle. "I have three so far, actually maybe two. My sister wants me to go out again get a job but honestly, I don't even remember half the things in this place anymore." Maggie gestured to where they were now. "Like seriously, I don't even remember this place even existing." She sighed and put the papers on top of one of each other. "Still trying to get the hang of things and all she wants to do is get me out again." Maggie muttered under her breath. Anderson put an eyebrow up, however Maggie just looked up at him and waved her hand in front of her, as if to have him dismiss the last words. "Ha, you see I just moved back here from Mexico a month ago, I haven't lived here in like …." She pauses trying to think, "…since I was twelve, things change in thirteen years you know?" Anderson nodded, slightly thinking how much his home town in Scotland must look now. He shook his head, he hadn't thought of that place in sometime. He cleared his throat along with that thought,

"Aye, many things change within that span of time." He was quiet for a moment then looked at her, "What made ye come back?" He wondered if he was stepping into person boundaries and by the look in her eyes, he knew he had. "Aye never mind, I was just –

"Just a lot of different reasons." Maggie shrugged. "But it's all right, I did miss this place, I can get to know everyone again. To be perfectly honest, it's nice to be back." She laughed though her voice sounded higher than usual. "Plus there are great colleges here and in Europe so I might try to go to one of them, once I start looking again." She laughed, sounding more normal again. Anderson could tell he had made her uncomfortable.

"Aye, I see." His voice trailed, his brain racked to try to come up with something to say but he kept hitting dead ends.

"How long have you lived here in Italy? You don't sound like you are from here." She asked timidly poking her empty coffee cup. "Where are you from originally?" Anderson reclined back in his chair and looked to the sky for a moment.

"Aye, I dun't even know how long I have been here now, ages it feels like. My birthplace is back in Scotland though, just a wee town." He turned to see Maggie smile, she leaned towards him, a dreamy look in her eyes.

". Do you miss it? Do you still have any family back there?" Anderson eyes widened slightly behind his glasses and negated them to his gloved hands. He shook his head but let a light nostalgic smile on his lips.

"Aye, sometimes but my heart is here now, and I very much like it here. As for family, I think they are all gone now, might be a few left but doubt they would know or remember meh." Maggie's eyes widened, and he saw something move in her throat.

"I-I'm sorry..." her voice was the softest he had heard it. Anderson shook his head lightly and his peridot eyes softened at her.

"Aye, it's fine lassie, no need to apologize. I'm all right, like I said it has been many years. There is no need to be upset or uncomfortable talking about it." Maggie eyes fell though. He could hear her curse under her breath, he could see her fold into herself like a piece of origami.

"Still, I'm sorry….I think I have been rather personal and intrusive." She bit her lower lip. Anderson sighed and reached out a hand and patted her hand gently.

"Aye, no need to make that face, lassy. What happened to that loud and proud young woman I saw those weeks ago? Is she hidin' now?" He teased her. Maggie eyes looked to meet his own, he smiled to her and his eyes seem to say 'Everything's okay'. She nodded as she stared at him and suddenly they moved their hands back to themselves. Maggie laughed and pushed her bangs back, pushing her palm to her eyes.

"Oh she's still here," she laughs, " just hungry ." She turned back with a large grin, eyes bright, "Hey how about ordering some food?" Anderson smiled warmly then nodded to her.

"Aye, meh thoughts exactly, Lassie." The two of them brought up their menus and looked through them. He felt the air around them rise significantly, as if some dark cloud had been lifted. He found himself smiling , a feeling of peace washed over him. He could hear her boots tap against the pavement, it seemed she was at ease too. It was just when they had finally decided what they were going to eat that they heard the sound of the waiter coming back out again. Antony had a smile on his face but a look of subtle surprise in his eyes.

"Ah Miss Maggie do you know this gentleman?" Antony looked between the two. Maggie looked at Father Anderson,

"We met a few times before." She had a laughing smile on her face. "Just happened to run into each other here." Anderson nodded in agreement with her.

"Ah I see, what a serendipity." He looked between the two of them but smiled a bit more, a twinkle in his eye. "Do you two know what you want to eat now?" Maggie nodded. She took up her menu and pointed too all the foods, followed by Anderson asking for what he wanted. Antony quietly listened took down their orders, "All right, I will have that be made immediately." He bowed, with a smile as he rose. He turned away and walked briskly back to the kitchen, leaving Anderson and Maggie alone once again.

The two turned to each other again and Maggie shrugged. There was an awkward silence for a moment before Maggie spoke up again, words slowly coming from her mouth. "How have you been by the way? How is Rebecca?" Maggie had noted prior that the priest looked a bit more worn out than the last two times she saw him, though from talking in the few minutes he looked a bit better.

"Fine, just a little worn out is all, nothing a good night sleep won't fix." At the mention of Rebecca his face soften. "Aye she is doing well. The boys are letting her play soccer, seem they have all got along well now." Maggie smirked and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Good, I am glad. She seems like a very sweet girl." Maggie nodded her head in approval, however she gave Anderson a beady eye look. "And why haven't you been getting rest, Mr. Caracortada?" though she paused for a second. "Ah that word is too long, you need a better nickname." Alexander gave her a look.

"Ye never told meh what that meant." Maggie shrugged, but leaned towards him with her chin in her ringed hand.

"Though seriously, have you not been sleeping? You looked really worn out earlier." Anderson sighed, he would never get that meaning out of her. Maybe he could ask Maxwell, though as he thought about it more was probably not the greatest idea. He shook his head and put his gloved fingers through his hair, then adjusted his glasses.

"I just have had a lot of side work on top of the orphanage." Maggie raised an eyebrow, she didn't look satisfied with that answer. Maggie moved in her seat and looked at him with a hard eyes. She frowned at him but didn't press him forward only saying,

"Well you should take it easy. I know kids are kids but they can wear you out same thing as paper work." She gave a half smile, "Take care of yourself too, Alexander." Then in a mother like way she wagged her finger to him, "You can't take care of others if you can't take care of yourself." The priest chuckled and Maggie just gave him a big grin. Anderson couldn't help smiling and laughed once more, shaking his head,

"Aye, ye are somethin' lassy." Maggie giggled and put her shoulders up confidently batty her eyes,

"I know!"

…..

The two continued their talk, as if they were old friends. The food was brought out in a short amount of time, quite quickly actually. The two ate their meal, asking questions in between mouthfuls of food. Anderson asking if Maggie had any more trouble with people bothering her, she herself asking how the other children were doing and more in general about his job description. This went on for quite some time till the waiter came back with their bills. Anderson had reached for his wallet when he heard Maggie gasp. He looked up suddenly, wondering if she realized she hadn't any money.

"What wrong?" He asked taking out a few bills. He had turned to see Maggie staring at her phone then quickly digging into her purse for her money.

"Oh its nothing, I just had no idea what time it was." Anderson blinked and he face fell.

"What time is it?" he asked placing the bills quickly on the table. Maggie mimicked him though she glanced at the time again, perhaps wondering if she was really seeing what she was seeing.

"It's almost two!" she squeaked. Anderson's face went white. He still has so much shopping to do, he had no intention of staying this long. The shops would be closing in a few hours and he still had so much to gather. The two

"Oh-oh my goodness." The words just fumbled out of his mouth quickly. "Aye, had no idea! I still have a few errands to run." They both stood up at the same time, Maggie swung her bag over her shoulder and adjusted her hat. Anderson gathered up what he had already purchased and arranged them in his big arms. The two started back into the restaurant, waving good-bye to the waiter, thanking him and then headed out the front door. When they were outside, Maggie turned to the priest,

"I am so sorry for keeping you so long. I didn't realize the time went by so fast." Her face looked a bit flushed. "I can talk a lot but I didn't know I talked three hours out of your day!" Anderson shook his head and smiled slightly,

"Aye it really isn't an issue. I was talkin quite a lot too." He shifted his weight slightly. "But it was a pleasure talkin' to ye and havin' lunch with ye." Maggie blushed but she nodded lightly, pushing her hair back again.

"Likewise. I really enjoyed talking to you. It was one of the nicest conversations I have had in a long time. Perhaps..." Her voiced trailed and she shyly looked away from him. "Maybe we could do this again sometime." The priest's eyebrows rose, he blinked. Maggie looked up suddenly worried perhaps he took her words to mean something else. "Ah no! Not like a date or anything, oh my god no. Because you're a priest and everything." She looked alarmed waving her hands in front of her, face red now. "I mean like just as friends you know. I really enjoyed talking to you and coming back here I don't have a lot people here anymore to talk to." Her body went inward towards herself. "I really did enjoy talking to you, you're a nice guy…I mean priest….I mean…" She stumbled over her words and sighed. "You are a nice person to talk to Father Anderson." She sighed again and covered her face, "Damn it Maggie you just seriously fucked up. Now he is really going to think you're a-

"Aye would like that very much actually." Maggie looked up eyes wide, she couldn't' have heard that right.

"Wh-what?"

He hadn't known why he had answered that way but he did. At first he felt appalled that a woman would ask to have another lunch date with a priest. He thought for a moment about his reputation, about how it isn't very wise for a priest to be having a lunch with a much younger woman in a place such this. But, something struck him. It could have been because of how kind she was, could have been because it was the fact she had no one else to talk to, or it could have been that after so long of not talking to another human being, not involved with church or a child, that just talking to someone so casually was so refreshing. It was like some sort of burden had been lifted from him that he didn't know was there. He only hoped though agreeing to see her again didn't make her think he was a creep. However, he tried to make it seem it wasn't worried about that when he answered her, "Aye-aye wouldn't mind, if ye don't. " Maggie blinked and her eyes smiled with her lips.

"No, not at all that is why I asked you, Father Anderson." Her eyes were laughing at him and felt his lips twist in a light smile though. She adjusted her bag again on her shoulder as she turned to leave. "I should let you go now, that I about talked your ears off. We both have things we need to get done. But, see you next week?" She asked meekly.

Anderson turned to leave as well but had a warm smile on his face, a glow to his rough features, "Aye, next week then, till then Miss Maggie." The two waved one last time and both turned to leave. Maggie left dancing and Anderson went to humming a happy tune both leaving happier than when they arrived earlier that morning.

….

The two waved good bye to each other each going their separate ways. The two walked with a bit of a pep in their step, small smiles on their faces. It was a start of a new chapter for both of them, to finally have a friend perhaps. Meanwhile, at the café, the waiter, Antony, had walked up to the front window, watching as the shadows of his only guests disappeared. A small smile graced his lips and a light lit in his eyes. He turned form the window and retreated back into the darkness of his realm, all the while that light smile still on his features.