The following is a story that I have been tinkering with for a year and a half. I have gone back and forth on parts of it. It starts off on a rather heavy note, but lightens up to match the title. I can only "hope" it works for you all.

Pairing: Miranda / Andrea - 'cause I just can't seem to care about any others.

Caroline and Cassidy are with us on this one.

Disclaimer: I, sadly, do not own anything… really. As I have mentioned before, all I own in this world is a 2003 Toyota Corolla- although it is an LE. Nothing to get out of me if you sue… so don't. Please, allow us poor folk some fun. We aren't hurting anyone.

Rating: Have to go with NC-17 Sorry all you "innocents", J don't want to harm your virtue or anything. Rated due to SEX and adult only themes.

Which leads to the WARNINGS: I apologize, sincerely if this should offend anyone, but for some odd reason I was motivated, moved, +/or hypnotically commanded to write about a rape. It is not overly explicit, however it does occur. If you are not up to this, for any reason, I am sorry. Rewriting it just wouldn't work. Again, sorry. I will alert w/ each chapter necessary w/o giving everything away.

Chapter 4: Onward to happiness. The incident is a silent memory in this chapter.

The Happiest Place on Earth

Chapter 4

Time picked up speed again. Andy's life returned to a routine that left her little time to dwell on specific events. Her work week left her little free time, which she filled with writing and research. Her Saturdays were reserved for Lily and Sundays were either spent catching up on her own personal chores and errands or spending time with Miranda's family as requested by the girls. Soon enough, Thanksgiving was upon them. For the first time, Andy did not want to make the trip back to Ohio to see her family. Sadly, Miranda had decided to give everyone the time off from Wednesday afternoon to the following Monday and Lily was gong out of town with her latest boyfriend for the long weekend. Andy was sitting at her desk trying to come up with a suitable excuse to tell her parents when her cell phone broke her reverie.

"Hello, Andy Sachs."

"What are you doing for Thanksgiving?", the now familiar voice of Caroline asked.

"Hello Caroline, how are you?", Andy smiled into the phone. "I'm so glad you called. I was hoping to hear from you before the holiday. I hear your actually going to the parade."

"Anndeee!" Caroline whined in exasperation. "What are you doing for the holiday?"

"Well, since you asked, I'm staying home, watching the parade on the t.v., and having take out for dinner."

"That sounds crappy." Andy could hear Cassidy's admonitions over Caroline's comment in the background. "Come spend the day with us."

"Oh Caroline, I really don't think that's gonna happen."

"Why not? You don't have anything better to do. You should come to our house."

"I don't think so. I'll stick with my plans. But we can still get together on Sunday."

"Yeah, whatever." Caroline muttered, then hung up without warning.

Andy stared at the phone for a moment, lost in the musings of how eerily Miranda's offspring were imprinted with her behaviors. She was shaken from her thoughts by the ever cool voice passing her, "I believe you press the power button to disconnect, Andréa."

Thanksgiving arrived bright and cold. Andy was up at 7:00, despite the chance to sleep in. Since her return to Runway, her internal time clock was again reset and she could never sleep much past 6:30 am. After a veggie egg white omelet and still working on her first cup of coffee of the day, Andy snuggled into her couch to enjoy the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. With fifteen minutes to show time, Andy was rousted from her nest by a pounding on her door. Peeking through the hole, she was astounded to see a pair of familiar red heads waiting impatiently in the hall. Pulling the door wide open Andy demanded in an amused voice, "What are you two doing here?"

"We came to pick you up." Cassidy answered with the air of the obvious.

"Pick me up? Where are we going?" Andy asked in wonder.

"The PARADE !" The twins yelled in unison. "Come on Andy", Caroline continued, "Hurry up. We're gonna be late."

Somehow, without really understanding exactly what occurred, Andy got herself dressed and followed the Priestly girls out the door to really begin her Thanksgiving holiday. As they approached the waiting family car, Andy felt a tightness begin in her belly when she saw Miranda sitting behind the wheel. They settled into the warmth of the vehicle before Miranda's voice cut the silence. "Is it even physically possible for you to move at a slower pace?"

"She wasn't even dressed yet", Caroline intoned, sealing her image in Andy's mind of a mini Miranda. Andy had always felt inadequate to verbally spar with Miranda. Now that she had miniature backup, Andy wisely chose to bite her tongue and stare out the window.

"Don't pout, Andréa. It's unbecoming".

"I'm not pouting, I'm merely appreciating the view."

After the parade, Andy was basically kidnapped and held captive at the Priestly home. The day was filled with food, games, conversation, movies, and laughter. In a nut shell, it was family. They had a full, traditional Thanksgiving dinner that sedated Andy and the girls so that they all fell asleep during their annual airing of Miracle on 34th Street. Miranda joined the trio in the girls' rec-room after checking her e-mail. Sipping a glass of chardonnay, she stood leaning against the door frame observing her "girls" as they slept. She swallowed the last of her wine then pushed herself from the doorway to deal with the pile of bodies on the couch. Somehow, Andy ended up with both Cassidy and Caroline draped over her, using her body as a pillow. Miranda chose to wake Andy first. She woke her gently by running her fingers through the woman's hair and calling her name softly. Andy's eyes slowly blinked open but a frown creased her brow when she realized she couldn't move. She gazed up at Miranda sleepily and asked, "Am I dead?"

"Not just yet." Miranda quipped. "The oppressive weight on your chest is merely a growth diagnosed as a Cassidy-oma. It's easily excised"

In a feigned panic Andy continued with the role "But, my legs… I can't feel my legs".

"Yes, well, we can't help you with that. The Caroline parasite is insidious to say the least. It has woven itself so well with your legs that to remove it, we would have to amputate."

"Just do it." Andy said gravely. "I don't want to die. I'd rather never walk again"

Their joking gave Andy enough time to awaken fully so she could extricate herself from the tangle of arms and legs, and assisted carrying the girls off to bed. Caroline became semiconscious when tucked into bed and murmured into the night, "G'night Andy… love you…" Miranda's eyes snapped up to meet Andy's at that confession, trying to gauge the reaction it would illicit. Andy just smiled knowingly and placed a kiss on Caroline's cheek before heading out to the hallway. Miranda followed her out of the room stopping her decent down the stairs with a question.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm heading home."

"It's too late. You'll stay here."

The tone of voice left no room for discussion. Miranda's offer was an order. Andy contemplated inserting her independence, but chose to not rock the boat. It had been a perfect day. No sense spoiling it by picking a fight with Miranda, especially since she was just trying to be nice.

"OK, Thank you… But I don't have any of my things…"

"You'll find everything you need in your room." Miranda absently answered as she began turning off house lights. Andy followed silently, distracted by Miranda's off handed comment. 'My room? Since when do I have my own room?' Miranda paused briefly in front of the guest room, then continued on her way when Andy stepped through the door. Andy found a new toothbrush and very pricey cleansing products in the adjoining bathroom. Finishing her ablutions with a marvelously smooth face cream, Andy wandered to the closet in search of something to sleep in. When she flipped the light on she froze in place with her mouth agape. The closet was full of new clothes. Fashionable clothes, not just Macy's best. It was like looking into a mini Runway closet. Gucci, Valentino, Chloe, were just a few of the names she spied. On closer inspection, she found that every piece was in her size. Blouses, slacks, dresses, skirts, shoes, lingerie, everything she could possible need. She even found a new set of silk pajamas. "What the fuck…?"

"Andréa, are you finding everything you need?" Miranda's voice floated through the room. Andy almost fell out of the closet, a look of totally shocked disbelief on her face.

"Miranda? What is all this?" The words escaped her mouth before her mind could catch up and edit her thoughts. In usual cool Miranda fashion, the answer sounded like a bored afterthought, "Oh, these are all just extras from the Closet. I had them sent over for you when you were staying with us, but they arrived the day you decided to return to your life. Honestly, I forgot all about it until tonight."

Andy thought she caught a glimpse of sadness and maybe loss flitter through Miranda's eyes, but decided it was just the lighting. Andy recovered amazingly quickly and decided to accept it as it was explained. "Well, how fortuitous for me", she smiled.

"Yes, well… you may join me for a night cap if you'd like."

"Sure. I'll come down right after I change."

Miranda nodded and left. Andy remained in place a few moments, allowing the events to wash over her. Finally, shaking off the feeling of wonder, she changed into the silk pajamas and wrapped herself in a matching robe, then headed downstairs to join Miranda. She found the woman curled up on the couch in the sitting room with the Book open on her lap, a glass of wine in her hand, and an extra glass on the table awaiting Andrea. Andy maneuvered around the table and took her place at the opposite end of the couch, tucking her feet up so she was sitting sideways, facing Miranda. She observed silently as Miranda continued to work. Finally, after half a glass of wine, Andy let out an amused chuckle that made Miranda turn toward her with eyebrow arched. "Is there a problem?", her voice chilled.

"No, no problem," Andy smirked. "I just thought an invitation for a night cap included conversation."

"We have been conversing all day, Andréa. What more could you possibly have to say?"

Andy shook her head and tucked a loose strand of hair back behind her ear. Taking another sip of wine to fortify herself she went on, "It's not that I have anything specific to say, I just thought we might chat."

"Chat. You would like to 'just chat'", Miranda said flatly. "Did you want to 'chat' about the state of the union, or would you prefer to 'chat' about your latest fashion decision?" The sarcasm was a bitter pill for Andy to swallow. She placed her glass down and stood to leave. "I'm sorry Miranda," she said with the bitterness still on her tongue, "I shouldn't be bothering you while you are obviously trying to work. I'll just head off to bed and leave you to it." She left the room without a glance back. She didn't see the self loathing scowl cross Miranda's face, nor did she hear the muttered "Damn it. I just have to put my foot in it…" comment.

Miranda couldn't refocus on the book after Andy left so she slapped the cover closed and started up the stairs. As usual, she stopped in to check on her girls on the way to her room. She passed resolutely by Andy's door but could not get three steps past before she stopped. Looking back over her shoulder she heaved a sigh of frustrated guilt and went back to the door, pushing it open to slip inside. She moved to the bed and listened. Andy was breathing evenly, but not the slow deep breaths of sleep. Miranda sat on the edge of the bed, took in a cleansing breath and apologized. "I'm sorry, Andréa. I didn't mean to snap at you. I just have a lot of work to catch up on since I took the day off. You know I do not do 'friendly' when I'm working"

"I know. I'm sorry I interrupted you, Miranda. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"God, you are unbelievable". It was Miranda's turn to speak without self editing.

"What?" Andy defensively asked.

"I was rude to you for no good reason and yet you are willing to take the blame AND offer to help." Miranda was amazed. "And, you don't even have an ulterior motive. I simply find that rare and refreshing."

"Well enjoy it while you have it. I don't expect to be here forever, ya know."

"Yes,…well…" Miranda was distracted by an intense feeling of loss. "Perhaps I can take you up on your offer to help…since you are here…"

"Of course", Andy covered her confusion at the sound of Miranda's voice. "What do you need?"

"If it isn't too much of an imposition, I wonder if you might stay with the girls tomorrow so that I can go into work for a few hours. Since I gave the house staff the weekend off…"

"Oh, sure…Yes… That wouldn't be a problem at all. I wasn't planning on doing anything anyway…" Andy was aware she was babbling, but she couldn't seem to stop, so Miranda helped.

"Fine. I'll see you tomorrow then." She rose from the bed "Good night, Andréa" And, as she had gotten used to, she left a kiss on Andy's cheek before turning back to the night.

"Mom said we should let her sleep in. They were up late and probably got drunk."

"I'm not hung over Caroline", Andy murmured from under the blankets. That was all the invitation the girls needed. Two pre-teen bodies launched onto the bed, almost bouncing Andy out of it.

"Hey, come on you guys. I haven't even gone to the bathroom yet." she complained. The girls stopped bouncing and collapsed next to Andy, laughing. "So what do you two want to do today?"

"Can we go shopping?" Cassidy asked, hopefully.

"No way. Not on Black Friday. This is the craziest shopping day of the entire year."

"Let's go to Central Park and take a carriage ride."

"Caroline," Cassidy argued, "it's raining. We aren't going to the park in the rain."

Andy was sure the conversation was about to dissolve into a bickering match so she offered her own suggestion. "How 'bout we plan out your vacation?"

"But we already know where we're going," Cassidy all but whined.

"Yes, you know where you're going, but do you know what you're going to do? Do you know what order you're going to hit the parks?, do you know what rides to go to first? I'm telling you, there's an entire month's worth of planning to get done before you go." Both girls were looking rather skeptical. "No, seriously. There is a whole touring industry out there just to help you get through Disney World. I went with the Unofficial Guide to Disney to help with the original reservations. There's a web site that can build touring plans for each day, and Google earth has a 3-d viewing tour of the place. You may be going during one of the slower times, but if you don't want to stand in line for an hour for the rides, you need a plan."

The twins were admittedly excited about their upcoming trip so convincing them was not a hardship. Once Andy was up and they had their breakfast, the girls were ready to put their energies into developing the most efficient and fun packed touring plan possible. Dividing to conquer, the girls took one lap top to plan their attack on the parks while Andy chose to delve into the world of Disney's fine cuisine. By mid-afternoon the girls had constructed time schedules and tour plans for each of the parks plus the Typhoon Lagoon water park and Andy had scheduled their dinner reservations at different restaurants each night. Andy's cell phone rang just as she printed out the final time schedule for the entire vacation. Without checking the caller I.D. she answered, "Andy Sachs".

"Andréa, I'll be home in fifteen minutes, please have the girls ready to leave."

"Uh, Miranda?…" Silence answered from the other end. Miranda had already hung up.

"Ok, girls. Looks like we need to get you cleaned up. Sounds like your mom is taking you out for an early dinner tonight. I'd recommend 'dress casual' in ten minutes. GO!"

The girls squealed in delight at the challenge tossed to them. Andy laughed at the pounding of feet racing up the stairs. She checked her watch and started closing down the computers and cleaning up their work space. When the pounding descended the stairs again, Andy checked the time and met the girls with a grin, "Eight minutes- awesome. And, you both look great. I guess it must be in the genes."

"Aren't you going to get ready, Andy?" Cassidy asked.

"I wasn't included in the invitation, Cass. Besides, I really should be heading home."

The front door opened and the steady cadence of Miranda's heels sounded across the foyer. The girls and Andy left the study to meet her. Caroline and Cassidy ran to her, throwing their arms around her.

"Mom, guess what we did today", Cassidy started.

"I have no idea Cassidy. Did it involve spending money?"

"Nope"

"Thank God." Miranda sighed melodramatically.

"We planned our vacation", Caroline chimed in with a sing song voice. "We created a schedule for the whole trip. Andy said it was the best way to experience Disney World."

"Did she?" Miranda's eyes then raked over Andy, evaluating and critiquing her entire being in a heartbeat. The corner of her mouth twitched in a smirk of approval. "So, are we ready?" The question was tossed out to the room, but her eyes were locked into Andy's. The girls ran to the closet to grab their coats and Cassidy pulled Andy's out with hers. Andy blinked when her coat was shoved into her hands, breaking the connection with Miranda. She had a deep blush crawling up her neck and tried to cover her embarrassment with her voice, "Right…so, um, you ladies have a nice time. I'll just be heading home…"

"Andréa," Miranda cut her off, "aren't you coming with us?" Although it was posed as a question, the tone of voice left no room for refusal.

"Are you sure?" An eyebrow creeping up towards her hairline was the only reply Miranda gave. Andy wisely accepted the answer and followed the girls out to the car. The evening was filled with a late movie matinee, dinner, and then home again for a competitive round of monopoly. Andy, of course, stayed the night, and the next night. It wasn't until Sunday evening that the Priestly family allowed Andy to return to her own home.