After her shift was over, Lizzie went downtown to do some shopping. She was seriously behind on basic necessities and had barely avoided the awkwardness of Charlotte catching her red handed stealing tooth paste.

She took a quick break ordering a coffee at a local coffee shop that she had never been to before. As she was about to leave, she noticed one of her fellow nurses sitting at a table in the corner.

"Denny," she said approaching the table.

"Hey, Lizzie, he said putting down his phone, "Just get done?"

"Little bit ago, I'm now running errands and thought I would get some coffee. Do you come here often? Coffee any good?"

"My new roommate is the one who showed me this place so this is only my second time but yes, I enjoy the coffee," he said, taking a small sip. "Care to sit?"

"Sure," said Lizzie sliding in a chair, "Why not."

"How does the OR run these days?"

"Strict and professional," said Lizzie struggling with her first sip of coffee.

"Sounds like ice."

"It's not too bad."

"What's not too bad?" This was spoken by a man who took the seat next to Denny.

"Lizzie, this is my new roommate, George Wickham, George, this is one of my coworkers, Lizzie Bennet."

George Wickham gave her a side smile and shook her hand. Lizzie immediately felt a sensation when their eyes and skin met and she retreated her hand quickly. His eyes were a deep, dancing, brown which lit up whenever he smiled. Taking a big sip of coffee, Lizzie's eyes began to water as her burnt mouth screamed for water.

"You new to town George?" choked Lizzie, trying to cover for her mistake.

Wickham smiled warmly and picked up a napkin which he handed to her. Lizzie, cheeks red accepted the gesture and wiped her mouth with the napkin.

"Yes, actually, I've recently taken a small temp job here. Hoping to find something a bit more permanent," Wickham said in a pleasing voice, "Denny was good enough to take a stranger as a roommate."

"Well, I won't room with my friends. Friendships are ruined when you move in together," said Denny.

"So, we can't be friends?"

"And we can't be roommates?" Lizzie added, with a twinkle in her eye.

"No, and yes," Denny said firmly. "George, you've started out as a roommate so we can be friends. Lizzie, you were a friend first so you can't transition to a roommate."

"Where did you learn that? I've never heard it," said Lizzie.

"I've heard friends shouldn't move in together and I have to admit I agree with Denny on that," said George.

"Bad past experiences," said Lizzie putting her elbows on the table and staring down Wickham, "That's the only way you would agree."

"Exactly," said George and their eyes connected once again, but Lizzie quickly broke the connection.

"Well, I room with my sister and my best friend is over constantly so she's basically our honorary third roommate so I'm not sure I agree," said Lizzie.

Denny shrugged. "A sibling is different."

"True," said Lizzie, "Even I agree with that. But Charlotte is no sibling and we could room together."

"Fine, it might be different for some people," admitted Denny.

"Cleary," said George.

"I guess some wisdom just isn't appreciated in its time," said Denny. "I'm getting a muffin to go."

He left leaving Lizzie and George alone. Lizzie looked down at her hands trying not to be give off nervousness. It had been awhile since the mere presence of a guy made her stomach flip.

"So," he said leaning forward over the table, "Who is Lizzie Bennet?"

"What?"

"Who is Lizzie Bennet? Or are you one of those people who are still finding themselves?"

"No," said Lizzie laughing, "I don't think so. And, you should pick a different topic. I'm not that interesting."

"I doubt that. Come on, describe yourself in three words," he said, but upon the shaking of her head, he added, "I'll do it too. I'll even go first."

"Fine," said Lizzie sitting back in her chair and folding her arms.

"Wow, taking a defensive position," George said pointing at her arms. Lizzie merely shrugged.

"Alright," he said doing the same, "My first word is…adventurous."

"Really?"

"Why is that surprising?"

"It's not. You have a certain fire in your eyes. My first word, introvert."

"Ah, she's into psychology," said George smiling, "But, if I were to make a guess, I would say you are an introvert with a fire of a personality."

"Maybe, your turn, "said Lizzie.

"Alright, optimistic."

"Interesting."

"Is that your word or is that your response because I certainly agree that you're very interesting," George said smiling at her. Lizzie's butterflies returned. One thing was certain, the guy was smooth.

"My second word is passionate," said Lizzie.

"About what?"

Lizzie considered it a moment. "Family, friends, books…and I guess my job."

"You're a reader?"

"Yes."

"I wished I read more," said Wickham sighing, "There always seems to be so much more to do. Like, watching the movie."

"Blasphemy," said Lizzie, "The movies are never as good as the book."

"Much shorter though."

"Shorter is not always better."

"Touché," said Wickham, "I admit defeat." He smiled.

Wickham had this calming effect. He made her feel at ease, yet, she felt excitement. She was intrigued by him which was unusual for her. She was not the type to be swept off her feet quickly.

Denny rejoined them which left Lizzie disappointed. She wanted to talk to Wickham more but they had to leave. Sadly, she waved them off. With no reason to stay, she finished her coffee and threw the cup away.

Once she was on the subway, she heard her phone ding. Reaching for it, she was pleasantly surprised.

I never got your third word. So, instead of asking, I used it as an excuse for Denny to get your number. Hope that's okay.

Lizzie quickly replied.

Lizzie: Lol. That's perfectly okay. You give me your third word and I'll give you mine.

Wickham: Determined.

Lizzie: Hence not giving me a chance to turn down giving out my cell phone number.

Wickham: Exactly. I'm not an idiot.

Lizzie: Hmmm, I could still turn down my third word.

Wickham. Nope. You said if I gave my third word you would give your third word.

Lizzie: I never promised.

Wickham: Come on. How about I give a fourth word? And, I'll make it super personal so you feel better.

Lizzie: What makes you think that would help?

Wickham: Because I'm betting your third word is extremely personal and you're scared to share yours. So, I'll give a phrase which is more than you have to give. Poor without prospects.

Lizzie: I do admit that sucks.

Wickham: Well, I'm trying to be honest. Now, come on. Don't leave me hanging!

Lizzie: Fine.

Wickham: Is that it? Cause that's boring and you are not boring. Plus, I'm pretty sure you have a decent grasp of the vocabulary system.

Lizzie: What's a vocabulary?

Wickham: Stop messing around. What's your word? I promise I'll leave you alone for the rest of the day if you give it.

Lizzie realized they were at her stop. She got up and stepped off and started walking home. She sent one last text before she got home.

Lizzie: Single

Christmas came quickly due to Lizzie and Jane's long hours. They both worked on Christmas Eve so they arrived to the Bennet house on Christmas day, both tired but in good spirits. The traditional, and gigantic, Christmas brunch was awaiting them. Everyone sat down to enjoy it. Mrs. Bennet particularly was in high spirits because she had big aspirations for Jane.

"Jane, dear," she began, "This relationship with this man of yours has gone on for longer than two months now. I think it's time that we met him. Your father wishes to meet him as well."

"I've already spoken to him," said Mr. Bennet sitting in his leather chair with a slight grin on his face as he scooped himself some eggs.

"You have? When?" Mrs. Bennet looked as though she had swallowed a whole bin of lemons. She looked at Jane, bewildered, who shook her head in ignorance.

"Don't get upset with Jane my darling, Charles called me early on asking if it was alright if he dated my daughter. I simply gave him my blessing."

"Mr. Bennet. I would have loved to talk to him," Mrs. Bennet wailed, "Why did you not hand the phone to me? Or frankly, tell me this piece of information?"

"Mom, I'll bring him here soon," said Jane. Lizzie shook her head slightly but Jane looked away with determination. "I'll ask him for his schedule and we'll plan something. He wants to meet you."

"Well, fine. I suppose it's better than nothing." Mrs. Bennet still looked gloomy as Mr. Bennet chuckled with his cup of coffee.

Lizzie sighed silently. Truth was, everyone one of the Bennet girls avoided introducing their significant others to Mrs. Bennet. She, in truth, was awful at first introductions- always too excited at a potential spouse for whichever daughter was involved. And even when she got past that, she was awful at maintaining the relationships. Basically, Mrs. Bennet was awful with their boyfriends. Period.

And that didn't even include Mr. Bennet. True, he had better pleasantries than his wife, but, at the same time, his loner and hermit routine did not impress many potential future sons-in-law.

Then there were the sisters. Mary, who was about as pleasant as nails on a chalkboard, would bore others with talk of music philosophy. And, if anyone said anything she didn't agree with, she would turn her nose up at them. Frankly, Lizzie laughed at the thought of putting Mary and Caroline together and seeing whose head could go back the farthest.

Lydia and Kitty. Well, Lizzie was pretty sure both girls would flirt with Charlies all night. Yes, both girls weren't beyond flirting with their sister's boyfriend if they found the specimen pleasing. Not to mention their inability to keep from snickering and giggling.

Poor Jane.

Mrs. Bennet was still muttering about her displeasure at being left out. Lizzie decided to correct the situation.

"Mom, it's not like he has an easy schedule," said Lizzie, "Remember he is a surgeon." She emphasized these last words knowing it would change the topic from discouragement to sheer happiness.

Mrs. Bennet took the bait. She was thrilled for the rest of the meal and the topic was dropped. Lizzie gave Jane a wink who smiled down at her plate.

Just as they were finished opening presents much later in the day, Lizzie felt her phone buzz. She smiled when she saw the sender.

George: Merry Christmas Lizzie!

This had become fairly typical. George and Lizzie had been texting back and forth for a few weeks. Lizzie enjoyed the friendly banter but was secretly hoping that George would take it a step further. She quickly replied.

Lizzie: Merry Christmas yourself. What list did you make? Nice? Naughty?

George: Lol, I think my fate is pretty determined. I'm betting you're on the nice list!

Lizzie: Don't know. Never believed in Santa so he might not have the biggest opinion of me.

George: Never? That's pretty sad.

Lizzie: See, you might have more Santa points than I do.

George: True, but I do have a way that you can gain some points! It would require you to do a great act of self-sacrifice and charity.

Lizzie: Ok? What is this great act?

George: I heard from Denny that you and your coworkers are going out to karaoke on New Year's Eve.

Lizzie: Yes, what about it?

George: I was hoping you would be my date that night?

Lizzie: So, let me get this straight. I'm going out with my friends and you want to turn it into a date? Plus, if it's a date, does that mean I have to do a duet with you?

George: Yup. But trust me. YOU want ME to be on your team for karaoke. I'm a killer in Karaoke!

Lizzie: Hmmm….well, I guess I'll have to trust you.

George: SO, is that a yes?

Lizzie: It's a date.

Lizzie returned her attention back to her family. Christmas, which was already cheerful, now had a whole new glow.

Jane and Lizzie returned home a few days later their car significantly fuller due to gifts and shopping trips but Lizzie's heart was a full of compassion for Jane. Jane had finally given in to Mrs. Bennet's pleas for an introduction to Charles.

"I can't believe you caved Jane," said Lizzie on the freeway. "I think you could have held out longer. Mom would have forgiven you."

"I don't want to avoid it for forever. Besides, Charles parents want to meet me as well and it seems weird that I would meet them first when they live so far away while my parents are twenty minutes away."

"I guess that's true."

"Besides," said Jane, "I've already admitted to Charles that my family…is…well, a little eccentric."

"Eccentric?" Lizzie laughed.

Jane looked guilty but Lizzie placed a hand on her shoulder. "That was about the best word you could have used, Jane."

It didn't take long for Charlotte to appear in their apartment after they were home.

"Hey, I'm so glad you guys are back. Especially you, Lizzie," Charlotte said giving her a tight but firm hug.

"I missed you too Char Char," said Lizzie returning the hug.

"I'm going to head out guys," said Jane grabbing her coat.

"What? We just got back."

"Lizzie, I think someone's anxious to see her. Bingley has looked just a little said these last few days," said Charlotte.

"Oh right, my bad. Off you go!"

Jane waved back at them before she closed the door.

"Another person has really missed your absence," began Charlotte.

"Don't tell me. It's that Collins guy. Mrs. Gardiner told me that he was interested in me," said Lizzie, "Makes me want to gag."

"Oh," said Charlotte surprised, "He doesn't seem that bad."

"Not that bad. Ugh. He's the worst."

"Whatever, he wasn't even the person I was talking about."

Lizzie racked her brain. "Who?"

"Darcy."

"Yeah right," snorted Lizzie, "He's just sad he didn't have anyone to correct and prod at during his day."

"Um, yes, he did," said Charlotte, "Me."

"Oh, right. How was that?"

"Fine. I didn't mean to imply that he was mean. He was just…different I don't know. He asked me when you were getting back."

"Well, I have a shift tomorrow."

"I told him that."

Returning to work on Monday, Lizzie was cheerful. Most people dread going back to work but Lizzie, strangely, did enjoy her job. She was greeted by several people and she laughed hearing crazy stories she missed.

In the locker room, she was sitting with people laughing when Darcy came in. Everyone immediately grew quiet and left promising Lizzie they would catch up later.

"Miss Bennet, good to have you back," he said nodding at her.

"Thanks Dr. Darcy," Lizzie said flipping her hair down so it would go up in a ponytail. "How were things when I was gone? I heard you didn't go home at all for the holidays."

"Things were normal for the holidays. Busy."

"Sounds typical, so what did I do?"

Darcy looked at her surprised. "What do you mean?"

"You always come to the locker room if you need something or if I have done something wrong. So which one is it?"

Darcy narrowed his eyes for a moment. "I just wanted to give you today's schedule." He handed her a sheet.

"Okay, well, I'll get ready," said Lizzie taking the sheet and walking past him.

The day was hard. The shift just dragged and Lizzie kept yawning and blowing her nose. Lizzie took some vitamins but she knew it was too late. Somehow, she had caught a cold. Her dad had been getting one they day Jane and Lizzie had left for home.

Lizzie was relieved when her shift was finally over. She was about to head to the subway when Jane snaked her arm.

"Come on Lizzie, you're tired and sick. Let me drive you home?"

Lizzie smiled and nodded. A nice, comfortable car seat sounded way more appealing than the subway at this point.

Lizzie had gone straight to bed when they got home-per Jane's request. Lizzie woke later to the wonderful smell of chicken soup cooking in the kitchen. Lizzie's heart was instantly warmed at Jane's thoughtfullness.

This was Jane. She could always sense when Lizzie was having a hard day and in turn, would rise to the occasion splendidly. Chicken soup was Lizzie's ultimate comfort food. When Lizzie walked out, Jane was busy in the kitchen.

"Hey sleepy head, I made your favorite," said Jane as she presented Lizzie with a bowl of chicken soup with crackers in it.

"Thank you so much. You're my favorite sister."

"I hope not. You have 3 others and it's wrong to have favorites," said Jane, in a mild scolding voice which also hinted affection.

"Sure", said Lizzie winking and taking a sip of soup. Jane joined her at their counter on the bar stools. It was silent for a few moments, which was customary for them, both girls had a hearty appetite considering the long hours they worked.

"So, this might mean you can't do karaoke," said Jane after a while.

"Hmmmhmmm," murmured Lizzie still going at the soup, "Nothing is keeping me from karaoke on New Year's Eve."

"Why? I didn't know you were such a huge fan."

"No," Lizzie said putting down her spoon, "But I may have a date for that night!"

"What?" Jane squealed and hugged Lizzie. "Who?"

"George Wickham," said Lizzie grinning.

"The cute guy from the coffee shop? Roommates with Denny?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Lizzie, I'm so excited for you!"

"I know," said Lizzie, "Is Charles going to be there?"

"I don't think so, I think he has other plans with Darcy and Caroline."

There was a knock at the door. Jane got up and opened it to reveal Charlotte.

"Hello honorable third roommate," said Lizzie.

"Hey, you sound clogged up," said Charlotte walking into the kitchen. She smelled the soup and got herself some before joining them at the counter.

"Guess what Charlotte?" Jane looked positively proud as she leaned across Lizzie. "Lizzie, our very own Lizzie, has a date for karaoke."

"Oh," said Charlotte, "Collins?"

Lizzie choked on the soup she had currently been swallowing, after she had finished swallowing down the wrong pipe. She quickly corrected Charlotte. "Um. No."

"Well, then who?"

"George Wickham."

"The guy she met at the coffee shop," clarified Jane.

"That's exciting," said Charlotte, "Hopefully, this cold will be gone by then."

"It will," said Lizzie.

"I'll help make sure," said Jane squeezing her hands together. Her look was entirely too excited for Lizzie's taste. "What are you going to wear?"