Title: Beauty & The Beast
Chapter 8 – Second Thoughts?

A/N: Hey everyone. Thanks so much for the amazing reviews so far, please keep them coming, they inspire Alice to really pour herself into this story for you all. Hope you like this update :D


"Okay what do you mean you are not going on the weekend to…to you know where…" Sid starts with a frown, not wanting to mention Mac around Isaac, as he too was very well aware of the young boys growing affection for the new man in their lives.

"Dad I just…I just can't."

"Come and talk to me Stella," Sid gently begs as he takes her by the elbow and leads her into the kitchen. "What happened today?"

"I talked to Lindsay and she told me…well part of it."

"Told you what?"

"Part of Mac's big secret. His wife was killed in a car accident."

"And Mac was to blame?"

"No no nothing like that. But don't you see? Mac will be comparing me to…she was probably perfect."

Sid folds his arms and offers Stella a smile but says nothing.

"Oh what is that look?"

"Been a long time since any man made you think and act like this; it's very obvious you like him."

"I…" Stella tries to argue as she turns away. "I…I think I do," she confesses in a voice so soft it could be mistaken for a whisper. "I don't know why but I just…can't get him out of my mind. Even from our first meeting his eyes…damn it dad what is wrong with me?"

"Well I know you are too practical to believe in love at first sight and always roll your eyes when I talk about two people having such a strong chemical connection, but I think you and Mac have it."

"It's not possible," Stella moans softly as she buries her head in her hands and sighs.

"Has Mac yet compared you to his dead wife?"

"No."

"And how do you know he's going to start on the weekend?"

"Gut instinct," Stella stays weakly.

"Well I would have argued with you on woman's intuition," Sid smirks. "If it was just you I know you wouldn't be as worried. I know it's because of them," Sid nods in the direction of the living room where her children were playing together.

"I mean why start something that might never get to finish."

"A friend? I'll bet he's just as scared as you."

"I don't know dad," Stella slumps down into a nearby chair and looks at her father with a small frown. "I wish I could just push him out of my mind, but I can't and that part really does scare me."

"If he hasn't given you details he is probably scared that you'll be put off by him having a dead wife and leave. I mean we heard this guy locked himself away for five years."

"That also explains it. I mean you must really love someone so much to cut yourself off for that long."

"Perhaps," Sid says slowly. "Or overcome with guilt? Or…I mean we are here analyzing the poor guys motives like he has to answer to us in some way."

"And that isn't fair because we wouldn't want the same in return," Stella groans as she leans back in her chair.

"Well you already said yes about the plants. Go and get them and then leave right after if you want."

"And the kids?"

"Take them, they were invited right? Now shall I help with dinner?"

"Yeah," Stella answers absently, her mind still trying to determine a reason for Mac's prolonged absence from society.

XXXXXXXX

After dinner was finished Mac had retreated back into his house, mostly for some mental peace. Don had started to talk about Stella and her kids and how great it was that Mac was getting back to a real life again. But it wasn't until Don had said, 'at least you won't have to worry about your past with her,' that his mind started to have second thoughts, another big reason for him wanting to escape.

"Maybe I should cancel," he tells himself, not realizing he has an audience.

"Is it because of what I said?" Don asks from behind.

Mac turns to Don with a small frown. "Part of it is and the other part is…well nerves I guess."

"Hey man I'm sorry," Don apologizes in haste. "I was kinda joking but I'm sorry if I was out of line and your plans changed because of me. Jessica had told me about your hesitation and how it was mostly your mother who arranged this. I met Stella…on…well a few nights back," Don stammers, not actually wanting to remind Mac that it was because he basically sent her back into the night and he had to help her. "Anyways she seemed pretty nice and I'm sorry if I ruined anything."

"It's not your fault Don," Mac sighs as he turns away, his heart beating furiously in his chest. "Stella…well there is something about her…I just can't seem to get her out of my head."

"And that's bad?" Don asks softly, forcing Mac to turn back with a small shrug.

"I'm just…confused."

"You obviously like her. She has kids you know."

"I know…and?"

"You okay with that?"

"Actually yes," Mac confesses in truth. "Her children…well they are great kids. Surprised they liked me right away, well at least the boy did," Mac pauses. "But how can I tell her that it was my fault Claire died? That would scare her away for sure."

Mac finishes and then looks up at Don who only looks back with a smile. "What? Sad right?"

"You know outside of Danny and Sully I haven't told anyone else this, obviously Jessica knows now. Before I moved here and met Jess I uh…well I was a Detective and one night was on a case when all hell broke lose. We were about to storm a known drug lab and had Intel that only a few of the bad guys were inside. My partner, who was younger said that something wasn't right and I told him it was first time jitters and there was nothing to worry about. Those are the last words he ever heard from me. He rushed in before me and they were waiting. God, Mac when I saw his body absorb those bullets I…damn I crucified myself right there. I was cleared because we were acting on Intel that was from a trusted source and no one heard the conversation between us."

"Don I'm sorry."

"Mac, I was to blame. I just laughed at his paranoia and treated it as if it were nothing. Sometimes even now I'll wake up with the image of just watching his body fall to the ground dead. That's part of why I moved out here, a slower pace and to just help me make a new start. Danny knew and when I told him that I could never tell Jessica he said I had to or the guilt would keep us apart. See much like yourself, I was in love with Jessica the moment I saw her."

"Wait a minute," Mac holds up his hands.

"Like…love…whatever. Point is Mac you weren't responsible for Claire's death just like I wasn't responsible for my partners, they made their choices and paid for it with their lives. I was scared but when I told Jessica everything she was more than understanding. I mean seriously Mac I thought for sure she would have said I should have done more and just walked away. But she didn't; she even moved out here and now we are talking marriage."

"I'm happy for you Don."

"I know you like Stella, heck you can hardly hold back a smile when I just mention her name to you," Don lightly teases, smiling at his friend when Mac's lips slightly curl upward. "I know you are worried and so was I. But when the moment is right you'll tell Stella the truth and that'll be it."

"You make it sound easy."

"You know what I did after I told Jess the truth?"

"Celebrated?"

"Hardly. I rushed to the bathroom and threw up," Don counters. "But that was it. Now when I start to get worried she just reassures me that it wasn't my fault or I have a hard day or so does she…I mean like she said if she had been in my situation would I forgive her? I would."

"I do like Stella," Mac sighs. "I guess I'm just nervous."

"It's just dinner," Don teases. "And at least you don't have to cook so she'll actually be able to thank you in person the next day if she wants," he finishes with a lighter note, easing the tension that was building.

"Thanks," Mac offers with mild sarcasm.

"Alright well I better get back," Don tells Mac.

Mac tells him goodnight and then turns back toward the middle of the house, his mind picturing his last argument with Claire before she sped off into the night; ending their marital future. But refusing to dwell on that sordid image Mac heads for the stairs to go up and then finally entering his large master bedroom, slumping down on the edge of the bed and looking around in the dimly lit room around him.

"Sorry Don, I don't think I can do this," he whispers sadly to himself as he leans back, still dressed in his regular clothes, closes his eyes and is asleep.

XXXXXXXX

"Good morning Isaac," Stella wakes her son the next morning.

"I don't wanna go today," Isaac moans as he turns onto his side, his back to her.

"What is sweetie? Is it because of what the other boys said yesterday?" She asks tenderly, stroking his back and trying to get him to turn over to face him.

"Yes," he sighs as he turns back.

"I know it was hard for you to hear those mean things but they were only trying to bully you. You are going to go back to school today and show them that you can't be bullied."

"What if they do it again?"

"They might, just to see if they can get a rise from you today like they did yesterday. When that happens, you just turn around and leave. Always have someone with you okay?"

Isaac looks up at his mother and slowly nods his head.

"I love you Isaac and I know our situation isn't that ideal right now but we are a strong family and we will get past this okay?"

"Will I ever get a daddy?" Isaac asks her in a tone that instantly shatters her heart. She looks at his loving face and sad expression and feels her eyes wanting to well.

"I can't make those kinds of promises Isaac," Stella tells him in truth. By this time Isabella had woken up and wandered down the hall and was now sitting at the edge of Isaac's bed. Stella brings her daughter to her lap and kisses her cheek. "I love you both very much and I wish I could give you both the best daddy in the world. One that would want to provide for us and gives us his time and love and attention and spend as much time with you guys as possible. Playing with you and helping you with your schoolwork, when that comes but…"

"We are getting a daddy?" Isabella asks excitedly.

"Not today," Stella takes the easy way out. "Now I want both of you to get up and get ready for breakfast okay?" Stella then, without waiting for them to protest, takes Isabella by the hand and takes her back to her room to help her. Isaac slowly pushes himself out of bed and heads for the bathroom. Sid meets him in the hallway and smiles at his grandson. While Sid didn't shower with Isaac he always made sure that he was in the room, the curtain closed but just in case something happened then Isaac wouldn't be alone. But since he had a shower the night before he was on his own.

"How were they this morning?" Sid asks Stella as he joins her in the kitchen.

"Isaac didn't want to go at first but he has to face negative kids someday so might as well start early."

"Still asking for a dad?"

"Yes and that's another reason why I am worried about going to see Mac this weekend. Isaac is somehow oddly attached to Mac and I fear that that bond will only grow and that Isaac might get hurt."

"Well there is that risk," Sid sighs. "But you had come to the conclusion last night that you were going to go and just see what happens."

"I know," Stella answers softly. "And I will. I just…worry."

"You wouldn't be you if you didn't," Sid comments as both children come bounding down the stairs for breakfast. The serious adult conversation ceases the moment both children start to prattle away about the day ahead and what they'll be having for lunch. Soon it was out the door and finally ending at school once more. After hearing Isaac's comment yesterday about seeing Mac, Stella looks around then finally locks eyes with her dad.

"One day Stella and he'll be here," Sid winks before he quickly gets back in the car before she can say anything in reply. Stella just shakes her head and then ushers her children toward the front door to the school. Today would be her first day teaching and she was already feeling nervous knots starting to form in her stomach.

"Hey guys mornin'," Aiden greets them. "Oh those other kids…not gonna be a problem," she winks to Stella.

Stella just nods as Lindsay and Lucy walk up to them.

"Hi Lucy!" Isabella greets excitedly.

"Hi Lucy, hi Isaac," she offers the cute little boy a wide grin.

"HI Lucy," Isaac answers shyly before he turns and heads into the classroom to find his new friend and fellow locker partner. After their kids were inside Lindsay and Stella head for the teachers lounge in silence; that is until Lindsay breaks it.

"Stella, whatever I said yesterday, I'm sorry," she offers softly.

"No I uh…I just overacted a bit."

"It really was none of my business and if you cancel this weekend because of Mac then I'll just tell Danny we won't go. But please don't," she tries to assure her new friend. Stella turns to her and offers her a kind smile.

"Lindsay I'm not mad at you at all. I'm just…I guess when I heard about Claire I panicked. I'm sure she was amazing and I just worry that Mac would compare me."

"Well she was a nice person don't get me wrong but not suited to Mac in many ways. But I really do want you three to come on the weekend as asked. Stella…"

"We are going to Lindsay. I'm just nervous," she admits.

"Trust me, Mac will be also. In fact, to be very honest I am surprised he hasn't cancelled. But seeing that he hasn't is a good thing."

Stella just smiles at her friend before they enter the room and then start to talk to the other teachers. A few minutes Stella's mind switches from Mac-mode into work-mode as she tries to mentally prepares for her very first class. Still she couldn't help but wonder what Mac was doing.

XXXXXXXX

"Dr. Adams you have a guest."

"Janet tell them…"

"It's Mac," his head nurse and assistant whisper to him.

Dr. Adams looks up from his file and then past her to a very familiar face standing in the waiting room. "Let him in and please hold my calls until he's gone. Mac," Dr. Adams comes out from his desk and gives his friend a small hug. "So great to finally see you out and about young man. Please sit down."

"Sorry Ben, I know it's been a long time," Mac sighs as he sits down before his long time friend.

"I met Jessica Angell yesterday, great nurse and I know she'll be an asset to Sheldon. She said she's staying in the guest house."

"As a friend," Mac quickly adds to which Dr. Adams just chuckles.

"Yes trust me, every time Don Flack comes in here, I hear more about her than the perps he's bringing in for some fixing. But I uh…hear you have a new friend."

"Ben…"

"The last person who is going to judge you is me Mac, you know that right?"

"Don't think it's too soon?"

"It's been five years Mac, trust me it's not too soon. But its different for each person and you obviously weren't ready for anything the past five years and are now. I personally think this woman is a god-send but that's just me."

"Well you know I don't believe in fairytales or that stuff…"

"Yeah who would want to believe that there is one perfect person out there for each of us. You know love at first sight and all that," he winks at Mac and Mac just offers a small head shake.

"I guess it was time…I uh…well I'm not sure bu…"

"Mac stop trying to analyze it," Dr. Adams interrupts. "Just enjoy your freedom. You have more than earned it. Have you um…stopped by your work?"

"Was there yesterday and yes I actually worked," Mac smirks. "Felt good."

"Yeah I'll bet it did. Sorry I couldn't make it last weekend."

"Well I'm sorry I didn't congratulate you on your appointment."

"Guess we are both sorry and ready to start over," Dr. Adams smiles. "You know Wendy and I would love it if you came over sometime, just for dinner."

"I just haven't felt very social as of late."

"And this weekend?"

"Did she tell you everything?" Mac asks with a small nervous laugh.

"Just that a woman and her kids were coming to get some garden supplies and they might be staying for dinner. This woman…"

"Is just a friend."

"Well that's how it starts right?" Dr. Adams smiles warmly. "Now tell me about work yesterday." Dr. Adams had quickly changed the subject, knowing that if dwelt solely on Mac's new growing friendship he might scare his friend back into the dark recesses of his mind and house and that wasn't something he wanted to be responsible for. Seeing Mac's face light up for even a few seconds when he told him her name, 'Stella' was enough to know this woman was special to him already and just what the doctor ordered.

XXXXXXXX

By the time her first two morning classes are over and the lunch time bell sounds, Stella's nervous anxiety had subsided. Her class, as she had suspected, was full of mature students who actually wanted to learn and who really wanted to get into a first rate university so were trying very hard and weren't there to cause her trouble.

She heads past the teachers lounge and decides just to check on her children to see how they were doing. Sid had settled into a morning shift, which worked better for all of them, freeing him up to pick up the children before she was finished with her last afternoon class.

Stella spies Aiden and heads toward her.

"Hey Ms. B," Aiden greets her with a smile.

"Any troubles?"

"Nah nothin' today," Aiden answers with a smile. Stella watches Isabella and Lucy playing with another girl and not too far away from them, Isaac and Freddie as he wanted to be called. All of them looked happy and content. She talks to Aiden a bit longer before heading back inside and then seeking out Lindsay and having their lunch. They talked about their classes, Stella's first start so far and how the kids were doing at lunch.

The rest of the day was pretty routine and by the time she was heading home, she was wondering what how Isaac fared the rest of the day. But just before she heads home, she stops at a gas station to get some gas and half way through her fill, a dark luxury SUV pulls in to the other side of the same pump she is at and she watches with a growing smile who gets out.

"Mac?"

Mac's mind had been preoccupied with all the happenings of the day. First his visit with Dr. Adams and then when he headed into work as suspected he got a nasty voice mail from his main arch rival – Frankie Mala.

'Ah so the mental cripple has returned. Well Taylor you might have been able to steal one client away but good luck with the rest. Oh and I have cancelled my trip and will be at the fundraiser in two weeks. If you think I'll show pity, forget it. I'm going to do everything I can to make you look the weak and pathetic fool and send you back into the hole you came out of. Have a good day.'

Danny had assured him after that that it was expected and Frankie was just pissed because he lost one of his biggest accounts. Mac took some small consolation in that but now wasn't sure he even wanted to attend the school fundraiser.

'Mac you gotta show,' Danny had told him. 'You don't show and you know he's gonna slam you. It's time to show that ass who's boss once again.'

So when he pulled up to the gas station he wasn't even thinking about anything other than Frankie's harsh words; that is until a musical voice instantly pulled his gaze toward her. Stella.

"Sorry I was…lost in thought," he answers with a warm smile. "So what brings you here…" he starts and then stops, offering a nervous laugh and praying for his heart to slow long enough for his brain to work properly. Oh yeah good one, his brain laughs.

"Long day?" Stella asks cautiously.

"First real day of work in…well a while. And you?"

"First day of teaching on my own. It went okay but I was nervous," Stella admits with a small smile. "So about Saturday…"

"Right well I understand if you can't make it," Mac rushes in haste, taking Stella by surprise.

"No I uh…I can make it. Is that still okay?"

"It is," Mac answers with a bit more calmness in his tone.

"And my kids. I mean I know you were being kind but if you don't want them you can tell me and I won't be offended," she gives him his way out just in case. "I haven't told them and I'm kinda used to it."

"I would like them to come," Mac assures her.

"Really?"

"I don't know why they'd be left out, they seem like great kids," Mac offers with a small frown.

Stella looks at him almost dumbfounded; her heart racing so fast she was sure she was going to drop the gas hose and set the station on fire. He wants them to come? He's a keeper! Her brain shouts with joy.

"Well I think they are and I know they'll be excited when I tell them," Stella tells him as she finishes pumping her gas. She pulls out the receipt slip and then gives Mac one last smile, letting their locked gaze linger before she blinks and the moment was broken. "I have to go…gotta get home and make dinner."

"Right of course. Well I'll see you on Saturday."

"You will," she softly confirms. Stella gets into her truck, giving him one more glance before she turns the corner and heads for home; leaving Mac standing at the pump with a permanent smile on his face. But as he had no one to go home to that would see that smile, as soon as Stella walks through the door at home, she's confronted by her father who notices instantly.

"Well from that smile and the tinge to your cheeks I'd say you just saw Mac," however, Sid's voice wasn't as quiet as normally and the mere mention of Mac's name brings Isaac running into the kitchen. He looks around and then up at his mother.

"Mummy, where's Mac?" Isaac asks innocently.

"No sweetie grampa just mentioned his name, he's not here."

"He said he'd come back," Isaac states sadly as he turns to leave.

Stella quickly pulls her son back and bends down so that she's looking at him eye level. "Tell you what. If everything goes well and you and your sister behave and don't get into trouble, we'll go over to Mac's house on Saturday and play in his yard."

"YAY!" Isaac shouts as he flings himself at his mother, wrapping his small arms around her neck.

"What's happening mummy?" Isabella asks in haste.

"We get to go to Mac's house."

"On Saturday," Stella finishes and Isabella nods and shrugs, making Sid laugh. "Lucy will be there too," Stella tells her daughter.

"YAY!" Isabella's turn to shout and soon Stella had both children hanging on her neck.

"Okay time to let mummy up and let me start t make dinner. I'll call you both back when it's time to help." Stella stands up and watches her children take their leave and then turns to Sid. "Thanks dad."

"Well they were going to find out sooner or later. And I was right wasn't I? About the smile?"

"Yes it was Mac. I just bumped into him at the gas station, no big deal."

"Hmm okay if you say so," Sid teases and Stella jus shakes her head. "So how was your day?"

"Stressful at first but after my first class it was great. Small classes with serious students so I really do like that. And I checked with the kids teacher, Aiden, no more problem with the bullies so that's a relief. But they are going to run into real world situations like that from now on so it's okay that they faced it early on. Even still, I'm glad today was better. Isaac and Fred," she pauses with a laugh.

"Yeah such an old name for a kid," Sid smirks.

"Well it's true but at least they are getting along and that is a relief. I am still nervous about the weekend but talked to Lindsay and am just going to take it in stride."

"Did running into Mac change your mind at all?"

"Yeah for the better," Stella stops to reflect. "I gave him my standard way out…"

"Oh you mean the line about you not being offended if you don't bring your kids," Sid smirks.

"Yes that one and he insisted I bring them," she smiles fondly. "I was surprised, but in a good way. So it's set and we'll see what happens."

"Ah knew it was time you grew up," Sid pats her shoulder. "I'm happy for you."

"Okay enough talk about me, what about your day?"

XXXXXXXX

The week passed by pretty much the same for both Mac and Stella until it was Friday evening and now both sat in their lonely bedrooms pondering what tomorrow might hold.


A/N: Okay so up next is the Saturday outing. How do you think things will turn out? Will feelings grow or will they both realize it's too much and just back off? Please let me know what you thought about this chapter and stay tuned for more!