Author's notes: Here we go. The final two chapters before they land in Pine Valley. This is terribly important as we get to meet Cecelia and learn a little about what has happened in Paris lo these many months and what Greenlee and Maggie may be in for when they face Bianca over Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks to Tina for helping me with parts of this chapter that worried me and assuring me I should post it. And thanks for beta reading that important bit as well. I am happy with this as it addresses some points that I felt were left unexplained by either me or the show. I know parts of it are harsh but they need to be to explain what we saw on screen and how people have changed and why. LMAO. Remember, feedback is like food, more needed sometimes.

These characters do not nelong to me. They belong to ABC/AMC/Disney. If they were mine I would treat them better and the show would be much, much different.

Weak in the Knees
Chapter 10

August 2007
Paris, France

"Maggie?"

Maggie turned to see a face she was not sure she would ever see again. She was glad she was wrong.

"Cecelia? Hi." She reached out and warmly hugged the friend she had not seen in such a long time, kissing her on the cheek. "I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch, it's been…" Maggie found she was at a loss for the right words.

"Tough. I know." The blonde stroked Maggie's cheek, remembering what it was like to kiss her. Thinking maybe now she had a chance. "I read the tabloids unfortunately. How are you holding up?"

"Better. I'm sort of seeing someone, an old friend actually. I am sure I mntioned Greenlee. I don't know how good I am at it or for her but I am trying to move on."

You only talked about her all the time, Cecelia thought. "Good for you." Was what she said though, sadness and regret tingeing her words. "I'm glad you're ok. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too and our long talks over bad campus coffee. " She smiled at her friend. "I had to change my class schedule. I took a month off to go back to Pine Valley. I tried to fix everything, to get Bianca to understand or at least hear me out. Crazy I know but I was desperate." She laughed ironically. "It didn't work, obviously."

"I find it hard to believe that woman would even give you the time of day much less listen to what you have to say regarding what happened."

"You don't know Bianca, CeCe. It's not really fair of you to judge her by the things that I said when I was falling apart. Or how she treated me. She was hurting. She did walk in on us after all." Maggie still felt such overwhelming guilt it made the bile rise in her throat. She closed her eyes and tried her best to swallow it down.

"I'm not going by anything you said, Maggie. I know her, at least all I care to. I met her when she summoned me to the Cambius offices."

"What?" First Jonathan, then Greenlee, now Cecelia? What was Bianca thinking?

"I thought you knew."

"No and I am sorry you had to go through that. When was this?"

"Last October, early in the month, not sure of the date though. Why?"

"Because that's when she left, in the middle of the night, with not a word to me. I've never understood why." Maggie stood there confused but finally on the verge of getting answers. "Can you tell me what happened?"

"Of course. I was so insulted I don't think I'll ever forget it."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

November 2007
Present Evening

Greenlee was lighting candles frantically. Trying like a madwoman to get the roof ready for when Maggie got home from the store. On the way home she had said they had nothing for dessert and suggested Maggie stop at the store for ice cream and meet Greenlee back home with the excuse she could not wait as she had to use the restroom. In fact, she wanted to get the roof ready for a romantic evening. One chaise lounge set up to share facing the lights of the city, warm blanket thrown over the back. In the distance the Eiffel Tower shown beautifully while the entire rooftop twinkled with light from what seemed like hundreds of candles scattered everywhere. As she looked around and surveyed her handwork she heard Maggie coming up the stairs.

"Look who I found wandering around the market. I invited her back for a drink I hope you don't…" Maggie stopped dead in her tracks as she emerged onto the roof, stunned by all the candles and realizing she had made a huge mistake. "Mind." Oh no… "Greenlee, honey, I had no idea."

"I am gonna go." Cecelia said, clearly embarrassed. "I am obviously interrupting what was supposed to be a romantic last Parisian night. I am so sorry, Greenlee."

A shadow passed over Greenlee's face but just as quickly was gone. Maggie was not even sure she had seen it, and then her girlfriend finally spoke. "No, Cecelia it's fine. The romance can wait. Maggie's been meaning to call you anyway so we could get together and say goodbye. I'll get an extra glass. Pull up a chair and I'll be right back."

"Is she going to kill me? Throw me off the roof?" Cecelia asked laughing after Greenlee had gone back inside.

"I think you're safe. It's my fault; I should have known she was in a rush to get back here alone for a reason." Maggie smiled her crooked grin, the roof was beautiful. "Don't worry; I'll make it up to her later." She said offering her friend the smaller chair. Settling on the chaise lounge, she covered her legs with the warm blanket Greenlee had left for her and leaned back to wait for her lover.

"So," Cecelia said. "Pine Valley, huh?"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

October 2006
Cambias Offices
Paris, France

Cecelia was a little nervous. No, that wasn't exactly right, she was really nervous, shaking in fact. It was not every day you get summoned to the corporate offices of a multinational corporation by the CEO. Especially not when you had once been caught making out with said CEO's girlfriend. She had no idea what this was about but it couldn't possibly be good.

Entering the outer offices of the CEO she let the receptionist know who she was and that she was expected. Before she even had a chance to sit down she was told that Miss Montgomery would see her now. Here we go, she thought.

She walked into the large office and saw the remarkably attractive brunette framed by a huge picture window behind a massive mahogany desk. However, she had barely crossed the threshold when Bianca spoke, without even a glance her way, halting her progress.

"Don't bother sitting down Miss Watson, you won't be here long."

"Okaaaay." Curt much?

"There is an envelope on that table," She nodded her head indicating a table in the corner of the room by the door, "containing a check. Enough money for you to relocate anywhere in the world. Transfer your credits, quit school, go back to New York. I don't care. I just want you far away from Paris and Maggie. For good."

"Maggie is my friend." The stunned blonde spoke, voice trembling.

"Not anymore she isn't."

"Who the hell do you think you are telling me who my friends can be?" Cecelia was getting angry now even though it was becoming clear Bianca didn't know the whole story about her and Maggie. She had never been treated in such a dismissive manner.

"I am the woman whose lover you were on top of or did you forget me walking in on that?" Still looking at her papers, Bianca actually turned her chair around facing the window, her back to Cecelia.

"That was months ago but no, I did not forget." She said, clearly castigated. Then softly, "It wasn't what you think."

"So Maggie has said. However I have eyes."

"Then you should open them or you are going to lose her."

"I am not a stupid woman. Do you think me stupid, Miss Watson?" Turning her chair back around to the desk she still did not look up at Cecelia, obviously feeling she was not worth her full attention.

"That, Miss Montgomery, is a matter for debate."

"Maggie is mine." She said, barely glancing at Cecelia over her glasses. "And as such she is my concern, not yours."

"Maggie doesn't belong to you, she doesn't belong to anyone." Why do the powerful always treat people like possessions?"

"Maggie came to Paris to be with me. I'd say that gives me a claim, wouldn't you? Besides, how am I to know this has not all been a plot to get exactly what is in that envelope?"

"I care about Maggie, that's all. How can you make an assumption like that? You don't even know me."

"I know all I need to know about you. You are a cheating whore and you turned my girlfriend into one as well. Now, take the envelope and get out of my office."

"I don't work for you." Cecelia said, voice strong, hoping Bianca could not see her shaking. "The least you can do is look me in the eyes as you insult me." How can Maggie have fallen in love with this woman? she is nothing like Maggie described.

Slamming her folders down onto the desk Bianca took a deep breath and looked up, removing her reading glasses as she did so plainly furious now. She finally looked at the blonde fully in the eyes and her breath seemed to catch as she studied Cecelia's face so intently it was almost frightening, tilting her head to the side. Finally with a harsh bark of laughter she said, "Of course." Shaking her head walls slammed down and an eerie calm came over Bianca Montgomery's features. She was now unreadable and she spoke in a voice hard and cold, like steel.

"You know what, Cecelia?" She said, voice dripping with scorn. "Take the money, don't take the money. Use it to set up house with Maggie for all I care. You can both go to hell." And with that she briskly walked past a confused Cecelia and into the outer office, barking words to her assistant so quickly as she left that Cecelia could only make out jet, Pine Valley and now.

After taking a few moments to compose herself Cecelia also walked out the door, leaving the envelope on the table untouched.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

November 2007
Present Evening

"Do you really think that going to Pine Valley and spending the holidays with your girlfriend…"

"Ex-girlfriend." Greenlee interrupted, handing Cecelia a glass of wine, then slipping behind Maggie on the chaise lounge, pulling her slightly smaller lover between her legs.

"Ex-girlfriend. Is this such a good idea?"

"She won't be spending the holidays with Bianca, of that I can assure you. We will be spending them together." Greenlee said as she kissed Maggie's neck hotly and then took a sip of wine. "Besides, this was Maggie's choice. I would have been just as happy to stay here."

"No one is going to hurt me or intimidate me.Not that Greenlee would let anything like that happen." Maggie said, laughing at the thought.

"But do you really want to put yourself through that? Either of you?"

"Pine Valley is Greenlee's home and mine too. We both originally put down roots there. Fusion is there, her dad is there and if we choose to stay I already have an offer to do my residency there. I think it is worth a shot." Tilting her head back to look at her girlfriend she said, "We are worth a shot. Our future may very well be in Pine Valley. As it is I know that closure for me is there and I need that if I am to move on with the rest of my life and try to be happy." How healthy am I? Maggie thought proudly.

"And if our future is not there or it turns ugly we leave." Greenlee added. "Then I sell my penthouse and Maggie never has to see that town again. It is as simple as that." Taking a last sip of her wine she set her glass down, running her hands along maggie's arms in a sensual and possesive carress.

"I am sure we will keep in touch, CeCe. Don't worry about that." Maggie said, distractedly.

I'm not. I actually was going to tell you earlier when we were walking back here. But, I'm doing my residency back home. I am moving back to New York right after Thanksgiving. Maybe you two can come into the city sometimes?"

"I love New York and Maggie's never been so I can almost guarantee it." Greenlee said with a smile, kissing her girlfriend's neck again, giving her a little nip, feeling her shudder and hearing a slight moan.

Cecelia took that as her cue. "On that note I'm going to be going. You guys obviously need some time alone." She winked at Maggie.

"I'll walk you out and you can give me your contact information in New York, ok?" Maggie asked. Turning toward her frustrated lover she added. "I'll be right back, don't move."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

August 2007

Greenlee emerged from the florist shop with an armload of fresh flowers to see her lover talking animatedly with a pretty, young blonde woman. As she joined them she listened intently to the last of a story about Bianca trying to buy the woman off and then freaking out over something. Her too huh? Bianca was sure on a roll. I never knew she had it in her. In any other circumstance I'd be impressed, but not when it has to do with Maggie. As she listened to their conversation Greenlee tried to figure out where she had seen this woman before. She definitely looked familiar.

As the story ended Maggie turned to her and did the introductions. "Greenlee this is Cecelia. Cecelia this is Greenlee, my…friend."

"THIS is Greenlee?!" Cecelia said, clearly a little surprised though Maggie could not quite figure out why.

"The one and only." Greenlee said, being cheeky. Maggie poked her playfully in the arm. "Stop it dork. Have we met before Cecelia? You look really familiar."

Cecelia, having watched Greenlee approach as she talked to Maggie was more than a little amused having already come to the correct conclusion. "Keep thinking, I'm sure you'll figure it out." She said, winking at Greenlee.

Greenlee continue to stare openly at the blonde doctor as she and Maggie talked about intern exams, attendings and residency. Finally it dawned on her where she had seen a more than passing resemblance to this woman on a regular basis. Oh my God, she thought. I can't believe it. She continued to stare seemingly unable to do anything else.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

November 2007
Present Evening

When Maggie returned to the rooftop, Greenlee was still sitting on the lounge chair staring off into space. Maggie settled herself once again between her lover's legs and leaned back, relishing the warmth she always felt in Greenlee's arms. The silence stretched on but it was not uncomfortable. Maggie could tell there was something on her girlfriend's mind. Greenlee would speak when she was ready.

"I like her, Maggie. I really do. It's just that sometimes I resent her and maybe even hate her just a little."

"Oh baby, you know you have no reason to be jealous. You should know that by now." Don't tell me she questions my ability to be faithful just like Bianca did.

"I know. How could I ever be jealous? It would not make any sense would it?" She laughed at the irony. "I'm not threatened by her, I resent her." Greenlee became silent again and this time Maggie could not let it go.

"Why?"

"She…she…" Greenlee took a moment to gather the thoughts that had been racing through her mind ever since Maggie had left to walk their friend out. "She touched you, kissed you, things that I had ached to do for so long." She took another deep breath and continued. "When Bianca told me to leave you alone it was just the excuse I had been looking for to get away."

"Away from me?" the brunette asked, a little hurt.

"Away from the aching want I felt every time I looked at you. I didn't even know what it was that I wanted just that I ached for it badly and it scared the hell out of me."

"Greenlee…"

"No Maggie, let me say this. It was getting harder and harder to hide my feelings, obviously because Bianca picked up on it and I told her the truth. But I took the coward's way out. I left you. Lonely. Vulnerable. If I would have just stood up to Bianca, been a friend to you."

"You think Bianca and I would still be together? You resent Cecelia for the part she played in us breaking up? Really Greenlee, it would have probably happened anyway."

"No, that's not it. God help me I'm glad Bianca is gone. And I still ache for you, every moment of every day. That may never go away, if we're lucky." She ran trembling hands down Maggie's thighs,breathing becoming more and more laboured.

"Then what?"

"I resent her for being brave enough to touch you. Brave enough to at least try. Sometimes seeing her brings it all back and reminds me what a coward I was and how much time I wasted being away from you."

"Touch me now."

"It's getting cold out here, baby."

Voice thick with desire, Maggie said, "Greenlee please…" And with that Greenlee's control splintered.

Slipping one hand under Maggie's shirt and the other below the waist of her pants, both hands cupping, teeth closing possessively over her pulse point she gave in to their mutual need.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

August 2007

"It was never about me was it?" Cecelia asked, a sad realization etching her features as she watched Maggie finally see what had been in front of her all along.

"I'm sorry Cecelia." Maggie said, looking from her to Greenlee and back again. The realization plain to see on her face. "I guess it wasn't."

"Don't apologise. At least it all makes sense now. Especially Bianca's little freak out."

"If it's any consolation I didn't…"

"Don't Maggie, really. We're friends. No explanation needed. We are still friends right? I don't want to lose that." Cecelia asked, worried that this extraordinary woman would disappear from her life.

"Friends, of course. With both of us if you'll allow us to be." Maggie said, looking to Greenlee for confirmation but her friend just stood there, stock still as if in shock."

"I'd like that." Cecelia replied hastily. "But for now I have to go. Can I hug you?"

"I'd be offended if you didn't." Maggie said, jabbing Greenlee with her elbow to rouse her from her trance. Greenlee hugged Cecelia, clearly till stunned. As Maggie slipped her arms around Cecelia she asked in a whisper, "Is she going to be ok, Maggie?"

"I think so. I think this may have just overloaded her sense for a moment." Laughing Maggie hoped that's all it was and that this would not send Greenlee running for the hills.

"I'll be off then."

As Greenlee and Maggie made their way down the street the silence was very uncomfortable.

"Maggie you never mentioned that she looked so much like…" Greenlee trailed off.

"You?" Maggie finished for her. "To be honest I didn't realize it myself until I saw you standing there together. My subconscious mind playing tricks on me I guess. I hope this doesn't change anything between us."

"God no. As far as I am concerned this changes nothing. But I don't think the same could be said for Bianca."

tbc