Sybil walked into the offices of Grantham publishing and was quickly greeted by Elsie Hughes
"Sybil dear, what on earth are you doing here? Aren't you busy with planning your party?"
"Oh you know Mama is the General on that, she's determined to make up for our lack of a big ceremony. I was just wondering if Charlie was around, I wanted to have a bit of a chat." Sybil said as she was obviously looking around the office for something or someone
"He's not unfortunately, in fact you know that he's away on business this week. He had to change plans to come home to be at your party. Sybil what on earth are you up to?" Elsie knowingly asked
"So I can't stop in for visits anymore?" Sybil asked as her eyes focused on the large office straight ahead
Elsie followed her line of sight directly to Michael's office and she asked in a hushed tone
"What exactly are you planning? And does your sister happen to know your here?"
"Is he busy then?" Sybil innocently asked
"Yes. He's far too busy to have you meddling in his personal life, and I don't think Edith would appreciate it either. Don't go stirring up trouble." Elsie warned
Sybil defended herself
"Edith is miserable and I have a good idea why, we both know she's far too hard headed to come to her own senses without some help. I have to at least give it a shot, if your sister needed help wouldn't you do it?"
Elsie let out a defeated sigh
"I might agree with you on that first part, but you should let them work it out themselves."
"I intend to, I just need to get things started a bit. What's he been like? At least don't make me go in there blind, he hasn't been dating other people has he?"
"Sybil, what do you think I actually do here? The man doesn't check in with me morning, noon, and night."
Sybil gave her the patented 'Help me' look that they both knew worked on Elsie every time.
Elsie let out a groan and said
"He's been a terror. Moody, short with the interns, barks orders at the secretaries, and I think he must be putting in ten or twelve hour days. So if he is going out with anyone I doubt they are having a fun time."
"Oh dear, worst than I thought." Sybil said as she readied herself for battle
"Sybil Crawley, you have a special talent for getting yourself into trouble, even with the best intentions. You better hope your sister doesn't find out you were here, she'll hit the roof."
Sybil leaned over and whispered
"I can trust you to not give me away, can't I Hughesie?"
Elsie couldn't help but smile, Sybil always could charm her way into anything.
"Make it quick and I won't."
Sybil walked toward the office and knocked softly on door and heard a terse
"What is it?" from the other side
Opening and leaning her head in to see Michael pouring over manuscripts Sybil brightly said
"Just me!"
Michael curiously looked up with an already annoyed expression to see the second person he least expected to be there and jumped out of his seat
"Sybil!? Come in, please. This is a surprise... Can I get you anything?" Michael asked as he directed her to a chair in front of his desk
"No I'm fine thanks, and sorry for barging in but I was around the neighborhood and thought I would pop in. I haven't seen you in what, three months is it?" Sybil asked being perfectly aware of her mission
"Yes, that's about it. Three months. How have you been?" Michael tried to ask in an upbeat tone
"Oh just fine. And yourself? Everything with work alright? Still settling in back home?" Sybil asked turning the conversation back to him
Remembering the first time they had met and his first impression of Sybil was of someone trustworthy, caring and kind Michael folded his hands together and asked
"Do you want the real answer? Because Edith always told me how busy you were with work and I know you have a wedding coming up. Plus your house and the hospital are across town, so I think I know why your here, or at least I hope I do."
Suspecting her task was easier than expected Sybil leaned forward and said "You've caught me, I'm here to convince you to go after Edith." Then in a softer tone added
"And of course I want the real answer."
Michael smiled to himself at Sybil's audacity then ran a hand through this hair
"I'm awful. I miss her, very very much. And just like the last time I've thrown myself into work, but I can't keep my mind off of her, then I get angry at myself for thinking about her because of how it makes me feel and how I miss her then I take it out on people around me, making me a giant prick."
Taking it all in with a nod Sybil managed to say
"Well, no one can't say you're not self aware."
"My girlfriend in college was a psychology major." Michael simply said rubbing his forehead in stress
Michael filled the silence by asking
"How is she? You know her best Sybil, be honest with me."
Sybil did decide that honesty is the best policy and told him the truth
"She's miserable. Doesn't go out much, and when she does she's grumpy. Just stays in her office typing and researching away or lays in bed watching whatever is on. I think it's safe to say she misses you just as much as you miss her."
Michael thoughtfully took in the new information then said
"It's funny, you'd think I'd be happy to hear that she's suffering just as much as I am, that would mean she feels the same way. But knowing first hand what she's going through, I have to say I'm not exactly pleased."
"Then do something about it!" Sybil interjected.
"I guessing you want me to rush over and declare my love, tell her the only way we'll both be happy is be together whatever the circumstances? Well I can't, and I won't. We already had that conversation, Edith knows how I feel and she made her choice."
Sybil tried to reason with him
"Maybe if she just saw you again, if you two just talked to each other. Tom and I are having our reception this Saturday, why don't you stop by and..."
"Sybil, your sister has a strong handle on what she wants and needs right now. I have to respect that. I won't force her into anything. But honestly, I'm praying for the day she decides to call me." Michael quietly but firmly said.
"So you're just sitting by and waiting for her to come to her senses?" Sybil challenged
"Yes, essentially. But know that almost everyday I think about picking up the phone or going to find her. She's worth waiting for and I promised myself I wouldn't put any pressure on her. I'm not going to mess this up."
Sensing that she was beat Sybil searched for something else to say as Michael smiled at her from his desk and said
"Congratulations to you and Tom. And thank you for coming and talking to me, I'm glad Edith has you watching out for her."
Letting out a frustrated sigh Sybil gave a long look at Michael and told him
"You know you two are perfect for each other, stubborn to a fault but, very considerate and loyal when its all said and done."
"Thanks. Sybil can I ask you a question? You've always seemed to fight my corner, why is that?"
Sybil gave him a shy smile and replied
"I don't know really, I just had a good feeling about you. And when you and Edith were meeting I got the sense that you understood her and as much as we love her she never really had that from our family. That's important, I think."
Humbled by her speech Michael gave her a kind smile and said
"I appreciate you saying that very much, and thank you. Edith loves you and I can see why, and I'd feel lucky to call you a friend."
Sybil stood as she said
"Of course you can, and I feel the same way. And now that you've shot down my hopes of a romantic reunion at my wedding reception I'll leave you in peace."
Michael walked from behind his desk to see her to the door
"I do wish I could come for you and Tom, but I hope you can understand... How about this, I'll make a reservation for you two at my favorite restaurant and it will be on me. Maybe not mention it to Edith, I don't think she would appreciate you dropping in, just give me a day and time."
Sybil stood at the cracked door and adjusted her coat
"We would love that, you're a good man Michael and I know I will be seeing you again."
Michael nodded in acknowledgement but before Sybil could leave he spoke again
"And Sybil, I know you will regardless...but take care of her, the most you can, please."
Sybil leaned up to give him a friendly kiss on the cheek
"I will, I promise. But you be sure to take care of yourself too."
With that Sybil left his office and walked straight over to Elsie hooked her arm through hers and leaned in to say
"I'll be needing your help to sort this out between them..."