A/N: I'm back from my vacation. It was awesome, but like I feared I wouldn't be able to upload in time. To compensate this one is fairly long. Also I'll be starting college tomorrow. I'm really nervous. I hope to still keep updating regularly. Anyway thanks for reading and reviewing. Here is chapter 21. Enjoy!

Anonamous First of you are an awesome reviewer and look at every detail. You almost know this story better than me. However Jessica's last name was Denman, she just switched the parts of her name to Manden so the girls wouldn't connect her with her mother. I guess I never really made it clear back then.

Previously... Will suddenly appears in Australia and Emily, Amber and Sarah are taken out for a day with their dads. While Taylor grieves her break up with James, she decides to tell Will the truth about her and Bella. Meanwhile James has a talk with the other boyfriends and he gets back together with Taylor. Will throws a surprise anniversary date for Bella and they tell him about mermaids. Taylor wonders about her real dad. Now on to the chapter.

Chapter 21: Where are you?

"Are you serious?" Amber asked, eying her.

"What about school?" Emily inquired.

"Are you sure about this?" Sarah questioned. Rachel simply looked at her. The five girls sat together in Emily's room when Taylor finally spoke out about the thing that's been weighing on her mind since yesterday when her mother and Will had had their anniversary.

Taylor had expected a reaction like this when she told them of her plan, but honestly she had expected an a lot more negative reaction than this. "I have to do this," Taylor told them, firmly.

"We know this must mean something to you, but isn't it nearly impossible?" Rachel pointed out. Taylor clenched her fist. They didn't understand. Then again how could she expect them to understand?

"We're just saying that your mother looked for not only you, but your dad for so many years and she never found him," Sarah reminded her.

"That doesn't mean that he can't be found. He's out there somewhere and I'm going to find him," Taylor objected, staring her friends down, daring them with her gaze to try and stop her.

The four others saw the sparks in her eyes and knew they had no chance. "Okay. You win," Amber gave in.

"We'll do whatever we can to help find your dad," Emily offered.

Taylor looked at her friends for a moment and then replied, "I don't think there is anything you can do." Solemnly Taylor got up and headed for the door.

"Taylor," Rachel began, but stopped when the door closed behind her.

"What is up with her?" Amber asked.

"It's a big deal for her. I think we might have underestimated how big of a deal it is," Emily answered.

"But why does she suddenly want to find her father?" Sarah questioned.

"Only Taylor can tell us that and she doesn't seem to be in the mood to share that," Rachel replied with a shrug, "I guess all we can do for now is wait for her to come to us for help and be there for her, whether she finds her dad or especially if she doesn't."

Stalking down the hallway, Taylor clenched and unclenched her fists. She didn't want their help. At least not if it was out of pity. They didn't believe it was possible to find her dad and if they didn't believe it, then there was no way they would be of much help. As soon as they hit a rough patch they would give up. Although it annoyed her, Taylor could understand it. Even now there was doubt inside her of whether she would be able to find the mysterious figure that she called father.

Subconsciously her body navigated her to the next phase. There was no way she could do this task, if this person didn't help. Taylor knocked at the door and entered. Bella and Will were in their room. Surprised the two looked up. "Taylor. What can we do for you?" Bella asked.

"Actually, I want to tell you something," Taylor began, slowly, "I want to find dad." The two adults looked at her shocked with their eyebrows raised. Quickly she added, "Please don't get me wrong, Will. You will always be my dad, but… I want to find out where I'm really from."

Bella took Will's hand as he exhaled, slowly. "I understand, Taylor."

"I spent so many years looking for him, Taylor, and I couldn't find him," Bella reminded her.

"I know, but even if I don't find him, at least I have the feeling that I did everything that's within my power to try and find him," Taylor told her.

Bella looked at her daughter and then replied, "Okay, I'll help you anyway I can, but I won't promise anything."

Taylor's eyes lit up and she bound for them, throwing her arms around them. "Thank you," she breathed, "I can't ask for more."

With that Taylor got back up and walked outside. She needed a place to think and what better place then the beach. Placing herself strategically a little further away from the crowds, Taylor stared out at the sea. Pretty quickly her confidence diminished as she realized the obvious. For 13 years no one has seen her father and nothing Bella had told her of their relationship from even further back was not going to help. Any lead to her father ended with her entering the foster home. Her head fell into her palms. What had she gotten herself into?

Maybe she should call the others? No. Taylor shook her head. Going back to them already after she had just rejected their offer was something her pride, as small as it might be, wouldn't allow. Her hands dug themselves into her hair in frustration. "What am I going to do? I'm never going to find him," Taylor muttered, ruffling her hair.

"So you want to find your dad?" a voice asked.

Startled Taylor turned around to see her old friend. "What do you want, Marissa?" Taylor demanded to know.

"I want to help you find him," the blond replied, calmly, ignoring Taylor's obvious tone.

"Why would you want to help me?" Taylor asked, surprised at her friend, "I'm siding with the enemy."

"You're right, you are, but it's not about that," Marissa answered, "I know how much this means to you. I was there so many years ago when you would always ask for your father. I know this isn't some spur of the moment thing, just because you saw how great a father is. This means a lot to you and I'm the only one who can relate to you on this." Taylor stared into her friend's ocean blue eyes and it was as though she was taken back in time. Back to the time where Marissa was her best friend, who would do anything for her. Who would hug and comfort her whenever she wondered about her parents.

"You mean it?" Taylor whispered, hoarsely.

"You know I don't kid with this topic," Marissa replied, firmly.

Taylor nodded. "But where do we start? I have no idea. The others were right when they said that it's nearly impossible," Taylor muttered.

"Nothing is impossible," Marissa reminded her friend, "Especially for mermaids."

"Then where do we start?" Taylor asked.

"At the beginning," Marissa answered, partially joking, "We know your dad isn't in Rockport, cause obviously your mother would have found him there."

"Great. That just leaves 99,999% of the world," Taylor muttered, sarcastically.

"Tell me everything you know about your dad," Marissa demanded.

With that Taylor recapitulated her knowledge on her father's life. "So he was a jobless alcoholic, who lost his daughter," Marissa summed up and Taylor flinched at her usage of words, no matter how true they might be, "How do you think he would have reacted to your lose?"

"Badly, I guess," Taylor replied, "But what does that have to do with it?"

"Easy. Where do you think he would go to forget about it?" Marissa questioned.

A few seconds passed until Taylor exclaimed, "A pub!"

"Exactly and if he is just as stuck in the past as Bella claims he was, then he probably went to the same one as in high school days," Marissa explained, while Taylor was already pulling out her phone and dialing her mother's number.

"Mom, what pub did you and dad go to while you were in high school?" Taylor asked, not even bothering with a greeting.

"Pub?" Bella repeated, slightly ambushed, but then thought for a moment, "We went into Old Finn's Pub. Why do you…"

"Thanks mom," Taylor interrupted and hung up. Everyone in Rockport knew Old Finn and Old Finn seemed to know everyone, even the little kids, saying that it was important to know the people that would one day be his customers. The elderly man was known for telling the wildest stories from the past and being old enough to remember the second world war, even though he claims he could also remember the first, though no one believes that. Also he had some of the best beer in Ireland, supposedly.

"Old Finn's Pub," Taylor told her friend, "Now what?"

"Simple. We call him," Marissa replied, holding up Taylor's phone.

"Are you crazy? Do you know what time it is there?" Taylor asked.

"9 hours later than it is here, if you must know, so early noon," Marissa replied, instantly, "Now call him." With a sigh Taylor surrendered. There was no way she was going to win against her friend on this. After quickly googling the number via her phone, Taylor dialed the number.

After ringing a few times, Old Finn picked up. "Hello. This is Old Finn. How may I help you?" he answered the phone.

"Hey Old Finn. It's Taylor, Bella's daughter," Taylor said.

"Ah, Taylor. How are you? I heard you went down under. That reminds me of a time…," the pub keeper asked and was about to go into one of his stories, when Taylor interrupted him, "Listen, I have a question. Do you know anything about Rory Walsh? He was mom's boyfriend in high school and she said that she would like to see him again."

"Rory Walsh," Old Finn repeated, thoughtfully, "I haven't heard that name in years. The last time I heard or saw anything from him was shortly after he lost custody of his daughter… Sad story." Taylor let out a small breath of relief. He didn't make the connection between the four year old her and the her now. That would be the perfect story to tell for him.

"Do you have any idea where he could have gone?" Taylor inquired, hopefully.

"No idea. He came in one night, drunk himself and suddenly had the idea that he wanted to chase after Bella," Old Finn answered.

"But he had no idea where she was," Taylor objected.

"That's what I said too, but he wouldn't listen. In the end I lent him some money and with that he left. I never saw him since. I always wondered what happened to him," Old Finn told her, "Come to think of it that was quite a bit of money…"

"Thanks, Old Finn," Taylor cut him off, "Bye."

"So your dad borrowed some money and went looking for your mother," Marissa muttered, having listened in on the conversation.

"You think he's still looking for her? He could be anywhere," Taylor replied.

"No way. No one searches for someone over 10 years," Marissa objected, "I bet he found a new love of his life and is living happily somewhere." Solemnly Taylor nodded. She wished it wasn't so, but she couldn't see Rory still looking for Bella.

"Say Taylor," Marissa said thoughtfully, "What is up with that girl Rachel?"

Taylor's head jerked up. Was her friend trying to spy on her after all? "I don't think that's any of your business," Taylor replied, coolly. She half expected her friend to protest or demand to know something, but instead she said nothing. Confused Taylor looked up again at the sky again, only to realize that the sun was already setting. Surprised she got up. "I guess I should go home," she said, "What about you?"

"I'll be leaving as well," Marissa simply replied and Taylor knew she wouldn't find out more. As Taylor hurried off, Marissa called after her, "It might be a good idea, if you don't tell them anything of my involvement." Taylor turned back to her friend and nodded. She knew telling the others would bring unnecessary complication into the search.

As Taylor walked up to the house, Emily, Amber, Rachel and Sarah hurried up to you. "There you are!" Sarah exclaimed, "We were starting to worry."

"Why?" Taylor asked, confused.

"Well, obviously having a lone mermaid walk around out there is perfect prey for Marissa," Amber replied, sneering Marissa's name.

A cold sweat ran down Taylor's back. If only they knew. "Marissa won't attack me," Taylor insisted.

"How can you be so sure?" Emily questioned.

Before Taylor could think of an answer, Rachel spoke up, "So were you able to get any closer?"

Instantly everything went silent. Taylor looked up to see not only Bella and Will, but the rest of the mothers too. Even from the distance, she could see the hope in Bella's eyes. Wanting her daughter to find the man that she had loved. "Well, there is good news and bad news," Taylor began, carefully, "Good news Rory got money from Old Finn, which he wanted to use to find you. Bad new, that was over 10 years ago and he could be anywhere. Unless you told him where you were going."

Everyone's eyes turned to Bella. The disappointment was clear in Bella's face. "Of course, I didn't tell him," Bella replied, "Back then I wanted to get away from everything."

Rikki, Cleo and Emma escorted Bella inside along with Will. Meanwhile the daughters crowded around Taylor. "We're sorry, Taylor," Sarah said.

"Maybe it just wasn't meant to be," Rachel suggested.

"Hey, I have something that will get you on different thoughts," Amber told her.

Confused Taylor looked at her. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"Well, I have something open with my dad and I'm sure he'll be glad to incorporate you in it," Amber smiled, "We all discussed it while you were gone."

With that Amber skipped into the house, giddy at the prospect of what tomorrow might bring. Luck was with her and she found her father sitting in the living room. "So dad," Amber began, "Remember that bet you and I had? I was thinking we could go tomorrow."

"I know you want to, but there is no way your mother will agree to it," Zane objected.

"What won't I agree to?" Rikki asked, coming into the room.

Amber thought quickly and changed her tactics. "Dad lost a bet to me yesterday and he said he would take me to ride motorcycles," Amber told her.

Rikki's eyebrow raised at that and stared at her husband. "You what," she hissed.

"I didn't think she was going to hole the putt," Zane protested.

"That is no reason to bet something like that," Rikki objected, but then sighed, "Well, a bet is a bet so you're allowed to go. However, if anything happens to our daughter, I'm holding you responsible." Rikki left the room. She would never admit it, but she sometimes missed the rush of riding behind Zane on his motorcycle.

A big grin spread across Amber's face. "You heard her," she said.

"Okay, I give in," Zane sighed, "We'll go tomorrow."

"Can we take the others along as well?" Amber asked.

Zane's head shot up. "No way. Not happening," he objected.

"Oh come on," Amber replied, her lips coming together in a pout, "It would be a nice way to distract Taylor."

Zane stared at his daughter and then sighed. "I really got to learn to say no to you," he muttered as Amber jumped up, gave him a kiss on the cheek and hurried off.

"Thanks, dad," she called to him as she hurried off to tell the others the big news.

"But only if their parents allow it!" he yelled after her.

Taylor meanwhile was back in her room, curled up in a ball on her bed. No matter how much she hated the thought there was no way to find her dad. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Quickly she got up and answered it. James stood before and, after a kiss, came in. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"A little depressed," Taylor admitted.

"You shouldn't feel bad," James told her as he put his arm around her.

"It's just that I really thought I could find him," Taylor replied.

"If your mom, who probably knows your dad better than anyone, couldn't find it, then you shouldn't be upset for not finding him," he tried to comfort her.

Taylor shrugged. "I'm tired," she said and James nodded. With one more reassuring hug he left her alone.

Taylor laid back down on her bed. Although she really was tired, she couldn't sleep. Suddenly an idea came into her head.

The next morning the five girls met Zane outside of their house. Zane still wasn't thrilled about the idea, but had given up arguing with himself. "Okay, you follow my orders and take no risks, you understand that?" he told them and they all nodded.

Just then Bella stepped out of the house. Quickly Taylor hurried to her mom, leaving a confused group behind. "Mom, I have one more question," Taylor said, "Why did you go to Australia back then?"

"Why you ask," Bella repeated thoughtfully, "Well, I always wanted to go here to swim as a mermaid. I guess it was the first place that came to mind back then."

Taylor's eyes lit up and suddenly she hurried towards the beach. "Taylor, where are you going?" Rachel called after her.

"I'm not giving up yet!" Taylor yelled, "Go without me!"

The remaining people stared after her. "I guess we should get in the car," Amber said, the first to recover from the sudden departure.

Taylor raced to the beach. She had an idea. There was little chance it actually happened like that, but there was a chance. She skidded to a stop just a few feet from the water. Staring out at the ocean, she expected her friend to rise from the water. Taylor didn't know how, but Marissa always seemed to know whenever she was near the water. In anticipation Taylor watched the waves before her intently, but nothing happened. Finally Taylor couldn't wait any longer, cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "Marissa!"

"I'm right here. No need to shout," a voice said right behind her. Taylor flinched with surprise as she turned around to see her friend.

"You scared me," Taylor said, putting her hand over her fluttering heart.

"So what did you find out?" Marissa asked as the two set off down the beach side by side in no particular direction. Typical Marissa. She rarely apologized and if she did, have the time she didn't mean it.

"Well, I didn't find out, but I have a theory," Taylor admitted, "My mother was together with Rory for a really long time. Even though she never willingly mentioned going to Australia, what if he remembered her at one point mentioning that that was the place she wanted to go to one day?"

"It's possible, but Australia is still really big. He could still be anywhere," Marissa pointed out, thoughtfully.

"But maybe she even mentioned the Gold Coast," Taylor suggested.

"He never came across her though," Marissa objected. Taylor frowned. Why was her friend always so logical?

Just then Taylor realized that a lot of people were watching her. Wait, no. They weren't watching her, but Marissa. Abruptly they were forced to stop. A guy, tall, tanned dark and definitely handsome stepped into their path. He was a dream of a guy for nearly any girl. His eyes wandered over Marissa. "So how about I treat you girls to a free round of smoothies?" he asked.

To Taylor's surprise Marissa's eyes fluttered up, looking at the guy through her lashes. "Well... How about you get out of our way before I break your arm," she threatened with a sweet smile and only the darkness in her eyes told everyone that she wasn't joking, "Lets go, Taylor." Marissa grabbed her hand and pulled Taylor behind her.

Far enough away from the guy, she muttered, "Human scum."

Taylor looked to her friend and asked, "Why do you hate humans so much?"

"You don't tell me anything and I don't tell you anything," Marissa answered, solemnly. At that moment Taylor realized that there was something between them and it seemed nearly impossible to go back to the way they had once been friends.

The pair had reached the pier and continued on when a voice said, "Ah, Taylor, it's been a while." Taylor went rigid. She knew that voice all too well.

Slowly the duo turned to face Dr. Alder. "Relax. You're in a crowded place. He can't do anything," Taylor reassured herself silently and smiled at her enemy. "Indeed it has. How have you been, Dr. Alder?" Taylor asked.

"Good as can be," Dr. Alder answered and then looked to Marissa, "And who might this be?"

"I'm Taylor's friend from Ireland. My name is Marissa," Marissa introduced herself, though she did not bother to hid her disdain for the scientist as she reached her hand out to him. Shaking his hand, Marissa applied a little more pressure than one would call appropriate. If Dr. Alder noticed the animosity or even recognized Marissa, he didn't show it. Taylor felt like they were at the edge of a volcano. One wrong step and it was a fiery death or a long drop to the hard ground.

Finally the deadlock seemed to be lifted and the handshake was broken. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Marissa. I should get going. Have a great day, you two," Dr. Alder excused himself and set off.

"I never liked him," Marissa muttered, staring after him.

"Either way we should go," Taylor objected, grabbed her friend's hand and pulled her away.

Taylor pulled her friend along the pier when suddenly Marissa demanded, "Wait look." Confused Taylor turned to see her friend pointing at a display in a shop window. It was a pin board, which held various newspaper clippings. Looking up, Taylor saw that they were standing in front of the house for the lifeguards. Then her gaze went back to the small clipping, which Marissa was pointing at and froze. The headline of the article read, "Irish tourist saved from heart attack." "A male tourist, who was in his late twenties and came from Ireland, had a heart attack on the beach. Thanks to the quick aid from the lifeguards he was able to live and he was transferred to the hospital not far from the beach," Marissa summed up, "That article is 13 years old."

"My dad," Taylor whispered, horrified.

"Relax. He's alright," Marissa replied, "They saved him."

"Then maybe they know where he is now," Taylor said, hopefully, "I know where the hospital is. It's not far by water."

"Then lets go," Marissa answered and the two hurried down the steps of pier to the beach. Underneath the pier they jumped into the water and zoomed off.

A bit further away Zane and the girls had arrived at a dirt bike track. Although he had promised motorcycles, he thought this might be a good place to start. There were obviously very hard tracks with jumps and bumps, but it also had a beginner track that just went in a circle. A bike was already waiting for them when they came out on the track in their protective gear. "Now wait here. I just have to talk with Andrew for a bit," Zane told them as he walked over to the owner, who was a friend out of younger days.

Amber rolled her eyes as she watched her dad and his friend talk animatedly. "This is going to take forever," she complained as she put on helmet.

"What are you doing?" Emily asked, eying her friend.

"What's it look like?" Amber retorted as she got on the bike and started it. Giving power, she zoomed off as her friends watched with horror.

Zane, attracted by the sound of a starting engine, ran to the track. "Amber, get back here this instant!" he yelled, his head turning bright red in rage and worry. Although she wore a helmet, they onlookers could swear that Amber was smiling.

As she completed her round without any accidents and came to a stop in front of her friends. "That was amazing," Rachel congratulated her friend.

Just then Zane raced up to them, demanding, "What were you thinking! Told you to wait!"

Amber revealed a big smile as she removed her helmet. "Oh relax," Amber replied, calmly.

"Relax! You could have gotten seriously hurt!" Zane yelled and then added more softly, "Your mother would have killed me."

"Do you honestly think mom would have let me come here, if she didn't know what I was doing?" Amber questioned and received a confused look from everyone, "Mom and I learned the basics here a while back. We never told you, because we knew how much you missed it."

Zane's face lost several shades of pink as he leaned against the bike for support. "Don't ever do that again," he told her. It was meant as a threat, but came out meek.

"Okay," Amber smiled. With a sigh Zane turned to the rest of the girls. How did he get such rebellious women. "Anyone else want to give me a heart attack?" he asked. The rest of the girls shook their heads. To be honest none of them were too keen on riding dirt bikes, but it did seem interesting, to say the least. "Good," Zane muttered.

Meanwhile Taylor and Marissa arrived at the hospital. A large sign proclaimed the name and that it had an adjoined rehab facility. One of the best apparently. "Here we are," Taylor muttered, nervously. Would this place bring her closer to her father? Marissa didn't reply and simply walked inside. Taylor hurried after her.

Inside they were met by the hustle and bustle of a hospital as well as the antiseptic smell. "I hate hospitals too," Marissa muttered as she pulled Taylor to the reception.

"Good day. How may I help you?" the receptionist, a blond woman asked them.

Taylor looked at her for a moment before answering, "We're looking for a patient. His name is Rory Walsh."

The receptionist frowned. "I'm sorry. I can't give out such information, unless you can identify yourself as his relative," she told them. Taylor's heart crashed to the ground. It was over. The only proof she had was a toy ring.

"But it was over 10 years ago," Marissa protested.

"Even so, I can't. All our records are confidential and are kept on our computers," the receptionist retorted, "Good day."

With that she ended the conversation and turned to a doctor, who was waiting beside them. Taylor sulked off towards a chair. "It's over," she whispered, her head in her palms.

"No, it's not," Marissa objected, "We have come too far to let it end."

Taylor looked up. "What are you planning?" she questioned.

"Just wait," Marissa smiled as she looked over to the reception.

When the lobby had pretty much emptied, Marissa knew her time had come. With a flick of her hand, she made a mug of coffee tip over and spill all over the receptionist's skirt. With a cry of pain and surprise she jumped up, huge stain on her clothes. Quickly she hurried to the back, leaving the reception unguarded.

Quickly Marissa and Taylor snuck behind the desk and opened the databank of the computer that stood there. They typed in Rory Walsh and pressed enter. With baited breath they awaited the results.

A single beep cut through the tension and shattered all hope at the same time. There was no Rory Walsh in the system. Taylor stared at the screen. It couldn't be. This wasn't possible. Suddenly she was pulled away by Marissa, who saw the receptionist returning. Swiftly the two hurried out of the hospital. "It was all for nothing," Taylor whispered, her head hanging low. She felt Marissa's arm around her shoulder and knew to appreciate the silent comfort.

"Excuse me," a voice said, making the girls turn around. It was an old doctor. The same doctor, who had been at the reception earlier. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I couldn't help overhearing inside that you were looking for Rory Walsh," he told them and the two nodded, "I might be able to help you."

Shocked the two looked up at him. "How?" Taylor asked.

"I was his doctor while he stayed here," the man explained.

"But his name wasn't in the system," Marissa objected.

"He entered under the name Rory Hartley," the doctor went on and Taylor's eyes widened, recognizing her mother's maiden name, "May I assume that one of you is Taylor?"

Taylor slowly nodded. "I'm Taylor and this is my friend Marissa. We're looking for my father," she said, softly, "Do you know where he is now?"

The doctor looked to the side. "Come with me," he said and led the two towards the rehab building. "My name is Dr. Smith, by the way," he introduced himself.

"So do you know where my dad is, Dr. Smith?" Taylor asked again.

"Your dad was brought in with a heart attack 13 years ago. He was lucky then. Do you know why he had a heart attack at such a young age?" the doctor told them and the pair shook their heads, "Due to his drinking. The amount of alcohol was damaging the heart. I convinced Rory to participate in rehab to save his life. He agreed so that he could have you back. Rory told me that your mother had left him and he had come here looking for her. However he realized that he was chasing a fantasy and after the heart attack realized he only wanted one thing. He wanted you, Taylor. He wanted to sober up, get a job and take you back." Taylor stared at the doctor, feeling a deep connection with the man called Rory, whom she didn't really know.

"But he never came back for her," Marissa pointed out, "Is he still here?"

"Sadly no," Dr. Smith answered, "His rehab was progressing nicely when we discovered that he had liver cancer, caused by both his alcohol consumption, but also bad genetics." Dread started to rise in Taylor and then she looked up ahead at the path they were taking and her heart stopped. It led to a small cemetery. "I'm very sorry," the doctor said, "Although we spotted the cancer, it was too late. It had manifested over the years. We were able to keep it at bay for a year, but then he died." As he said those final words they stopped in front of a grave. Engraved was Rory's name and his birth and death date.

Taylor could only stare at the grave. It didn't seem real. She had found her father. In a sense. The doctor's voice seemed do far away. "Your father had a great spirit. Even in his advanced stage of the illness, he entertained children in the hospital. He tried to stay positive," Dr. Smith told her, "I'll leave you alone for a moment." The doctor turned on his heel and walked off, leaving Marissa and Taylor alone.

Taylor dropped to her knees. When she had imagined meeting her father again, it definitely hadn't been like this, but even now she expected to cry. However instead it just felt distant and cold. A warm hand came to rest on her shoulder. Marissa's. "I'm sorry, Taylor," she whispered and it sounded sincere.

"I imagined it so many times, but never like this," Taylor replied.

"I know," Marissa muttered. They remained like that for what seemed like an eternity.

Finally Dr. Smith returned with a small shoebox. Intrigued the two straightened. "These are a few things he left behind in case someone ever came looking for him," the doctor explained and opened the box. Inside was the matching ring to Taylor's and a folded up piece of paper. Taylor pulled out her own ring and compared the two. Next she picked up the letter. "He wrote it a week before his death," Dr. Smith told her.

Carefully as though it were an ancient artifact, Taylor unfolded the letter.

Dearest Taylor,

When and if you get this, I will be gone, but I am happy. It means you have not forgotten about your roots, no matter how poor they might be, and you came looking for me. That makes me happier than anything else in the world. I'm sorry I was unable to get you back from the foster home and it pains me to know that I will not be there for any more birthdays or other holidays. Hopefully you grew up well in a nice family. I am sure you have or will grow up well. Keep the ring close to your heart as it is a sign of your parents love for each other.

From the person who will always love you,

Your father

P.S. Have you met your mother? If so please tell her….

Slowly Taylor picked up a photo, which had been under the letter. It showed a young man with a baby on his arm. Her father and herself. A tear rolled down her face. He really loved her. He always had. "Why did my dad give all this to you?" Taylor asked, when she has calmed a bit.

"Rory was a close patient of mine. We got to know each other over the year very well," Dr. Smith answered.

"Thank you," Taylor whispered, "For everything."

"You're welcome," Dr. Smith smiled, "I'm glad someone finally came to find him."

"Would it be alright, if I brought someone here?" Taylor asked.

"Bring as many as you like. I'm sure Rory would like that," Dr. Smith replied, but suddenly his pager beeped, "I guess I should get going. If you have any more questions, please come find me. It was a pleasure to meet you all." With that he took his leave.

The two girls were left behind in silence. "He was nice," Marissa said, "For a human."

"Not every human is bad, Marissa," Taylor replied, "Sarah, Emily, Amber and Rachel are great people too."

"If you say so," Marissa muttered in disbelief.

"Marissa, for me, meet them. Talk to them," Taylor proposed, looking at her friend, "You'll see you could get along well."

Marissa stared at Taylor, but finally said, "Okay, but only for you."

"Thank you," Taylor replied, "I'll come with them later down to the beach. However right now I have something else I have to do." Her voice became grave.

After a phone call and a while later, Taylor met Bella, Will and her friends at the entrance to the rehab facility. "You really found him?" Bella asked, the excitement in her voice clearly there, "Where is he?"

Taylor had been able to tell her the truth over the phone. Instead she led the group in silence to the cemetery. Marissa had taken her leave, not wanting to meet up with them accidentally. In front of it Taylor turned to her mother, who had turned as white as a sheet and whispered, "I'm sorry."

By Rory's grave she fell to her knees, sobbing. Will kneeled down beside her, trying his best to comfort her. Bella had never imagined this end for her ex boyfriend. Could she have changed his fate, if she had stayed back then? "If you see your mother, please tell her to not blame herself. She deserves a happy life with someone who will make her happy. Knowing that she hasn't forgotten you or me and that I have been kept in good memory, is all I need to be happy. So smile, my dearest Bella," Taylor recited the end of the letter, making her mother look up, "He left a letter. That's what it said for you."

After Taylor had finished telling them everything, Bella straightened and smiled down at the grave. "This is how you wanted it, isn't it, Rory," she smiled, wiping the last tears away. Bella stepped towards her daughter and hugged her. "Thank you, Taylor," she whispered, "Thank you for finding him."

"And don't worry, Rory," Will said, "I'll take good care of them for you. At least as much as they will allow."

After one last goodbye the group headed back to the entrance. Everyone was about to get in the car when Taylor spoke up, "Why don't we leave the two alone?"

The girls exchanged curious looks, but complied with Taylor's request. "So we're going to walk home?" Amber asked as they watched the car leave.

"We can go along the beach," Taylor suggested and the group headed for it. She still didn't know how to tell them about Marissa without starting an all out war.

"So how are you feeling?" Rachel asked, looking at her friend worried.

"Actually I feel fine. I'm happy I found him," Taylor answered, honestly, her hand touching the ring in her pocket.

"I'm still amazed you found it all by yourself," Sarah told her.

"Honestly…," Taylor began and looked around the people for a familiar face. When she didn't spot Marissa initially, she did a complete 360, but to no avail. Marissa was not there. She had bailed on her.

Her friends noticed the confused and later disappointed look on her face. "Is everything alright?" Emily asked.

"Yeah," Taylor answered, meekly, giving a less than convincing smile, "I thought someone was watching us." The girls glanced around themselves. None of them had noticed anything, obviously.

"This sucks," Amber muttered as she stomped through the sand, "Next time we're taking the car." Everyone, but Taylor, hurried to catch up to her. Taylor stopped once more to look around. No Marissa. She had been stood up. Quickly Taylor shook her head. Marissa would never ditch on a promise she made with her. Or would she? Had the last two days meant nothing to her. With uncertainty in her head, Taylor ran after her friends.

A/N: Taylor has found her dad and now only one thing from her past is holding her back. Why did Marissa not show up? Did Marissa truly ditch her friend or is more behind her absence. Please review.