Arelia is sitting poolside sipping red wine. She has not heard from her bondmate since she spoke to Oriana. As Shepard suggested, the head of the commandos told Oriana everything that has been going on. How Miranda doesn't listen, how she pushes her daughter to the breaking point, how she is ultimately pushing them away. Oriana told her she would speak to her, that was yesterday and since then Arelia has not heard anything from either Miranda or her oldest daughter Shayna.

Rose is out tonight with her new friend Malia, someone Arelia met briefly this evening. She is a very nice young asari and since she is friends with Little A that pretty much speaks volumes to her character. It is nice that she is a Doctor too. Arelia wonders though what Rose wants to do with her life. Her youngest daughter has yet to land on one thing. She is more of a wanderer. She wants to experience a little of everything something that drives her father crazy but Arelia loves her spirit and hopes Miranda does not squash it.

Arelia sighs as the moon lights up the night sky. The moon beams reflect off the surface of the pool. Her eyes burn when she thinks about all of the nights she has spent out here with her bondmate Miranda. She misses her terribly and even though they have lived together for decades she has felt very alone in the last few years.

Arelia nearly jumps out of her recliner when a bouquet of flowers is set before her eyes. She quickly turns in her recliner and sees Miranda standing before her. "What?"

Miranda kneels down next to the asari. She sets the flowers on the table next to Arelia. She takes the head of the commandos hand between hers. "Forgive me?"

Arelia is floored. She had no idea her bondmate was coming home so soon. She wonders if Shayna is with her.

"She is settling into her room," says Miranda answering Arelia's unspoken question. "I am so sorry Arelia. I had no idea how I was driving the girls away, how I was driving you away. Can you forgive me?"

Not sure what to say Arelia remains quiet. She has heard this before so she is not allowing herself to get too excited.

"May I?" Miranda gestures to Arelia's chair. The asari scoots over giving the human woman room to sit on the edge of the recliner. "I know I have said this before and I know I do well for a few weeks or months then fall back. I…." Miranda lets out a breath, "I don't want to be my father Arelia. I had no idea how I made all of you feel. After Oriana spoke to me, I asked Shayna to be honest with me." Miranda laughs a little, "It was very hard to hear, but I did hear our daughter. She is not enrolling in the genetics program and I am not going to continue to be on her case about choosing to continue her education. She is an asari after all, not a human. She has centuries Arelia and I know that but I have had a hard time grasping that concept. Our daughters could in fact have many different careers and succeed in every one of them. So I am going to let them be. I will stop pushing them…"

"Miranda…" Arelia interrupts. "I have heard all of this before."

"I know. All I can ask is that you don't give up on us, don't give up on me."

Arelia blinks back the burn in her eyes. She looks away watching the pool's calm water wishing she felt calm. Isn't this what she wants? Isn't Miranda being here in person speaking volumes? Or is this just another apology to be followed up with the same behavior after a week or month has passed?

"Arelia?"

The asari swallows her mouth is suddenly dry. She looks at her bondmate, "I don't know."

Miranda let's go of her hand, "What does that mean?"

"It means I don't know. I have heard all of this before Miranda. Your actions need to speak louder than your words."

Miranda's protective shell goes up. "I would have thought my coming home to you counts as my actions speaking louder than words."

Arelia doesn't want to argue. She doesn't trust what is happening. She can see Miranda closing within herself and she just doesn't have the energy to care right now. Arelia gives the human a small smile, "I love you Miranda and I am glad you are home. I'm glad you see what your actions have been doing to this family. It is going to take more than one grand gesture for me to believe you." Arelia stands up, takes her glass of wine and leaves Miranda lone by the poolside.

It is morning. Mia and Donna are taking a walk on the path that leads from the main house into the woods. Mia has told Donna about this path, about her spot that became known as her and Dava's spot. Over the years though her family members as well as friends come here to think or walk because it is so beautiful. Before any of her sisters were born, her parents bought land not just the land where their house is built but the lots around their house as well. They never wanted to have construction to ruin their view or have neighbors too close.

"This is absolutely beautiful," says Donna as she looks out at the meadow of blues, yellows and white flowers.

"If this fallen tree could talk," says Mia, "it would be able to reveal a lot." Mia sits down happy to have made it all the way here without having to stop. The pain in her side and the fact that she can't catch her breath warn her not to overdo it.

Donna takes in a deep breath through her nose. "It smells wonderful out here. The flowers, the trees, everything…it's just breathtaking." Donna turns and looks at Mia, "Are you okay?"

Mia winces a little, "Fine."

Donna bends down in front of her. She feels her forehead and takes her pulse.

"Donna, I said I'm fine."

"I think you overdid it Mia." She sits next to the asari. "We will rest a while."

"I wanted to show this place to you since I can't…"

Donna pats her knee. "We don't have to meld Mia."

"I should be able to show you memories Donna."

"And you will, when you're ready."

Mia takes her hand and kisses the back of it as she looks out on the meadow. She can't help but think of Dava. She and the commando spent many, many hours here.

"I am proud of you, I hope you know that."

Donna's voice brings Mia back to the present. She doesn't exactly smile at the human.

"What is it?"

"I wish you didn't have to leave today."

Donna sighs, "I know me too."

"I'm scared Donna."

The human squeezes her hand. "You can call me anytime day or night Mia."

"It's not the same."

"I know, but you have your family now. They all love you so much Mia. You are going to be just fine. You have everything you need to succeed."

"Except you."

Donna smiles at her. "You have me."

They sit in comfortable silence listening to the birds sing and the animals skitter through the meadow and into the trees.

"Did your parents say anything when you told them about the Storm?"

"I could see the disappointment on their faces, but they didn't say anything. Dad asked if I wanted to try out for a different team."

"Do you?"

Mia shrugs her shoulders. "I think I need to focus on getting stronger first."

Donna nods in silence.

"I think I would like to play again. It would be nice to have a comeback. I just want to make sure I am healthy first physically and emotionally."

"Makes sense."

"So do you have to work right away tomorrow?"

"Well I will get into Vancouver around 8 AM tomorrow morning. Last I checked my shift started at 10 PM tomorrow night."

"Doesn't give you much time to recover from the flight."

"It's okay. The busier I am the less likely I am to miss you."

"Gee thanks."

"You know what I mean." Donna nudges her with her shoulder.

All this time Mia has thought about herself and how she is going to survive day to day without her rock with her. She never thought about Donna missing her. She is still trying to understand why the human even wants her. Mia takes squeezes her hand, "I'm sure you will be just fine."

Donna does not reply.

"Just think, no more coming home to a messy house or a fucked up roommate."

"Mia." There is a warning in her tone.

"Sorry."

Donna checks her omni-tool. "We should probably head back you need to get something in your stomach."

Mia takes in a deep breath and lets it out. "Okay."

Donna helps her stand. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. We just need to take it slow."

They slowly and carefully make their way back to the main house.

Shepard rolls over and reaches for her blue beauty. She opens her eyes when her hand comes up empty. "Liara?" she sits up and rubs her face. "Liara?"

Liara walks into their bedroom with a cup of coffee in her hand, "Morning Elly." She hands her the cup along with a kiss on the lips.

"Thanks. I slept late." Shepard closes her eyes as she smells the hazel nut fragrance. She takes a sip. "How did you sleep?"

Liara's smile fades.

Shepard stands and stretches trying to work out her sore muscles. "What's going on?"

Liara averts her eyes.

"Hey." Shepard waits until she makes eye contact. "What is it?"

"I am worried."

"About Donna leaving you mean?"

Liara nods.

"You think Mia will take a turn for the worse?"

"Don't you?"

"I think Mia took a huge step last night. I think she is going to work hard and if she falters we need to be there for her when she does."

"I find myself still so…" Liara turns her back on Shepard, she walks into the bathroom.

Shepard follows her. She watches Liara in the mirror. "You're still angry with her."

"Yes. I do not see how you cannot be Elly."

"I'm hurt Liara make no mistake, but I am not angry with her, not anymore. I understand what she did. I don't agree with it but I understand it."

"Well I don't." Liara quickly brushes her teeth. When she is done she looks at Elly, "she could have avoided so much if she only asked for help." Liara walks past Shepard into the bedroom.

"Liara."

The asari stops before leaving the bedroom. She turns and waits for Shepard to speak.

"She made a mistake. She made lots of mistakes. She needs our help to come out from under all of that."

The asari does not respond.

"Are you going to support her Liara?"

"Of course I am." Her tone is not a nice one. Liara takes in a breath and lets it out slowly. "I…I will be fine. I love her, I am just furious with her at the moment."

Shepard knows not to say anything more. She knows Liara has to work through her feelings just like Mia has to work through hers.

"I will make your breakfast."

Before Shepard can say anything Liara is out the door. Shepard sighs as she enters the bathroom to get ready for the day.

Eva walks into the kitchen where the sun is beaming through the windows lighting up the whole room. She smiles as she sees James feeding little baby Beni. "Morning."

"Hey look who's up, it's Mama."

Beni wiggles a little in his arms.

Eva lends down and kisses the little blue one on her forehead. Then she turns her attention to James and kisses him on his lips.

"Hmm," says James, "You're Mama is a great kisser."

Eva squeezes his shoulder. "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"I will make us something." Eva grabs ingredients from the refrigerator and cupboards and starts making breakfast. "Thank you for letting me sleep in."

"Of course. I figure I still owe you about another week or so."

Eva smiles.

"Now that the hoodlums have been caught I have been assured from my boss that I will not be called into work for at least two days. I know it's not much Eva…" his voice trails off. He knows she is not listening. "Eva?"

"Huh?" She looks over her shoulder at him, "What?"

"Are you okay?"

Eva didn't get a chance to talk to James about dinner last night at her parent's house. When she came home James was sleeping on the couch with baby Beni in his arms. She put Beni to bed then woke him and walked him into the bedroom. She didn't have a chance to share what Mia said.

"Yeah." She returns her attention to making eggs and bacon.

James stands with Beni in his arms. "How was the dinner last night?"

Eva sighs, "Mia explained everything."

James moves closer to her leaning against the counter.

"She got addicted to red sand."

"What?"

"She was attacked after one of her games. She was stabbed James. While she was recovering she was approached and she took some and got hooked."

"My God."

"That's why she stopped calling us. She was ashamed. What a mess."

They remain quiet. The only sound in the room is the sizzle of the eggs and bacon.

"Wow," is all James can think to say.

"Yeah." Eva flips the bacon. "Do you want toast?"

"I can get it." With one hand James open a loaf and places four pieces of bread into the toaster. "How did everyone react?"

"She and Raina made up which is nice. Little A and I already accepted Mia. We knew something was up with her, we just didn't realize how bad it was. Dad is fine but Mom…" Eva turns quiet.

James waits.

"Mom is still pretty upset and hurt."

"Well that is understandable isn't it?"

Eva nods as she grabs two plates. "I just worry about her."

"Your Mom?"

"Yeah. I mean Raina came around but I'm not saying things are perfect between her and Mia, but Mom. When she hugged Mia for like the third time she told her never to shut her out again. I don't know if Mia realizes how much she hurt her. I mean I think she got a taste of that last night.

James squeezes Eva's shoulder. "Your Mom is not the only one she hurt. I suspect the healing process will take time, maybe a lot of time."

Eva places eggs and bacon on each plate then walks to the kitchen table. She grabs the toast and prepares that as James takes a seat. She sits down placing the toast between them.

"When she said she was attacked I couldn't help but think the worst."

James looks at the asari. "I bet."

"I just hate that I always jump to that conclusion. I mean will I ever stop thinking about it?" Eva looks away.

"Eva?" James reaches over and touches her knee. "It's perfectly natural to think about the rape."

Eva wipes a tear from her cheek.

"Oh honey."

"It just…I hate how it makes me feel every time I think about it. I feel like I am right back in that room feeling his breath and his hands…" Eva shivers trying to brush off the memory. She looks at her daughter in her husband's arms. "If anything like that happens to her…"

"Don't. You will drive yourself crazy honey."

Eva sighs. She composes herself and takes a bite.

"It's normal to have thoughts of your past. I just wish I could have stopped it, I wish I could have been there."

"I know," it's Eva's turn to reach across and touch his knee. "I didn't mean to upset you."

James takes her hand, "You are not upsetting me. You talk about it when you want to talk about it. I am here for you."

"I just don't want you to feel powerless James."

"That is my issue Eva, not yours."

"But I don't want to add to it. You were injured, you couldn't have helped me."

"And you can tell me that thousands of times, it does not stop that small voice inside me that says I could have done something. I know I couldn't have Eva, I know that, I just wish I could have that's all."

Eva smiles at him. They have really come a long way. After the rape it took Eva a long time before she could fully trust herself with James not only physically but emotionally. It was almost two years before she even shared with James in a meld what the Batarian looked like. "I love you James."

"I love you too."

Beni makes a noise, they both look at her. She smiles a little and wiggles in her father's arms. "She's smiling," says James.

"Um," says Eva, "it's probably gas."

James stops his fork midair and looks at his bondmate. "Nice."

"Sorry."

He laughs a little then takes a bite. "Thanks for breakfast."

"You're welcome."

Raina and Jess are on a walk. The psychiatrist filled Jess in on everything that transpired last night. She told her how she held her sister and understood why Mia did what she did.

"You feeling okay this morning?" says Jess. She wraps her arm around her shoulders.

"I'm just tired."

"Pretty emotional night huh?"

Raina nods.

"And your nightmares didn't help things."

Raina stops. Jess takes her arm away. She gives her girlfriend a perplexed look. "What are you talking about?"

Jess furrows her brow, "Don't you remember? You cried out on two separate occasions Raina. I woke you up and held you."

Raina looks at Jess like she is speaking some unknown language.

"You don't remember?"

"No, no I don't." Raina must have a worried look on her face because Jess pulls her into a hug.

"I'm sure it's no big deal that you don't remember."

Raina loves her for trying to not show her concern but she feels it in her hug. "Did…did I say anything?"

Jess looks at her when she steps out of the hug. "You were calling out Mia's name; at least it sounded like it."

Images of the asari monstrosity impaling Raina through her torso invade her memory. The reapers turned the Ardat-Yakshi into Banshees her parent's said and for whatever reason it is a dream Raina cannot seem to shake. It is either her or Mia getting impaled by the monster. Raina jumps when she feels Jess touch her arm.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, yes I'm fine." Raina tries to give Jess a smile but a shiver runs through her body instead.

"You want to talk about it?"

Raina takes Jess' hand and starts to walk again. "The only thing I can think of is the same dream I have told you about."

Jess kisses the back of her hand, "I'm sorry. That thing is terrifying."

Raina has shown Jess in their melds her nightmares, but not all of them. The nightmare she shares with her father is off limits.

"Maybe it's because of how tired you have been that you don't remember," says Jess trying to help.

"You're probably right."

"So are you still okay with everything Mia said?"

"I have felt her pain Jess."

"I know, but that doesn't take away the pain she caused you."

Raina walks in silence for a minute. Finally she says, "I understand why she shut us out. You're right, it still hurts but I am not angry with her anymore."

"And you are not blaming yourself for anything are you?" Jess squeezes her hand. The asari knows the psychiatrist well.

"I am not, no."

"Good."

"I hope you are okay seeing more of Mia. I want to be sure I am there for her if she needs me."

Jess wraps her arm around Raina's shoulder. She kisses her temple, "Of course I am okay with seeing more of her. I'm happy when you are happy." She kisses her temple again.

Raina wraps her arm around her waist and smiles knowing how lucky she is to have Jess in her life.