Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Rating: Still PG-13, (swearing)

A/N: Sorry for the Beaches confusion, it's a total chick flick that women love and men are forced to watch starring Barbara Hershey and Bette Midler.  Thanks for reviews. Dekkland.

2030 Local

Maddie's Hotel Suite

Washington, D.C.

"Maddie tell me what's brought you to D.C.?" Mac asked as she twirled pasta around her fork.

"Actually Sarah you did." Maddie replied

"Really? How so? We still have another couple of months before the sessions start." Mac said

'Yeah, I know but I just wanted to get out of L.A. for a little whole and thought that maybe if we hung out enough I could convince…" Maddie didn't have time to finish her sentence when interrupted.

"Me to come back permanently." Mac finished.

"Sarah, it's just not the same without you. Everyone misses you and to be honest we don't stand a chance out there on our own, we need you, you're my oldest friend, I need you." Maddie said

Mac put her fork down, took a deep breath, looked into Maddie's eyes and started to explain. "Maddie, that part of my life is over, it's been over for a long time. I've changed so much since then. I've completely turned my life around. I'm not the same hell, I'm a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps."

"Sweetie, I'm not asking you to give up your career, just take a little time off and do this. I know you regret how it ended so abruptly, I know that desire is still in you or you wouldn't have agreed to the sessions. All I'm asking is for is a summer. Don't you have time off or something?" Maddie wasn't going to give up this easily.

Mac thought to herself, 'I do have a ton of leave racked up, I could do it, but …" Maddie pulled her out of her thoughts.

"Sarah, come on, when is the last time you had others giving you that kind of attention?" Maddie probed.

When Mac didn't answer right away Maddie said, "Exactly, c'mon it's just what the doctor ordered."

With a sigh Mac gave in, "Alright Madison I'll see if I can do it, but it cannot be like it was before if it is then I'm out."

Maddie jumped with joy and ran over and hugged Mac. C'mon we have got to call the girls, they were convinced you'd say no, and now you're back!!!"