RETURN TO ME

STANDARD DISCLAIMERS

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW

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Anna was in New York when Clay returned. Anna Deguesa, Anna's grandmother, was ill.  Clay called and offered to come to New York but Anna told him it wasn't necessary.  Anna went back to Virginia, to handle some things, and Clay was away. When Clay got back, she had already returned to New York. It was a month before they saw each other again, and that would have never happened had Teresa not called Clay.

"Webb." He said answering his cell.

"Clay it's Teresa." She said.

"How's everything?" Clay asked.

"Clay you need to go to New York." Teresa said.

"Why what's going on?" Clay asked.

"Anna's planning to stay in New York." Teresa said.

"She's what," Clay asked.

"Clay she is planning on moving back, to help Ma." Teresa said.

"I'll be there in a few hours." Clay said.

LUCIA PAPARINI'S HOME

Clay arrived at Lucia's home and was greeted by Lucia.

"It's good to see you Clayton." Lucia said.

"I'm sorry about your mother." Clay replied.

"This is never easy, but my mother is almost 100." Lucia said. "Her life is ending, Anna's is just beginning."

"Teresa didn't go into much detail, what's going on exactly?" Clay asked.

"Anna thinks that she should come live here to help me with her grandmother.  It's not for her to take care of.  Since her father died Anna has been responsible for everything. We never wanted that, it just happened." Lucia stated.

"Did you tell her that?" Clay asked knowing the answer.

"Of course, I have. You know Anna, she doesn't listen." Lucia said. "I told her I wasn't taking care of her grandmother alone. I'm hiring people."

"Where's Anna now?" Clay asked.

"She's in the study." Anna replied. "Clayton, she doesn't have to do this. She takes care of everything as it is, and was not meant to play nurse maid to the family."

"I know." Clay said walking to the study.

Anna was on the phone and did not see him enter.

"Yes, I have the directive here." Anna said to the caller. "I will fax it over shortly."

"Anna." Clay said softly.

"Clay, how are you?" Anna asked as she dialed another number. "Give me a minute to take care of this."

"I'm fine. Anna put the phone down." Clay said.

"I said give me a minute. I need to take care of this." Anna snapped.

"Anna, put the phone down." Webb said firmly.

"Ok," Anna said angrily dropping the phone in the cradle. "What are ya doin' here?"

"Teresa called me. Why didn't you?" Clay asked as he walked over to her.

"For what," Anna said flatly.

"Teresa tells me your thinking of moving back here." Clay said.

"My mother will need help with grandmother." Anna said. "I would have told you."

"She can hire a nurse, she has said as much." Clay stated. "And that is something we should discuss, not something you tell me."

"I have responsibilities." Anna replied.

"So you're going to put your life on hold?" Clay asked. "Anna no one expects this of you. You have your own life."

"I am not putting my life on hold," Anna said. "I am taking care of my family."

"What about us?" Clay asked.

"You're never here, and when you are you can come to New York." Anna explained.

"Anna, your life is in Virginia." Clay said. "Our life is in Virginia."

"Clay I have to take care of my family." Anna said. "And there is no our life."

"You have to take care of yourself." Clay said, ignoring her other comment.

"It's the same thing." Anna said. "You don't understand."

"Then explain it to me." Clay said.

"Clay, my family is very close. I have to take care of them. Your family is not like that." Anna said.

"I know you're close. But your mother does not expect you to move back here. And I understand family responsibility." Clay said.

"Yes, you do the Christmas thing." Anna snapped sarcastically. "That's real family togetherness."

"Anna you need to step back." Clay said. "You're trying to start a fight. I won't let you."

"Clay, just go back to Washington and I will see you when I get back." Anna said.

"When you come back to pack? I don't think so." Clay said. "What's going on? You said you were happy."

"I am, but it doesn't matter." Anna said walking away from him.

"Anna, this isn't because of your grandmother. Tell me what's going on." Clay asked. "Come on, let's take a walk."

"A walk? Clay I'm busy." Anna replied. 

"It can wait." Clay replied. "Stop being such a control freak."

"Ay, are you handling me?" Anna snapped.

"If I have to yes. Come on." Clay said.

"I have things to take care of." Anna said.

"Anna, come with me now." Clay ordered.

"You did not just give me an order." Anna snapped.

"Well asking isn't working." Clay stated.

"Ordering isn't going to work either." Anna snapped. "Who do you think you are?"

"The man that loves you." Clay replied. Did I just say that? "Anna, please come with me."

Anna relented and got her coat. They went to Central Park and they walked for about 30 minutes before Clay stopped.

"Anna, tell me how you feel." Clay encouraged.

"My grandma is dying Clay; how do you think I feel." Anna snapped.

"I don't know, tell me." Clay said.

"Clay I was named for her.  I'm sad." Anna said.

"What else." Clay said.

"I'm scared. Is that what you want to hear?" Anna asked.

"Why are you scared?" Clay asked. "Anna, talk to me."

"What do you want me to say?" Anna asked.

"What are you scared of?" Clay said taking her by the shoulders. "Is it of losing your grandmother?"

"No, she's almost 100; she's had a good life." Anna replied with no emotion, which was very unlike her.

"Then tell me what it is." Clay yelled. 

"You said you loved me." Anna said quietly with tears in her eyes.

"I know; is that what you are scared of?" Clay asked. "My loving you?"

Anna just shook her head.

"Then what is it?" Clay asked.

"I'm falling in love with you." Anna said.

"Is that all?" Clay said taking her in his arms. "Why are you scared?"

"I don't want to lose you." Anna said.

"You aren't going to lose me. I told you I'm not going anywhere." Clay said.

"My fiancé was killed because of me; and your job..." Anna said. "I can't lose you."

"It won't happen." Clay said.  He hugged Anna tight and kissed her.

"You can't guarantee that." Anna said pulling away from him.

"I can guarantee that I am not going to leave you." Clay replied.

"How can you say that?" Anna asked. "You can just walk away."

"Anna, look at me. I just said I love you.  I never planned on this. Do you think I am now going to walk away?" Clay stopped and looked at Anna. "You just said you're falling in love with me."

"I know." Anna smiled.

"So, now tell me have I finally swept you off your feet?" Clay asked with a smile.

"Yes." Anna said softly, "you have."

They walked back to Lucia's. When they got there Anna's bags were already packed.  Lucia hugged them both and Clay took Anna back to Virginia, where she belonged.

ANNA'S APARTMENT A FEW DAYS LATER

"Clay, thank you." Anna said walking into the living room.

"For what," Clay asked.

"For coming and getting me," Anna said.

"Did you think I was going to let you stay there? Did you think your mother was going to let you stay?" Clay said.

"I don't know. But you were right." Anna said flopping down next to him.

"How is your grandmother?" Clay asked.

"She's at Ma's with round the clock nurses." Anna said.

"And if you were there, what would you be doing?" Clay asked.

"Point taken, I'm here aren't I?" Anna said.

"Yes you are cara mia." Clay said.

"What did you call me?" Anna laughed.

"Cara mia, the only Italian I know is from Gomez Addams." Clay laughed. "What does that mean anyway?"

"My beloved." Anna said.

"Well my beloved, are you ready for the party?" Clay asked.

"Yes I am. Where are you men going anyway?" Anna asked.

"McMurphy's." Clay replied.

"Hmm, you get to go to a bar and I have to go to a tea? Anna said.

"That's right." Clay laughed.

"I like Mac, but this bridal shower is going to be soooo boring." Anna sighed.

Mac's bridal shower was anything but boring.  Harriet went into labor during the party.  The men on the other hand, were so tanked at McMurphy's, they almost didn't get Bud to the hospital.

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Author's Note: If you want a laugh go to It All Comes Together – Chapter 13