AN: Thanks to all who gave me such wonderful feedback! This is the last chapter!

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I felt a hand stroke my hair as I lay sobbing in bed the next day. I had spent the entire last night crying over Michael and I had promised myself I would not shed any more tears over him. But when I had woken up today, I couldn't stop the tears from streaking down my face.

I briefly wondered about Piper but then remember that she was sleeping over at Liz's. So, I just unplugged the phone and lay in bed, crying my heart out.

I don't know when Liz and Alex came over. I didn't even hear the door open. But I was never so grateful for them coming over. They just knew I needed them.

"Hey girlfriend. Are you all right?" Alex asked hugging me.

I shook my head, my voice muffled as I laid my head against his chest. "He left me again. He left Piper! He ran again! Why can't he just stay? Why do I scare him so much?" I asked, voicing my thoughts.

Liz shushed me as Alex gently rocked me. "You know Deluca, he loves you too much. He really does. We can always see it in his eyes." He told me.

I refused to believe him. I didn't want to believe it. How could anyone love someone and leave them?

"Does he know about Piper?" Liz asked hesitantly.

I nodded, sniffling as I pulled away from Alex. "He knows."

Then I glanced around the room, noticing that Piper was not here. "Liz, didn't you bring Piper?" I asked, suddenly worried.

Liz gave me a small smile. "She's still at my place. You can pick her up tonight. She wasn't ready to leave just yet."

I nodded, silently relieved that Piper would not have to see me in this state. "Thanks." I whispered.

Alex got up from next to me and pulled me up. "Well Deluca, you must be famished! Let's get you something to eat!"

I laughed as I was pushed into the bathroom. "Do you do this with Izzy too?" I asked playfully.

Alex grinned. "That's what she loves about me!"

"Well I hope you know how to make blueberry pancakes because I feel a craving coming on." I said through the door.

I could hear Liz whacking Alex when he replied. "Don't you have blueberry pancakes craving around that time of month?"

"Alex!" Liz and I said in unison.

His laughter could be heard as he made his way to my kitchen.

**** 

I gave a frustrated growl as I smudged my eyeliner again. I quickly wiped it off and tried again. This must be the fourth time I'm trying to apply it. But my hands were shaking so badly that I couldn't get it on straight. Finally, I put the eyeliner down and took deep breaths to calm my self down. I knew what was wrong with me.

It had been two days since that coffee 'date' disaster and I had no word of Michael. He had disappeared yet again. I glanced towards the back door entrance of 'The Singing Kettle'. I had fifteen minutes before I went on stage and I was waiting for Isabel. I knew Isabel had planned to go and check out the place where I had found Michael three days earlier. Three days. It seemed a lot longer. I had three days of heartache and pain. Three nights when I cried myself to sleep. I slammed my fists angrily on the vanity. I didn't deserve this. It was Michael's decision and I had no right to tell him to stay. But it still hurt, it still hurt badly.

The door creaked open and Isabel's head popped in. "Hey Maria!" she greeted as she stepped in. "Look who's here to wish you luck!"

I looked up and saw the kids rushing in. Dawn, Piper, Cordelia, and Jason all stood there with red roses in their hands.

"Aww how sweet! Thanks guys!" I squealed as they handed them to me. I gave them each a hug.

"Good luck mommy!" Piper wished me with a bright smile.

"Sing one for me! Won't you Aunt Maria?" Dawn asked eagerly.

"Of course I will!" I told them, bumping my nose with Cordelia's.

"Okay guys! Out you go. Go to Uncle Alex. He's waiting for you." Isabel said ushering them outside. "Dawn please take them." With one last wave, the kids hurried out to grab good seats.

Isabel smiled in amusement as she watched them leave. I turned back to the mirror trying to apply the eyeliner again. Isabel walked up and took it from me. "Here let me." She said gently. She waved her hand across my face and used her powers to fix it.

I glanced at myself and grinned at her. "Thanks!"

She laughed. "Well it does come in handy!"

She fiddled with the roses as I put on my shoes. "So…um… I went by the art show place today." She said hesitantly.

I paused halfway. "And?" I asked, suddenly scared.

She met my eyes sadly. "He was not there. All the paintings were gone."

I nodded at her. "Oh."

"Do you have any idea where he was staying?" Isabel asked, a pleading tone in her voice.

I shook my head. "No. He…uh…he didn't tell me. He left before I could ask." I told her.

Isabel looked away, sorrowful. "Okay. Just though I'd check." She tried to make it seem as if it was no big deal but I knew how badly she was hurting. Over the years I had gotten close to her and could often sense her moods. Right now, the sadness and hurt was vibrating off her.

"Isabel-" I began but she cut me off.

"No, I'm fine. Really! You go. You're on."

I nodded sadly as I headed out onto the stage.

**** 

…Will you be leaving, leaving me today?
Like the ocean leaves us waiting on the sand
Crumbling in our hand
I can't live this scene again

I trailed of the last line of the chorus and opened my eyes. Harsh stage lights greeted my. The many people sitting in the café clapped as I took a bow. "Thank you. We'll be back after a five minute break." I said before shutting off the microphone. Although I couldn't see far into the audience, I saw Isabel, Alex, Liz, and Max sitting at the back with the kids. Piper waved to me and I waved back.

I took a quick swig of water as I turned back to tell the band what to play next. I had been singing sad songs today, songs of goodbyes and betrayals. I knew it was because of Michael. The next sing was also sad but I didn't want to sing anything else. It was called 'Wish I still had you'. I hoped they knew it. Just as I was about to speak, I felt the familiar prick at the back of my neck. I shivered slightly as I realised who it was.

"Michael…"I whispered. He was here. I could feel it. I glanced around the darkened café but couldn't make him out. But I knew without a doubt that he was sitting right here watching me. Truth be told it kind of unnerved me. I didn't know how to take this. Suddenly I knew what to do and quickly told the band my song. I moved back to the microphone and announced my next song.

"This song is called 'If we could start over'. And it's for a special person out there." I said. This is for you Michael. I prayed silently. I just hope he knew that.

Then I took the microphone in my hand and waited for the cue. As the music began, I let it wash over me, taking away my heartache and pain. I opened my mouth and poured all my emotion into the song. I closed my eyes and began to sing.

I never found out why you walked away
And never said goodbye
But now that I see you
I'm torn inside, but I've still got my pride

I understand that some things are better left unsaid
I'm afraid of the truth
But what can I do if I still want you

I opened my eyes and found Michael staring back at me from the table nearest the stage. I was not surprised. His eyes shined even though it was difficult to see. I just locked my eyes with his and sang to him. There was none else there except Michael and me.


If we could start over again
I know if we try our love could be stronger
If we could start over again
I'm sure, wo oh
We'd never have to let go

For so many years now
I've held inside things I meant to say
But faced with the past now I realize
I can't let that stand in our way

I never knew that a love so strong would never fade
But what can we do
If I still want you
And you want me too

How can we walk away
From something that was once so strong
Have we the strength to say we're wrong

As I finished the song, I looked away from Michael. The audience were clapping and whistling. I had never gotten such a response. I beamed but looked back down at Michael. He wasn't clapping or smiling but the look in his eyes said it all.

**** 

I sat waiting backstage. I knew Michael would come. I wrung my hands nervously. I didn't know what to expect. I glanced at my reflection and checked my dress. I smoothed a wrinkle on the black fabric.

"You look great." A voice said behind me.

I whirled gasping. "Michael!" I said, startled. "I didn't hear you."

He smirked slightly. "I could tell."

He gave me a small bouquet of daisies. I looked at him curiously. He smiled. "I heard it was tradition to give an artist flowers after a performance."

I laughed. "Thanks for the thought."

We just stood there for a while staring at each other, smiling. It felt so right just to be around him again. I didn't know what he was doing here or how he knew I sang here tonight, but I wasn't complaining.

"You were great out there, you know." He finally said.

I ducked my head shyly. "Yeah, well I had motivation…"

I looked up at him and gave him a puzzled look. "How did you know I sang here?"

"You told me!" he stated.

I squinted at him. "I just said I sang at the 'Singing Kettle'. I never told you when." I accused him.

"Well, I did a bit of asking and well…let's just say you're really popular around here." He told me with a smile.

I smiled back. He had asked around for me! I took that for a good sign. *Yeah…well he might just be here to say goodbye, or meet Piper before he leaves. * My mind reasoned.

"I'm not!" Michael blurted out, almost as if reading my mind.

I held my breath, not daring to hope. "Not what?" I asked softly.

"Not leaving you this time."

"You said that last time too. Remember? You told me, no more running." I told him quietly.

"Maria!" he spoke softly, taking my chin in his hands and making me look at him. "I won't! I promise!"

"How can I be sure Michael?" I asked him. "What if you do stay for a while? Piper will become attached. I don't want her to feel the pain of losing a parent. She never knew you, so it's okay right now. She deals with it. I can tell her that her daddy loves her. But if you stay and then leave…she'll be confused. I've been through that. I don't want that for my daughter!"

Michael held me close and brushed his lips lightly against mine. "I won't leave!"

"What makes you so sure Michael?" I asked again.

Michael stared at me silently for a few heartbeats before a smile spread across his face. "Maybe because I love you too much…"

I smiled through my tears as I heard those words. I remembered them. I held him close and whispered. "I love you Michael Guerin."

**** 

Epilogue

Two months later…

"Isn't this place beautiful?" Liz asked; her eyes shining brightly as she took in the vast field. "I'm so glad we came here for our picnic! It's a great place for the kids."

I smiled as I sat down on the blanket next to her. She and Max were giving each other those soul-mate looks and Isabel just rolled her eyes.

"God, get a room you two!" she muttered.

I chuckled. Everything was as it should be, as it was all those years ago in high school. I glanced at Michael and Piper who were playing Frisbee a few feet away. I smiled when I saw how happy they both looked. Piper had accepted Michael as her father so well. And Michael was such a good father. I knew for sure he was here to stay. I played with the silver diamond engagement ring Michael had given me two days ago. I never felt happier.  Life was perfect at the moment. I had a beautiful daughter, four incredibly amazing best friends and the perfect husband, my soul mate. Nope, life couldn't be better. 

THE END