Disclaimer: JAG belongs to DPB, Paramount, CBS et al. This is for fun, no
copyright infringement is intended.
---
FLASHBACK
- Harm's apartment
Harm hadn't changed one bit. It was Mac's first thought when he opened the door. He looked so much the same - his dark hair, his open face, his blue eyes ... focusing immediately on Annabelle in her seat. He stared then he smiled - his flyboy-grin and her heart jumped at the sight.
He stepped aside and she walked slowly into the big room. Memories flooded over her. She remembered the way he held her, kissed her... Shaking her head she approached the kitchen-counter and set Ann's seat down. Her daughter was watching with big eyes which had lost the pale baby-blue by now and were getting darker and browner with each day. Carefully she picked her up and faced Harm again.
"Meet your father, Ann," she whispered. Harm's face brightened like she had never seen it before. Hesitantly he reached out and she placed his daughter into his arms.
"Hello, darling, hello." His grin was so happy, so relaxed. He looked quickly up and Mac saw tears in his eyes. "She's so beautiful, Mac. She's so beautiful."
He rocked her gently and Annabelle gurgled in delight. She waved her arms in an attempt to reach his face. Harm laughed softly. He wasn't able to take his eyes off her. Mac sat down and watched them being together. Her heart was aching.
After a while Ann started yawning. The long day was taking its toll. She wailed a few minutes and then fell asleep. Together they settled her back in her seat. Their hands touched while they were straightening her clothes and embarrassed they stepped apart. A tension started to build in the room.
Harm looked long at his daughter and then started pacing up and down. Mac watched his movement in silence. Finally Harm stopped in front of the window. He looked at her and quickly away as if afraid of what he could maybe see in her eyes.
"She's wonderful."
"Yes, she is," agreed Mac quietly.
"I've heard that ... Webb was there when she was born."
Mac looked away. "Well, it was ... more by accident."
A heavy silence fell between them. Harm looked out of the window and Mac down at her hands. Harm was the first to speak again.
"Maybe I should have come after you the moment you've left Washington."
"I've given you every reason not to," replied Mac in a whisper.
"When have I ever done what somebody else wanted me to do, huh, Mac?" Harm smiled sadly without turning around. "I certainly should have come after I've learnt of our baby."
"I didn't give you much of a chance, did I, Harm." Mac crossed her arms as if to protect herself. "I know there's no excuse I didn't tell you when I went into labor."
Harm turned to look at her.
"I - I thought about it but ..." Mac interrupted herself and searched for the best words. "I wasn't able to bear another fight," she whispered finally. "I wasn't sure if you ... what you ... You never called after our last fight. You never ... I thought you didn't want us any more." She bit her lower lip. Her gaze was fixed on her arms. "I know I had asked you to stay away. I wasn't able to ... I know this isn't an excuse."
Harm was silent for a long time. His gaze fell on the sleeping Annabelle.
"He didn't tell you, did he?"
Mac frowned confused and searched his eyes. "Who?"
"Chegwidden."
"Told me what?"
"I was on a carrier in the Indian Ocean."
Mac needed a second to gather the meaning of his words.
"Oh," she whispered finally, "Well, I never told you when -"
"I can count, Mac," Harm interrupted. "And Harriet made *very* sure I knew the exact date."
"Oh," repeated Mac after a while. She had to look away. But Harm wasn't finished yet.
"I'd been so sure you would call." Harm turned to the window again. "I was angry, Mac. And hurt. And I wanted to hurt you too. I wanted you to call ... and find out I wasn't there."
Mac pressed a hand to her mouth to suppress the sudden wave of nausea.
"You should have seen Chegwidden's face when I told him I wanted this assignment," continued Harm slowly. "I had been so sure you would call. And then ... Sturgis called to tell me the news. And I suddenly realized what I had done to myself. How much it backfired." He turned back to the room. "But it was already too late. I realized - really realized - how childish I behaved ... how vindictive. Maybe there isn't an excuse for this too."
Silence. They kept looking at each other - both unable to make the next move. Mac lifted her chin in a desperate attempt to keep the tears from falling.
"We screwed this up pretty good, didn't we?" asked Harm finally.
Mac nodded and quickly brushed the tear away that had escaped on her cheek. She cleared her throat twice before she trusted her voice again.
"You know how important *trust* is to me, Harm. And to stand up for myself."
"And both I denied to you - that's what you want to tell me?" Harm sighed. "I think I've - always wanted to protect my mother. I knew how much she missed my father and I ... wanted to protect her. Even as a child. I guess I never stopped to protect ... anybody. Maybe I was disappointed that ... you didn't want me to."
"To protect isn't to love," Mac whispered.
"No," agreed Harm, "It isn't." He ran a hand through his hair. "But I loved Diane and wasn't able to protect her."
Mac shivered. Here it was again: The shadow of that woman who had looked like her twin. The shadow of a dead woman she had always been afraid of somehow - because she knew she was still holding a part of Harm's heart she would never be able to reach.
"You told me I've danced around you for years, Mac ... And you're right. But ... I've always..." Harm suddenly moved forward and closed the distance between them with a few steps. He locked eyes with her. "I've always been afraid that - if I let you in my heart - I would loose you like I had lost Diane."
Mac swallowed hard because of the pain so visible on his face ... and knew at the same time that it was matching the pain in her own eyes.
"I'm not Diane." Harm had to read her lips to understand the words. He shook his head with a bitter-sweet smile.
"No, you're not, Sarah. And somehow you sneaked into my heart and I wasn't able to push you out again - not matter how much I tried. I know I've been over-protective. I know sometimes I haven't been very fair to you. You're a strong woman and I should respect this. Though we both made our fair share of mistakes, don't you think that too?"
Mac grimaced. "Oh, yes, Harm. Oh, yes."
Harm took a deep breath. He looked at his daughter and then back to the woman in front of him. In a gentle gesture he placed both hands on her shoulders.
"So many mistakes," he sighed, "So much pain and so much wasted time. Sarah. I can't promise you that there will be no more mistakes. I can't promise you I will never again be over-protective. But what I *can* promise is ... that I'm willing to try - honestly try. For you, Sarah, for us ... and for our baby." He breathed again deeply. "I know this isn't much, but -"
He stopped because Mac had started to shake slowly her head. She reached up and covered his hands with hers but continued to shake her head. Two single tears were running down her face.
"I can't, Harm. I - just can't," she whispered, choking with the words. "It ... it isn't there anymore. It somehow ... just isn't there anymore."
And that was the final truth. Now she knew what she had missed since she entered his apartment. Since she saw him again and thought how little he had changed. But she had. She couldn't deny it any longer. The spark - this wild and burning and self-destructive spark of her love - it wasn't there. At least not like it had been before.
Harm saw the truth in her eyes and he shut his own because of the tears shining there too. His grip tightened around her shoulders.
"I should have come running to you before you ever took one step in the direction of Paraguay. I should have come running to you in Australia," he whispered bitterly. Mac pressed his hands but didn't answer.
Harm opened his eyes again and glanced to his daughter, so peacefully asleep.
"You - you won't try to keep her away from me, will you?"
Mac pushed his hands away, angry and hurt.
"How can you say that? How can you even *think* that about me?" she hissed through gritted teeth. "You're her father. You'll always be a part of her life. You'll always *have to* be a part of her life! Yes, I've made mistakes concerning you and me - oh, lots and lots of mistakes! But I would never... I would never...!"
She spun around and walked away like the motion could ease the pain. Now it was her turn to stare out of the window.
"No, you wouldn't, Mac," stated Harm after a while. "I shouldn't have said it. I - I guess I'm still having a big mouth ... and am thinking afterwards."
Mac turned back to face him and sighed regretfully. "We've always been good at pushing each others buttons."
Harm exhaled deeply and nodded. "You think we can find a way to avoid this in the future?"
Mac looked at her daughter - their daughter. She made a small gesture with her hand.
"We have the best reason to try."
Harm followed her gaze and smiled. Still a little bit bitter but with less pain.
"So tell me: What if she decides to join the Navy and not the Marine Corps?"
Mac shrugged. "I'll deal."
Harm searched her eyes, his smile growing a tiny bit brighter. "And if she decides to go flying?"
Mac noticed there was a little smile on her face too. "I'll deal," she repeated.
Now the corner of Harm's mouth twitched. "And if she decides to become an astronaut?"
This time Mac laughed shortly. "Harmon Rabb junior, what else should I know about your secret dreams?"
They shared a smile before growing serious again.
"Where are you staying?" Harm asked without looking at her.
Mac swallowed. "At Clay's. I ... I couldn't stay in a hotel. I couldn't..."
Harm pressed his lips together. "He's one lucky bastard," he whispered barely audible, "I hope he knows how lucky he is." He raised a brow at her. "I hope you don't mind when I remind him about it - let's say ... the next fifty years or so."
"No, Harm, I don't," answered Mac with a sad smile. She pulled out a handkerchief and wiped resolutely her face. Then she picked up Annabelle in her seat. Harm came to her side and carefully caressed the face of his daughter. He walked Mac to the door in silence.
Mac had one foot in the doorway when he held her back. For a second they just looked at each other. And then Harm took a sudden step forward and hugged her tightly. Mac returned the gesture with her free hand, clenching the back of his shirt in her fist.
"At least friends, Mac? If we try?" Harm whispered sadly and Mac nodded against his chest.
"Always, Harm. Always."
Harm stepped back and once more they looked at each other - and for the first time there were no more unspoken words left between them.
***
THE PRESENT
- Webb residence
I wipe a last tear out of the corner of my eye. I've cried so many tears over these years, these last months ... enough for the rest of my lifetime. But I'm not that innocent. There'll be fights and arguments. There are so many things to take care of. So many decisions. I want to work at JAG headquarters again - in this clear world of duty and regulations. I may be a more than bad judge in my privat life ... but I know I can be a good one there. I don't mind if I - due to our 'family-bond' - can never handle cases together with Harm. I have to ask Chegwidden for advice in this matter. And we still have to arrange so many things between Harm and me ... and Clay. So many opportunities to make mistakes. I'm afraid to face the future - but I will. For my daughter ... and for myself.
I look up because there's a sound outside the room. First I hear Harrison talk and then the voice I've been waiting for since I returned from Harm's apartment. Clay has finally come home. I can almost feel his questioning gaze through the walls but he isn't entering the room. I can't help but smile - still a little bit sad. So sometimes you are a coward too, huh, Clayton?
I glance down at my daughter to make sure she's still asleep. Then I walk out into the corridor and over to the door leading to Clay's bedroom. He's halfway out of his suit jacket as I come in and he freeze for a moment before freeing his arms completely and carefully laying it down on a chair. He's looking at me, waiting, and as I walk up to him I can see the fight of hope and fear in his face. And I know his mask is torn away completely, leaving him more vulnerable than I've ever seen him before.
I stop at arms length and look at him. And for the first time in my life I'm sure. Entirely and beyond any doubt. I make sure my eyes are never leaving his as I give him the honest answer he has always deserved.
"It isn't. And you are not."
I see understanding dawning in his face. And finally I take the last step, sliding my arms around his waist and resting my head on his shoulder.
I feel his body rise and fall in a deep, deep sigh. Relief, love, a rest of fear and so much more is in this sigh. And then his arms are around me and his cheek is nestling softly in my hair.
"I love you, Sarah Mackenzie. I love you so much."
His whisper is barely reaching my ear but I understand it as clearly as he understands my answering "I love you too, Clayton". I smile because it's the first time these words have been spoken aloud - from both of us. And I'm leaning in closer if possible.
Life is such a tangled mystery. It twists and it turns, it throws you upside down and spins you around ... And in the end all these twists and turns have led me to this house, this room and this man. I know a tiny part of me will always be in love with Harm. He's the father of my child. I owe him that much. But the painful question *what if* will never be there. Because I know one thing for sure:
Maybe my love for Clayton will never be as wild and uncontrollable and nearly obsessive as my love for Harm has been. Maybe it will not be as deep - and painful.
But it's strong and it's growing day by day and it feels ... yes, *RIGHT* - I can't find a better word to describe it.
And that's just the way it is.
***
The End.
Author's note:
I don't want to ruin the mood of the final chapter that's the only reason why I put this in an extra one. (Correction here, due to the clarification of the site guidelines announced December 13th, 2003 there's no extra chapter any more).
First of all:
A *BIG *FAT* THANK YOU* for all the reviews. You inspired me to add some details and I've never expected to get that much.
Well, and sorry shippers: My story, my ending - please respect it and don't throw anything.
This story has been about Mac and her struggle to find happiness somehow. Just in case anybody wanted to ask: No, I really *don't* think there'll be a sequel. Though you should never say never.
Anyway I'm going to be very busy for the rest of this month and unfortunately this includes being nowhere near a computer most of the time - at least none I can write or post a story with. For those who want to see more of my work: Sorry, you have to be patient. But I'll be back afterwards.
---
FLASHBACK
- Harm's apartment
Harm hadn't changed one bit. It was Mac's first thought when he opened the door. He looked so much the same - his dark hair, his open face, his blue eyes ... focusing immediately on Annabelle in her seat. He stared then he smiled - his flyboy-grin and her heart jumped at the sight.
He stepped aside and she walked slowly into the big room. Memories flooded over her. She remembered the way he held her, kissed her... Shaking her head she approached the kitchen-counter and set Ann's seat down. Her daughter was watching with big eyes which had lost the pale baby-blue by now and were getting darker and browner with each day. Carefully she picked her up and faced Harm again.
"Meet your father, Ann," she whispered. Harm's face brightened like she had never seen it before. Hesitantly he reached out and she placed his daughter into his arms.
"Hello, darling, hello." His grin was so happy, so relaxed. He looked quickly up and Mac saw tears in his eyes. "She's so beautiful, Mac. She's so beautiful."
He rocked her gently and Annabelle gurgled in delight. She waved her arms in an attempt to reach his face. Harm laughed softly. He wasn't able to take his eyes off her. Mac sat down and watched them being together. Her heart was aching.
After a while Ann started yawning. The long day was taking its toll. She wailed a few minutes and then fell asleep. Together they settled her back in her seat. Their hands touched while they were straightening her clothes and embarrassed they stepped apart. A tension started to build in the room.
Harm looked long at his daughter and then started pacing up and down. Mac watched his movement in silence. Finally Harm stopped in front of the window. He looked at her and quickly away as if afraid of what he could maybe see in her eyes.
"She's wonderful."
"Yes, she is," agreed Mac quietly.
"I've heard that ... Webb was there when she was born."
Mac looked away. "Well, it was ... more by accident."
A heavy silence fell between them. Harm looked out of the window and Mac down at her hands. Harm was the first to speak again.
"Maybe I should have come after you the moment you've left Washington."
"I've given you every reason not to," replied Mac in a whisper.
"When have I ever done what somebody else wanted me to do, huh, Mac?" Harm smiled sadly without turning around. "I certainly should have come after I've learnt of our baby."
"I didn't give you much of a chance, did I, Harm." Mac crossed her arms as if to protect herself. "I know there's no excuse I didn't tell you when I went into labor."
Harm turned to look at her.
"I - I thought about it but ..." Mac interrupted herself and searched for the best words. "I wasn't able to bear another fight," she whispered finally. "I wasn't sure if you ... what you ... You never called after our last fight. You never ... I thought you didn't want us any more." She bit her lower lip. Her gaze was fixed on her arms. "I know I had asked you to stay away. I wasn't able to ... I know this isn't an excuse."
Harm was silent for a long time. His gaze fell on the sleeping Annabelle.
"He didn't tell you, did he?"
Mac frowned confused and searched his eyes. "Who?"
"Chegwidden."
"Told me what?"
"I was on a carrier in the Indian Ocean."
Mac needed a second to gather the meaning of his words.
"Oh," she whispered finally, "Well, I never told you when -"
"I can count, Mac," Harm interrupted. "And Harriet made *very* sure I knew the exact date."
"Oh," repeated Mac after a while. She had to look away. But Harm wasn't finished yet.
"I'd been so sure you would call." Harm turned to the window again. "I was angry, Mac. And hurt. And I wanted to hurt you too. I wanted you to call ... and find out I wasn't there."
Mac pressed a hand to her mouth to suppress the sudden wave of nausea.
"You should have seen Chegwidden's face when I told him I wanted this assignment," continued Harm slowly. "I had been so sure you would call. And then ... Sturgis called to tell me the news. And I suddenly realized what I had done to myself. How much it backfired." He turned back to the room. "But it was already too late. I realized - really realized - how childish I behaved ... how vindictive. Maybe there isn't an excuse for this too."
Silence. They kept looking at each other - both unable to make the next move. Mac lifted her chin in a desperate attempt to keep the tears from falling.
"We screwed this up pretty good, didn't we?" asked Harm finally.
Mac nodded and quickly brushed the tear away that had escaped on her cheek. She cleared her throat twice before she trusted her voice again.
"You know how important *trust* is to me, Harm. And to stand up for myself."
"And both I denied to you - that's what you want to tell me?" Harm sighed. "I think I've - always wanted to protect my mother. I knew how much she missed my father and I ... wanted to protect her. Even as a child. I guess I never stopped to protect ... anybody. Maybe I was disappointed that ... you didn't want me to."
"To protect isn't to love," Mac whispered.
"No," agreed Harm, "It isn't." He ran a hand through his hair. "But I loved Diane and wasn't able to protect her."
Mac shivered. Here it was again: The shadow of that woman who had looked like her twin. The shadow of a dead woman she had always been afraid of somehow - because she knew she was still holding a part of Harm's heart she would never be able to reach.
"You told me I've danced around you for years, Mac ... And you're right. But ... I've always..." Harm suddenly moved forward and closed the distance between them with a few steps. He locked eyes with her. "I've always been afraid that - if I let you in my heart - I would loose you like I had lost Diane."
Mac swallowed hard because of the pain so visible on his face ... and knew at the same time that it was matching the pain in her own eyes.
"I'm not Diane." Harm had to read her lips to understand the words. He shook his head with a bitter-sweet smile.
"No, you're not, Sarah. And somehow you sneaked into my heart and I wasn't able to push you out again - not matter how much I tried. I know I've been over-protective. I know sometimes I haven't been very fair to you. You're a strong woman and I should respect this. Though we both made our fair share of mistakes, don't you think that too?"
Mac grimaced. "Oh, yes, Harm. Oh, yes."
Harm took a deep breath. He looked at his daughter and then back to the woman in front of him. In a gentle gesture he placed both hands on her shoulders.
"So many mistakes," he sighed, "So much pain and so much wasted time. Sarah. I can't promise you that there will be no more mistakes. I can't promise you I will never again be over-protective. But what I *can* promise is ... that I'm willing to try - honestly try. For you, Sarah, for us ... and for our baby." He breathed again deeply. "I know this isn't much, but -"
He stopped because Mac had started to shake slowly her head. She reached up and covered his hands with hers but continued to shake her head. Two single tears were running down her face.
"I can't, Harm. I - just can't," she whispered, choking with the words. "It ... it isn't there anymore. It somehow ... just isn't there anymore."
And that was the final truth. Now she knew what she had missed since she entered his apartment. Since she saw him again and thought how little he had changed. But she had. She couldn't deny it any longer. The spark - this wild and burning and self-destructive spark of her love - it wasn't there. At least not like it had been before.
Harm saw the truth in her eyes and he shut his own because of the tears shining there too. His grip tightened around her shoulders.
"I should have come running to you before you ever took one step in the direction of Paraguay. I should have come running to you in Australia," he whispered bitterly. Mac pressed his hands but didn't answer.
Harm opened his eyes again and glanced to his daughter, so peacefully asleep.
"You - you won't try to keep her away from me, will you?"
Mac pushed his hands away, angry and hurt.
"How can you say that? How can you even *think* that about me?" she hissed through gritted teeth. "You're her father. You'll always be a part of her life. You'll always *have to* be a part of her life! Yes, I've made mistakes concerning you and me - oh, lots and lots of mistakes! But I would never... I would never...!"
She spun around and walked away like the motion could ease the pain. Now it was her turn to stare out of the window.
"No, you wouldn't, Mac," stated Harm after a while. "I shouldn't have said it. I - I guess I'm still having a big mouth ... and am thinking afterwards."
Mac turned back to face him and sighed regretfully. "We've always been good at pushing each others buttons."
Harm exhaled deeply and nodded. "You think we can find a way to avoid this in the future?"
Mac looked at her daughter - their daughter. She made a small gesture with her hand.
"We have the best reason to try."
Harm followed her gaze and smiled. Still a little bit bitter but with less pain.
"So tell me: What if she decides to join the Navy and not the Marine Corps?"
Mac shrugged. "I'll deal."
Harm searched her eyes, his smile growing a tiny bit brighter. "And if she decides to go flying?"
Mac noticed there was a little smile on her face too. "I'll deal," she repeated.
Now the corner of Harm's mouth twitched. "And if she decides to become an astronaut?"
This time Mac laughed shortly. "Harmon Rabb junior, what else should I know about your secret dreams?"
They shared a smile before growing serious again.
"Where are you staying?" Harm asked without looking at her.
Mac swallowed. "At Clay's. I ... I couldn't stay in a hotel. I couldn't..."
Harm pressed his lips together. "He's one lucky bastard," he whispered barely audible, "I hope he knows how lucky he is." He raised a brow at her. "I hope you don't mind when I remind him about it - let's say ... the next fifty years or so."
"No, Harm, I don't," answered Mac with a sad smile. She pulled out a handkerchief and wiped resolutely her face. Then she picked up Annabelle in her seat. Harm came to her side and carefully caressed the face of his daughter. He walked Mac to the door in silence.
Mac had one foot in the doorway when he held her back. For a second they just looked at each other. And then Harm took a sudden step forward and hugged her tightly. Mac returned the gesture with her free hand, clenching the back of his shirt in her fist.
"At least friends, Mac? If we try?" Harm whispered sadly and Mac nodded against his chest.
"Always, Harm. Always."
Harm stepped back and once more they looked at each other - and for the first time there were no more unspoken words left between them.
***
THE PRESENT
- Webb residence
I wipe a last tear out of the corner of my eye. I've cried so many tears over these years, these last months ... enough for the rest of my lifetime. But I'm not that innocent. There'll be fights and arguments. There are so many things to take care of. So many decisions. I want to work at JAG headquarters again - in this clear world of duty and regulations. I may be a more than bad judge in my privat life ... but I know I can be a good one there. I don't mind if I - due to our 'family-bond' - can never handle cases together with Harm. I have to ask Chegwidden for advice in this matter. And we still have to arrange so many things between Harm and me ... and Clay. So many opportunities to make mistakes. I'm afraid to face the future - but I will. For my daughter ... and for myself.
I look up because there's a sound outside the room. First I hear Harrison talk and then the voice I've been waiting for since I returned from Harm's apartment. Clay has finally come home. I can almost feel his questioning gaze through the walls but he isn't entering the room. I can't help but smile - still a little bit sad. So sometimes you are a coward too, huh, Clayton?
I glance down at my daughter to make sure she's still asleep. Then I walk out into the corridor and over to the door leading to Clay's bedroom. He's halfway out of his suit jacket as I come in and he freeze for a moment before freeing his arms completely and carefully laying it down on a chair. He's looking at me, waiting, and as I walk up to him I can see the fight of hope and fear in his face. And I know his mask is torn away completely, leaving him more vulnerable than I've ever seen him before.
I stop at arms length and look at him. And for the first time in my life I'm sure. Entirely and beyond any doubt. I make sure my eyes are never leaving his as I give him the honest answer he has always deserved.
"It isn't. And you are not."
I see understanding dawning in his face. And finally I take the last step, sliding my arms around his waist and resting my head on his shoulder.
I feel his body rise and fall in a deep, deep sigh. Relief, love, a rest of fear and so much more is in this sigh. And then his arms are around me and his cheek is nestling softly in my hair.
"I love you, Sarah Mackenzie. I love you so much."
His whisper is barely reaching my ear but I understand it as clearly as he understands my answering "I love you too, Clayton". I smile because it's the first time these words have been spoken aloud - from both of us. And I'm leaning in closer if possible.
Life is such a tangled mystery. It twists and it turns, it throws you upside down and spins you around ... And in the end all these twists and turns have led me to this house, this room and this man. I know a tiny part of me will always be in love with Harm. He's the father of my child. I owe him that much. But the painful question *what if* will never be there. Because I know one thing for sure:
Maybe my love for Clayton will never be as wild and uncontrollable and nearly obsessive as my love for Harm has been. Maybe it will not be as deep - and painful.
But it's strong and it's growing day by day and it feels ... yes, *RIGHT* - I can't find a better word to describe it.
And that's just the way it is.
***
The End.
Author's note:
I don't want to ruin the mood of the final chapter that's the only reason why I put this in an extra one. (Correction here, due to the clarification of the site guidelines announced December 13th, 2003 there's no extra chapter any more).
First of all:
A *BIG *FAT* THANK YOU* for all the reviews. You inspired me to add some details and I've never expected to get that much.
Well, and sorry shippers: My story, my ending - please respect it and don't throw anything.
This story has been about Mac and her struggle to find happiness somehow. Just in case anybody wanted to ask: No, I really *don't* think there'll be a sequel. Though you should never say never.
Anyway I'm going to be very busy for the rest of this month and unfortunately this includes being nowhere near a computer most of the time - at least none I can write or post a story with. For those who want to see more of my work: Sorry, you have to be patient. But I'll be back afterwards.
