*          *          *          *          *

                        "One of us should really head back."  Sydney suggested as they drove to the hotel. 

            Vaughn shook his head.  "Lilly would get mad at us for cutting our vacation short.  I think we should stay here."

            Sydney pressed her lips together.  "I don't know. I think she would get mad at us for not going.  That's why I suggested one of us heading home."

            "Then she'd get mad at us for splitting up on our vacation."

            "No matter what we do, she's going to be mad at us."

            "That's Lilly."

            "I got it!  So we leave tomorrow, which is a day early.  When Lilly asks us why we're seeing her, we can say that we were done with the LA part of the trip, and was just planning on spending an extra day away from the shop."  Sydney suggested.

            Vaughn thought on it for a second.  "It's crazy enough that it just might work.  Next question is, can we leave a day early?"

            "Lilly is like family Michael.  We have to be able to leave."

            "I know.  When I got word that my mom had died, Lilly sort of stepped in and took over the role."

            "I know what you mean.   Michael, what if she's not alright."

            "It's Lilly, don't worry Syd, honey, she'll be fine.  She's too strong not to bounce right back.  You'll see.  She'll be sitting in her chair, reading her romance novels in no time."

            "Now the problem is getting off work."

            "I'll take care of that.  Can you take care of changing our flight?"

            "I will.  Why do you want to take care of work?"

            Sydney smiled.  "Easy, I can call my dad."

            If Sydney had any regrets about leaving a day early, it was the fact that she had one less day to spend with her friends.  Francie and Will understood.  They agreed that they would have done the same.   Sydney insisted on going straight from the airport to the hospital. Vaughn was able to talk her out of it, and rightfully so.  It was almost 11 pm on the east coast when their plane landed.  Visiting hours had long since passed. 

            Sydney was actually relieved to be pulling into their drive way again.  Half of it was already occupied by Kelsey's car, which also was kinda nice to see.  They had called Kelsey, and asked her to bring Roxy over that morning.  It seemed she had never left.  The mail was still piled nicely on the table by the door.  Vaughn's hockey stuff still rested in the corner.  Roxy's food was already scattered all over the kitchen floor.  Every night, Sydney would sweep the floor, to avoid any surprises in the morning.  Unfortunately Roxy was not a clean eater.  Kelsey had obviously fed Roxy, because once again, the food covered the kitchen floor. She smiled and turned to Vaughn.  "Nice to know that there are some things that never change."

            Vaughn smiled at Sydney.  At the sound of her masters' voices, Roxy came running in, her paws slipping and sliding over the smooth linoleum floor.  Vaughn immediately dropped his bags and knelt down to pet her.  "Kelsey?"  Sydney called out, looking for her best friend.  She found Kelsey sitting in the living room crying.  Sydney immediately went to console her friend.  "Are you ok Kelse?"

            Kelsey responded by throwing her arms around Sydney's neck.  "Sydney, I didn't answer it this time."  Sydney was confused. 

            "What happened?"

            "She didn't make it Syd."

            Sydney was about to ask who, but she realized who Kelsey was talking about.  Lilly.  "What happened?"

            "She had another stroke.  The doctors said that sometimes that can happen."

            "If you didn't answer the phone this time, how did you know."

            "I heard the message."

            Sydney reached behind Kelsey to the answering machine.  "Michael!  Come here!" Sydney called, her voice cracking, ready to cry.  This would be something he'd like to hear.  Vaughn came quickly; he could hear the urgency Sydney presented in her voice.  She hit play on the machine.  The first fifteen messages weren't what they were looking for.  At number 16, there was the first call, informing them of Lilly's first stroke.  Number 18 was Lilly calling them, telling them herself that she was just fine. Sydney smiled as she heard the message.

            "Travis, Mary, I'm sure by now you've heard about my stroke."  Her words were slurred, and it was obvious she really had to think about each and every word she spoke.  "I don't want you two to end your vacation early to come see me at Calvary Hospital, room 504. Alright?  I had my son Ben let me call you to let you know that I'm alright.  Did you know that your answering machine says that a Sydney and Michael live there?  You might want to change that, dears.  And Travis, child, make sure no one buys my book."

            "Told you she didn't want us to come."  Vaughn joked.

            "I beg to differ.  She told us her hospital, and room number.  She wanted us to come." Sydney pointed out, a tiny laugh escaping her lips. 

            Message 19 was the fateful call.

            "I'm not sure if this is the correct number." A shy voice started.  "My mother wanted me to call a Travis Armstrong, and a Mary soon-to-be Armstrong.  Your message says Michael and Sydney.  I've checked the number several times, and I've called information.  If this is not the home of Travis and Mary, please call me, so I can forward this message onto them.  My name is Conrad Dyott, I am Lilly Dyott's son.  I called two days ago, and she called yesterday, informing you of a stroke she had."  His voice wavered a little.  The news he was about to bring upon the couple was obviously painful for him to pass on.  "Early this morning, she had another stroke, the doctors warned us that this might happen.  And I'm sure this pains you as much as it pains me, but she didn't make it.  Mother always spoke so highly of you two.  The funeral will be on Tuesday, at 12:30.  I'm sure it would mean a lot to Mother if you would be there.  If you have any questions, feel free to call my cell.  555-6830."  There was an awkward pause, as if Conrad tried to think of what to say next.  "Good bye.  Oh! And if this isn't Travis and Mary, could you call me, so I can pass the right message on?"

            Sydney sat on the couch, still holding Kelsey's hand, too dumbfounded for words.  "We tried to make it back on time."  Vaughn said, breaking the silence.  "That's all that will matter to Lilly."

            "She's with her husband Richard now."

            "And her other daughter."

            "I didn't know she had a daughter."

            "Lilly mentioned her once.  Apparently Carla died in infancy.  Conrad is her only surviving child."

            "Her legacy will live on."  Sydney assured Vaughn and Kelsey.  She knew that they knew that already.  But she needed to assure herself.

            When Sydney and Vaughn went into the bookshop the next day, the whole shop felt empty.  All of the Cryptology employees were informed of Lilly's passing, so the place reeked of sadness. Amelia had made a sign the day before, and placed it on Lilly's favorite armchair.  "Please do not sit.  Lilly's chair."

            Sydney smiled when she saw the sign at first.  And then, it made her sad.  The few other regulars, and the workers had known that chair as Lilly's chair.  Amelia's sign made it official.  Amelia's sign made Lilly's passing even more real.  Vaughn knew how much that sign meant to everyone.  He knew how much that chair meant to everyone.  Lilly's sprit would rest there eternally.  But he knew that keeping the most comfortable chair off limits in his shop was bad for business.  And it broke his heart to tell everyone that it could be left alone for a week.

            The black outfits seemed to match the attitude at Lilly's funeral.  They had closed the shop for the afternoon, seeing as how everyone wanted to be at the funeral.  That crazy old woman was a friend to all. 

            "Are you alright honey?"  Sydney asked when they got back to their house after the funeral.

            "I never got a chance to bury my mother.  You know, part of me still thinks that she's still alive.  And then Lilly comes along.  And she's so much like my mother that I came to think of her as my mother.  Watching Lilly be lowered into the ground this afternoon, I suddenly felt the weight of Mom's death, and Lilly's.  It's just hard."

            Sydney went over and gently rubbed his back.  "I love you Sydney."

            "I love you too Michael."

            "Don't ever leave me Sydney."

            Sydney pulled him in a tight hug. "Never.  What made you even think that?"

            Vaughn shrugged his shoulders.  "I'm just feeling the mortalism of man kind."

            "Mortalism isn't a word.  How about mortality?"

            "Same thing."

            "Vaughn, I'd rather spend one day with you, and die in the morning, than waste away a thousand years, without you."

            "I don't tell you enough how much I love you."

            Sydney smiled, and kissed him.  "You tell me plenty.  But I never get tired of hearing it."

            "I love you."

            "I know."  Vaughn looked down, still feeling sad, over the loss.  "Are you going to be alright for tomorrow?"

            "What's tomorrow?"

            "The picnic. The end of the summer celebration."

            "You have to start school next week."

            "Well, getting my classroom ready, school starts in two weeks."

            "I'll be there.  I wouldn't miss it for the world."

            "Good, I want to show you off."

            "Have you talked to your boss yet?"

            Sydney threw her head back, and groaned.  "I'll have to corner him at the party."

            Vaughn stood awkwardly by Sydney's side, as they stood around talking to all the teachers.  He had to correct himself.  There was no 'they', Sydney was talking to the teachers. Vaughn just stood next to her, holding his pop, and smiling when it was appropriate.

            Someone had brought a radio to the park, and a small crowd had assembled dancing.  Vaughn smiled as an old familiar tune came on.  "Come here Syd, let's dance."

Oh yeah, I'll tell you something,
I think you'll understand.
When I'll say that something
I want to hold your hand,
I want to hold your hand,
I want to hold your hand.


            "You know, they were looking at me funny when you called me Sydney."  Sydney said, as Vaughn spun her around.

            "Let them look."


Oh please, say to me
You'll let me be your man
And please, say to me
You'll let me hold your hand.
Now let me hold your hand,
I want to hold your hand.


            "They're all staring at us."  Sydney observed as Vaughn pulled her in tight.  "Why are they staring?  There are other couples dancing."

            "They're just all jealous."


And when I touch you I feel happy inside.
It's such a feeling that my love
I can't hide, I can't hide, I can't hide.


            "There is a crowd growing around us."

            "Let them gather.  I want to show them that we can dance."


Yeah, you've got that something,
I think you'll understand.
When I'll say that something
I want to hold your hand,
I want to hold your hand,
I want to hold your hand.


            "The other couples can dance too.  Why are they watching us?"

            "Ignore them.  It's just you and me.  You and me."

And when I touch you I feel happy inside.
It's such a feeling that my love
I can't hide, I can't hide, I can't hide.


"Everyone else stopped dancing to watch us dance."

            "All the world's a stage baby."

Yeah, you've got that something,
I think you'll understand.
When I'll feel that something
I want to hold your hand,
I want to hold your hand,
I want to hold your hand.

            As the song ended, Vaughn pulled Sydney into a kiss.  She shyly pushed him away after a moment.  "Honey, all my coworkers are staring at us."

            "I'm sorry.  I love you Syd."

            "I love you too."

            "I'm going to run to the restroom really quick." Vaughn said, his eyes a little shifty, and Sydney knew he was lying.

            Sydney smiled.  "Someone watching a baseball game?"

            "Yeah, there's a small portable TV set up by someone's car.  I'm going to go check the score."

            "Alright."  Sydney kissed him away; she knew that he'd stick around for an inning or more.  A swarm of Sydney's fellow teachers quickly swarmed her. 

            "We got questions for you Mary." One said.

            "I've got the most important question of them all."  Another piped up. "How much are you willing to sell him for?"

            The group chuckled.  "Nothing even close to the amount we make." 

            "My husband is rich.  I can afford to buy him."  She joked.

            "He's not for sale."

            "How about a brother?"

            "Nope."

            "Friend?"

            "All taken.  Besides, you're married."

            "Minor details. When you got someone like that."

            "He is perfect, isn't he?"  Sydney beamed.

            "Mary, you have got to clear something up for me.  Sydney?  Michael?  What kind of pet names are they?"

            Sydney, who was laughing along with the rest of the group, suddenly grew quiet.  "They're not pet names.  They're our real names."

            "What!"

            "It's a long story, and I can't really get into it right now."

            "Oh no you don't. Come over here and tell us."

            "Not now.  Excuse me, I have to go get something to drink."  Sydney pushed her way through the people, and found Vaughn in the parking lot, crowded around a small TV, broadcasting the baseball game.  "Michael?"  She gently called.

            "What is it Syd?"

            "Do you mind if we head home now?"

            "What?  When did you stop having fun?"

            "About the time you left to go watch the game.  Everyone heard you call me Syd, and I just don't feel like getting into a lengthy explanation about why."

            "You haven't told your boss yet, have you?"

            Sydney sighed.  "Not really.  I want to corner him but he's been busy."

            "Just do it honey."

            "It would be so much easier to just remain Mary Waters."

            "So, what?  I complicate your life?  You can't be Mary Vaughn?  Or Mary Armstrong, depending on whether or not I chose to go back to Michael."  Vaughn joked.  Sydney did a double take.  "Don't worry.  I'm going to go back to Michael."

            "Mike, they're going to start a volleyball game.  We should get in the action."  One of the men who had gathered around the game suggested.

            "Alright, I'll be right there."  Vaughn turned back to Sydney.  "You're not leaving until you talk to him."

            "Fine."

            "Now, would you like to join me in some volleyball?"

            "No.  I think I'll just try to find him."  Sydney took a quick glance around the park.  Most of the people there were playing volleyball.  So many people in fact that it was difficult for the ball to hit the ground.

            Sydney slowly wandered to where the coolers of pop and beer sat.  She reached down, pulled up a Coke, and looked up.  There stood her boss.

            "Are there any Cherry Cokes left?"  He asked.

            "Sorry.  I didn't see any."

            "How has your summer been Mary?"

            "Different, yours?"

            "I'm excited for the new school year to start. It looks like it's going to be a great year.  Our new teachers will be great.  Have you talked to Iris Poperous?  She's the new drama teacher."

            "Yeah.  I did.  She has some great ideas on where to take the Student Written and Directed Play this year."

            "That's right.  You two are going to be leading that class together."

            "Me the writing, her the directing side."

            "I expect great things." 

            "As do I."  Sydney opened her pop, but didn't take a sip.  "Sir, there is something I wish to discuss with you."

            "Fire away."

            Sydney took a deep breath, before leading him to the park bench.  She told him much of her story.  She kept the details at a bare minimum.  McClelland sat there, looking at Sydney, and trying to understand what she was saying.

            "Sir?"

            "It's not everyday that one of your best comes up to you, and says that they're part of the Witness Protection Program."

            "I know. I'm telling you this, because I'm done hiding."

            "You're done hiding?"

            "That man I told you about?  Sloane, he's been captured.  And the organization I was running from is also gone."

            "I'm trying to get where you're going with this."

            "I am returning to my birth name.  Sydney Bristow."

            "You are?  This will complicate things in student services you know.  And there's a whole bunch of legal stuff that we need to clear.  That could take months.  I'd basically have to fire Mary Waters, and hire you."

            "The director is supposed to be calling you, to help you bypass all of the legal issues."

            "The director of the CIA is going to be calling me?"

            "More likely the assistant director.  He's a good friend of mine. This kind of stuff will be up his alley."

            "Is this a big deal?"

            "No.  He has to make these calls every so often."  Sydney paused.  "Could I possibly have a couple minutes in Monday's meeting to explain a little of what is happening?"

            "Alright.  I'll be happy to accommodate you."

            Sydney smiled. "Thank you so much.  Teaching means a lot to me."

            "You can always tell someone that was born to be a teacher.  You have that quality."

            "Thank you.  There's more."

            "What more can there be?"

            "Michael, he's my fiancée."

            "Ah.  Shirley was mentioning that she had the highest bid on a man named Michael."  He looked over at his wife, who was pushing one of their grandsons on the swing sets.

            "Have a heart.  Michael isn't for sale."

            "I know.  My wife is just crazy like that."  He took a sip of his pop again, and kept his eyes on his wife, before suddenly turning to Sydney.  "If I could offer you one piece of advice?"

            "Certainly."      

            "Always joke.  I mean, I could accuse Shirley as trying to get rid of me, but I know she's just joking.  Jokes keep you young.  Laughter keeps you healthy."

            "I know.  But I'll keep that in mind."

            "You're going to make the office people get an ulcer, with all the paperwork you're going to cost them."

            "I'll help anyway possible.  There are some things worth working extra for.

            McClelland smiled.  "Excuse me.  My granddaughter is waving for me."

            Sydney was standing alone by the pop.  From her view, she could see most of the park.  People had realized that too many people were playing volleyball, and a large number left to go chat.  Consequently, the only ones left playing were the husbands, boyfriends, and fiancées of various teachers.  She walked down the hill to where a small group of women had gathered to talk, and then sat down next to them.  They weren't really talking, but they were watching the volleyball game.

The hot afternoon sun and the high humidity had made everyone take refuge in the cool shade of the trees. That is, everyone except the 10 still playing volleyball.  A few of the men had already shed their shirts, hoping for both a little sun, and a little bit of relief from the heat.  Vaughn saw Sydney sitting on the hill, and decided that it was the opportune time to take off his shirt as well.  He came over to Sydney, and gave her a quick kiss.

"Are you winning?"  She asked, as his shirt came off.  She couldn't help but take a long look at his perfect chest.  She smiled.  It was all she could do to keep from kissing him.

"No.  But we'll come back.  Did you talk to him?"  He whispered.

"Yes.  We'll talk later."

Vaughn winked, and ran back onto the court. 

"You always have to show us up one, don't you Mary?"  JoAnn joked.  JoAnn and Sydney had never been really good friends, but their classrooms had been next to each other for the past three years.  But friends they were.

"Always.  Have you seen Gretchen today?"

"No. When I called her house to get her meat order for today, she said that she and her boyfriend were staying a couple extra days in Canada."

"She's meeting Trevor's family?"

"I don't know."

"He's from Canada."

"Then maybe."

"Alright.  Well, I'll just see her Monday."

JoAnn groaned.  "Monday.  We have to start working again."

"I've been working all summer."

"Same here.  I did summer school.  You just did a little bookshop."

"Still working."

"I'm going to beat your butt in the in chair races."

Sydney smiled.  The week before school started was always a great big party.  All of the teachers would work on preparing the next year.  Everyday, a different tradition was carried out.  Monday was always about the giant rubber band fight.  Tuesday was a battle on who could play their music the loudest.  Wednesday was a contest to see who could drive the farthest and back for lunch, in the hour that they were allowed to take.  Thursday was a contest to see who could arrived the latest to the daily staff meetings, without getting chewed out by McClelland, who caught onto the tradition, and anyone that arrived late, was definitely chewed out.  They had been talking about finding a new one, but no one had come up with a better one yet.  Friday.  Friday was everyone's favorite tradition, the chair races.  They would race their chairs down the hall.  Someone had said, before Sydney's time, that as long as they're teaching at a high school, why not treat it like one when the students are away.  It was a motto that they lived by.  "What makes you say that you're going to beat me this year?  I have won for the past four years."

"I got a new chair."

"Gretchen said the same thing last year.  And she came in last.  A new chair doesn't mean faster."

"I'm still going to take the title from you."

"Alright.  You just try to beat me."