.../For The Love Of Maia/...

Summary: A woman by the name of Sara Rutledge arrives, causing Diana great concern. But is she who she claims to be?

Warning: This story is loosely based on spoilers/rumours that are floating about regarding Season 3. If you don't want to know, might be best not to read!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything but my precious 4400 DVDs. Upsetting as that may be.

Thanks to those who have been reading and reviewing. If you like the story, let me know! The next couple of chapters are already written so will be up shortly :) Enjoy!

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Chapter Four

Maia was busy with her multiplication at the table when the doorbell rang.

'Maia? Your mother didn't mention she was expecting anyone.' Mrs. Hillbrut frowned. 'Was there somone she forgot to mention?'

Maia shrugged. 'It's probably just the UPS man or someone. Do you want me to get it?'

'No, no, I'll get it.'

Maia's teacher hurried off to answer the door, but Maia followed, knowing fully well who had come.

Mrs Hillbrut opened the door, to reveal a beaming Sara.

'Oh, hello there. Hi Maia.'

'Hello.' Maia smiled shyly in response.

'I'm Sara Maia's...relative. You must be her teacher.'

'Violet Hillbrut. It's nice to meet you. Would you like to come in? Maia's studying but she's almost done for the day.'

'Actually...I was wondering- would it be possible for me to take Maia out for a late lunch? '

Violet looked at Maia. She didn't seem much at ease with this woman, but the two obviously knew each other. Maia looked up at her teacher.

'Would that be okay? I've finished most of my work for the day and I can finish the rest for homework. I promise I will.'

Violet smiled at the little girl. 'I know you will, you always do.' She paused. 'Diana should be home in an hour or two, anyway, so I guess that's okay. I'll be in my apartment if Diana's not home when you get back.

'Oh, it won't be a problem. I can watch her if Diana is late.' Sara smiled at Maia. 'Shall we go then?'

'Sure.' She was handed her jacket by Mrs. Hillbrut and waved goodbye , leaving her teacher locking up.

When Diana got home, it was already dark. Cursing Nina and her '5 minute jobs' which in truth took more like 5 hours, Diana nudged open the door with her shoulder and was greeted with a dark apartment. Suprised, she dumped her bag and files and ventured into the gloomy kitchen to switch on the light and presumably find a note. There wasn't one.

A little worried now, Diana switched on the main lights and thought for a second. Maybe Maia and her teacher were at Violet's apartment, a couple of doors down. She made her way down the hall and tapped on the door. It opened and Diana was suprised at the relief that flooded through her when Mrs. Hillbrut answered.

'Oh... good evening Diana.'

'Evening, Violet. Just came to get Maia.'

'I'm sorry...she's not here.' Violet looked confused. 'I would have thought...'

'What do you mean she's not here? Where is she?.'

Diana's voice was harsher than she intended, but rising panic tended to do that.

'I would have thought they'd be back by now.'

'They?'

'Maia and...Is she your Aunt? She said she was a relative but I wasn't sure how she was related...'

Diana froze. 'Sara?'

'Yes, I believe so.'

'Where did they go? When?'

'She came to take Maia to a late lunch. Maia seemed okay with it, and she had finished most of her work, so I said she could go. They said they wouldn't be long, but..well, it was hours ago now.'

Violet was rather concerned by the badly concealed fear on Diana's face.

'Look, I'm sure they' re both fine. Maybe they came home and decided to go back to her house when they saw you wern't home.'

'I'm not worried about Sara. It's Maia.'

Violet was utterly confused now and feeling a bit guilty.

'I'm sure they're fine. Does Sara have a cell phone you could call, maybe?'

Diana shook her head. 'I wouldn't know the number...Look, I have to go. I'm sure they'll be home soon. Goodnight.'

Diana retreated back down the hall to her apartment. Common sense told her it hadn't occured to Sara to leave a note and the two were maybe at the movies or Sara's place. However it worried Diana that she didn't know where Sara's place was, and too many bad tv movies told her that something wasn't right. Trying to force the thoughts to the back of her mind, Diana set about making dinner, trying unsuccessfully to stop herself continually glancing at the ticking clock abover her head. She found herself cursing it for making time move all too quickly, each movement of a hand suggesting that, maybe, Maia wasn't coming home tonight.

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The action begins: Chapter 5