A/N: This is my first attempt at Fanfiction. I woke up with the idea in my head after inhaling so much DWP/Mirandy fanfic. This is not beta'd. All mistakes are my own.

Disclaimer: I do now own any of the Characters belonging to The Devil Wears Prada. These are owned by Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox.

Summary: Andy leaves Paris with final words for Miranda.

A/N 2: I have spent some time since my last update editing this story in the hopes it would coax my muse from hibernation. There are no major changes to the storyline/plot.

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Chapter Three:

Date: November 22, 2007
Sender: m.p
Recipient: andys82
Subject: Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Andréa.

Your letter arrived yesterday, and I was waiting for a rare moment of peace to be able to give it my undivided attention.

I was pleased to learn that you are writing about your travels and look forward to potentially reading your articles. Although they may not necessarily be suitable for Runway, I would be happy if you let me assist in having them published elsewhere. As you know I possess many contacts within the publishing world. Have you heard anything back yet? Please know you are welcome to send any further features to me and I will ensure they are sent to suitable publications.

I am happy to learn that you are still enjoying your travels whilst experiencing the vibrant cultures offered. I can clearly picture you dancing the Giddha, you certainly possess the energy, creativity, feminine grace and elegance required for the dance.

I need to tell you I am unimpressed with your adventure across the Chadar trek. Do you realise people die on that expedition? How do you think the people who care about you would react if something happened to you? You really need to stop taking unnecessary risks with your life Andréa.

I would love to visit India one day. I think a four-page spread on Eastern fashion would be an excellent idea, though getting the approval from Irv would be impossible at this time. Once again he's threatening to cut my budget. I do not understand how he cannot see that the profits from Runway far outweigh the cost accrued. Once again we hit the highest level of sales from the last issue which covered the losses from Auto-Universe.

We are working towards the January issue at the moment but the incompetence within the book each night is astounding. I am working with Nigel to take on more responsibility as creative director. He seems pleased with the changes I am attempting to implement and I hope that by giving him more responsibility it will open my own workload and allow me to spend more time with the twins. We organised a night for drinks and dinner this weekend in the hopes we can resurrect our friendship.

Are you still in Nepal or have you moved on? What adventures and delights will you describe to me next?

Regarding your mother's emails, I would never suggest you ignore them but she needs to realise you are an adult now and are able to make your own life choices. Your parents should see the amazing woman they so obviously nurtured. As for going back to Ohio, would that truly make you happy or would you be happier in L.A or New York, somewhere you can continue to grow? I personally hope to see you stomping around New York again very soon.

My girls stayed home with me this year even though it was their year to spend Thanksgiving with Gregory. We had a quiet family day today celebrating our many blessings, the best is that the press is finally leaving us alone after the divorce. What are you thankful for?

We are having Christmas together; I received their Christmas lists and found that some of their wishes just cannot be bought or given easily; it is the first time they have requested the impossible.

Gregory doesn't seem too disappointed about spending Thanksgiving or Christmas without the twins as he has himself a new girlfriend, Charity. I'm sure his girlfriend's get younger every year.

As you would expect the twins have been delightfully mischievous and started their usual pranks on her. I believe the last prank involved a gluey flour water-based concoction, some water balloons and duck feathers. There was some issue with the mixture causing havoc with Charity's hair extensions. Greg was less than amused but I frankly found it hilarious.

Cassidy and Caroline are enjoying receiving the occasional emails from you along with the photographs. They especially enjoyed the photo of you eating something obviously spicier than you intended, where you were captured with tears streaming down your face, looking like you were about to blow steam out of every orifice. When the twins forwarded the photo to me at work I didn't think about what the email would contain and opened it. I snorted with laughter in front of Emily, Jocelyn, Serena and Nigel, not a sound you generally hear within the depths of Runway, and especially not from me. I thought Emily was going to faint at my unexpected explosion of mirth and after I stopped laughing I told her to eat some cheese and sent them all away. I look at the picture even now and it makes me smile greatly.

It has been a long time since someone told me I am beautiful. Thank you for the wonderful compliment, although it was unexpected and caused me to question your sanity or if you had smacked your pretty little head on the frozen river of ice, it did not make me uncomfortable.

I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Take care

M.P

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Andy was taking the time to write a new travel piece about her travels in Nepal when the email came through from Miranda. Minimising the article she was writing she took the time to focus on Miranda.

She shook her head in disbelief at the offer held in Miranda's email. Although there was no need for Miranda's help in getting published, she appreciated the offer all the same.

She found herself bemused at Miranda's thoughts about her learning to dance. She certainly hadn't ever thought the words elegant would be an adjective the editor would use to describe her, she somehow felt that Miranda still saw her as the clumsy assistant of the past and even though Miranda had used the word graceful to describe her in her letter in Paris, she had assumed she editor was just being...well polite.

She laughed out loud at that thought. Miranda and polite rarely went together. Miranda was well known for her bluntness and honesty.

She grinned at the sternness and concern expressed in Miranda's admonishment about her adventures on the Chadar trek. Miranda would be shocked about her most recent adventures through Nepal.

She was happy that Miranda's guard seemed to be slipping, and that Miranda believed she could share her daily struggles and her wishes for her friendship and working relationship with Nigel. There was a lightness in the email which was providing glimpses of the woman behind the editor. The woman was certainly an enigma.

Miranda's words about her parents offered very little comfort. Andy experienced a continued sadness at her failing relationship with them.

She smiled at the knowledge that Miranda hoped for her return to New York. Laughed at the twin's pranks on their dad's new girlfriend. She imagined the snort of laughter ringing out down the silent halls of Runway and wished in that moment she had been there to hear Miranda's unexpected joy and her reaction to Emily.

She wrote a response by email rather than Miranda having her wait two weeks for a return letter, after all, she understood how moving at a glacial pace just delighted her silver-haired editor.

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Date: November 22, 2007
Sender: andys82
Recipient: m.p
Subject: RE: Thanksgiving

Namaste Miranda

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is just a quick update to tell you I am still in Nepal, I will, however, be leaving for Thailand in the next day or two.

I wanted you to be the first to find out that my feature on my travels in India will be included in the January issue of Rolling Stone. I'm thrilled. They requested the first pick on any future features so between answering emails I am presently trying to write about the amazing experiences I am getting here. I am exceedingly grateful for your offer to assist in getting my work published.

I love everything about Nepal, from the simple hand gesture of the palms together in greeting one another, Namaste literally means "the divine in me salutes the divine in you." The respect the Nepalese hold for their elders is phenomenal. Once again I've found the locals are eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

You'd be okay here, although the tap water is disgusting there's a wide range of bottled water and your usual Pellegrino is readily available. It's necessary to make ice from the bottled water though so you don't end up drinking the contaminated water supply.

I made the mistake of eating/drinking something that was not prepared well and was ill for a few days but I'm better now. Tell Nigel I am definitely no longer a six. Do you think he'll change my nickname as my weight changes?

The best part of being in Nepal has been the fact that the country offers an action-packed adventure. I went white-water rafting and completed the second-highest bungee jump on the Bhote Koshi River. From Kathmandu I took a scenic flight over Everest from gathering photos of snow-capped peaks, and views of the spectacular lakes, glaciers, rivers and gorges below.

I am spending a lot of time visiting the three holy cities in the Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan.

Patan, known locally as Lalitpur, held the beautiful Krishna Mandir Temple in Durbar Square. Each of the three floors enshrines a different Hindu god: Krishna in the first, Shiva in the second and Lokeshwor in the third. I spent the day at the Park Gallery which allowed me to view the Modern Art of Nepal.

Bhaktapur has been a favourite from my time in Nepal as it is free of motor traffic allowing you to wander the cobbled streets and travel amidst the temples.

I checked out the Ason Tole Market in Kathmandu, visiting the temple of Annapurna Ajima, the goddess of prosperity and abundance who presides over the neighbourhood.

I spent a leisurely day walking among the Garden of Dreams allowed for the escape of a crowded Kathmandu. I found a spot to sit, read and to reflect on the changes in my life.

About a week into being here I caught the bus from Kathmandu to Budhanilkantha, I purchase my entrance ticket to Shivapuri National Park and completed a 3 hour hike to the Nagi Gompa monastery. I went for the day and ended up spending a week there. Like the nuns that come to meditate and study the Buddhist scripture in search for enlightenment, the reason for my extended stay was to work out where my life is going, to do some soul-searching and to hopefully generate some inner peace and come to terms with certain aspects of my life now.

I never really explained honestly why my mom has been so adamant I go home. When I returned from Paris, they were just going on about how Nate and I could get back together now I'd left Runway. There was not a single chance I could let that happen. Nate's lack of support was the final nail in the coffin of our relationship for me. I finally told my mom and dad I was attracted to someone else, someone unexpected, that I had deeper feelings for someone that wasn't Nate, someone female.

I've never questioned my sexuality before. It has been a lot to come to terms with but I never really thought my parents wouldn't support me in any way. They always claimed they wanted my happiness and now I believe they have turned their back on me, all because of something I cannot control. My dad has refused to speak with me since and mom...well the less I say about her the better.

I am pleased that you are trying to rebuild your friendship with Nigel. He cares about you and as I am finding out you can never have too many people fighting your corner. When you go for dinner and drinks get Nigel something blue and toxic from me.

Regarding Cassidy and Caroline, I think Greg may be fighting a losing battle in trying to curb their puckish behaviour. He should be happy they choose to spend time with him even if it means allowing them to act in their usual mischievous way. Their prank on Charity sounds epic.

I'm pleased they spent Thanksgiving with you. They are a blessing in themselves and hopefully, things will settle now.

Regarding Christmas presents for the girls, you once told me I could do anything. If I have that superpower then you certainly will. Nothing is impossible. Reach for those stars Miranda and give the girls what they want.

I am happy that the girls are enjoying my emails so far. I didn't mean for you to see that photograph specifically, it was so embarrassing. As a joke, the chef, someone I had become friends with, laced my meal with green chilli knowing after a day travelling I wouldn't consider what I was putting in my mouth. The wait staff grabbed my camera to capture the moment, and I thought the twins would appreciate it. I certainly didn't mean for it to cause you to drop your usual mask, especially in front of your staff. I would love to hear your laughter though.

You ask what I am thankful for. I am thankful Rolling Stone are happy with my writing and will actually pay me for my experiences. I am thankful you spent time this Thanksgiving reaching out and writing to me.

There's so much to feel blessed about. Your friendship, if I can call it that, is the biggest blessing in my life at the moment. Thank-you.

Trust me when I tell you I am completely sane and I haven't fallen down and smacked my head recently.

Once again Happy Thanksgiving Miranda

Yours as always

Andréa

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Sitting alone in her study working on the book was one of Miranda's many ways to let her brain sink into exhaustion before she let her body follow.

She'd had a wonderful day with her girls and had found time to sit and read her letter from Andréa and believed she posed an acceptable response.

As she looked at the clock on her computer, she noticed the email icon showing unread messages, sighing she realised she had one more thing to do before bed. If she left the emails, they would multiply overnight, and she'd get nothing done in the morning.

Opening her email she smiled seeing Andréa's name lit up on her screen. She experienced a sense of joy reading about Andréa's adventures. The joy itself was laced with a fear that the young woman could be hurt, she'd never considered her Andréa was such an adrenaline junkie.

She was shocked that Andréa had spent part of her stay in a monastery. Everything she had ever seen in the young woman had shown an excess of energy, she was a constant whirl of movement, the young woman from before couldn't be still and even when sitting she fidgeted uncontrollably, tugging on her fingers or bouncing her leg. Miranda wasn't able to comprehend a moment where the Andréa she knew could just sit back and meditate.

Reading Andréa's words into the reason behind her parent's disapproval she was saddened that they could judge their daughter based purely on her questioning sexuality. Miranda herself recognised that if Cassidy or Caroline followed that path she wanted them to be as open and honest about it with her, and she would be accepting. All that mattered is that her girls find that elusive love. Something she herself hadn't yet managed.

She experienced a stab of jealousy that Andréa's admittance of feelings towards another woman. Attempting to push those feelings aside she realised that Andréa could break her heart, which left Miranda frightened.

Thinking about the twins Christmas list she identified there was just one thing she couldn't give them, Andréa's presence. For once she was powerless to give her Bobbsey's and herself their heart's desire.

Maybe it was time for her to step back from this relationship.

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For three weeks Miranda had thrown herself into her work in the hopes she could bury her feelings. She had backed off from contact with Andréa and although she received multiple emails she had made the conscious decision not to answer them.

She told herself that she was just too busy. It was coming up to Christmas, the twins were about to break from Dalton for their school vacation and Greg had once again missed two of his weekends with them in favour of spending time alone with Charity.

As much as Miranda told herself that a break away from Andréa was needed to protect her heart, every day was spent with her mind looping over one question; how much longer could she stop herself from reaching out to the brunette?

Over the three weeks she had ceased contact she had fired half of the art department and two second assistants, and yet her inner dragon was not appeased.

Now it was now the Saturday before Christmas and she was alone at Runway. Everyone had been sent home early having laid the foundations of the next issue, all surprised and pleased that they all had a five-day break over the Christmas holiday.

Hearing her mobile she checked the caller ID and answered the call from Cassidy. "Hello, Bobbsey."

"Hey mom, there's a letter here from Andy. Do you want us to bring it over when we meet you for lunch?"

"I suppose so," Miranda responded.

"Great, we'll see you in an hour." Cassidy declared and disconnected

Miranda shook her head, Andréa had not given up easily on their unlikely friendship. Her emails had continued to come through regular as clockwork on a weekly basis and she had queried the lack of response, expressing increasing concern.

Miranda looked back on the previous three emails she had received.

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Date: November 30, 2007
Sender: andys82
Recipient: m.p
Subject: Thailand

Hi Miranda

I arrived in Thailand a couple of days ago and it is nothing like I expected.

I landed in Chiang Mai just in time for the Yi Peng lantern festival, which happened tonight. After chanting and meditation led by some monks, thousands of paper lanterns were lit to be released simultaneously into the night sky. I was told to make a wish and release the enormous paper lantern I had been given. It was amazing to stand among the lanterns as they were being lit. The temperature rose in the space between lanterns as we waited for enough hot air to build up to allow the lanterns to float. It was such an amazing experience, at that moment I felt like I could also float away. I imagined I could float right across the ocean and back to New York.

Chiang Mai is an old city ringed with over 300 temples and surrounded by jungles, there is a nearby elephant sanctuary which I plan on visiting before I leave for Bangkok.

I visited two of the local temples in Chiang Mai. Doi Sutep has a cable car which grants access to a vista of the whole city and Wat Chedi Luang. I spent my first night at one of the ladyboy cabarets. All I had to do is buy a drink to gain admission. Next time I know not to sit in the front row. I am grateful I wasn't one of the unlucky few to be pulled onto the stage although the lap dance I received was a bit of a shock.

Yesterday I hired a motorbike and drove 2.5hrs to Pai, the drive took me along winding mountain roads. Once I reached Pai I continued to drive around finding waterfalls, canyons, and curious little spots that surround the village. There's some gorgeous landscape that took my breath away. While spending the evening in Pai I gained the chance to learn how to spin fire poi at the circus school.

From Pai, I travelled to see the White temple at Chiang Rai. It's a psychedelic wonderland mixed with the bowels of hell. It was absolutely worth seeing even though I could only devote a day to it.

I've not heard from you since my last email and I'm missing hearing about your life. I realise the run up to Christmas can be busy but hopefully, I'll see an email from you soon.

Are you all keeping well?

Yours as Always

Andréa

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Date: December 7, 2007
Sender: andys82
Recipient: m.p
Subject: RE: Thailand

Hi Miranda

One thing that excited me the most about visiting Thailand was the prospect of interacting with elephants. I wanted to get up and close with those beautiful, regal creatures. I spent my last few days in North Thailand at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. It is a wonderland sanctuary for rehabilitated elephants, those that have been injured in the logging industry in neighbouring Myanmar, badly treated in tourism, have been used for begging for money from tourists, or were left to fend for themselves after the logging industry ended. They have time to really be elephants again, socialising, forming groups, and sometimes giving birth to babies. Since ENP does not put their elephants through the domestication process, those babies may eventually be given the chance to return to the wild. I had an amazing experience volunteering for the few days.

I'm now in Bangkok having caught the day train from Chiang Mai, and while it has absorbed Western influences, it has maintained its own rich heritage, it is quite an intense experience.

Like India, Thailand is providing sensory overload. Whether visiting a busy morning market or experiencing a night out.

From what I have seen so far gleaming temples and golden Buddha's frame both the rural and modern landscape around me. Ancient banyan trees are ceremoniously wrapped in sacred cloth to honour the resident spirits, fortune-bringing shrines decorate humble homes and monumental malls, while garland-festooned dashboards ward off traffic accidents.

I was horrified to learn just how bad Thai roads and traffic are. Phone-wielding monks and a dog weaving through traffic astride a 50cc scooter might seem like an amusing sight but the danger outweighs the laughter. It is reported there are 80 lives lost every day from R.T.A's.

The Thais are a proud people, with great respect for king and country. The National Anthem is played publicly every evening at 6 pm, bringing any/all activity to a one-minute halt. On my first proper night, you could tell I was the obvious tourist, wandering confused through the stationary crowds, oblivious to that nightly protocol.

Thailand serves a decent cup of Coffee which nearly caused me to dance with joy. I was rejoicing having missed my daily Starbucks fix way too much. Home-grown beans are produced here under Royal Decree.

I've spent the last 3 days wandering around Bangkok, it isn't my favourite destination on my travels so far but I don't hate it like many people seem to. You've got to love a country where rubber thongs are acceptable footwear.

I spent that first day visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Po. Within the Grand Palace is the temple of Wat Pra Kaeo which house the 15th century Emerald Buddha. Wat Po to holds the famous golden reclining Buddha statue.

I spent my first Bangkok sunrise at Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn). You'd think after 9 months of rising before the sun I would want to experience a lay-in but I can't bring myself to just lie there wasting my days away. Wat Arun is a gorgeous Buddhist temple on the edge of the Chao Phraya River opposite the Grand Palace. It has one main spire and four small ones depicted on Thai money. From the top of the main spire, I saw stunning sweeping views of the city, allowing me to take some amazing photographs.

After watching my first Sunrise I walked along the Khao San Road to Wat Saket, the Temple of the Golden Mount. I think this may be one of my new favourite places because of its exquisite golden temple, the stunning setting, and wonderful views of the city from the top. Walking back along the Khao San Road from the temple I ate great food, experienced great shopping, did tons of people watching and kept myself amused well into the night.

I am spending the tomorrow visiting the Chatuchak Weekend Market. I've been told that this is the best place to get gifts, find knock-offs, barter, or eat some good food. On Sunday I will experience the Taling Chan Weekend Floating Market.

I haven't decided where I am going next. It is a choice between Koh Chang and the South Islands. I plan to move on soon. I want to visit Lumpini Park which is cited to be Bangkok's version of Central Park. I doubt anything could come close to Central Park, no park could ever be the same without a galloping Saint Bernard charging across the path to pounce on her favourite assistant.

Earlier this evening, while enjoying a glass of wine, I discovered a song called Chasing Cars, it's by a band called Snow Patrol. While I was listening it brought you into my mind. Just one verse made me remember our conversation in that tiny cafe in Paris. I asked you at that time if you ever felt like you wanted to just disappear into the world, I was amazed you actually answered me.

"If I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world?"

You're never far away from my thoughts Miranda. I look at the world around me attempting to find the words to describe to you how I see it.

I hope you find the time to answer this email. You are the only thing holding me to my old life in New York. Send my love to the twins.

Yours as Always

Andréa

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Date: December 14, 2007
Sender: andys82
Recipient: m.p
Subject: What the Hell?

Miranda

Please just either let me know you are alive, safe and well or I'll be forced to ask the twins or Nigel, and you know how Nigel loves to gossip and prone to hyperbole. I can't imagine he knows we've been swapping emails and letters.

I think I honestly preferred it when you were making ridiculous demands of me as your assistant than surrounding me with this blanket of silence.

If my claim on Thanksgiving of friendship between us has been misconstrued on my part then just tell me. If I made you uncomfortable or offended you I send my sincerest apologies.

You were the one that requested I write. I didn't understand then why you felt the need for me to keep in contact, I honestly thought you hated me, and yet you said you wanted to know who I am and who I'll become. I certainly don't understand why suddenly the things we were sharing has disappeared.

You told me not to disappear from your life but you haven't offered me the same courtesy. You told me you care and that you'd miss me. Were you feeding me a blatant lie or did I mistakenly told you too much?

Are you judging me like my parents are?

Why do people do that? They pull someone in and then toss them away when they don't fit into a neat little box of their design. Nate did it. My friends did it. My parents are still doing it. Do I have to add you to that list too?

I am so fucking angry Miranda...I am so lonely.

Lying, thinking
Last night
How to find my soul a home
Where water is not thirsty
And bread loaf is not stone
I came up with one thing
And I don't believe I'm wrong
That nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.
- Maya Angelou, Alone

Travelling solo has given me the time I needed to reflect on my life's changes and what I have learned from this is that I need to find the courage to follow my heart.

Yours as Always

Andréa

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Thinking of Andréa being lonely was the one thing Miranda couldn't stand. She wanted to fly to whichever country Andréa was currently backpacking through, scoop her up and bring her home. She wanted Andréa to know how loved she was. Miranda wanted the chance to let herself worship the beautiful young woman who had made her heart ache like never before.

She realised she couldn't go on ignoring Andréa. Her work had been affected by the lack of contact. Her office was running with a distinct lack of efficiency. Her focus had been shot.

From Andréa's words, she knew she had a choice to make. Could she follow her heart and trust someone else enough to keep it safe? The answer was there blazing in front of her...always Andréa. That was her trigger to breach the distance she had caused.

Date: December 14, 2007
Sender: m.p
Recipient: andys82
Subject: RE: What the Hell?

Dearest Andréa

Please know there is no need to feel lonely in this world, you have people fighting in your corner.

I want you to know whenever you are ready to return from your travels, there is a home here in New York, if you want it, with me and the girls. There would be no ulterior motives other than knowing you are safe and are thriving in this harsh world, and to let you feel secure knowing you are not, nor will you ever be alone.

"Those who pass by us, do not go alone, and do not leave us alone; they leave a bit of themselves and take a little of us."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I need you to know wherever you go I am there with you Andréa.

I don't know what to say to you about my lack of contact these past few weeks. My focus hasn't been what it usually is and I've struggled for inspiration and due to this we nearly missed the deadline for the first time since I took over as Editor-in-Chief. I fired another 2nd assistant last week and have yet to find a suitable replacement. I am thinking of taking a chance again on someone totally different to the usual poor excuses that enter my realm, the fashionista's who worship me as if I am some Deity with Runway as their bible of choice.

I took a chance on someone different once before, which worked beautifully, and I'm hopeful it could work again.

I often look out at the desks flanking my office and am saddened by not seeing your smile. I found that you are irreplaceable after all, despite what you told me. Could I find someone like you again? Doubtful. There will only ever be one Andréa Sachs.

I know that the excuses I am providing are poor but they are all I can offer, along with my apologies for the lack of courtesy towards you.

I told Nigel we remained in touch. As our friendship has blossomed once again over weekly dinner and drinks I realised I have missed his companionship and his dry wit. I trust him implicitly.

He sees more than I could ever imagine and has teased me often and quite mercilessly about you, the assistant I just can't forget. He knows how unusual it is for me to let someone in the way I have with you. But he also sees just how special you are and understands my need to know you are okay, that you are alive in the world and making a difference.

When I first placed a blue, sticky, toxic concoction in front of him on that first night we attempted to reinstate our friendship his bright smile almost rivalled yours. He shared the story about how you earned his trust, his respect and his ultimately his friendship. We compare stories about you often.

Everyone you ever come into contact with at Runway has asked after you, no-one asks me anything directly as everyone seems to think I don't want to speak of the assistant who had the nerve to leave, but I've heard the hushed questions. You are a legend in the fashion world as the one that got away. I had to chuckle to myself when I heard someone refer to you as the dragon slayer.

How can you not see just what a profound effect you have on people? Your presence is sorely missed.

I honestly think the only person you did not manage to nurture an easy camaraderie with is Emily. She worries me greatly. She is loyal to a fault, and I have done nothing to deserve it. Is it hero worship or more? She gets so jealous when she feels her position is being threatened and she could easily see you were her biggest threat. She is so guarded that she is blind to what is right before her. I hold high hopes that Serena can push past Emily's defences and offer the nurturing love she needs to blossom.

Please realise that you would receive no judgement from me. If Caroline and Cassidy questioned their sexuality, I would like to think I am accepting enough and approachable enough, even as their mother, to have an open and honest discussion with them. I just hope they manage to find the love I have so far found elusive. I know that sexuality is not black and white, there's a whole rainbow between.

As a society, we are hard-wired to fit people into neat, perfect little boxes with a label to identify who you are. Life, however, is complex and inherently messy, we should focus more on acceptance of individual traits rather than dividing people into specific categories. This is true of fashion choices too, and in this respect I am guilty. I believe people should be allowed to express their individuality through fashion without the fear of being judged. That cerulean jumper of yours though...well, there are just no words.

You possess a beautiful heart Andréa and it pains me to know you are hurting and that my actions have caused you further pain. As I told you in our conversation at the cafe, I am not good at connecting with people. As I've also mentioned I don't know how to be vulnerable with you, I lose my sense of self. And that frightens me more than I care to admit. I don't know how to be the Miranda you see and Miranda the Editor-in-Chief.

Please know I value you and the relationship we are building.

You are in my heart always.

M

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Miranda hoped she hadn't messed things up too drastically with Andréa. It had been 8 days since she had given in and emailed back with no response. She'd been living in the hope that Andréa would email, and each night with no response had diminished the spark of hope she held onto tightly. Now there was a letter she was nervous. She needed to know her actions had been forgiven by the person who held her heart in their hands.

The twins arrived 15 minutes before they were due for lunch and Miranda met them at the car. Roy opened the door promptly to allow Miranda to enter the back seat. "Hello, Bobbsey's."

"Hey, mom. Here's your letter from Andy." Cassidy passed her the letter which she put in her purse.

"Aren't you going to read it?" Caroline asked.

"Not right now Bobbsey, I'll read it later. This is my time with you."

"We wouldn't mind." Cassidy clarified.

Miranda wondered if the twins had heard from Andréa in the last week. As the car moved swiftly through traffic, the twins babbled incessantly about their morning at the Park.

"Have you…" she asked as the car pulled into a stop at Smith and Wollensky.

Roy opened the door, and the twins scampered out before Miranda had time to finish her question. She rolled her eyes and exited the car gracefully. She nodded to Roy in thanks and followed the twins into the restaurant where the maître d' was waiting patiently to walk them to their usual table.

"Miranda, how lovely to see you again. Your usual table is ready and your guest is already seated." The maître d' stated.

Miranda shot him a look of confusion as the twins giggled. Giving them all a baleful glare, she stalked towards the back of the restaurant.

She halted in her tracks when she came into sight of the table. As her eyes met pools of deep chocolate, she felt like time stood still. Her breath hitched, and she felt her heart start to pound. "Andréa…" she whispered as she experienced the blinding smile she had missed every day for the last 3 months. Miranda couldn't help but return the smile with once her own as she continued to walk to the table. "What are you doing here?" Miranda asked breathlessly.

Andy's smile widened. "Following my heart." she declared.

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