Another summer day
Is come and gone away
In Paris and Rome
But I wanna go home
Maybe surrounded by
A million people I
Still feel all alone
I just want to go home
Oh I miss you, you know
-Home, Michael Buble

Maggie turned around and took her bag from Anna, slipping the strap over her shoulder. She brushed some hair out of her eyes, giving the older woman an unsure smile. "Well, I guess this is it. Again, thank you so much for all your help. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Oh, it's no problem at all," Anna replied with her distinct British accent. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Maggie. "You know I'd do anything for you."

"Yeah, I know," Maggie hugged her tight.

Pulling away, Anna placed her hands on the younger woman's shoulders. "You have a safe flight. Give me a call when you arrive so I know you got there safely."

"Okay, Mom," Maggie jokingly replied as she rolled her eyes. Though, saying those words seemed so natural considering how Anna hadn't left her side since their heart to heart.

"You should get going."

"Yeah, I should."

"Take care," Anna pressed a kiss to Maggie's forehead. "It'll all be okay, you'll see."

With one last nod, Maggie smiled and started walking down toward the gate. After handing her boarding pass to the attendant, she glanced over her shoulder and waved one last time before stepping through the doorway.

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot finally gave clearance for passengers to use their portable electronic devices. Maggie reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out her iPod, taking the earphones and slipping them into her ears. After choosing a playlist, she settled back in her seat and closed her eyes.

Sighing softly, she smiled inwardly, still feeling proud of herself for handling her encounter with Cecelia earlier in the day.

Anna turned around and saw Maggie approaching the door. "Are you sure about this? We need to leave for the airport soon."

"I can handle this, Anna." Maggie confidently replied. "My suitcases are upstairs, if you want, you can bring them down."

Hesitant to leave the blonde's side, Anna finally relented. "Alright. But if you need backup you know what you need to do."

Maggie smiled. "I know." She waited until Anna disappeared up the steps before turning to Cecelia, her gaze narrowing. "You better have a good reason for coming here."

"Yes, I do, actually. Can I come in, though?"

"Fine."

Cecelia cautiously stepped inside and waited for Maggie to shut the door. She followed the blonde down the hallway and into the living room, taking a seat on the couch. Hesitant to look anywhere else, she kept her eyes on Maggie, waiting for her to speak.

Maggie knew to keep her distance from Cecelia, taking space in a chair perpendicular to the couch. "You said you had a good reason, I'd like to hear it," her voice stern, obvious she was still harboring the hurt from everything that had happened. "I've got a flight to catch, so-"

"I wanted to apologize," she abruptly replied. "There, I said it… I wanted to come here and tell you that I'm sorry."

"Sorry? Sorry for what?" Maggie retorted, her tone not exactly endearing, let alone kind or accepting. In fact, she was almost laughing. "Sorry for making my life a living hell? I just spent the last month and a half wallowing in my own misery and you come by here, saying how sorry you are, expecting me to accept your apology?"

Cecelia chuckled. "Well, you know, I'm not totally at fault, if I remember correctly, you were more than willing to sleep with me."

"And I'll be regretting it forever," mumbling under her breath. "You know, because of what I did, I may have lost the best thing that's ever happened to me. You may think it's funny Cecelia, but it may very well have ruined my life!"

Not wanting to further complicate things, Cecelia chose not to reply. She peered at Maggie's eyes, noticing the remorse on her face. "You really love her, don't you?"

"Yeah," Maggie's voice trailed. "More than you know. She's my everything." Sitting up, she quickly regained her composure, staring intently at Cecelia. "I know I've told you this over and over, but this time, you're going to have to listen. I do not want you to come near me ever again. I don't care if we're in the same class, I'll sit on the other end of the room if I have to. I want you to have no part of any study group I'm in. I don't care what I have to do, if it means working alone, I will. I just want you out of my life, once and for all." Maggie held a firm gaze. "Please, just stay away. Move on, because there will never be anything between you and me."

Cecelia swallowed the lump in her throat. Tempted to reply, she didn't and kept her mouth shut. Instead, she stood up and grabbed her purse. "I should go then."

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea," Maggie nodded. She got up from chair and followed Cecelia to the door. "Because there is nothing else to talk about. You and I, we are done. In fact, there was never a you and I to begin with."

Cecelia stood at the doorway and turned around. "I guess this is goodbye."

"Yes. Once and for all," Maggie replied, her tone somewhat cold.

"Just so you know, I'm transferring programs, so come next semester, you won't have to see my face ever again.

"Good."

"Goodbye, then." Cecelia said, one last time before embarking down the hall toward the elevator.

Maggie shut the door and leaned against it. Closing her eyes, she breathed a sigh of relief, feeling as though a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

"Is everything okay?" spoke a voice from behind.

Still leaning against the door, Maggie replied, "Yeah, everything is fine, now."

"Have a good day," the stewardess smiled. "Thank you for flying with us."

Maggie smiled back at the flight crew. "Thank you for a safe flight. Have a happy holiday," she replied, making her way toward the arrivals terminal. Her next task, to pick up the car rental that Anna had reserved for her.

She arrived at the Valley Inn an hour and a half later, luggage in her hands as she strolled up to the front desk. "Hi, I'm here to check in. I think the reservation is under Devane."

The front desk clerk's fingers quickly typed away on the computer. Within seconds, he pulled up the reservation Anna had made and went to grab a keycard. After writing down the room number on the paperwork, he passed it to Maggie for her signature. "I'll just need you to sign here," he said. "Okay, here's you key. Would you like the bellboy to help with your luggage?"

"No, thanks. I've got it," Maggie replied. She stuffed the paperwork into her bag and slung the strap over her shoulder. Finding the nearest open elevator, she walked into it, pressing the button to the 10th floor. As the elevator took its ride up, Maggie glanced to her right, noticing a dark haired male standing next to her, wearing a smile on his face. "Hi," she said feebly.

"Hi," he smiled.

The elevator doors suddenly opened, Maggie immediately stepping into the hallway. She struggled with her bags for a second, one of them nearly dropping. Luckily, someone else managed to catch it, grabbing it by its strap before it hit the floor.

Maggie looked up and saw it was the same guy she from the elevator. "Thanks. I guess I kind of underestimated my own strength."

"No problem. I'll carry it to your room, just lead the way," still wearing the same smile.

"Okay, I think it's this way," Maggie started walking, checking the room numbers as she passed them. "Here it is," turning around to take her bag. "Um, thank you."

"No problem," he said, handing over Maggie's bag. "I know I might seem a bit straightforward, but I was thinking, if you're free, maybe we can do dinner? I can show you around this small town. I mean you're new here, right?"

Maggie tried to stifle her own amusement. Her first day back in town and she was already being hit on. Pushing back some hair behind her ear, she smiled apologetically. "I'd love to, but I'm already involved with someone."

"Oh, okay then. But just so you know, I find you very attractive. Whoever you're with is extremely lucky. You let that person know."

"Don't worry, I will," Maggie said, watching him walk away. She pulled the keycard out of her pocket and slipped it into the slot, pushing the door open and walking inside, recognizing the familiar surroundings. Give credit to Anna Devane for reserving the same exact room she had stayed in a few years ago, when first arriving to town.

Dropping her bags by the bed, she sat down and took a deep breath. "Okay, I'm here now. Might as well let her know," glancing at the clock while trying to figure out what time it was in Paris.

After a brief call to Anna to let her know she had arrived safely, Maggie opened her suitcase and grabbed a new set of clothes. A bit tired from the trans-Atlantic flight, Maggie surmised a shower would refresh her a bit, in hopes that after, she'd get reacquainted with town and possibly find Bianca so they could talk.

Or at least try to.

--

Kendall scurried around the Fusion office like a chicken with its head cut off. As much as she loved the Christmas season, she dreaded it at the same time. It wasn't anything personal, because in all reality, this year's holiday was a special one because of Spike. But on a different token, the holiday from a business sense meant crunch time.

"Come on, people. Tomorrow's Christmas Eve and I'd like to shut down the office today," she spoke out loud. Her statement wasn't toward anyone in particular, but hoped it served as motivation for everyone to work a little more efficient than usual.

"And I thought Erica was bossy," Josh quipped, strolling into the office with a cardboard tray containing three cups of coffee. He gave one to Bianca then handed Kendall hers. "Here, I thought you could use this."

"Thank you and you're late," Kendall said, taking a quick sip as she stared at the expense report in her hand.

Josh sat down in front of the computer, coffee cup still in hand while checking his e-mail. Ignoring Kendall's stressed out rants, he leaned over to Bianca. "She's worse than Erica, you know."

"Hey, I heard that!" Kendall retorted from across the table.

Bianca stifled a giggle before replying to Josh. "I'm going to cut our sister some slack and blame it on end of the year jitters," smiling at her older sister. "Right, Kendall?"

"Yeah, whatever," the curly haired woman rose from her chair. Hearing the elevator doors open, she looked over to see who was coming into the office. Much to her surprise, it was the one person she least expected to step foot inside of Fusion. "I take it you have a good reason to be here right now?"

"Yes, I do,"

Bianca's head jerked up, immediately recognizing the voice. "Maggie?" she muttered, locking eyes with her estranged lover.

"Wait, what… Maggie?" Josh's gaze went from Maggie to Kendall to Bianca and back to Maggie. "That's… that's her?"

Maggie quickly noticed who was sitting next to Bianca. "You," the realization finally dawned on her. "You're Josh Madden? You made a pass at me."

"Good going, Josh. Your track record of hitting on the taken ones never ceases to amaze me," Kendall remarked sarcastically. "I see you've met my brother, the one who hits on anything that's female and breathes," glancing at Josh before bringing her attention back to the shorter woman in front of her. "So, you're here because?"

"I was hoping I could talk to Bianca." Maggie replied, not once taking her eyes off of her girlfriend. "If she wants to, that is,"

Kendall and Josh looked toward Bianca, waiting for her answer. Not even realizing they how they were staring at her, she stood up. "I need some air. I'm going to the rooftop, if you want to talk, that's where I'll be."

"Um, yeah, okay, the rooftop," Maggie nodded. She started to follow after Bianca but was momentarily stopped by Kendall.

"I take it you're here to try and fix things?" the curly haired beauty asked, earning a nod from the blonde. "I'm still mad at you for what you did to her, but I'm going to give you credit for trying."

Not bothering to reply, Maggie brushed past Kendall and disappeared into the staircase leading to the Fusion rooftop. She pushed the door open and found Bianca standing at the railing, arms wrapped around her body. Stepping through the doorway, she walked over and took off her coat, draping it over Bianca's shoulders.

"Thanks." Bianca stared straight ahead, pulling the coat tightly around her.

Neither woman spoke for a few moments, both unsure of what to say or where to begin. Uncomfortable with the ongoing silence, Maggie felt compelled to speak. "So, umm… I see not much as changed."

"When did you get in?" Bianca asked.

"A few hours ago. I landed in Philly and drove the rest of the way."

"Oh, okay."

"Yeah. I'm staying at the Valley Inn. Anna… she arranged everything for me," Maggie shivered slightly at the cold breeze.

"That's nice of her," the brunette replied.

Sensing the tension in their conversation so far, Maggie decided to make an attempt to ease it. "Bianca, please look at me."

Bianca closed her eyes. "No. I can't," she said, shaking her head. "I just…"

"Why?"

"Because if I do, it'll bring back all the hurt. I just can't Maggie. Not yet," Bianca's gaze fell, trying to hide the tear that had escaped. She quickly swiped it away, clearing her throat. "I get that you're here, but I'm just not ready yet. I… need more time."

Maggie bit down on her lip and nodded. "Okay, I understand," she replied, hiding the hurt in her voice. "I… I should go. Like I said before, I'm staying at the Valley Inn, when you're ready to talk, I'll be there," she started walking toward the door.

"Maggie, wait," Bianca called out. She watched the blonde turn around. "Your coat."

"You can hold onto it, I have another one back at my room."

"Okay. Um, Maggie, what are you doing for Christmas Eve?" Bianca asked, already knowing the answer.

Maggie shrugged. "Nothing, really. Probably going to order room service and catch up on some reading."

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Bianca tilted her head slightly and gave Maggie a somewhat hopeful smile. "You're welcome to spend the holiday at my mother's and Uncle Jack's. Maybe we can set aside what's happened for a day or so, at least for Miranda? I know she'd love to see you."

"Sure, okay." Maggie answered, returning Bianca's smile with one of her own, feeling as though some kind of headway was made. It was indeed a step, albeit a small one. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."

"Tomorrow."

--

"Mommy? Open presents now?" Miranda asked. She tugged at her mother's hand, pulling her towards the Christmas tree. "Wanna open, Mommy."

Bianca scooped the little girl into her arms, brushing some light brown hair away from her eyes. "Not yet, sweetheart. We need to wait for Santa to come first, okay?"

"No open?" Miranda pouted.

"Not yet," Bianca pressed a kiss to Miranda's cheek. "But I promise you, first thing tomorrow morning you can open all of your presents. Okay?"

"Otay, Mommy," she smiled. "Wanna get down."

Heeding the child's request, Bianca lowered the child to the floor. Just as Miranda was about to run into the living room, the doorbell rang, diverting her toward the door and causing Bianca to follow close behind.

Jack was the first to open the door, surprised to see who was standing at the doorstep. "Well, well, well, it's so good to see you," he bellowed happily. "Come on in."

Maggie stepped inside, once again locking eyes with Bianca who was standing at the other end of the foyer. Before she could take off her coat, a tiny voice squealed with joy, causing her heart to swell with warmth,

"Maaaaggieeee!" Miranda flew into Maggie's arms, embracing her as tight as she could. "Maggie, I miss you lots."

"Oh, munchkin, I've missed you, too," Maggie wrapped her arms around the child, her nose buried in the little girl's hair. "More than you know," she whispered softly.

Miranda pulled back slightly and kissed the blonde on the nose. "Maggie and Mommy no mad anymore?"

Maggie looked over at Bianca, knowing she'd heard what Miranda had just asked. Deciding to avoid the question altogether, she set Miranda down on the floor and took off her coat. "Let me look at you," eyeing the child up and down. "You've grown so much."

"Maggie no go 'way no more?" Miranda looked up at her, hopeful look written all over her face.

"Tell you what, Munchie. Why don't you show Maggie the Christmas tree," Bianca piped in, saving her from any further interrogation by their little girl.

"Come Maggie. Go look at the kiss-muss tree." Miranda took her hand and led her into the living room.

Bianca watched her daughter pull Maggie into the other room while trying to hide the sad smile on her face. She sighed deeply, feeling her Uncle Jack's warm hands on her shoulders. "This is probably the first time in a while I've seen Miranda so happy. I can't remember the last time she's smiled like that," she spoke softly, gazing intently into the living room where Miranda was babbling on and on to Maggie about Santa Claus and presents.

"I'm sure it's because she's missed Maggie so much," Jack replied, squeezing his niece's shoulders comfortingly.

"I know she has. There have been nights she would ask me about her, wondering when Maggie would come," Bianca answered.

Jack's brow furrowed. "And what did you tell her?"

"That Mommy and Maggie had a disagreement and we needed some time apart."

"Honey, I don't think a two year old is able to comprehend that."

"Yeah, she didn't, so I told her that Mommy and Maggie were mad and that we were here so she could get to know her cousin Spike." Bianca sat down in one of the chairs in the foyer. "Now, Maggie is here in Pine Valley and Miranda is probably wondering when we're going back to Paris." She brought a hand to her forehead and closed her eyes. "Oh, Uncle Jack, why is this so confusing?"

Jack knelt down in front of the brunette and took her hands. "Listen, it's Christmas Eve… why don't you put aside those worries and make the best of this holiday with Maggie and Miranda."

"That's what I told Maggie, it's why I invited her, so we could both be with Miranda, as a family."

"See, now there you go," smiling at Bianca. "So, let's go into the living room and enjoy this holiday. Plus, your mother is here. And after everything she and I have been through these last few months, I'd say there's hope for you and Maggie. But for now, it's time to for the Montgomery's to have a very merry Christmas. Family now, relationship problems, later."

--

Kendall nudged Bianca in her side. "I must say Binks, you're probably the only Kane woman with a big heart."

"What do you mean?" Bianca asked.

"I see the way you're looking at her, at Maggie," the curly haired woman replied, her eyes focused across the room at Miranda and Maggie sitting by the tree. "What did she say to you at the rooftop?"

Bianca lifted the cup of tea to her lips and took a quick sip. "Nothing. We didn't really talk. I wasn't ready to."

"So, how did she end up here?"

"I invited her. I did it for Miranda."

"And for yourself. Admit it, you've missed her."

"Yeah, I have."

"So why not talk to her?"

"Because."

"Because what?"

Bianca set her cup on the table and faced her sister. "Because if I… if she and I finally talk about what's happened, I'm scared of what it might mean."

Kendall's forehead wrinkled. She cocked an eyebrow, a bit confused at her sister's words. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know. Maybe Maggie and I just aren't meant for each other. What if we can't work things out?"

"Well, you won't know unless the two of you talk. Where is she staying?"

"The Valley Inn," Bianca replied.

Kendall guided Bianca toward the window so they could have some privacy. "And then what?" earning a knowing look from Bianca. "Okay, fine. I know I'm not the best person to talk to when it comes to relationships considering my track record. And yes, I told you to forget about Maggie and move on."

"If I recall correctly, yes you did." Bianca nodded.

"Well, now I'm telling you to forget about what I said and to simply follow your heart. I've made enough mistakes with my own love life and almost lost Zach. I don't want you to make the same mistake and lose the one thing that's meant most to you."

--

Zach stood by the fireplace, his gazed affixed on Kendall and Bianca standing in the corner. Bringing the cup of eggnog to his mouth, he finished the last of his drink before setting it down on the mantle. He could tell his wife and sister in law were in deep conversation, judging from the serious looks on both their faces. Deciding to leave the women alone, he sat down on the couch, next to Miranda and Maggie.

"Hi there," he greeted Maggie while pulling Miranda onto his lap.

"Hi," Maggie responded.

"What's up?"

"Um, nothing?" Maggie swiped a lock of hair behind her ear.

Zach smiled. He set Miranda on her feet and whispered something in her ear causing the little girl to run joyously across the room to where Kendall and Bianca were standing. "Okay, now that I have Kendall and Bianca distracted, you and I can talk one on one. Come on," standing up, he motioned toward the front door. "We're going to talk."

Confused, Maggie heeded Zach's request and followed him out of the room. Grabbing her coat along the way, she stepped out onto the front porch, Zach waiting for her as he sat on the wooden swing.

"Well, are you just going to stand there?" he asked.

Maggie went and sat on the swing, wrapping her coat tightly around her body as she shivered slightly at the cold wind blowing around them.

"So, tell me what happened," Zach spoke.

"What is there to tell, I'm sure Bianca… or Kendall told you what I did," Maggie said, mumbling the last part of her answer. "What do you care?"

Zach turned his head and looked at Maggie. "I care enough to know that you and Bianca have something good, something I don't think either of you should throw away."

"Easy for you to say," Maggie chuckled. "Bianca doesn't even want to talk to me."

"Give her time, she will."

"She hasn't said a word to me since I arrived. I've spent the last hour with Miranda and you'd think she'd sit by us, maybe give the munchkin some semblance of normal, after being apart for all this time."

"Then I'd say you have your work cut out for you."

"I don't even know where to begin."

Zach quirked an eyebrow, "I have experience with Kane women. Okay, just Kendall." Maggie laughed at him. "What you need to do is get Bianca to believe in you again. Whatever it takes, make every attempt to instill her faith in you. Keep on fighting for heart and don't give up."

Maggie sank back against the swing, heaving an exasperated sigh. "It's why I'm here. But like I said before, she won't talk to me, heck she won't even look at me."

"But she invited you here to the house, didn't she?"

"Yeah."

"So, Bianca took that step, maybe she's waiting for you to make the next move."

"You think so?"

Zach rubbed chin and nodded. "Maybe, but you won't know unless you try." He shifted around and looked through the window. "Go on, Bianca and Miranda are by the tree, talk to her. Just take it all step by step. It's how I got Kendall back, to love me again."

Maggie pondered his words for a moment before standing up. "I guess I should try. I owe it to myself and to her if I want to get us back to how things used to be." Before reentering the house, she turned back around, "Hey Zach?" meeting his gaze. "Thanks," she said before disappearing into the house.

Exhaling another long breath, Zach sat back on the swing and closed his eyes. He then felt a presence next to him, a pair of familiar hands cupping his face, warm lips pressing themselves to his. "Mmmm," he moaned happily before opening his eyes. "Hi there."

"Hi yourself," Kendall slid onto the swing, her body pressed up against him. "What did you say to her?"

"What did I say to who?"

"To Maggie," Kendall motioned for him to look through the window. "They're being civil to each other."

Zach shrugged. "What makes you think I said something to her? All we did was talk, you know about Paris and its novelties. You know, maybe we should take a trip sometime. We can drop Spike with your sister and Maggie. I'm sure Miranda would enjoy a playmate for a bit."

"Yeah, that's if Bianca and Maggie are still together," Kendall said, turning back around and resting her head on Zach's shoulder.

"Oh, they'll be together. If there are two people in this world besides you and me that are destined to last, it's them." Zach wrapped his arm around Kendall, pulling her close as they two of them stared up at the night sky.

-end chapter-