Summary: Set a couple of years after the last update. Some highlights and some lowlights- you should always remember that life is not always perfect.

A/N: Back again! These stories are just such a joy for me to write and I just can't say good0bye to these characters. So, I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: The title of this chapter comes from the song 'Soul Meets Body' by Death Cab For Cutie

There Are Roads Left In Both Of Our Shoes

Glancing down at Ava's sleeping form; Sydney quietly closed the book that she had just finished reading and gently stood up from the bed. Taking a moment to bend down and press her lips onto her daughter's forehead, she made her way out of the room and towards the living area.

Vaughn was exactly where he had been for most of the day- sitting at the desk with a pile of marking. Given recent distractions of the past few months, he had gotten behind with a lot of work and not planned one lesson for the first week of school.

"Hey," Sydney came up behind him, kneading his shoulders. "You should give yourself a break."

He tilted his head back, looking up at her. "Did Ava go down all right?"

"Well, there was nearly a tantrum when she found out Daddy wasn't reading the story, but when she discovered it was Fish and Chips and Jaws, it was smooth sailing from there."

"Ah, the saving grace of Fish and Chips and Jaws," Vaughn smiled.

With a grin, Sydney turned, expecting to find Emilie sprawled out on the floor. However, all that was there was a box of crayons and a drawing of a butterfly.

"Where did Boo go?"

"Uh…she said that she was tired and was going to bed."

"Em?" Sydney blinked. "Our Emilie said that…" she trailed off as realization hit. "Oh, you know what she's done."

Vaughn raised his eyebrows. "Surely not again? I thought you hid it?"

"I did, but I think that our daughter must have been a blood hound in a former life." With that she marched down the hallway. "Emilie Georgina Vaughn," she said, entering her room and switching on the light.

Emilie, who had her doona pulled up to her chin, blinked in innocence. "What?"

"Take it off, please," Sydney instructed, approaching the bed.

Emilie just stared at her mother in silence, knowing perfectly well that she had been caught out and could think of nothing to say.

Sydney reached down and pulled back the bedcovers, revealing Emilie clad in her brand new school uniform.

"Boo, you need to take this off."

"But I wanna wear it!" Emilie protested, sitting up.

Sydney had to bite back a smile. "And you will- tomorrow. But you can't sleep in it- how would it look showing up to your first day of school in a crumpled uniform?"

"I really get to wear it tomorrow?"

"I promise," Sydney declared, making an elaborate criss-cross shape over her chest. "But you are going to need to wear your pyjamas tonight, ok?"

"Ok," Emilie nodded, climbing out of the bed. As she did so, Sydney noticed a square lump at the foot of the bed.

"Boo."

"What?"

Sydney held out a hand. "Lunchbox."

"Can you remember ever being that excited about your first day of school?" Sydney asked Vaughn as they climbed into bed later that night.

Vaughn chuckled. "Well, not to the extent of our little darling down the hall, but I think I was a bit eager."

"I didn't want to…there were these horrible twins across the street who filled me with all these horror stories. I remember hiding under my bed and dad having to coax me out." She paused. "Did you talk to your mum today?"

Vaughn nodded. "She feels awful about it, but she's not up to coming tomorrow."

Sydney waved a hand. "Oh well. We'll just have her and dad over for dinner during the week, when she's felling better. Em will be able to fill them in with lots of stories."

Vaughn just rubbed his eyes, everything about him tired.

"Hey," Sydney said, grabbing his attention. "I know what you are thinking."

"You do?"

"Of course I do," Sydney replied, pulling his into a tight embrace. "And don't- it will not do any of us any good."

"Easier said that done," Vaughn murmured, his breath hot on her neck.

"Hey," Weiss stopped beside Ainsley, placing a hand on her shoulder.

She looked up at him. "Yeah?"

"The station called…" he trailed off. "Never mind, I'll just go in later. They'll understand."

"Eric, go. I will be fine."

"Are you sure?" he asked, concerned. "Because I can take a few extra days."

"Eric, go."

He paused. "Do you have anything planned for the day?"

Ainsley shrugged. "I think I'll drop into Phase One- get back into work."

"But don't you think it's too soon after—" Weiss cut short.

Ainsley reached out, her hand touching his upper arm. "You can say it, Eric. Hearing the word miscarriage is not going to destroy me." She took a deep breath. "And I need to go back. I need to feel normal."

"You know what else you need?" Weiss started. "You need to talk to your friends."

Ainsley shook her head. "They didn't even know that I was pregnant and…I can't. Sydney and Vaughn have got enough stuff going on; Francie is crazy busy with Scarlett and the restaurant. And besides, we've got each other. We'll get through this."

"Emilie!" Sydney called out as she started to run ahead of them. "Stay with us, please."

At the door of her new classroom, Emilie turned to Sydney and Vaughn, who was holding Ava in his arms.

"Ok, you can go now," she said and then walked into the room.

"Yeah," Vaughn chuckled. "Like that is going to happen. Could you imagine the staffroom gossip- 'Hey, did you hear about those Vaughn's, dumping their daughter on the first day of school'?"

"Just the like gossip that is going on at Abrams, as to why you are not there on the first day of the school year."

Vaughn grinned. "Keely knows exactly why I have taken the morning off, which means that the entire faculty at Abrams knows. There will be no gossip."

"Just distraught adolescent girls, pining away for their beloved Mr. Vaughn?" Sydney teased.

Before Vaughn could retort, they were approached by Emilie's teacher. "Sydney, Michael." A Miss Chase, Sydney remembered her from the orientation night a few months ago.

After shaking both their hands, Miss Chase turned back to Emilie with a smile. "I don't think that we're going to have any issues with your daughter. You have a very confident little girl."

Sydney smiled, all the while wondering- was it wrong of her to have a little part wanting to have Emilie cling to her?

After having a short discussion with Miss Chase covering all the little details, Sydney and Vaughn stopped by Emilie, seated at one of the tables.

"Daddy and I have to go," Sydney said, crouching down.

"OK," Emilie replied happily, occupied with the paper and crayons in front of her.

"But we'll be back this afternoon."

"Bye.

"Ok, well," Sydney placed a kiss in Emilie's cheek. "We're off, Boo."

"Bye."

Outside the classroom, Sydney stopped talking a glance through the window. Emilie had been joined by a couple of other girls and they were all drawing happily.

"Hey Syd," Vaughn came up beside her.

"Yeah?"

"I don't know what this will do to my mega-masculine image, but I am always going to need you."

Sydney let out a laugh. "Is it that obvious?"

"Yeah, well, we both kind of got a major brush off in there."

Smiling, Sydney reached up, kissing both Vaughn and Ava. "Since that we are not needed here, and you've still got the morning off, why don't we stop by you mum's? I'm sure that she could do with a boost."

"Grandmere!" Ava clapped her hands together.

Vaughn smiled. "Now, how can we refuse that?"

"Francie?" Sydney called as she stepped into the empty restaurant. Deep Inside was closed on Monday's but Francie was always still there, catching up on the paperwork side of things. She and Sydney used the quiet day as a chance to catch up over lunch.

"Right here," came Francie's reply as she walked out of the office, clutching 18 month old Scarlett in her arms. "Hey…" she paused, when she saw that Sydnye was only accompanied by Ava. "Where's the rest of our little lunch gang…oh!" her eyes widened. "First day of school! How did Em go?"

"A little too well," Sydney replied wryly, lifting Ava out of her pusher and placing her on the blanket that Francie had already set up. There was an array of toys to keep the two girls occupied for at least an hour.

Francie grinned as she settled Scarlett down and then sat at a nearby table. "Somebody feeling a little unloved?"

"She just marched right in without a backwards glance," Sydney said. "Five year olds should not be that independent…right?"

"That's not independence- it's just confidence," Francie pointed out. "And you should be proud that you've raised such a capable daughter."

"I think a little neediness from Em would have done my pride a lot better," Sydney said with a laugh, sitting down. "But it is reassuring that she is going to be fine."

"Unlike her mother."

"Excuse me?"

"Try and tell me that you're not fretting."

"I'm not."

"Oh, come on, Syd!" Francie laughed. "Do you even remember the anxiety when you left Emilie for the first time after she was born? Ainz and I practically had to drag you out of the house- only to have you make about a dozen calls during the shopping trip."

"That was different," Sydney protested. "She was a newborn and…I am not doing much to convince you, am I?"

Francie shook her head. "Not that I am judging you in the slightest…because if you remember, I was the one reduced to tears when separated from Scarlett for the first time."

"Ah, that's right…always the one for dramatics, right Fran?"

"Yup," Francie quipped happily. "Hey, did you get a postcard from Will?"

Sydney nodded. "Sounds as if they're having a great time."

"I know. One of these days we are going to have join him and Nat on one of their trips Down Under."

"You know," Sydney mused aloud. "It wouldn't surprise me if Will married a girl from overseas just so that he could justify the yearly trips."

"Nah," Francie said breezily. "That would take way too much thinking ahead. When have you ever known Will to contemplate the consequences of his actions?"

"You make a very good point."

"Of course I do," Francie said and then paused as if something had just occurred to her. "Hey, have you heard from Ainz lately?"

Sydney thought for a few seconds, trying to remember the last time she had spoken to her friend. "Actually I haven't. I probably haven't spoken to her since early last week…how is that possible? I mean, I know that Vaughn and I have been distracted, but how could I not have noticed her dropping off the radar?"

"Well, you're not the only one. I tried to call her about today, but couldn't get in contact."

"I'll drop by tomorrow," Sydney said. "Touch base and check that everything is ok."

"And I got to play with the doll's house and the Play-Doh and I painted a picture- it's in my bag. Wanna see?" Emilie chattered along from the backseat as Sydney pulled out of the school's car park.

"Show me when I'm not driving, ok Boo?" Sydney said.

"And Sarah is my best friend and so is Kelly," Emilie continued. "Hey, where's daddy?"

"Daddy's working," Sydney replied.

"Oh."

Sydney glanced in the rear view mirror. "Here's a suggestion. How about we get some ice cream- a special first day of school treat and then we can stop by and see Aunty Keely and Daddy?"

"Yeah!" Emilie exclaimed. "I can show him my picture."

"Daddy," Ava joined in, wriggling happily in her car seat.

"I guess it's unanimous, girls," Sydney smiled, indicating to change lanes.

Emilie was quiet for several moments. "Mummy, what is you-ani-mious?"

Vaughn sat back, a small smile playing on his face, after Sydney, Emilie and Ava had left his office. The surprise visit had been just what he needed and now Emilie's painting had been hung with pride above his desk.

On impulse, he picked up his phone and dialled, hoping that it was not an inconvenient time.

"Hello."

"Hi maman."

"Michael!" Juliette sounded delighted. "How are you- how is Emilie? Have you spoken to her?"

"Yeah. Syd brought the girls around- Em had a great time at school. We couldn't get a word in edgewise."

"Oh, I wish I could have seen her off this morning."

"I know, but would dinner make up for it? Syd and I were thinking Thursday night."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Vaughn paused. "How are you feeling maman?"

"Not bad, actually. The side effects of this round of chemo have worn off- I am no longer feeling permanently nauseated," she let out a small laugh. "I've still got myself a shiny bald head, though."

As always, Vaughn was amazed that Juliette could laugh about her situation.

"But that's enough about me," Juliette interrupted his thoughts. "Fill me in on the new details on my favourite girls."

"Hey," Ainsley looked surprised as Sydney breezed into her office at Phase One the following morning. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to have a chat," Sydney replied, setting the brake on Ava's pusher and then sitting down. "Do you realize how long it has been since we've has a proper talk? I have no idea what has been going on with you lately."

Ainsley forced a smile. "Nothing exciting to tell you, I'm afraid. Just work and…this and that."

Sydney's eyes landed on hers. "Elaborate on 'this and that' please."

"Huh?"

"Something is up, otherwise Francie and I would have heard from you. I just want to know that you are ok, and if not, remind you that I am here."

"A- I am fine," Ainsley started, "and B- you have got enough going on with your family at the moment."

Sydney cocked her head to one side, scrutinizing her friend. "I don't know if I should ask you this…"

"Ask me what?" Ainsley pressed.

"Did…" Sydney hesitated. "Did something happen with the baby?"

Ainsley visibly recoiled. "What? How…did Eric say something?"

"So you are pregnant?"

"I…" Ainsley faltered. "I was…how did you know?"

"It was just a hunch," Sydney replied, reaching out and clasping one of Ainsley's hands. "When did it happen?"

"Last week."

"Oh Ainz…you should have said something. You shouldn't be doing this alone."

"I'm not alone. I have Eric," Ainsley replied. "And what was I supposed to say? We hadn't announced that I was pregnant, so how would have 'By the way, I had a miscarriage' gone down?"

Sydney shook her head slightly. "I have no idea what to say- I can't even begin to comprehend what you must be going through."

"It was awful," Ainsley said quietly. "But I just have to keep telling myself that it happened for a reason. That it was my body's way of telling that something was wrong."

Sydney was quiet for several seconds. "You need to speak to Fran."

"No Syd, I don't want to go around telling everybody. I—"

"She's been where you are, Ainz. Different circumstances…but she has been through this."

Ainsley was staring at her through wide eyes. "I never knew…"

Sydney gave a small shrug. "She was like you- didn't want the news getting out…but it's your call. If you want me to forget that we ever had this conversation, then that's ok. But if you want me to call Francie right now, then all you have to do is ask."

"But would she be able to…the restaurant and…"

"There is only one way to find out," Sydney said, pulling out her mobile. "Yes? No?"

Ainsley paused before giving a definite nod. "Yes."

"Hey maman," Vaughn said, opening the front door and wrapping Juliette in a tight embrace.

"Oomph," she let out a small laugh, adjusting the brightly patterned scarf adorning her head. "Don't worry- I didn't need that air in my lungs."

With a smile, Vaughn stepped back. "Come in."

"Where is everybody?" Juliette queried following Vaughn down the hallway.

"Syd is bathing the girls and Jack hasn't arrived yet," he replied, walking into the kitchen. "I'm just finishing off dinner."

Juliette stopped in front of the fridge, which was decorated with several of Emilie's school art works. "So, how has our little student been doing?"

Vaughn grinned. "I think I'll let her tell you- she would never let me hear the end of it if I stole her thunder." He picked up a knife, about to start chopping vegetable for the salad. "But what about you?"

Juliette's smile faltered slightly. "Well, actually I had an appointment with my oncologist today."

Vaughn froze. "What? Why didn't you say something? You went alone?"

Juliette shook her head. "I went with Trish."

"But…I would have taken you."

"I know that, but I didn't want you there in case…"

"In case what?" Vaughn asked, stepping closer to her.

"In case the news wasn't good."

Vaughn looked hard at her for a few seconds. "And it wasn't, was it?"

"No," Juliette replied. "The results weren't as we would have hoped. The doctor has recommended another lot of chemotherapy."

"Oh," was all Vaughn could say, before turning to stare out the kitchen window.

"Michael," Juliette said a few moments later. "Talk to me, please." When he did not respond, she approached, placing a hand on his back. "Michael, everything is going to be ok."

"How can you say that?" Vaughn asked quietly. "How can you sound so sure?"

"Because I have no choice," Juliette replied. "Because the other option is giving up."

"And so you think that I am giving up on you then?"

"I think nothing of the sort," Juliette said. "What I think is that you are so much like your father- taking everything so seriously."

Vaughn turned to look at her. "Maman, I know that you are trying to think positively, but this is serious."

"I know that…but I need to be as light-hearted as possible, Michael. It stops the fear from taking over."

"So you are scared?"

"Of course I am!" Juliette let out. "Who in their right mind wouldn't be?"

"Well then, can you just freak out a little bit?" Vaughn asked. "For my sake?"

"Michael, it is because of you that I am able to take this in my stride."

"Me?"

"Yes. I am in no way going to give up this fight, but if I do lose, then I am ok with that. Because I have been able to watch you grow from a baby to a man. To see you enter a career that gives you so much satisfaction. And most importantly, I have been lucky enough to watch you fall in love with the woman of your dreams, get married and give me two beautiful grandchildren. What else could I ask for?"

Vaughn shrugged. "I don't know…but I know that I can ask to have my maman around for as long as possible. We lost dad way too early and I am not ready to lose you as well."

"Come here," Juliette said, wrapping him in a tight hug that only a mother can give. "Je t'aime, Michael. I am not going anywhere without a fight."

As Sydney and Vaughn climbed into bed that night she knew that there were few words able to cheer him up. Instead, she moved closer, pulling him in tight.

Feeling Vaughn relax in her embrace, Sydney pressed her lips onto his temple. "She's strong, Vaughn," she said quietly. "And she has so much support. The odds have to be in her favour."

"Whatever the odds, if there is a life involved, they are never good."

Adjusting so that she could look Vaughn directly in the eyes, Sydney brought a hand up to the side of his face. "I wish that I could make this easier for you. Make everything better."

"I can't lose her, Syd," he murmured. "I can't have another person I love gone from my life."

Sydney traced the rough stubble on his chin with s finger, understanding exactly what he was feeling. "Well, I promise that I am not going anywhere. And neither are Em or Ava or Weiss…nor Juliette if she has any say in the matter."

Impulsively, Vaughn brought his lips to hers, the kiss long, hard and passionate. It was almost as if he were trying to prove that she was really there.

"I think you just did it, Syd," he said, breathlessly, as they broke apart.

"Did what?"

"Made everything a little bit better."

A ghost of a smile crossed her face. "I never realized I was so powerful," she whispered. "But then, you can have that same effect on me."

Vaughn kissed her again, more softly this time. "I do?"

"Yup…that's what makes us so strong. We're there for the small and we're there for the big. No matter what, we will never—"

"Go anywhere." Vaughn finished.

"Exactly," Sydney said, sealing their declaration with a kiss.

THE END