Hello Hello! Sorry it has taken me so long to post this.. I have one more chapter already written so there might be another update by the end of the weekend... Hope you enjoy!

"British Airways Flight 182 now boarding" The attendant spoke over the loud-speaker.

CC was gripping Niles hand as she looked towards the gate. This was it. She was about to take on a new chapter in her life. She was about to board a plane that would take her to London. Her whole life had been packed into boxes and shipped half way across the world and she was about to do the same.

Niles squeezed her hand in return.

"That's your call." He turned to look at her, his eyes were soft as they look in the features of her face, not wanting to let her go but not wanting her to face the demons if she were to stay.

"Tell me this isn't all a mistake. Tell me that I did the right thing, that I am doing the right thing."

For once CC let her insecurities show through her icy exterior. It wasn't easy for her to show any sign of weakness. She involuntarily did that in front of him once and she wasn't quite sure she would ever get that far again. She hoped it never got that far again.

"You're doing the right thing. You never let anything stop you before why stop now?" He grasped both of her hands in his. "This is your chance Miss Babcock, show Mr. Sheffield that you can do better than he has ever done. You shouldn't let this guilt eat you up."

She took a long deep breath and closed her eyes.

"Come here." He pulled her into his arms and held her close. "Don't doubt yourself, Miss Babcock. You deserve this. John Norman wouldn't have offered you this position if he didn't think you would succeed." The scent of her perfume and shampoo filled his nose and he pulled her closer.

She rested her head on his chest, something she had only dreamed about. Her heart began to beat as she imagined what onlookers might think of them. Two star struck lovers? A married couple? Two friends having a long goodbye?

"You're being an old softie, you know that?" She mumbled into his chest.

"Only for you, Miss Babcock."

She pulled back from his arms just a bit. "You haven't made up your mind?"

"I haven't." Niles tucked a stray piece of her hair behind her ear. "Mr. Sheffield knows not to approach the subject too soon. Although, if he wants to have a decent show on his hands he is going to need help as soon as possible."

A look of disdain was sent his way. She didn't want to doubt Niles, for if he was one thing it was loyal. A part of her feared that his loyalty would always reside in the hands of Maxwell Sheffield despite their falling through.

It would be more work on her end if Niles were to team up with Maxwell. Niles would give her a run for her money at best. Her true concern, however, fell with Maxwell's loyalty. As he had shown before, it wasn't with herself or Niles. Niles would be doing all the work just like she did. He would run Niles into the ground and have no problem in doing so. She didn't like when she had to do it so she knew he wouldn't enjoy it either. Plus, she knew how stingy Maxwell could be. Niles, this contract needs looking over. Niles you know just how I like my tea, could you get me a cup? Niles there is trouble at the theater. Niles, Grace needs picked up from school. Niles, the set is all wrong. Niles, could you get the door.

"You will let me know as soon as you decide?"

"Of course."

"Final Boarding Call British Airways Flight 182" The voice rang out over the speaker again.

"I need to go." She whispered.

"You will do fine, Miss Babcock. Go." He let go of her arms and handed her the carry-on bag.

"Goodbye, Niles."

"Goodbye, CC" She looked at him for a second longer. "Go." He gave her a gentle push on the shoulders.

In that second, he realized that the only reason he stayed under Maxwell Sheffield's employment was boarding a plane. He was selfish and too prideful to run after her and wrap her up in his arms and never let her go. He had been treated like dirt, being at the beck and call of another man. At least she made work tolerable for him. And he wasn't any help to her.

After she handed the attendant her ticket, she looked back to see Niles still watching her. Her weak smile and fearful eyes told him she was scared but the way she squared her shoulders, lifted her chin and beamed the next second confirmed her resilience and tenacity.

And then she was gone. She walked away. She finally did it.

Coward. Niles thought.

He couldn't give her an answer. He couldn't move on with his life like she did. He couldn't tell her how he felt. He couldn't live up to her expectations or the ones he set for himself. She was right, he wouldn't be able to leave Maxwell Sheffield's employment. He couldn't even give Maxwell a straight answer, instead he continued to clean toilets and wash dishes.

She's only going to think of me as just a domestic. You bloody old fool, of course she is going to think that! You have done nothing to improve yourself. She gave you a chance of a life time. Bloody idiot.

And she was gone. And he turned and walked the other way.