Thanks guys, I'm so sorry for the delay! There should be one more chapter after this one :) Warning: Character death at the end of this chapter.
Andrea was discharged from the hospital easily and quickly the next morning. Miranda had been key in making the process run smoothly and swiftly. Although her blue eyes had dark circles and were red-rimmed, it just added to the illusion of her personality, and many nurses were scrambling to please the intimidating-looking woman. Miranda hadn't slept well the night prior, mostly because the bed hurt her back, and partly because she was fearful that if she fell asleep the brunette might breathe her last breath. She had held Andrea tightly throughout the night, sucking her breath in whenever the brunette's body shook with coughs or night sweats.
When they woke up, Andrea couldn't even describe how thankful she was that Miranda had stayed up with her all night. Pressing sweet kisses all over Miranda's exhausted face, she tried to convey her love through her actions. Miranda had hugged her tightly, and whispered, 'I love you' over and over again to the young woman. Shortly after, Miranda had snapped at a nurse to let them go, and 15 minutes later, they were in the car, driving to the townhouse. The paparazzi hadn't been tipped off, so no clamoring press was scrambling to get the latest news about the new Best Supporting Actress.
Once they reached the townhouse, both women were so exhausted, they went straight up to their bedroom and barely pulled the covers away before they fell down on the plush bed. Andrea curled on her side, facing Miranda, and interlaced their hands.
"When are the twins coming home?" Andrea asked, her voice a bit hoarse.
Miranda glanced at the bedside clock. "In about two hours or so. They both probably stayed up all night, so they are sleeping in this morning."
Andrea closed her eyes and nodded. "Get some sleep Mira," she whispered, squeezing the tense fingers in her own.
Miranda leaned in and captured Andrea's lips with her own, making the brunette smile. "I love you," Andrea managed to murmur before she fell asleep.
"I love you too," Miranda looked at Andrea with heavy eyes. She reached down and pulled the sheets and comforter up, carefully tucking the blankets in around the frail body so Andrea wouldn't get chilled. Snuggling closer to the sleeping woman, Miranda kissed her freckled nose and then allowed herself to fall asleep as well, letting her even breath mix with Andrea's.
"Hey Hugh," Andrea smiled as she talked to her good friend. Balancing the phone between her cheek and her shoulder, she played with Miranda's hair, trying to placate her jealous lover. Miranda grumbled, but snuggled deeper in Andrea's lap, content with the knowledge that Andrea loved her, and only her.
"Andy!" Hugh's voice could be heard through the small speaker, and Miranda rolled her eyes. "Are you alright?"
"Yes Hugh, I'm fine," Andrea brushed the back of her hand on the side of Miranda's face, keeping her dark eyes fixed on Miranda's crystal ones. "The whole thing at the Oscars is nothing to worry about. I just hadn't had enough food in my system, plus I was extremely nervous."
"Good god, I thought something terrible had happened," Andrea could practically hear Hugh's head shaking and smiled fondly.
"I do have something to tell you," Andrea confessed, her hand pausing in Miranda's hair. Concerned, the editor reached up and tangled her fingers with the brunette's.
"Yeah?" Hugh asked, his forehead creasing in concern.
"I have cancer," she whispered, and felt Miranda's hands tightening on hers almost painfully.
There was silence on the other end. Then a low whistle. "Geez Andy," Hugh's voice shook slightly. "I thought you said it was nothing to worry about. What kind of cancer?"
"Lymphoma," Andrea smiled at Miranda when the older woman kissed her palm.
"I thought that was easily treatable," Hugh said.
"They caught it too late," Andrea's lips tugged up into a sad smile. "And I waited too long to do chemo."
"Geez Andy," Hugh repeated, running his hand through his russet-colored hair. "Can I see you?"
"That was part of the reason why I called you," Andrea let out a soft chuckle. "You can come over today if you would like. I'm staying at Miranda's. I'll text you her address."
"Yeah, I'll be over around 3 or so," Hugh rubbed his eyes.
"Sounds good," Andrea twisted her finger in Miranda's soft hair. "See you then."
"Bye."
Hugh hung up and let himself shed a couple of tears for the amazing woman he had worked with.
The doorbell rang, and Caroline rushed to get it. Despite being a sleepover the night before, she had actually gotten to bed at a decent hour and didn't feel the need to sleep all day like her sister did. Flinging open the door, she grinned when she saw Hugh.
"Hi, I'm Caroline," she introduced herself and shook his hand.
"Hello Caroline," Hugh gave her a charming grin, and Caroline fainted a little when she heard his Australian accent. Pulling herself together, she cleared her throat and gestured up the stairs. "Andy's up there with my Mom."
"Thank you," Hugh smiled at her again, making Caroline let out an embarrassing giggle.
He made his way up the staircase, and immediately spotted Andrea and Miranda sitting on the bed together in a room down the hall. Their heads were leaning against each other, and they were talking quietly. Hesitantly, he walked over to the bedroom and knocked on the half-open door. Andrea looked up and her mega-watt smile lit up the room. Miranda looked up as well, and pinned him with an icy glare.
"Hey Andy," Hugh smiled. "Miranda."
"Hey Hugh!" Andrea shakily stood up, gently brushing off Miranda's attempt to help her. "It's okay," she whispered to her love.
Taking a deep breath, she leaned heavily on the bedside table and started making her way to her friend. Hugh quickly strode over to the bed and caught the thin brunette in his arms before she toppled over. Andrea threw her arms around him and inhaled his scent. While delicious, nothing could compare to Miranda's unique fragrance. Still, it was comforting and she felt safe wrapped in the strong actor's arms. They stood in their embrace for a while before Miranda had reached her limit and cleared her throat. Hugh looked up and caught Miranda's angry glare. Swallowing, he loosened his grip around Andrea and helped her sit back down on the bed where she was immediately enveloped in Miranda's somewhat-possessive embrace.
"It's so good to see you," Andrea said, her eyes shining as she looked at him.
"You too," he said gruffly, trying to keep his emotions in check.
His eyes wandered over her figure, noting that she was extremely skinny, and her face had become more gaunt. However, her big brown eyes were still as expressive as ever, and her beauty could not be killed by cancer. She was still smiling, and although exhaustion shone in every fiber of her being, she looked happy.
"I know," Andrea laughed self-consciously. "I'm a sight for sore eyes."
"Actually, I think you're beautiful," Hugh said honestly, wanting her to believe it.
"Thanks," Andrea blushed, and Miranda shot him another filthy look. "You can sit down. I feel awkward if you're the only one standing. Or if you prefer, we could go to the living room."
"Um," Hugh took one glance at Miranda's expression and hesitated.
"We can go to the sitting room," Andrea squeezed Miranda's arm gently. "That would be more comfortable anyways."
She stood up again, and Miranda quickly scrambled to help her. Hugh shook his head at the blatant love that shone between the two. He had never seen Miranda Priestly scramble for anything-let alone anyone. He was sure that Andy wouldn't have looked that...relaxed about everything if it weren't for Miranda. Hugh could feel the tension in his shoulders ease a bit when he realized that Andrea was safe, protected, and loved in Miranda's care. He followed the two women silently, keeping his large arms out to the sides in mid-air just in case they needed help.
Once they reached the living room, Andrea's forehead was sweaty and her respiration patterns were a little irregular. It was obvious that she was trying to downplay her well-being though, since her efforts to regulate her breathing were clearly shining on her face. Gritting her teeth, she drew strength from Miranda's firm grip on her waist, and made it to the living room before ungracefully plopping down on the couch. Her face turned a little red when she realized that the considerable effort it had taken her to walk down the stairs had made her produce sweat. Just a couple months ago, Andrea could run up and down the stairs multiple times without even causing a hitch in her breathing. Miranda sensed her love's discomfort, and motioned for Hugh to sit down across from the brunette while she claimed the space next to Andrea for herself.
"Caroline," Miranda called softly, and the redhead appeared.
"Yes Mom?" she held a small blue bowl of pistachios in her hand.
"Please get us water."
"Sure," Caroline disappeared.
Within minutes, she came back tediously balancing three glasses of water in her hands. Hugh immediately jumped up and helped her, taking two of the glasses and setting them in front of Miranda and Andrea. Caroline, flushed, meekly handed him the last glass and tried not to blush further when he took it with the sexiest nod she had ever seen. Their fingers brushed, and Caroline snatched her hand back as quickly as she could. He's married. And has children. Tipping her head, she rushed quickly from the room and back to her bowl of pistachios, trying to soothe her thumping heartbeat. Andrea watched her go with an expression of love on her face. She drank the water in front of her, trying not to gulp it down too fast. The other two adults watched her with concern etched on their faces, as if she would drop dead any second. Although her lungs burned from the oxygen-depravity and her energy was zapped, she schooled her features and began a conversation to ease the tension.
"So, how are you Hugh?" she asked with another winning smile on her face.
Hugh leaned over and rested his forearms on his thighs, clutching his hands together, and thought that Andrea Sachs was one of the strongest, most inspirational, and sweetest girls he had ever met.
The adults had a relaxed conversation after the initial strain in the beginning, and talked about Hugh's life, as well as Andy's and Miranda's. They joked, they were serious, and they had periods where none of them said anything, lost in their own thoughts. Throughout the conversation, Hugh had made some intellectual comments, as well as funny quips that had made Andrea laugh, so Miranda had warmed up to him. Mid-way through, Cassidy had stumbled down the stairs and abruptly stopped when she saw Hugh. Self-consciously, she had smoothed her hair, which had stuck up in odd places, and mumbled a 'hi' before dashing back up to make herself more presentable. Andrea chuckled when she saw that both twins were enamored with the actor. Soon, Cassidy had come back down looking considerably more dressed up than she had before, and sat with them, seating herself next to Andrea's other side. Caroline, seeing her sister join, slunk in and sat in the chair closest to Hugh. Their conversation lightened, since they had the topics of the twins to talk about, and Andrea could feel her spirits lift. Miranda, whose arm was gently slung around Andrea's waist, could feel some of the stress drain out of her lover, and softly squeezed her side. The brunette looked at Miranda with so much love in her dark pools, that the older woman had to catch her breath. She took Miranda's hand and caressed it, not letting go until they stood up again when Hugh left.
Andrea hugged the actor goodbye, both of them thinking it may be the last time that they see each other until-well. Andrea tried very hard not to think about that. Biting her lip, she tried to convey her feelings of immense friendship and love to her mentor through her embrace. Hugh rested his cheek on top of his young friend's hair, and closed his eyes, remembering the scene he did in the movie where he had carried her to the hospital. She had seemed so frail, but that was acting. Now, she really was frail, and he had no place to carry her. He understood what Andrea was trying to communicate, and tried his damned hardest to reciprocate his feelings through his actions. Miranda and her children looked at them silently, knowing how much it meant for them to say goodbye-they knew it meant more than just saying goodbye until they saw each other again. Cassidy reached over and, startling Miranda, wrapped her arms around her waist and clung tightly. Miranda rested her hand on her daughter's back and squeezed, not being able to form words. Caroline stood up from her place in the chair and made her way to Miranda's other side and copied her twin's position, resting her head on Miranda's stomach. The Editor could feel her eyes prickling with tears, and tried furiously to blink them away. After Andrea and Hugh had finally stepped away from each other, he kissed her forehead and stepped back, still holding her hands. Miranda would have been seeing red, but she knew that their relationship was no more than a wonderful friendship. He had helped her Andrea be successful. She gave a comforting squeeze to her children, and then stood up and walked over to where they were standing. Her hand resumed its earlier position on Andrea's waist, and she shook hands with Hugh after he had let go of the young woman's hands.
"Thank you," he said quietly to Miranda.
She shook her head. "No, thank you."
He nodded and smiled tightly at Andrea. "Take care of yourself, kiddo."
"I will. I have Miranda," Andrea said sweetly. Then she turned serious. "Thank you so much for everything Hugh."
Hugh gave her one last smile and replied, "You're welcome. It was truly an honor to meet you Andrea Sachs." Turning to Caroline and Cassidy who were still on the couch, his lips turned up and said, "It was nice to meet you Cassidy and Caroline. You both are remarkable young ladies."
And then, before things got too emotional, he turned on his heel and walked to the front door. Andrea watched him go with a fondness in her eyes and then turned to her love. Wrapping her arms around Miranda's back, she pulled the older woman close to her body and rested her forehead against the soft skin of the other woman's.
"Thank you," she breathed.
Miranda answered her with a kiss and then rested her forehead back on Andrea's. Caroline and Cassidy came over from the couch, and hugged them both in a four-way embrace. Andrea's arms dropped from Miranda's back and rested on each girl's shoulder, making them feel more included. However, her forehead still rested against Miranda's to maintain their physical connection.
After a quiet evening with the girls, Andrea and Miranda made the tedious climb back up the staircase to get to their bedroom.
"I really should have installed an elevator," Miranda's heart ached when she saw the brunette struggling.
Andrea let out a breathless laugh and replied, "You have three flights. Hardly any reason to."
When they finally reached their bedroom, Andrea collapsed onto the bed and rolled on her back, taking deep shuddering gulps of air. Miranda sat next to her, gently stroking her face and feeling helpless. Once the younger woman regained her equilibrium, she smiled up at Miranda and tugged her down to lay next to her.
"Thank you," she said, kissing the older woman.
"You're welcome," Miranda said simply, her lips tugging up in a beautiful smile.
"Mira," Andrea started and then blushed deeply.
"What is it darling?" Miranda brushed the back of her fingers against Andrea's cheekbone, making the latter close her eyes.
"I-that is, um," Andrea stuttered before pulling herself together. "I want to make love to you."
Floored, Miranda raised Andrea's hand and kissed her palm. "If you are well enough-"
"I am," Andrea's eyes shone with determination and love.
She leaned in and captured Miranda's perfect lips with her own. Mustering all her strength, she rolled on top of her love and deepened the kisses. Miranda moaned softly, and Andrea's heart almost exploded at the sound. She wanted Miranda to feel all the love and desire and thankfulness she possessed for her. The older woman had been key in helping her live, and Andrea needed to show her how much Miranda's love meant to her. Sucking on Miranda's bottom lip before plunging her tongue into her mouth, Andrea's hands roamed up her soul mate's slender body. She cupped a full breast in her hand and tilted her head so she was planting kisses over the pale expanse of Miranda's throat. Nipping gently, Andrea reached up and pulled Miranda's shirt off and admired the creamy expanse of skin on display after she did. Miranda's silky skin seemed to glow in the moonlight, and Andrea felt like the luckiest girl in the world, being able to love a woman as miraculous and wonderful as Miranda. She reached around the older woman's back and unclasped the bra before pulling it off and dropping on the floor next to them. Massaging the sensitive naked flesh tenderly, Andrea let her other hand roam lower and carefully unbuttoned Miranda's pants. She didn't want to waste any time pulling the designer pants off, so her fingers slipped under Miranda's underwear line, and dove into warmth. Miranda cried out and arched up into Andrea's body. Andrea used her other hand to run through the silvery iconic hair, and leaned in to capture Miranda's slightly parted mouth with her own. Skilled fingers rubbed and gently slid into molten heat with precision.
"Andrea," her name fell from Miranda's lips, and Andrea's heart had never felt so full as it did in that moment.
"I love you so much," she whispered in Miranda's ear and began slowly pumping her fingers in and out.
It was slow, deep, and sensual. Andrea reveled in every single one of Miranda's whimpers, moans, and quietly exhaled 'Andrea's.' Taking an extended pink nipple in her hot mouth, Andrea lathered it with her tongue and Miranda's fingers came up to tangle in her short hair. Still pumping her fingers in and out of her lover, Andrea found the most sensitive, spongy spot in Miranda's warmth, and curled her fingers against it. Miranda's answering gasp alerted Andrea to the fact that she was about to climax. Andrea leaned back up to Miranda's mouth, and pressed her lips against the Editor's before thrusting deeply one last time. Miranda's whole body tensed and froze before her orgasm washed over her and she shuddered and whimpered against Andrea's lips. The brunette's lips curved in a knowing smile and she peppered Miranda's face with kisses until the other woman recovered enough to give her a weak smile. Slowly, not wanting to hurt her love, Andrea withdrew her fingers and licked them, savouring Miranda's unique taste. Bright blue eyes watched her every move and then warm hands pulled her back down to pink lips.
"I love you," Miranda sighed.
"And I love you," Andrea gave one last kiss before rolling off of a half-naked Miranda.
Immediately missing Andrea's warmth, Miranda reached over and said, "Don't you want me to..."
"No," Andrea said, kissing Miranda's wrist. "Tonight was about you and how much you mean to me. Thank you Mira."
Tears once again prickled at Miranda's eyes, and instead of blinking them away, she allowed them to fall. "Thank you Andrea."
Reaching over, she cupped the brunette's face and stroked it gently. Andrea closed her eyes and leaned into the touch. Pressing kisses to Miranda's fingertips, Andrea whispered, "I think it's time for bed Mira."
Looking down at her rumpled slacks and underwear, a flush creeped up Miranda's neck and she quickly tugged them both off, leaving her gloriously naked. Andrea's chocolate eyes admired the toned flesh and she giggled, "Next time, I will get you fully undressed." Miranda shook her head, making her signature white forelock fall in her eyes and Andrea reached up to brush it away. Uncovering vibrant blue eyes, Andrea's heart ached at the tender and somewhat sad look in the crystal depths. Andrea looked down, sinking her teeth in her lower lip and felt Miranda's finger under her chin, gently pushing it back up to look in her eyes. No words were needed. Andrea slowly reached up and pulled her top and her bra off, and then hooked her fingers in her belt loops and pushed them down her long legs. Her underwear came off last, and Miranda pulled her close to finally feel her bare flesh against her own. They sighed in unison at the familiar contact, and Miranda cradled Andrea's head close to her chest.
"Miranda?" Andrea asked.
"Yes darling?"
"I just want you to know how much you mean to me," Andrea's fingertips came up to skim lightly across Miranda's collarbones. "I love you so much, that words cannot express the depth that I care for you. Shh, don't say anything. I have to get this out." Andrea took a deep breath and continued, "Miranda, you're everything to me, and I have to say, without you...I might be-well not here right now. It's because of you that I am fighting this cancer. I was ready to give up and lie in bed until my time came-" Miranda's arms squeezed tightly around her- "until you granted me a second chance, and gave me the strength and courage and a reason to live. So," she took a shuddering breath and smiled against Miranda's sternum, "I just wanted to say thank you for everything. Thank you for loving me."
Miranda was silent for a few moments, but her sniffles alerted Andrea to the fact that she was crying. Looking up, one of Miranda's tears dropped on Andrea's face and started to make its way down her cheek. A pink tongue swiped out to catch it, and Andrea tasted Miranda's sadness.
"My darling Andrea," Miranda breathed and she leaned down to touch her elegant nose against Andrea's, "love is not something to thank me for. I am eternally grateful though, that you have decided to love me as well. Without you, I'm not sure I can go on."
"You must Miranda," Andrea drew in a sharp breath. "For the twins, for Runway, and for the world. If the time comes-"
"Stop Andrea," Miranda shut her eyes. "Don't talk of such things."
"I have to Miranda," Andrea lightly kissed Miranda's eyelids. "If the time comes, I need you to continue with life. I will always be with you, no matter what."
Miranda opened her eyes again and an ocean of tears were swimming in them.
"Promise me Miranda," Andrea gazed in Miranda's eyes. "Promise."
Miranda looked at her and then placed her hand on Andrea's chin. "I promise," she whispered, her breath flitting against Andrea's lips. Then, she tugged and connected her lips with Andrea, trying to reassure herself that the brunette would survive and the chemo would work.
Andrea Sachs died three months and six days after that emotional night. Her hair was mostly gone, and her body was mostly skin and bones, but she still had the same radiance that emitted ever since she came to Runway. The various administrations of chemo Andrea had received hadn't done much for her cancer, except maybe prolong her death for a couple of weeks. Still, Andrea fought until the end, and wouldn't let her cancer come in between her time with Miranda or the girls. She had her good days, and her bad days, yet rarely did she blow up in anger or cry until her eyes were dry. Andrea considered herself to be lucky since she had such a strong family unit supporting her, and of course, the greatest love of her life was always there to comfort and protect her. The night before she passed, Miranda and her stayed up talking. Soon, Andrea whispered 'I love you' to Miranda, and then fell asleep with her head resting on the older woman's shoulder. Miranda kissed Andrea's forehead, reciprocated the words, and then wrapped her arms around the painfully skinny brunette. In the morning, Miranda immediately knew something was wrong. Sometime in the night, Andrea had moved off of Miranda and had rolled to the other side of the bed. She was facing away from Miranda, and wasn't breathing. Screaming, Miranda had rolled her love over, and started crying when she realized Andrea was gone. Her face, seemingly serene, was devoid of life. Never again would Miranda see her beautiful dark eyes, or hear her name fall from the woman's pouty lips. The twins came running into their mother's bedroom, to find that she was hunched over Andrea's still form, sobbing hysterically. Their eyes immediately became wet, and they cried when they realized that the woman who had become their second mother had passed away. The Priestly women hugged each other tightly, sharing their anguish and grief through their cries and sobs.
In the three months leading up to Andrea's death, Miranda had helped remind Andrea of how much she was loved, and how beautiful she was. Andrea had felt incredibly self-conscious and ugly due to the scarring and bruises she had received from both the chemo and the condition of her easy bruising. She hadn't wanted Miranda to touch her, even though the older woman tried to reassure her that she was safe in Miranda's arms. But, Miranda had been patient and Andrea had finally allowed the older woman to love her. It was one of the most intense, beautiful moments they had shared, and Miranda had thanked the heavens for that first special night. Throughout the months, Miranda had shown Andrea just how precious and cherished she was, and Andrea had reciprocated.
The press hadn't been easy on them. The Dragon Lady had a new cancer-stricken lesbian lover who was the world's newest famous actress. Nothing could have made bigger headlines. So, every day when Miranda went to work, she had to face hundreds of video cameras, journalists, and photographers that all screamed questions at her. Holding her head high, she ignored each and every one of them. Andrea had given a statement concerning her personal health condition as well as her relationship and living condition, which helped ease the press a little bit, but not much. Andrea could barely have Lily over, since the front of the townhouse was swarmed with paparazzi. Her best friend had stumbled in, and they shared a light-hearted chuckle over the press before becoming serious and addressing the reason they were there. It was like Hugh. Andrea didn't know if it would be the last time she saw her friend, so they made the good-byes count. They had met a total of 7 times before their Last Chat, each time a wonderful memory of happiness and laughter.
So when the time came for Andrea's funeral, she had said all of her good-byes to the people she loved and cared about. Emily and Nigel had even come over to the townhouse for a drink (although Andrea had water). The outdoor funeral was well-attended, since the kind brunette had made many friendships during her time with Runway, Les Mis, and the brief period in-between when she worked odd jobs. Miranda's heart was sated a bit when she saw all of the people her sweet Andrea had managed to befriend, and smiled a little when she thought of the ways her love had captured their hearts. However, when the service started, Miranda's smile vanished, and the Ice Queen was slammed firmly into place. She stared straight ahead, tight-lipped, and pale-faced. The funeral made everything seem so real. Andrea was really gone. A sob lodged in her throat, but she firmly swallowed it back down. She would not fall apart in front of utter strangers. She would do it when she was alone, in the privacy of her own bedroom, away from prying eyes. When the touching service was over, she gathered her things, made sure her girls were with her, and climbed in her car and drove away. Many people thought she was a ruthless bitch for not saying anything at Andrea's funeral, or for leaving immediately after the service, but Miranda didn't care. She knew that if she stayed there a second longer, she would have made a fool of herself by falling apart at the seams. Besides, Miranda knew that Andrea would have understood if it had been somebody else's funeral that she had been close to, such as Nigel. She would have left the same way, with not a word exhaled at his service. Miranda went home that day and fell into her bed, inhaling the very faint scent of Andrea still lingering on the sheets. Then, she finally succumbed to her tears, and she sobbed her heart out, wanting to fade away.
But, life goes on, and Miranda needed to pull herself together to do her job and protect Runway. Every day though, she felt a piece of herself die when she remembered that Andrea wasn't there to greet her when she returned home after a long day, or smile her wonderful smile with those beautiful warm chocolate eyes. The only thing that kept her sane was the photos her beloved had taken for her Runway photoshoot, which now seemed like ages ago. Andrea's warm gaze seemed to penetrate her very soul, and the copies Miranda had were getting worn on the edges, due to endless nights tightly clutching the brunette in her arms, trying somehow to bring her back. There were times when Miranda was very close to selfishly ending her own life, but Andrea's voice always stopped her. If the time comes, I need you to continue with life. Miranda also had her girls. If she killed herself, they would be traumatized. So to cover her depression and indescribable sadness, Miranda donned the Ice Queen mask wherever she went. The rare times where she allowed it to drop was when she was in the company of Nigel, the girls, and occasionally Emily. Nighttime was the hardest, since there was nothing to distract her. Yet, on those restless nights, Miranda could hear Andrea's soothing voice tell her, I will always be with you, no matter what. She had hope that what Andrea said was true. By God, she lived on it.
Thank you to everybody who has read this. Last chapter will be up soon.
Also, to guest who reviewed, I apologize for not putting a warning before you read it! I didn't think about it like that...I'm so sorry. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.