A brief apology for any continuity issues we have while writing this story. This very quickly became 'Frakenannie' and the different versions are all jumbling together. We also rock at keeping our notes straight B) Thank you for your patience!

DECEMBER 1933

"Admit it, you had fun today."

Oliver furrowed his brow at Grace from across the desk.

She smiled.

"It wasn't as insufferable as I'd imagined it'd be, no."

"They're good kids."

"I never said they weren't."

With a sigh, Grace leaned on her elbows. "How plausible do you think it is that we'll find Annie's parents?"

"Not a clue. Luckily we have a few things to go on. I won't say it's impossible."

"Good."

"Don't get your hopes up too high, though. A lot has happened in the last twelve years. Even if we do find them, how can we expect they're better equipped to care for a child now if they weren't then?"

"I hadn't thought of that…"

"I'll offer help, of course."

She smiled again. "You will?"

With his jaw nervously clenched, he replied, "I sort of have to under the circumstances. I can't seek them out and pass the child off on them that they weren't ready to care for."

"And possibly two more if I'm interpreting their conversations correctly."

"I noticed that as well. That's an awfully big thing to promise."

"She's a child. A loyal child who refuses to leave her best friends behind."

"Loyal to a fault," Oliver mumbled.

"There's nothing wrong with being loyal."

"In theory there isn't. But look at the danger she put herself in because of that sense of loyalty. The girl ran out onto the streets of New York without the faintest idea where she was."

"After what you told me last night, you should empathize with the lengths someone might go for another."

"Entirely different situations."

"Not in essence. Sure, the ages and circumstances are different, but it sounds to me like you put yourself in a risky position."

"Let's not rehash this, Grace. It's all in the past. That doesn't mean I'm going to condone Annie's reckless decisions. If not for your own sense of loyalty you've so readily formed concerning the girl, she might have frozen out there. Maybe worse."

"Again, I must point out that you also took immediate responsibility for me back then."

"Grace…"

"I'm just saying that for the first time, I'm able to understand where you came from at least to some extent."

"Fine," he said, sitting up. "Can we change the subject now, please?"

She was about to let it drop, but a moment later found herself saying, "You know so much about my past. I don't really know much about yours."

"Sure you do."

"Not really. You've always been vague about it."

"Typically when people are vague about their past they have a reason," he grumbled.

"Which is why I've never pried."

"Then why start now?"

"Because when the girls were asking about us today it hit me just how long I've known you. Looking back I realize how young I was. So many others would have taken advantage of my position. You saved me from so much."

"Good grief, Grace. Don't get all mushy."

With a gentle roll of her eyes, she chuckled. "I'm quite serious. I was only five years older than Annie and Hannah."

Oliver's eyes widened at this. "I hadn't thought of it that way… it seems like you were much older. At least, once you stopped looking so frail. Annie and Hannah… they're little kids."

"All the more reason I want to give them a chance at childhood while they still can. Molly stands more of a chance. The older girls seem to have taken good care of her."

He was inclined to agree.

"My point is that we've been through a lot together." She paused, hesitating to finish her thought. After a breath, she continued. "Haven't you noticed lately that things have been… I'm not sure how to word it… different? Different between the two of us. The last several months."

"No," he said sharply as he looked away from her. He shuffled some papers in an attempt to busy himself.

She raised an eyebrow, not breaking her gaze until he looked up again.

Knowing her determination could match his any day, he decided it would be quicker to give in. "What do you want me to say?"

"I want you to be honest."

Oliver sighed. "Yeah, things have been a little different. What does that have to do with your sudden interest in my past?"

"It's a mix of everything. I've always wondered how you could have developed an instant need to help a stranger to the point where you brought me into your home. With Annie and the girls I'm beginning to understand. But I can also recognize that it was my past that drew me to Annie over the other kids in the orphanage. I imagine it was the same for you."

"Yes, and I said as much straight away if I remember. Even told you what happened. Told you about my parents a few times, too."

"I'm not asking what happened," Grace said. "I'm asking about you. Obviously what happened with that girl left a lasting impact on you. You had that haunted look about you earlier today. It seemed to coincide with the girls talking about the orphanage. I haven't seen that in a while."

"You of all people should understand attacks of the past."

"Yes," she said, her tone turning rigid. "And you've helped me through those moments. I want to be able to help you through yours."

"You can help me by letting the matter drop. I'm fine, Grace."

"But—"

"I mean it. We have work to do. We lost most of the day and tomorrow is shaping up to be the same. I expect the FBI will be in touch at some point. I can't miss the meeting with La Guardia at one. Then we have that dreadful Hour of Smiles appearance, though I suspect the girls will get a hoot out of it."

Grace reluctantly grabbed her notebook as Oliver showed no signs of pausing. She didn't know why she expected anything more. She jotted down her notes as best she could, but her mind remained elsewhere.

AUGUST 1905

"Long time no see."

Oliver smiled. He almost resented her for being able to so effortlessly lighten his mood even when there was a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Sorry. Busy working."

"You're always busy working. Don't you ever think to take a break?"

"Not as long as there's money to be made."

"Did you at least eat lunch today? You're even thinner than you were the last time I saw you."

"You mean since last week?" He rolled his eyes. "You worry too much about me."

"Because you make foolish decisions."

He didn't confirm or deny this. "Can I come in?"

"No," she said in a slightly lower voice. "Not just now."

Oliver nodded understandingly. "Sneak out for a walk then?"

Eliza glanced behind her, taking several seconds to decide her answer. "Should be okay. Meet me downstairs."

Tipping his hat, he turned down the hallway.

. . .

"How are things?" Oliver asked as he and Eliza lazily strolled down the street.

"The same."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Better than worse."

"True."

"What about you?" she asked. "I was beginning to worry something had happened to you."

"Lost track of time, is all. As usual."

"You're going to put yourself in an early grave, you know."

"At least I'll die rich."

"You're hardly rich." She nearly tripped him when she thumped his boot with her foot. "These things are falling off your feet."

"If I spent everything I make then I won't have any money."

"You could at least afford to get yourself a proper place to live instead of renting that sorry excuse for a room above the fish market."

"Would love to, except people don't like renting to 'kids'. I'm lucky to have the room. Besides, I only go there to sleep. Doesn't seem like much point of it until you can leave home."

Eliza blushed. Oliver could see her try and suppress a smile. "That won't be for a while."

"A year or two."

"An excruciatingly long time."

After a moment, Oliver said, "You can always leave early."

"Not without written consent."

"Not much anyone can do about it if they can't find you."

"Don't, Oliver. You know any scheme is only going to make things worse. I've handled myself for this long. I'll get through the next couple of years as well."

"I just hate seeing you go through this. This is the first time in a month I don't immediately see any bruises on you."

With a shush, she said, "Don't say such things aloud."

Mumbling an apology, he then said, "You're the sweetest person I know. You deserve better."

Eliza grabbed his hand. "Knowing better is in store makes the present more bearable. These things happen."

"But they shouldn't."

Looking away again, she frowned. "The hardest part is that it wasn't always like this. He was never like this before the accident. Losing my mother on top of his injuries was more than he could handle."

Oliver knew the story well, but he still couldn't sympathize with the man. "That's no excuse to take his anger out on you."

"I don't claim to understand his reasoning, just that I know he's not himself at his worst. I still want to leave home as soon as I'm able, but I'm afraid it will only make things worse right now."

"That's not your responsibility."

"I'm all he has. It absolutely is."

Oliver grumbled, deciding it was better to leave any further response inaudible.

"Let's not dwell on this, Oliver." She pointed at the sky. "Doesn't it seem like there are more stars out than usual?"

"Didn't notice," he said.

"Let's sneak up one of those fire escapes. One of them has to lead to the roof.

Oliver couldn't hold back a laugh any longer. Eliza's capacity for optimism was dizzying. So long as she was content, or whatever the fitting word for her life was, he supposed he could make peace with the way things needed to be for a little while longer.

DECEMBER 1933

The mansion didn't seem as scary at night with Molly and Hannah safe and snug in the bed with her. Still, Annie found herself waking to every sound. Whether they were real or imagined noises she'd been becoming less certain.

While she remained uneasy, she felt a sense of safety she hadn't felt in a long while. Her mind was spinning with the possible outcomes of the search for her parents, but for the first time ever, she felt cared for. Miss Farrell — and even Mr. Warbucks — genuinely seemed to care about her, Hannah, and Molly. Saying the mansion was cozy wasn't an accurate description, but it was warm and secure. Really, she couldn't ask for much more.

She wasn't sure what time it was when she got up. It was still dark so she knew it was early. Early enough that the maids hadn't started their morning duties yet. She was glad of this as her stomach rumbled. She wasn't sure how she could be hungry after all of the foods she'd eaten the day before. But it was kind of nice knowing that if she was hungry there was food available. She didn't think Mrs. Pugh would be too angry if she sneaked down to the kitchen for a snack.

She'd learned the layout of the house pretty quickly, especially after the exploration last evening with Hannah and Molly. It was tricky navigating in the dark, but she found her way downstairs without too much trouble. When she came to the doorway, she was surprised to see the kitchen light on. She pressed her back flat against the wall, a sudden wave of nervousness hitting her. She took a breath. The people here weren't like Miss Hannigan, she told herself. No one was going to yell at her for wanting an apple or something. Likely the opposite. These people sure liked to eat.

Annie collected herself and walked into the kitchen with a smile expecting to see Mrs. Pugh. Instead, she came across a startled Mr. Warbucks.

"Oh," he said, turning around from the stove. "I thought I'd heard footsteps but wasn't seeing anyone."

"Sorry..."

"Don't be. Can't sleep either?"

Annie shrugged. "I guess not. I came down for a snack."

"Here," Oliver grabbed the plate next to him on the counter and flipped the sandwich in the frying pan into it. "I'll make another."

At his side now, Annie took the plate and stared at it. "What is it?"

"A grilled cheese."

"Sounds weird."

"Worse than a hotdog?"

"No," she laughed. "Weird, but better than a hotdog. Thanks."

Oliver chuckled, reaching for two more pieces of bread.

"I didn't know you cooked," Annie said before taking a bite.

"I don't usually. I didn't want to wake Mrs. Pugh at this hour. I suppose she'll be up soon, though."

"Hey, this is pretty good."

"Even better with tomato soup. Unfortunately, I don't know where Mrs. Pugh keeps the cans. Knowing her she probably makes it from scratch. I should pay more attention to these things."

"Why don't you?"

Confused by the question, he shrugged. "Just focused on work."

"Don't you get tired working all the time?"

"Not particularly. Before the Depression I was better about taking breaks. I never can relax on a vacation, though. All I can think is how much money I'm losing being away from the office."

Through another large bite of her grilled cheese, she asked, "Is having lots of money really that great? I mean, yeah, you've got food and a house and all that. But this place is huge and you don't even have a family to live in it with you. Why do you need all this space?"

Oliver didn't know how to answer.

Annie waited for a minute or two, then made a rolling gesture with her hand. "Well?"

"I'm thinking."

"If you've gotta think about it why do you work like you do?"

"Habit, I guess. Growing up poor and being homeless as a kid, I guess I just wanted to ensure I'd never be in that position again. All of this is security."

"But wouldn't you have even more money if you lived in a small house with just the space you need?"

He flipped his sandwich onto a new plate. "I suppose so. But the space here isn't wasted. My office is here. I don't have to commute. My staff almost all live here. Some with families."

"I haven't seen any other kids around."

"Their children are grown and have jobs here as well."

"Oh."

"And there's always room for company," he winked. "Speaking of which, Grace tells me you three girls are all sharing a room. Don't you each want your own space?"

Annie shook her head in almost a panic. "No, we're used to sharing a room. Back at the orphanage Molly and me shared a bed even. She doesn't like sleeping alone."

"I see."

"You won't make us sleep apart, will you?"

"Of course not. Whatever makes you happy."

She relaxed.

Looking at her empty plate, Oliver said in an attempt to change the subject, "That's the fastest I've ever seen you eat anything. You didn't even eat that much of your ice cream earlier."

"It was good but really sweet. This was exactly what my tummy wanted."

Oliver chuckled. "I'm glad to have helped. This is my favorite meal."

"But it's so simple. What about all them fancy things Mrs. Pugh makes?"

"Oh, I enjoy those, too. But sometimes plain and simple is good."

"Could you... maybe teach me how to make it sometime? You know, in case I get hungry in the middle of the night again."

"Still hungry? Might as well show you now. It's easy."

Annie's eyes lit up. "You mean it?"

Pushing his plate to the side, he tilted his head in the direction of the stove. "No time like the present."

"Gee, thanks Mr. Warbucks. Maybe tomorrow I can surprise Hannah and Molly by cooking lunch for them. Do you think Mrs. Pugh'll let me?"

"I don't see why not."

Annie watched and listened attentively through the lesson. It wasn't complicated, but she still felt nervous when he handed her the spatula. She'd never used a stove before. Never cooked anything at all. There was a strange stirring inside her of wanting to impress Mr. Warbucks. Though, maybe that wasn't so strange. He was going to help find her parents after all.

Hopefully...

"There you go," he said when she successfully flipped the bread.

"Now how do I know when the other side is done?"

"Wait about the same amount of time. You can always peek underneath and see."

Annie did so, though it kind of felt like cheating.

"Do you think Mrs. Pugh can make some tomato soup later? I wanna try it now."

"We'll leave a note for her."

Annie smiled, turning her attention back to the frying pan. For a split second, she found herself wondering what it would be like if she could stay here for good. Was this what it was like to have a father? She'd only ever thought of what her parents might be like as people and having a house with a room of her own filled with toys and a closet full of dresses that actually fit her. She never thought of the mundane things like learning how to cook a midnight snack or walking through Central Park and listening to stories. It felt… safe. That was the only word for it having lived a life full of uncertainty.

She snapped out of the daydream quickly. She knew better than to get attached. Mr. Warbucks and Miss Farrell hadn't let on to any inclination to wanting kids full time. Hannah might've been right about there being something between the two of them (whether they knew it or not) but they still weren't married. There was probably a reason. Besides, there was still a chance that her parents were out there. Though she'd been growing more concerned to the contrary, she wasn't ready to give up just yet.

In the meantime, she decided, she would enjoy this glimpse of familial life while she could.