**I DON'T OWN DEGRASSI!**
Maybe this Time
It was Christmas Eve and a snowstorm had just arrived in Toronto. The Degrassi students decided to gather for a small reunion at Declan and Holly J's house. The two organized everything. They contacted all of their Degrassi friends, even those who didn't live in Canada anymore. It has been far too long since everyone saw a glimpse of each other. After graduation they all went to their separate ways and started their own journeys through life.
Of course it was the same situation for Adam. After he graduated he moved to California to become an animator. And now he works for Disney. His latest work is Tangled, an animated film which is still currently playing in the theaters. He was proud of what he does and he's not afraid to boast his accomplishments to others. All in all, he was satisfied with his life. He couldn't ask for anything better. But there was one thing he still longs for….a lifelong partner.
Fiona on the other hand wasn't satisfied with the turn of events in her life. At first, she was happy. After graduating she moved to New York to pursue fashion. She made it to the fashion world easily and is now working side by side with some of the most of famous designers in the world. She got married to a wonderful man and she gave birth to a beautiful daughter. Her life was pretty much perfect. But all that changed after her divorce. After the divorce she and her daughter moved back to Toronto. Now, she is a single parent trying to raise her four year old daughter alone.
The night was young and Adam was happily chatting with his friends Eli and Clare. The couple told him everything that had happened between them and how they made their way back to each other after they went their separate ways. He was amazed at how they managed to stay together even after all these years. He was truly happy for them. However, he can't help but feel a little jealous as well because he doesn't have what they have…love. He wanted to fall in love so badly. He wanted to find that special someone that he can spend the rest of his life with. He had multiple relationships before, but none of them seem to ever work out. And he was unsure as to why that is.
He excused himself from the couple and made his way towards the porch. He wanted to be alone for a while, just to think. Little did he know that the porch was already occupied.
Before he could realize that there was already someone sitting on the steps, he had already slammed the door shut causing the person to turn towards his direction. To his surprise it was Fiona Coyne. She was sitting on the steps with her arms wrapped around her body. It's freezing outside. I wonder why she's out here in the cold alone. "Umm….sorry, I didn't know it was occupied. I'll go." When he was about to make his leave he heard her call his name. "Wait, Adam." He stopped and turned around to face her. "You could stay, if you'd like. I could use some company." She smiled and tapped the seat next to her. He followed suit and took a seat next to her.
The two of them were silent. They just sat there and stared out at the snow covered street of Toronto. It was awkward at first because they haven't spoken to each other since high school. Neither of them knew what to say to each other.
Fiona broke the ice first. "Doesn't this seem familiar to you?" she asked smiling at him. It took him a while to realize what she meant but he chuckled once he did. He remembered the time when he first met her. He saw her sitting on steps of Degrassi alone waiting for her taxi, just like now except she's not waiting for a ride home. It was during that moment when he started having a crush on her. She was the first person who accepted him for who he was, which made him fall for her even more. But that crush soon faded when she didn't show up to the party he threw just for her. That day she made it clear that she didn't see him in a romantic light. It was heartbreaking but he got over it. They decided to become friends afterwards. He felt awkward being friends with her since he still liked her. But after she graduated, all of that dissipated. Did it?
Thinking about the past made him feel awkward sitting there alone with her. I still don't have a crush on her, do I? He glanced towards her face and stared at it for a moment. He can't help but acknowledge the fact that she still look as beautiful as ever even after all of these years. He has to admit, even after having so many girlfriends no one has ever topped Fiona's beauty. It was something to be truly acknowledged.
She glanced towards his direction when she felt his stare. The two caught each other's gazes and they stared at each other's eyes. She can't help but notice how Adam looked at her. It was as if he was looking at her the same way he looked at her when they were still in high school. Could it be that he still has feeling for me? She blushed at the thought. She liked him before, and to be honest after seeing him again, she still harbored the same feelings for him. Back then, she just wasn't ready for another relationship.
Adam broke his gaze from Fiona and looked down at his hands. He cleared his throat to dissolve the awkwardness between them. "So, how's life?" he asked casually still looking down at his hands. Still looking at his face she answered, "It's great." For some reason, the tone of her voice didn't convince him. When he glanced towards her direction he noticed the ring on her left ring finger. She's married. He felt a slight sting in his chest at the thought. "You're married?" he asked bitterly. She noticed him looking at her hand and quickly covered it with her other hand. "I used to be. I'm divorced." She whispered, but loud enough to catch Adam's attention. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I—" He started, but she cut him off. "It's alright. It's already been a year." She gave him a weak smile. He mentally kicked himself for bringing up such a topic. He felt bad of course that her relationship didn't work out, but deep down inside he felt sort of relieved.
Fiona noticed his silence. She turned her head towards him and saw his confused expression. She giggled at his face causing him to look up. "What so funny?" he asked raising an eyebrow. "Your expression." She said still smiling. He blushed and scratched the back of his head. When he was about to say something witty, they heard a sudden sound. "It's my phone." She said as she dug it out of her purse.
"Hello? Oh, hey baby. Why are you still up? Is there something wrong?" He watched her as she listened intently to the other line. "Ok, baby. I'm coming. Yes. Thirty minutes tops." She giggled. "I promise. Bye." After she ended the phone call she returned her attention back to him. "Um…I have to go. Something came up at home. It was nice seeing you again, Adam. Bye." She began to gather her stuff on the ground, but Adam wanted to spend more time with her. She hurried back inside the house while he followed silently behind her.
She made her way towards her best friend, Holly J. "Hey," She said panting a little bit.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Holly J asked worriedly.
"Umm, something came up at home and I have to go. Have you seen Declan?" Holly J shook her head sadly. "Why are you in such a hurry?" She asked.
"My mom is stuck in the condo because of the snowstorm, so that means she's all alone in the house right now." Fiona explained. Holly J nodded in understanding. Adam stood just a few feet away from them listening to the conversation. "I really need a ride home." He heard her say.
Fiona stood there with a grimaced expression on her face while Holly J tried to come up with ways to get her home. "Taxis won't be available due to the heavy snow storm, so cross that one out." She said.
Adam glanced at Fiona's face. She's desperate. He thought. Gathering all of his courage he walked up to the two. "I'll give you a ride." He suddenly blurted out. The two turned their heads towards his direction and stared at him with confusion. "What?" Holly J asked. "I can drive her home." he repeated. "But will you be able to drive? It's rough out there." She warned. "I have an SUV, so I think I'll manage." He said reassuringly.
Fiona bit her bottom lip. She didn't want to bother Adam, but she was desperate to get home. "Are you sure?" she asked him. Adam nodded his head. "Come on." he said.
After Fiona finished saying her goodbyes to everyone they made their way towards his car. The weather was getting worse by the minute. The roads weren't completely blocked so they could still drive over it. However, it was a challenge getting to the car since he parked two blocks away from Holly J's house. As they walked the cold wind cut through their skins like a knife. Plus the one foot tall snow made it even more difficult for them to walk as well. After a few minutes of struggling they finally reached the car.
The two panted heavily as they plopped down on the car seats. Fiona glanced towards Adam. She felt bad making him drive her home. "Are you sure you can drive in this weather?" she asked again. He turned towards her and placed his hand on top of hers. "Fi, I told you it's alright." He said giving her a reassuring smile. She blushed when he called her 'Fi.' It has been twelve years since she last heard him call her by that name.
When he realized that his hand was still on top of hers he immediately retracted it. The two of them began uncontrollably blushing. "I'm sorry about that." He said sheepishly. Fiona just shook her head.
The ride home was silent and without any difficulties. Adam used his GPS to get to her address. They made it there a little later than they had hoped but they still managed to reach their destination. Adam parked his car just in front of her house. As they've expected the house was already covered with snow. Fiona grabbed two shovels from the garage and handed one to Adam. After ten minutes of shoveling, they were able to clear some of the snow that was covering the front door. The two were totally beat when they got inside.
"That's some nasty weather out there." Adam commented. Fiona nodded in agreement.
"Mommy?" they heard someone say in a sleepy tone. They looked up at the same time and found a little girl standing half way down the stairs. Fiona immediately took off her jacket and ran towards the little girl scooping her up in her arms. "Oh, honey I'm so sorry mommy's late." She said hugging the little girl. Adam watched in astonishment. He didn't even once considered the possibility of her having a child. I guess it makes sense since she is married. Was married. He corrected himself.
The girl pulled away from her mom and eyed him. "Mommy, who's that?" Fiona spun around and found Adam smiling shyly at the two of them. For a second she forgot he was with her. "Oh, this is mommy's friend, Adam. Say hi sweetie." The girl waved at him. "Hi" she said shyly. Adam can't help but smile, she was adorable.
"Hi. What's your name?" he asked kneeling down in front of her.
"My name is Annabelle Coyne Smith. But you can call me Anna." She said enthusiastically. She reached out for his hand and shook it.
Adam shook it back. "It's a pleasure to meet you madame." He said in a British accent. She giggled at his impersonation. "He's funny mommy."
Fiona smiled. She was delighted that her daughter likes him. Well, why wouldn't she like him? He's sweet, kind, thoughtful, funny, and a true gentleman. In one word, he was perfect. When she realized what she was thinking, she immediately shook those thoughts away. "Come Anna. It's bed time." Anna looked at her mother and pouted. "Can't I stay up a little longer? I really wanna play with him." Fiona couldn't take seeing her daughter like this. She mentally slapped herself. No, she can't spoil her. She walked towards her daughter and bent down to meet her. "Anna, don't act like this. It's already nine and little girls need to sleep early so that they can grow tall and big remember?" Anna nodded her head reluctantly. "Plus, you'll see him again tomorrow morning." Fiona glanced towards Adam and caught his gaze. Confusion was written all over his face. "He'll be staying over in our house tonight. Won't you Adam?"
He was taken aback for a second. He can't believe she wants him to stay over. "Erm, yea-uh of course." He said stuttering a little bit. Fiona smiled at his response. "See? Now come on. It's time for bed." She took her by the hand and led her up the stairs. Anna stopped midway and turned around. "Goodnight Sir Adam." She said waving at him.
"Goodnight fair maiden." He said waving back at her. She giggled again before continuing up the stairs.
After putting her daughter to bed, she made her way back downstairs towards the living room. There, she found him staring out the window, lost in deep thought. He looks so peaceful. As much as she wanted to stare at his face forever, she just couldn't. "Adam?" she called out to him. He spun around and smiled. "Is she asleep?" He whispered making sure he doesn't wake her up. She nodded her head. "Would you like some hot chocolate?" she offered. His expression immediately brightened at the offer. "That'd be great." He said elated.
They made their way to the kitchen and she fixed them both hot chocolate. They sat at the kitchen table sipping their hot chocolate in silence. She sat at the end of the table while he sat to her left. He was staring at his mug while she was intently staring at his face. She can't help but be amaze by how much he had changed. He looked more like a man now than before. She did hear from Holly J that he had already completed his transition into a full blown male. Back in high school his face was soft and adorable like a little kid. But now his face was more structured. To put it in one word, he was stunning. She wanted to touch his face so badly right now, but she can't. Not until she's sure that he feels the same way about her. She doesn't want her heart to be broken again.
Adam noticed her eying him down. He smiled silently to himself. In an effort to break the silence between them he spoke up, "The hot chocolate is delicious." He commented as he took his last sip. When he placed the cup down, Fiona giggled at the sight of him. "What?" He raised an eyebrow.
"You have chocolate milk mustache." She said still giggling. She reached out to his face and cupped it with one of her hands and began wiping the chocolate away with her thumb. She smiled silently to herself. Now I have an excuse to touch his face.
As she wiped his face, Adam couldn't help but get lost in to her warm gray eyes. They were enticing and alluring. It was like they were calling out to him, pulling him, bewitching him. He can feel his heart beat speed up as he got deeper and deeper into her gaze. I'm going crazy. He thought. I can't take it anymore! Adam took her hand from his face and he gently pulled her closer to him. Their lips touched and both felt the electricity run through them. He closed his eyes as he slowly, but lustfully took in her bottom lip into his mouth and kept it there for a moment before pulling away and taking it in again.
She closed her eyes as well and followed his suit without restrain. The feeling of his lips taking control of hers didn't bother her at all. She allowed him to do whatever he pleased, because that's what she wanted. She wanted him to kiss her, to hold her, and to touch her. And that he did beautifully.
The kiss was short, but very passionate. It communicated all of the feelings that they kept bottled up for each other for so long. When they pulled away, Adam opened his eyes and found Fiona, her eyes still closed, smiling with satisfaction. She slowly opened her eyes and found him smiling back at her. Her smile slowly faded when she realized something.
"What's wrong Fiona?" He asked taking a hold of her hand. She bit her lower lip and asked in a hushed, low tone, "Are we doing the right thing?" She was uncertain. He squeezed her hand and cupped her face with his other hand. He began caressing her cheek with his thumb. Fiona closed her eyes savoring Adam's gentle touch.
Ever since he saw her again tonight he can't seem to shake the feelings inside of him. He still liked her even after all of these years. And he was certain she does too. He just didn't know how to express it. He thought he had already poured out all of his feelings in that kiss, but he guess he wasn't able to convey everything he wanted her to know.
There was this one thing that has been plaguing his mind ever since he first met her on the steps of Degrassi. It kept resurfacing from time to time but he wasn't sure what it was before, but now he was certain. He loves her. It wasn't just a simple crush. It was love. It all made sense now. The reason why his relationships never lasted was because his love for Fiona never disappeared. He tried to bury it deep in his heart, but it always managed to empower him. He was already in love and he didn't even know it.
He wanted to say it out loud, but the lump on his throat is preventing him from doing so. I have to tell her. It's now or never. He gathered all of his courage and called out her name, "Fiona?" Her eyelids fluttered open revealing her beautiful gray eyes. Taking in a deep breath he whispered, "I love you."
Fiona stared at him wide eyed. She was struck by his sudden confession. She knew he still had feelings for her, but hearing him say it out loud melted her heart. It was as if she'd been waiting for him to say it to her for so long. And now that he did she can no longer suppress the felicity she was feeling at the moment. A tear escaped her eyes causing him to become concerned.
"Shhh…..Fi, don't cry." Adam soothed. Fiona placed her hand behind his neck and pulled him into a hug. Adam responded by wrapping his hands around her back. "Adam, I love you too." She said with so much longing and tenderness. "You have no idea, how much I've wanted to say that to you all night." She said with a chuckle. He smiled shyly to himself.
Her tears continued to trickle down her cheeks. She can't help it. After keeping her feelings bottled up inside for so long and just suddenly letting it all out is a lot to take in. She pulled away from him and stared at his majestic blue eyes. Although she was ecstatic at the turn of events she was still concerned about one thing….her daughter. She was worried of what she'll think of him. An hour ago she introduced him to her as a mere 'friend.' And now he just became her potential 'father.' How is she going to explain it to her?
Adam wiped the lingering tears away from her face with his thumb. "Fi, what's bothering you?" Her expression made him worried. He wasn't sure what it was but something's definitely eating her up. He was determined to find out what it was.
"I'm worried about Anna." She finally admitted as she looked down at her hands.
Oh. He finally understood what was bothering her. She wasn't sure how to break their new found relationship to her daughter. "Does she know about the divorce?" he asked. Fiona nodded her head.
"But of course she's still a child. She still doesn't quite fully understand the meaning of the word 'divorce' yet." Adam nodded his head in understanding. "The first few months were a disaster." She started. "As I expected, she kept looking for her father. She cried and threw tantrums. I tried to convince her that her father wasn't coming back anymore, but she wouldn't believe me." Fiona's voice was starting to crack. She tried to hold in her tears but she just couldn't. Soon her tears were falling again. "That's why I decided to move back here in Toronto. I needed help. And Declan and Holly J were the only people I could think of. After a few months of residing here, she slowly started to accept the divorce. But she still asks about him from time to time. Recently, I haven't heard her ask about him. I'm not even sure if she still longs for her father. She appears happy, but deep down inside I think she's lonely. And I despise myself for not being able to do anything about it." Her tears were falling uncontrollably now.
Adam pulled her in to his arms. He rubbed her back and soothed her. He didn't know what to say and he felt bad that he couldn't do anything to stop those tears from falling. But he knew one thing that he must do. "Fiona. I'll wait." She slowly pulled away from him and looked at him with uncertainty. "We don't have to rush in to a relationship just yet. I'll wait until she can accept me. I'll wait forever if I have to. For now we can stay as friends." He said with a sympathetic smile on his face.
Fiona couldn't believe what he just said. "You'd…..you'd do that for me?" she asked, wanting to make sure of his intentions. Adam nodded his head. "You mean too much to me." He added with a silly grin on his face.
She was speechless at his sweetness and thoughtfulness. She can't believe he'd wait forever just for her. He truly is the only person who fully understands her. Tears began to overflow down her cheeks again.
Adam felt bad for making her cry again, so he pulled her in for another hug. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest, as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
They stayed like that for a moment before Fiona spoke up, "Adam?"
"Hmm?" She pulled away from him and grasped his hand. She stood up and tugged on his hand. He stood up as well and followed her suit. She led him upstairs to her bed room.
Adam was surprised when they entered a bed room. She sat down on the edge of the bed and motioned for him to sit down next to her. He did so obediently. She gently pulled his arm telling him to climb on the bed and lie down next to her. He did so again obediently. They were now lying on their sides staring at each other's eyes.
Fiona leaned in and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. He smiled at her, amusement evident in his face. "What was that for?" He whispered knowing that Anna was sleeping next door.
"For being amazing." She said honestly. His smile grew even wider. She scooted closer to him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. He pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her waist as well. She then rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes savoring the warmth of his body.
She smiled silently to herself. She can finally safe to say that she was satisfied with the turn of events in her life. After a long time, she can finally be happy again. And she knew she would be, as long as she was in his arms.
Adam was satisfied with the turn of events in his life as well. He knew for sure that he had finally found that lifelong partner he had been searching for all his life. And he vows to cherish and honor her forever no matter what.
Two old friends meet again
Wearin' older faces
Two old sweethearts who fell apart
Somewhere long ago
How are they to know
Someday they'd meet again
It's the same old feeling back again
It's the one that they had way back when
They were too young to know when love is real
But somehow, some things never change
And even time hasn't cooled the flame
It's burnin' even brighter than it did before
It got another chance,
Maybe now they can be more than just friends
She's back in his life
And it feels so right
Maybe this time, love won't end…
~~FIN~~
Wow, that was long! I hope you guys enjoyed it, 'cos I know for sure I enjoyed writing it. If you guys didn't guess it yet, this story was inspired by the song "Maybe this Time" by Michael Murphy. I love that song! It's so sweet! And if you guys haven't heard of it yet, which I highly doubt it, you should definitely take a listen to it! Lol, anyway please review! Constructive criticism is welcome as well! Thank You for reading! :)